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See other news storiesCrackdown on guns and gangs
29 November 2007
118 people have been arrested and over 1300 real and imitation firearms have been seized in Manchester, London, Liverpool and Birmingham as part of a co-ordinated 'day of action'.
The operation involved over 1000 police officers, targeting the supply of guns, increasing visible policing and reassuring communities in the areas of the country most affected by gun crime.
The 'day of action', which forms a key part of the tackling gangs action programme, took place over 24 hours yesterday, in conjunction with HM Revenue and Customs and the Serious Organised Crime Agency. The programme, launched by the Home Secretary in September, is the focus of renewed action to tackle gun crime and serious violence amongst young people. The tackling gangs action programme, chaired by the Home Secretary, also met for the third time yesterday.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: 'Getting guns off our streets is a top priority for the government and the day of action sends a strong message to criminals, and the community, that weapons won't be tolerated. The tackling gangs action programme has made good progress in working with police, their partners and local authorities to support increased enforcement and community reassurance in these areas.
'Yesterday’s success proves that gun crime can be tackled and communities can stand up against the intimidation of guns.'
The tackling gangs action programme will look at future action including:
- covert operations and surveillance against targeted gang members
- civil orders to restrict gang members
- mediation services for gang members
- safe houses for victims, witnesses and those seeking to leave gangs
Later today, the Home Secretary will also meet representatives from Greater Manchester Police and the community for a full de-brief on the day of action in the city. She will then visit a local primary school assembly to see how young people in the communities affected by gun crime are kept informed and reassured.
She will also visit a community centre in Tameside which has had success in cutting crime and tackling anti-social behaviour, following a consultation with local people, which resulted in better lighting, more CCTV and a total re-landscaping of the area.
