Preston Police launch crackdown after violent gang attacks

It comes after several violent attacks in Preston which police believe are linked to drug dealing and gang activity.

Chief Inspector Jon Clegg who is running the operation said: “We have launched the week-long operation today to send a clear message to those involved in organised crime that we will not tolerate this activity in our city and on our streets.

“Although this is initially a week-long period of intense activity, we want to be clear that the work won’t end on Friday.

“We always have been, and will continue, to constantly target those that are involved in drugs supply, as well as the violence and anti-social behaviour that comes hand in hand with drug dealing.

“This week of action is testament to the network of community members, businesses and partnerships that provide us daily with information to target organised crime and help us protect and keep safe the most vulnerable in our city.”

As well as running operations to crack down on known gang members, police are also keen to target young people on the fringes of gangs, and help them to leave that lifestyle behind.

Chief Inspector Clegg added: “We hope that by doing this activity, not only will we be able to disrupt and deal with those involved, but that we can warn and educate young people about the consequences of going down the same path.”

Officers are asking anyone who has any information on gangs in the city to contact them, in confidence.

“Local people are a vital source of intelligence and they need to help us to keep them safe by telling us what they know and turning rumour into hard evidence,” added CI Clegg.