A man from Bromley fears for his safety and “is always looking over his shoulder” after witnessing stabbing incidents “right outside” his doorstep.
Seb Dalipi moved from Essex three years ago in hopes of having a fresh start on a new journey in Bromley.
The 20-year-old now feels anxious stepping outside in his area in fear that someone is holding a knife.
He says knife crime is an “ongoing” issue and the government is not doing enough in tackling the problem.
Seb told the News Shopper: “You look online now and it’s always stabbing incidents here and there.
“It’s always in the news and rightfully so but it’s every day now that we see these.
“I always look over my shoulder when I’m out and about, like what if? What if someone pulls a knife from somewhere?
“It’s honestly so frightening.”
Seb has become passionate and open in trying to tackle knife crime by talking to others on the issue.
“I feel passionate about talking about knife crime because I’ve been a victim so I know what it feels like," he added.
“I’m not even angry about the situation, it’s just sad that people carry knives and that’s what the world’s just come to.”
After his own experience, Seb feels that CCTV cameras need to be introduced into local roads to secure people’s safety.
He says more knife bins should also be installed for people to dispose of their weapons without going to the police.
Seb added: “CCTV is non-existent, especially on smaller roads. So that’s an idea because people might be more hesitant in stabbing someone.
“And also, for the protection of the families and children that live there, so you need CCTV.
“Some may be too scared to go to the police, so maybe knife bins could also be installed.”
Seb says the Major of London, Sadiq Khan, needs to focus on the “bigger” issues like knife crime rather than the ULEZ expansion.
He is concerned that more people will start dying due to stabbings if the issue is not tackled “immediately”.
Seb explained: “It always ULEZ this, ULEZ that.
“He (Sadiq Khan) always talks about this ULEZ but never actually addresses the bigger picture and issues, which is knife crime.
“I feel like he is trying to destroy London really.”
Seb is now looking to leave Bromley to an area where he feels safe due to knife crime issues.
He added: “What’s the point to live in a city like London and not feel safe? It’s also expensive to live in, so there’s that factor also."
May also proved to be a horrifying month in south east London as ten people were stabbed and one of the victims died.
The month saw a string of attacks in Thamesmead, Elephant and Castle, Bermondsey, Ladywell, Bromley, Crystal Palace, and Woolwich.
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