Trident Gang Crime Command made more than 500 gang related arrests across London last week. The operation lasted three days and involved almost 5,000 Metropolitan police officers and staff.

So far 253 people have been charged with offences ranging from possession of firearms to violent disorder and GBH.

Another 183 people were bailed pending further investigation and 17 people were cautioned while 47 suspects were released without charge.

Police seized 14 guns, including a sawn off shotgun and two semi-automatic handguns, 37 knives and 25 other weapons including CS gas, a crossbow, a Taser and a dangerous dog.

"The number of arrests and seizures of firearms sends a clear message to those who persist in gang violence that we will pursue them relentlessly," said Det Chief Supt Stuart Cundy who leads the new Trident Gang Crime Command.

Officers also seized drugs, including 50 tennis-ball sized packets of crack and closed four cannabis factories. They also recovered £254,000 and 25 cars, including a £40,000 Mercedes.

"We want to prevent young people getting involved in gang offending," Det Cundy said. "These results give us a valuable basis for moving forward in our intention of reducing gang crime and improve community support for what we want to achieve, namely protecting some of our most vulnerable victims and communities in London."

The new Trident Gang Crime Command is part of the Met Commissioner's war on crime in London. It involved the setting up of dedicated gang task forces in 19 key boroughs across London, with 1,000 officers who work with partners to curb gang activity.
 

By Oran Blackwood