We know that our young people are concerned about gangs. We will be working to disrupt gang activities helping to reduce young people’s fear of crime.
Our Reluctant Gangsters report, highlighted the structure, activities and impact of gangs on life in Waltham Forest and suggests ways of tackling the problems they cause. The report - the first of its type in Britain – has informed Waltham Forest’s future efforts to tackle youth crime.
» Download the Reluctant Gangsters study (3.3MB PDF file)
Gangs: You and Your Child
Guidance for families
The Home Office has released a handy booklet of guidance for parents, with information on how to protect children from gangs.
The booklet Gangs: You and Your Child (1.41MB PDF file) details practical steps parents and carers can take if they suspect their child may be involved with gangs, and who to contact for help and support.
Reducing youth violence (robbery, guns, knives, gangs)
New programmes were established to target young people at risk of gang involvement including:
- Kickz - football initiative aimed at providing young people with alternatives to a potential involvement with crime and anti-social behaviour by providing football coaching in a safe environment
- Met Track - Working with the Police and partners to offer young people the chance to take up athletics
- Junior Citizen – Over 1400 schoolchildren took part in this initiative to learn how to cope with everyday dangers safely and effectively, whilst encouraging good citizenship and community responsibility
Our plans for 2009/10
We are working to:
- Reduce the number of young people in the criminal justice system
- Increase the number of young offenders in full time education, employment and training
- Reduce serious youth violence
» View the Action plan for youth crime prevention board 2009/10 (67KB PDF file).
Contact
Violent Crime Policy Officer
Safe and Strong Communities
Sycamore House
Waltham Forest Town Hall Complex
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4JF
Email communitysafety@walthamforest.gov.uk
Tel 020 8496 3000
