Cracking down on violence driven by street gangs

A total of 13 individuals were arrested in dawn raids in north London on 13 October under Operation Connect - the Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) dedicated unit set up to crack down on violence driven by street gangs.

The officers from Haringey borough, Met specialist units and Safer Transport teams joined the Operation Connect team for the raids which saw Territorial Support Group officers force entry to 17 addresses in two waves of early morning raids. All the individuals targeted in the operation were sent warning letters earlier in the week offering them the chance to get help to divert from the gang lifestyle - or face tough enforcement consequences.

12 men and one woman were arrested for offences ranging from armed robbery, assault, affray, possession with intent to supply and violent disorder to non-residential burglary. Four of the 13 arrests related to offences committed in Tottenham in the recent London disorder.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Champion, from Operation Connect, said:

 

MPS Haringey borough Commander Sandra Looby, added:

"If people decide not to grasp the opportunities being provided we will continue to take robust enforcement action against them in order to ensure the safety of the wider community."

A key part of the Connect initiative focuses on intervention, with local policing teams working with their partner council, health, housing, and education and voluntary services to identify opportunities to intervene with those youngsters who want to exit gangs and divert those at risk of getting drawn into them, e.g. younger siblings of gang members.

In addition, under Operation Connect, crime areas linked to gang-related drug dealing are in the process of being assessed by a MPS Crime Prevention Design Adviser, who is currently preparing a report on measures that could be taken to alter the environment to help reduce the risk of offences occurring in the first place.

"We work in partnership with Haringey Council to make those involved in gang related activity aware that they can make a positive difference to their own lives and to the community by changing the path they are on.

Those who take up the offer of support to help them escape the gang lifestyle will receive intensive support, including help to access employment, education and sporting opportunities and can even be relocated in a different area of London with their family if this is felt the most appropriate option.

If you have information about crime and disorder contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency always dial 999.

Find out more at

www.met.police.uk/haringey"This first major Connect operation in Haringey continues our focused approach of building on established good practice in the borough, working closely together with local officers and partner agencies to ensure we are identifying, tracking and targeting the most dangerous offenders linked to gang violence.