South east London councils will receive shares of a £39m funding pot announced by Sadiq Khan to tackle crime and its causes.

The Mayor of London unveiled a near £50m package of investment today, running over the next three years, to fund crime prevention projects across the capital and promote “positive opportunities”.

On top of the £39m, which will be distributed between all 32 London boroughs, an additional £9.8m will be awarded to projects already funded by the mayor.

Sadiq Khan said: “Tackling violence and making our communities safer is my top priority.

"Over the past four years and before the pandemic we’ve seen youth violence, knife crime and gun crime come down, but it’s clear that there is much more to do.

“Every death from violent crime is heart-breaking, devastating families and communities.

“We know the challenges of the pandemic have exacerbated the causes of crime and violence and that’s why this investment is so important and so timely.

“This new funding package of almost £50 million will provide dedicated funding for local authorities now and allow them to work together to tackle complex problems across borough boundaries and support local communities to tackle violence and reduce offending where they are.

“I am more determined than ever to be tough on crime by investing in our police - ensuring record numbers of officers on our streets, as well as being tough on the causes of crime by providing sustained investment to deliver positive opportunities for young Londoners who need it most.” 

Teen murders in London have reached their highest level in more than a decade this year.

So far, 28 boys have been killed in the capital, just one fewer than the previous peak of 29 in 2008.

The mayor's investment aims to empower councils to take violence locally, reduce offending and support victims, according to the Mayor's office. 

It comes with a focus on mentoring and trauma-informed interventions for those at risk or involved in violence and "local problem solving" to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Multi-agency approaches to safeguard young people from exploitation by gang will be prioritised, as will initiatives that highlight the dangers of carrying a knife, action against women and girls, and a "joined-up approach to breaking the cycle of reoffending among the most prolific offenders". 

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