08 Jun Public help is wanted to tackle gang-related crime in Essex.
Criminal gangs are behind a high proportion of crime in the county, particularly in areas such as Clacton and Colchester, as London groups look to extend their operations or move out of a cramped and difficult environment in the capital.
Essex Police has already stepped up its efforts to tackle the issue with the launch of Operation Saturn, which has worked to disrupt criminal groups in the north of the county with initiatives such as drugs raids and patrols with British Transport Police to target gang members as they travel to the area. A Home Office review of gang violence in Tendring has also been held.
Now Crimestoppers is launching an awareness campaign encouraging residents to play their part in stopping the gangs, while the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst announced £100,000 – including £7,200 to Crimestopers – will be spent by his office this year to tackle gangs.
The campaign launched yesterday to coincide with a Gangs and Youth Violence conference hosted by Essex Police, designed to bring key partners together to develop a co-ordinated approach to the problem in the county.
Mr Hirst said: “There is mounting evidence of increasing gang activity in Essex.
“London-based gangs are expanding their operations into our county where they often come into conflict with indigenous criminal groups, especially over drug dealing territories. This is resulting in increased violence on our streets, and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
“We need to identify the challenges, work together to find solutions, and be open and honest with the public about the harm caused by gang activity, especially to young people and the wider community.
“There have been stabbings, vicious assaults and even murders in Essex linked to gang activity. Vulnerable people are being preyed upon and exploited by gangs.”
Mr Hirst highlighted an example from north Essex where a vulnerable woman was “cuckooed” with her home taken over for drug dealing. A week after a police raid, a rival gang burst in which led to a violent disorder, and the woman was seriously injured.
