• IN response to the dreadful and increasing outbreak of knife crime in Camden, I see no reason why – now that the mayor has authorised the increased use of “stop and search” – previously used metal detector arches, also at some night clubs, should not be deployed randomly in streets with police attendance.

Similarly, I think they should also be deployed at school entrances and, bearing in mind the shocking report of a young boy wilfully bringing a large penknife into school and threatening a fellow pupil, a “copy cat” crime no doubt inspired by other events, they could also be installed at appropriate primary schools.

Whether teachers or police should do the checking is a matter for the school authorities but there is no doubt that drastic measures are needed to provide solutions to this awful problem.

JOHN STRATTON
Thurlow Road, NW3