News from Brian Coleman: Brian Coleman welcomes Mayor’s response to gang violence in Camden

Following a recent attack in Chalk Farm, where a 21-year-old was found with a gunshot wound, Brian Coleman asked the Mayor what he was doing in response to gang violence in Camden.

Brian Coleman, Assembly Member for Carnet and Camden, said,

“Gang violence is an ever-present concern in London and must be carefully monitored.  Alongside this horrific attack in Chalk Farm, there have been two brutal stabbings in the last three months.

“I welcome the decision by the police in Camden to set up a well-resourced Youth Violence Team in response to these events, and I am glad that police are also developing pro-enforcement measures to target gang members.

“I will be meeting with the Borough Commander later this month to discuss what can be done to help tackle this problem, and will be keeping an eye on what work is carried out in this area.”

ENDS

Editor’s notes

Below is a copy of Brian Coleman’s written question to the Mayor together with Mr Johnson’s answer.

Gang violence in Camden

Question No: 1992 / 2011

Brian Coleman

In light of the recent attack where a 21-year-old was found with a gunshot wound to the leg in Chalk Farm, what is the MPS doing in response to this violence, and to tackle the rising problem of gang violence in general in Camden?

Written response from the Mayor

I understand that a dedicated Youth Violence Team has been set up by Camden Police - led by an Inspector and resourced with more than 30 staff and that pro-active enforcement measures are being developed to target gang members who pose significant risk of harm. As well as this, the local police is developing strong partnerships with the local authority and voluntary sector organisations to deliver interventions addressing some of the risk factors which can lead young people to become involved with gangs.

I am informed that the Borough Commander in Camden would be happy to meet with Brian Coleman to discuss their joint concerns at greater length.