Sadiq Khan announces more than £7m to fight crime gangs

The new funding comes amid growing concerns about the rise of criminal gangs London are using the cost of living crisis to recruit young people and expand their network of county lines across the board Great Britain.

On average, the Metropolitan Police arrest and charge about 11 suspects linked to drug-trafficking gangs every week.

Analysis of the County Data Collection Matrix shows that London is the largest exporter of county lines in the UK, accounting for 25 per cent of the national total.

“There is an undeniable link between borough drug gangs and violence, which is why I have proposed extra funding which will enable the Met to accelerate its work to tackle the most dangerous criminals, while helping to break the cycle of re-offending and protecting our most vulnerable young Londoners from exploitation,” said the Mayor .

The funding proposed in the Mayor’s Draft Budget 2023/24 will allow the Met to precisely target the most dangerous criminals who cause the most harm, while doing more to help them recover from drug addiction and abuse.

The new investment will bring together partners including the police, local councils and health services to improve links between healthcare providers and courts, prisons and hospitals to reduce drug-related crime and break the cycle of abuse and recidivism.

Mr Khan added: “This is not just a London problem. By no means excusing crime, the cost of living crisis is sweeping the country.

“Food and energy bills continue to rise. Too many young people see their opportunities diminishing.

“Without strong leadership, action and intervention, I am concerned that we are now at real risk of the reduction in violent crime we have achieved in London being reversed and the threat of County Lines gangs growing across the country.

“The work of the council and the mayor’s office to tackle the borough’s drug gangs has already led to the arrest of dangerous criminals and the protection of hundreds of more vulnerable young Londoners, but we must do more.

“Violence, like poverty, is not inevitable and this new proposed investment will work to tackle the root causes of serious violence. This in turn will help us break the cycle of recidivism and build a better and safer London for everyone.”

Cllr Jas Athwal, London Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety and Violence Against Women and Girls, said: “The toxic impact of violent drug-related crime on London’s communities, and particularly our youngest residents, is strong and long-lasting.

“London Boroughs fully supports these renewed efforts to tackle this issue. We will work together with the Met Police, the Mayor, treatment and recovery services, the voluntary sector and other partners, building on the success of the work in the areas of the Rescue and Response Programme.

“Districts play a critical role in safeguarding young people and their families, engaging communities and providing comprehensive housing, employment and recovery support at a local level and will continue to work with local partners to engage and support young people at risk of exploitation. .”