Top cop: Gun crimes to go down

DESPITE growing concerns about London's gun culture Borough Commander Chief Superintendent George Clarke says that at local level gun crimes are set to go down.

"Waltham Forest has had an increase of 2.7 per cent this year. This compares favourably against the Metroplitan Police trend as a whole and we are hopeful to have had an overall reduction by the end of this performance year," he said.

Mr Clarke also highlighted the need to address the growing menace of replica guns, reflecting the recent words of Lord Toby Harris, chairman of the Metroplitan Police Authority.

He said: "Not only will this serve to protect the public at large but also the young people who often acquire them without properly considering the fear they generate, as well as the risk to themselves."

Though a spate of high profile incidents, including the shooting of a man in Leyton a fortnight ago, appears to have triggered a government reaction, Mr Clarke denies that the issue has been swept under the carpet until now.

"The police have always treated gun crime as a priority and will continue to do so. I urge the public to come forward and support them in this," he said.

10:58 Thursday 23rd January 2003

Printer Friendly Format

Send This Page To A Friend

• Cabbie robbed of car and takings
• Children's services are OK, say report
• Mum takes council to court