Seven suspected gang members arrested in new police strategy (From Haringey Independent)

Seven suspected gang members arrested in new police strategy in Haringey

11:48am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

Seven people have been arrested in Haringey today as part of a major new police strategy to crack down on gang crime in London.

Today’s operation launched the campaign, which involves a London-wide command with 1,000 officers working together to fight gang crime across the city.

Hundreds of police officers from the new command took part in this morning’s operation, during which dozens of suspected gang members throughout London were arrested for a series of crimes, including assault, robbery and drugs.

The five young people in Haringey, suspected to be from the Wood Green Mob, were arrested in connection with the violent disorder that took place in Wood Green between August 6 and 7 during the London riots last year.

A 22-year-old man and an 18-year-old man were arrested at an address in Wood Green on suspicion of violent disorder and burglary.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested in Wood Green on suspicion of violent disorder, a 23-year-old man was arrested in Tottenham on suspicion of robbery and burglary, and a 17-year-old boy was arrested in Wood Green on suspicion of violent disorder and burglary.

The youths were arrested from 4.45am in relation to CCTV evidence collected during the London riots.

Nine suspects were targeted at ten properties in the borough, with the addresses of two men already in custody also being searched.

The new command, called trident gang command, will now not only be responsible for preventing and investigating shootings, but will work closely with officers in other boroughs to tackle gang crime throughout the city.

Haringey borough commander, detective chief superintendent Sandra Looby, said: “The inception of the dedicated gang crime task force in Haringey is good news.

"It means our local unit will grow and we will have even more officers focusing on gang crime.

“Our gang crime task force will build on the good work already seen in Haringey, and continue to work closely together with central units and partner agencies to identify, track and target the most dangerous offenders linked to gang violence; to intervene with those who want to exit gangs, and divert those at risk of getting drawn into them.”

Ingrid Adams, mother of Negus McClean who was murdered last year, pledged her support for the new policing approach.

She said: “I go to bed thinking of Negus and wake up thinking about him. I will always remember his smile.

“Even if a child isn't in a gang they probably know someone who is or is affiliated with a gang.

“It could happen to anybody. This problem doesn't just affect the poor, people from broken homes or gang members - it could happen to anyone.”

There are an estimated 250 active criminal gangs in London, comprising about 4,800 people. Of these gangs, 62 are considered to be high risk and commit two thirds of all gang-related crime.