Jenny Ward: "All we ever see is those plastic police, the police community support officers, and the kids laugh at them because they know they're powerless to do anything.

"I don't think there are enough real police about, and definitely not in New Addington."

Anita Brown: "I think they're doing a great job of stopping and searching in the Thornton Heath area. Confiscating just one knife can save lives, and I'm all for it."

Isaac Attram: "Yes and no. They are doing absolutely everything in their power, using traditional methods, but tackling knife crime needs a completely new tactic. Nobody ever thought it would come to this – 10-year-olds carrying knives – but it has and we need a rethink."

Santhiya Murddi: "They are not doing enough. We need more police – and not community officers who everyone knows are powerless – to patrol the back streets and alleyways at night time. I hardly ever see police in New Addington, for example, it's a disgrace."

Yasemin Aray: "Most of our police stations are closed at most times of the day which is of no benefit [New Addington, Kenley and Norbury police stations have limited opening hours]. My cousin died on the doorstep of a police station and that police station was closed. What does that tell you?"