One thousand officers to tackle gang crime across London

Gang members in Brent will be tracked down by police in a new crackdown on gang crime which was launched today.

The operation is being led by the newly formed Trident Gang Crime Command which carried out raids across London this morning.

One thousands officers will now be dedicated to tackling gang crime in London.

Nineteen boroughs have been identified as problem areas including Brent.

Bernard Hogan-Howe, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said: “This is a step change in how we tackle gang crime in London. It will allow us to identify and relentlessly pursuer the most harmful gang members.

“Although we are now nearly doubling the number of officers dedicated to tackling gang crime, the police cannot do this alone. It is vital we work with the public, local authorities, charities and other agencies to prevent young people from joining gangs in the first place.”

According to intelligence there are about 250 criminal gangs in London – about 4,800 people.

Gangs exist in and around the whole of the capital but police say there are more in the 19 boroughs they have named. Boris Johnson, mayor of London, said: “I made it clear when appointing a new Met Police Commissioner that this was the top crime priority for out city. This is gang crime being tackled head on.”