UPDATE Arrests made across Croydon during gang crackdown (From This Is Local London)

Police arrest 14 across Croydon during day of action against gangs

3:30pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Where I Live By Nick Hitchens

A police crackdown on gangs has seen 14 people arrested for offences including possessing drugs, handling stolen goods and robbery in the borough.

Officers from Croydon conducted a series of raids this morning as part of the launch of a dedicated gang crime task force.

Hundreds of officers from across London are taking part in the operation today, with 1000 dedicated to a central Trident Gang Crime Command and local task forces in 19 boroughs.

Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe said: "This is a step change in how we tackle gang crime in London.

“It will allow us to identify and relentlessly pursue the most harmful gangs and gang members. It will help us identify young people on the periphery of gangs and work with partners to divert them away.

"Although we are now nearly doubling the number of officers dedicated to tackling gang crime, the police can not 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 MPS intelligence systems there are an estimated 250 active criminal gangs in London, comprising of about 4,800 people.

Of these gangs 62 are considered as high harm and commit two thirds of all gang-related crime.

This relatively small number of people is responsible for approximately 22 per cent of serious violence, 17 per cent of robbery, 50 per cent of shootings and 14 per cent of rape in London.

Commissioner Hogan-Howe added: "The vast majority of young people in London are law-abiding, good citizens who make a positive contribution to our communities. However, there are still too many young people who are, or could get involved in gangs.

"We want to prevent young people getting involved in gang offending so we and other agencies are offering ways out to support young people. However, those who refuse our offer of help will be pursued and brought to justice.

"Getting involved in gangs can ruin a young person's life. With a criminal record it can be harder to get a job or into further education, while being involved in violence can lead to getting arrested, sent to prison, seriously injured or even killed.

"We're not concerned with peer groups or just friends who may 'hang around' and we have no intention of criminalising an entire generation. Our focus is on violence and criminal behaviour associated with gangs and gang members."

If you have any information about gang crime or those involved call Crimestoppers - an independent charity - anonymously on 0800 555111. In an emergency always dial 999.