Gangs and Crime
Recent gang related gun and knife crime crime murders in South London and the north of England have highlighted the social complexity of violence and the difficulties in effective and sustainable prevention. The emergence of active gangs in many cities in the UK appears to mimic the gang culture of the USA; although - as yet - it does not appear to have taken on all of the complexity of a 'delinquent sub culture'.
The association of UK gangs with the sale and distribution of drugs is significant as are the links between gang behaviour and 'gangsta rap'. See also Violent Crime.
Gang Crime Links
Solutions to Address Gang Crime
This suite of information tools, made available by the US Department of Justice, provides assistance for both practitioners and communities in trying to identify and reduce gang crime. It includes suggested law enforcement activities to reduce gang crime, data on gang activity in different populations, the criminal activity of gangs and general gang statistics. For parents, there are also quick reference cards in 4 languages to help identify and discourage gang behaviour amongst children.
London Against Gun and Knife Crime
A website describing the partnership work being undertaken in London to tackle guns and gangs related crime. Contains useful project descriptions and contact addresses.
Reluctant Gangsters highlights the structure, activities and impact of gangs on life in Waltham Forest, London and suggests ways of tackling the problems they cause.
Shooting, Gangs and Violent Crime Research Study
This study is based on a six-month project undertaken in Manchester aimed at reducing the incidence of gun crime, using targeted policing (and funds from the Home Office's Targeted Policing Initiative). The project is based around a similar initiative, Operation Cease-fire, which had proved to be successful in Boston, Massachusetts.
Link to compendium of background information and research on US gangs.
Gun and Knife Crime Links
A report written by Gerard Lemos in 2004 providing an explanation of the carrying of weapons (specifically knives) by young people.
Home Office web page on gun crime prevention.
London Against Gun and Knife Crime
London Against Gun and Knife Crime. Working in partnership to reduce and prevent violence associated with gangs in London.
Stop The Guns - the official website of the Metropolitan Police's Operation Trident set up in 1998 to help bring an end to a spate of shootings and murders among young black Londoners.
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