315 arrests show that Met is serious about problem

The action involving the new Operation Trident-led, 1,000-strong gang squad sends a strong signal the Met is now serious about tackling gangs.

For years it has meddled with a series of initiatives and "pilot schemes" that have always failed to get off the ground. Kit Malthouse, London's new policing "sheriff", says the Met refused to set up a gang squad at the height of the youth killings three years ago.

There is still a reluctance by London police to "glamorise" gangs by naming and shaming them as they do in Los Angeles.

But asked why he launched the squad now, Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe was straightforward: "We have a gang problem and I do not see how we can ignore it. I would prefer to take the risk of doing something than not doing anything."

A scheme in Hackney highlighted by the Evening Standard this week shows how gangs can be tackled with a joint approach between police, councils and probation officials.

About 200 gang members have been arrested in the past two years and the borough has seen major falls in gang crime. But Hackney is one of just a handful of boroughs, such as Waltham Forest and Enfield, which are committed.

Any success depends on offering young gang members a way out with the councils' help and money. There is also no shortage of voluntary groups, such as Kids Company, Growing Against Gangs and the St Giles Trust, to help young people leave gang culture.

Mr Hogan-Howe said he was committed to tackling gangs for years to come but accepts it could take "two, three or five years" to make a difference. The hope is that this combination of effort will make a difference.

Nineteen councils are committed to the cause. The difficulty will be co-ordinating the action since already there are different schemes running in boroughs.

Cynics claim the timing of the launch may not be unconnected to the Mayoral election in May.