The Metropolitan Police has ramped up its presence in Catford after a surge in violent crime
Catford shopkeepers have described the “big panic” which ensued when the town saw its fourth stabbing in just one week. At 7.40pm on Tuesday, October 21 a man aged in his 20s was knifed in the busy Catford Mews shopping area.
This marked the fourth attack in less than a week which began with the murder of Sanchini Thompson, 27, on nearby Rushey Green in the early hours of Wednesday, October 15.
The Metropolitan Police believes none of the incidents are linked, but nonetheless the community has been rocked by the violent incidents which happened over such a short period of time.
“There was a big panic, it happened very close by,” Ash, who owns a furniture shop in Catford Mews, said. “It’s very concerning how it happened. At 7.40pm in the evening the area is still busy.
“Lots of small kids come to the library to do their school work and people go to Tesco or Iceland. It also happened right next to the pub.
“I feel sorry about it, but I’m glad the incidents aren’t linked.” Police have since confirmed the stabbing victim suffered neither life threatening or changing injuries, but remains in hospital.
Ash believes the drug problems Catford is experiencing is behind this rise in crime – which involves incidents of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour which blight businesses.
In August last year staff in Catford’s British Heart Foundation store told MyLondon they were exhausted at having to constantly confront shoplifters, while others described having to side-step drug addicts, needles and faeces outside in the car park.
“It’s our youngsters, and it [the stabbings] must be related to drugs and gangs. It never happens in the shopping centre, more in Catford Broadway or Rushey Green, which made Tuesday’s incident more concerning.” Despite this Ash believes Catford is still overall a safe area which has a strong sense of community.
Amaan, who works in a corner shop in Catford Broadway, disagrees with the former point. “There’s always something going on,” he said. “I wouldn’t say it’s a safe space.
“It’s gotten worse. If you come at a certain time in the evenings you’ll see gangs across the area. They’re linked to the drugs, that’s how it can get serious. Especially when the weather changes in winter Catford is more dangerous.”
The Metropolitan Police has ramped up its presence in Catford over the past week the reassure residents, but Amaan does not believe this is a long term solution.
“As soon as the police van goes the drug dealers will come back. More community police need to be walking around to deter crime. They need to keep clamping down on the dealers who make it less safe.”
This assessment was supported by fellow shopkeeper Haroon Safi who added: “I’m fed up of working here, it’s too dangerous. Drugs are causing too many problems here.
“They see when I’m alone in the shop and try to steal.”
Superintendent Charlene Pavitt, who leads policing in Lewisham, moved to reassure Catford residents in a statement released yesterday (Wednesday, October 22). “This has understandably caused concern within the community,” she said. “I have ensured that officers are on the ground, with increased patrols to keep the public safe.
“At this stage of our investigation, we believe the incidents are not connected. Our understanding is they are isolated, and do not pose a threat to the wider public.
“Active enquiries remain ongoing into each incident, including searching for those responsible. If you have any information that can assist police, then please do come forward.”
The Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has also issued a statement in relation to the incidents in Catford, adding that he is “fully committed” to doing everything possible to keep Londoners safe.
Police tracked down a 33-year-old man to Scotland where he was arrested on suspicion of murdering Sanchini Thompson last Wednesday. Just five hours later at 8am another man was stabbed in nearby Mountsfield Park.
The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for injuries, although the extent of these are yet to be confirmed by the Metropolitan Police. A nearby resident told MyLondon they heard a scream from the park, while a path running through the middle of Mountsfield Park was taped off throughout the day.
The third stabbing took place in Canadian Avenue at 6pm on Monday, October 20 where a teenage boy was knifed. He was taken to hospital where injuries were found to be neither life threatening or changing.
Besides the murder arrest, police are yet to detain any suspects in relation to the other three attacks.
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