The United Kingdom government has launched a new knife crime prevention campaign in parts of London.

The initiative warns offenders of increased police operations involving metal detection, live facial recognition technology and additional patrols.

Tagged “No Place for Knives,” the campaign was launched on Monday in Westminster and Croydon. Advertisements will appear at tube stations, bus stops, on social media and through a mural at Boxpark Croydon. It is also being piloted in Birmingham city centre.

The Home Office said the measures include smarter metal detection, rapid-response electric bikes, more foot patrols and live facial recognition. Westminster, Croydon and 16 other London boroughs have received more than £8.1 million through the Knife Crime Concentrations Fund to support targeted interventions.

Officials reported that knife crime had fallen by 11 per cent since the General Election, with knife-related homicides dropping by 25 per cent and knife-enabled robbery by 18 per cent. In London, knife crime declined by 14 per cent over the same period.

Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones said residents deserved to feel safe in their neighbourhoods. The campaign forms part of the government’s wider goal to halve knife crime within a decade through stronger enforcement, prevention and early intervention.