Knife crime has blighted North London for too long.

Last month the Government pledged that any adult caught in possession of a knife or bladed weapon would face a mandatory six-month prison sentence.

Sadly the proposed sentencing powers do not yet extend to those under the age of 18.

Gang culture appears to be spreading, yet a teenager can carry a knife and escape punishment. Would-be murderers are getting away with it every day.

Our message to them is: don’t carry, don’t kill.

But is that enough?

Earlier this month David Cameron backed calls to introduce the six-month jail sentence for people carrying knives after Harrow East MP Bob Blackman put the question to him at Prime Minister's Questions.

Mr Blackman highlighted two stabbings that happened within a fortnight around the same place in Harrow Weald.

On Sunday, July 5, the High Road was closed off as the stabbing of a 16-year-old was investigated and who police believe received "puncture wounds" from a broken bottle.

Nine days earlier, on Friday, June 24, a 15-year-old was also stabbed during a fight with up to 15 teenagers in the same area.

Traders and residents have since described their fear of gangs on the high street and the detrimental effect on their businesses.

The Government cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this spiralling and seemingly out-of-control problem.

The Harrow Times therefore backs the call of Harrow East MP Bob Blackman to include those under the age of 18-years-old in the outlined mandatory sentencing.

A six-month spell behind bars or in a young offenders’ institution is a far stronger deterrent than a caution or community sentence.

Of those caught carrying a knife last year more than 40 per cent were under the age of 18.

We hope by campaigning with Mr Blackman in favour of tougher sentences for knife carriers the streets of North London will become a safer place for our children.

The introduction of a mandatory sentence for children may be seen as too little too late for some people. But it may mean that other mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters do not have to come to terms with burying a young sibling far too early.

Have your say. Should teenagers carrying weapons face a spell behind bars? What else can be done to stop children carrying knives? Tell us below.