Jenny Ward: "If you carry a knife you're looking for trouble. The police and the government need to come down more harshly on people who carry blades.

"I won't allow my younger sons to carry even fake knives, because I don't want them to grow up and think it's a game. I think other parents should do that too."

Anita Brown: "Education is the key. We need to start educating the children in primary schools. They need to know it's not clever to carry knives and that knives don't protect."

Isaac Attram: "The problem is one of culture, and if we want to get through to them, we have to recondition their minds.

"I have been a pastor since 2001 and I think the gospel is a great help, because you can take it to these guys and it shows them an alternative way to live and think. Importantly, it also teaches them the fear of God."

Santhiya Murddi: "It's a big question but I think if we can take knives off the streets, we will come closer to solving it.

"Knives are way too easy to get your hands on. Maybe there should be compulsory ID for anyone who wants to purchase a knife."

Yasemin Aray: "Community empowerment is the way forward. If everyone got together and stood up to it then it would be a lot easier to tackle the criminals.

"One cowardly teenager with a knife is no match for a bus-full of adults who are prepared to come together. But everyone's too scared."

ARE THE POLICE DOING ENOUGH TO COMBAT KNIFE CRIME?

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?"

WHY DO YOUNGSTERS JOIN GANGS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT THEM DOING SO?

Jenny Ward: "They join gangs because they want to hang out with friends and have a laugh. But for some reason these days more and more of these groups are turning nasty.

"I reckon the way to stop them getting caught up in bad crowds is to make it clear that taking a life means life in prison. That should be a good deterrent."

Anita Brown: "You need a strong deterrent to stop kids getting involved in gangs. Carrying a knife should be punished with many years in jail. My son's killer got three years, and he only served half that time.

Isaac Attram: "The only way to break this gang mentality is to speak to them in their language – through music, film and other media that they enjoy."

Santhiya Murddi: "Gangs are created because kids don't have a job and they don't have aspirations or anything useful to do. Some of these kids apply for one job, fail, and give up. I think the way to stop gangs is to help them find jobs."

Yasemin Aray: "It's a status thing. If you are the big man you get the girl, you get the respect and it makes you feel good.

"The only way to stop them is to make sure the law does what it says it will. For instance if someone is caught with a knife they should be put away for five years and not just given a slap on the wrist."

SHOULD PARENTS SHOULDER MORE OF THE RESPONSIBILITY?

Jenny Ward: "I don't blame the parents. A person knows bad from good from instinct. But if you want to fight, use your fists."

Anita Brown: "Yes. The parents need to know where their children are and what they're up to. And if they're out of control they need to seek help. I would even go so far as to say report your kid to the authorities if he's going around carrying a knife."

Isaac Attram:"Absolutely. Parents have a duty to fill their growing children with positive things. Sitting them in front of the TV and letting them read and do what they like is a recipe for trouble."

Santhiya Murddi: "Parents have a huge responsibility. I appreciate many of them have jobs and hectic lives, but they have to take responsibility for their children. If they don't, then maybe they should be punished to set an example to their kids."

Yasemin Aray: "Parents can do a lot to help their children. And those who are struggling should make use of the parenting schemes which are probably not publicised as much as they could be."

Visit www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk to see touching accounts from the relatives who attended our knife crime summit.