ACPO comment on gangs

ACPO lead on gangs, Deputy Chief Constable, Dave Thompson said:

“Understanding the make-up of street gangs and their structures is a key part to identifying the true extent of the gang problem in England and Wales. The police have already begun mapping work in the area of organised crime gangs and additional work is now underway to identify those urban street gangs which not only work within organised criminal networks but also fall outside those known organised gangs.

“Gang-related violence damages communities and causes tension and fear but we know that work in turning people away from gangs, particularly young people, cannot be achieved by police action alone. Multi-agency working, including housing, health and education, working with the police, is the right approach and early intervention is imperative if we are to prevent those most at risk from joining gangs in the first place.

“We welcome the Government’s report today and hope that the measures proposed will help assist those involved in gang activity to find an alternative path away from crime.”

For further information about the Home Office strategy: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/cross-government-strategy

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk