Stand up and stamp down on gun crime murders

14/03
20 February 2003

The Metropolitan Police Authority, concerned at the dramatic increase in gun crimes in the capital over the past 12 months, is bringing together key agencies and individuals in a concerted effort to reverse gun crime on London’s streets.

In England and Wales in 2002, handguns were used in nearly 5,900 incidents, the highest number ever recorded. In the capital, there were more than 4,000 gun crime incidents, 1300 more than the previous year. Young men aged 18 - 20 are mostly likely to be victims.

Chair of the MPA’s Consultation Committee, Cindy Butts, said:

“Gun crimes are amongst the most serious and violent offences that can be committed. They wreak havoc and wreck lives, and tragically often lead to murder.

“Victims and their families are not the only ones to suffer – whole communities become traumatised.

“As a response, we are bringing together the public, private and voluntary sectors to build upon the work already started to drive gun crimes off our streets. The views of people attending the event will also feed into a formal MPA scrutiny into gun crime starting in April. The scrutiny will review key policing strategies and tactics as well as inviting partners in London to submit views on the best way forward.

“We want to come up with new and imaginative ways to dissuade our young people from using guns as fashion accessories, status symbols or, worse, as lethal weapons to rob, injure or kill.

“Tackling the problem once the crime has been committed is too late. We need to look at the wider picture and the bigger issues – the need to give our children exciting, viable alternatives before they become involved in gang, gun and drug crime.

“The indiscriminate use of guns is a crime against the whole community and should be treated as such. There is no one solution and no easy answer, but by opening up the debate and working in partnership, we can begin to make our streets safer.”

The MPA, supported by the Government Office for London, is holding a public meeting on tackling gun crime at 6pm on Friday 28 February at the School of Oriental and African Studies, Russell Square, London, WC1. Home Office Minister, Lord Falconer, will give a keynote address. Other speakers will come from Mothers Against Guns, Metropolitan Police and the community.

Notes to editors

Media are invited to attend the event on Friday 28 February from 6pm – 9.30pm. Pre-event interviews are also available.

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