COMMENT: Nip gang activity in the bud (From Oxford Mail)

COMMENT: Nip gang activity in the bud

10:00am Tuesday 27th July 2010 in

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Detective Inspector Simon Morton talks sense. In today’s Oxford Mail he calls for the community to pull together to nip in the bud embryonic signs of gang rivalry in the city.

We understand police are trying to control territorial and drug-related tensions, which have been growing in Blackbird Leys and Cowley.

But, as councillor Val Smith points out, most young people in the areas are not involved.

Oxford is hardly the Bronx – as Thames Valley Police’s top officer Sara Thornton points out there is not a significant risk presented by criminal gangs in the city.

However, it is right these issues are resolved before they escalate.

A former Birmingham gang member is trying to help police stamp out early signs of gang problems.

And police are working with the voluntary sector to make a stand.

We support any steps taken to make sure this city continues to be – on the whole – a safe and harmonious place to live.