In an interview with ITV London, Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said that high-quality childcare, such as schemes offered through Sure Start, were "equally important" in the fight against crime as police work.
While police work can suppress crime, he said, long-term support through initiatives like Sure Start is needed to tackle the root cause.
He said: "We need long-term activity, using the facilities that are already in place, making sure that things such as Sure Start are there and available to the right families to give them support when they need that support."
Alison Garnham, chief executive of Daycare Trust, said the charity "warmly welcomes" his comments.
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