These four deadly weapons  were seized on the streets of Thornton Heath during the last month.

The Violent Crime Taskforce made three arrests and recovered these shocking array of  lethal knives.

The blades were all recovered during police pursuits of suspects on foot during incidents on September 9, and September 11 when two of the four knives were discarded mid foot chase, while on October 1, this Kuhkri knife, which is traditionally used by Gurkhas,  was thrown into a skip as its owner tried to flee police.

Violent crime and anti social behaviour has increased in the Thornton Heath ward during the past 12 months.

On Saturday (October 19),  a man in his 20s was found stabbed in the street in Marion Road, Thornton Heath, at 5.05pm.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment for a single stab wound but has since been discharged. No arrests have been made.

The latest Met crime statistics for August show violent crime is on the increase compared with last year in the Thornton Heath ward which saw reported crime leap from 168 to 205 – a 22 per cent increase.

The ward is frequently ranked in the top four for the highest level of crime of all wards in the borough. The latest figures show that anti social behaviour in neighbouring Bensham Manor ward has also seen an increase to 113 a rise from 99.

Over the 12 months to September 2019, ASB has increased by approx 21 per cent in both Wards.

West Thornton is the third worst ward for crime in Croydon with  231 reported crimes in August an increase from 220.

The Met’s VCTF specifically targets violent criminals and taking weapons off the streets. 

The dedicated team  of nearly 300 police officers  was set up in 2018 and focuses on the areas worst affected with £15 million provided annually by the London Mayor to support its operation.

Our picture shows police arresting a man as he tries to flee police across Woodville Road during Thornton Heath Festival where a makeshift outdoor BBQ and party was being held. An FOI request revealed the cost of policing the festival in 2016 – £21,427; 2017 – £16,130. Police weren’t able to provide any more up to date costings.

Anyone with information on the Marion Road stabbing is asked to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 5422/19Oct, or call Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you need help or information to support someone you suspect is involved in knife crime, or you want to assistance yourself, then you can visit www.knifefree.co.uk or www.london.gov.uk/content/london-needs-you-alive.