Gangs and Street Crime
ACF has always played a vital role in easing tensions between rival gangs and individuals, locally and across other London boroughs, significantly reducing the possibility of young people being seriously or even fatally injured. This collaboration has helped remove many weapons from the streets. Over the past three years ACF has helped many local residents feel much safer due to the reduction in gang activity on estates and in the streets. Structured meetings between parents and their young people have resolved many misunderstandings which are often the root cause of problems.
Having it out, face to face
ACF has also actively prevented the commission of crimes through early detection strategies and positive dialogue with “would be” perpetrators and their associates. ‘Having it out face to face’ in controlled environments allowing both parties to maintain their respective “street cred” which is one of the key causes of violence, and also by providing them with alternative legitimate sources of income or employment opportunities. It is essential to maintain this strategy and we are constantly repeating the message at a policy development level in meetings with relevant bodies at local and central government. The key to effective action is meaningful inclusion.
Face to face and group discussions have helped to highlight daunting facts which otherwise may not have been known. Many of our young people are experiencing some serious problems that will scar them as they move into adulthood - it therefore goes without saying that they need some serious help.
The dynamics of the street must be understood and without this understanding it is hard to venture into the hearts and minds of our young people, but it has to be done in order for them to become our Leaders of tomorrow.
... Insha’Allah.