Merseyside Police anti-gang detectives plan new tactics to tackle gun thugs

ANTI-GANG detectives today outlined new tactics to encourage the public to expose gun thugs in their community. Police are now acutely aware of the reluctance of Merseyside residents to speak out, give evidence, or go to court to catch criminals using weapons. In a bid to break down the frequent “walls of silence”, detectives indicated they would no longer insist on those with information giving official statements, appearing at a trial, or pointing out suspects in an identity parade. Chief Supt Tony Doherty said: “We know what it means for decent people to come forward to help us, as they think, ‘There by the Grace of God . . . ’. I understand they won’t be witnesses, but people can still help us in lots of other ways. Just tell us where the drugs are, we’ll do the rest. We have police officers in these areas and they will welcome any information. “From the Chief Constable to the community support officers, we are all dedicated to stopping this as we share the outrage of those blighted by gun crime. If communities don’t take part in combating this problem, young boys and girls will find themselves in the middle of this gang fight.”