New powers announced

SUSPECTED gangsters in Hackney could be banned from wearing colours and kicked out of certain areas thanks to new powers issued to police today.

The Home Office passed the new legislation in a bid to tackle gang crime in England and Wales.

The ‘gang asbos’ could also ban a person from walking particular types of dogs in public and force them to take part in mentoring schemes.

Minister for crime prevention James Brokenshire said: “Gangs cause significant and lasting harm to our communities through fuelling violence, creating an atmosphere of fear and drawing young people into criminality.

“These new powers will help police and local authorities tackle local gang problems by placing tough conditions on the behaviour of individuals involved in gang-related violence and providing strong support to those who want to leave violent gangs.”

What do you think about the plans to tackle gang culture? Will it work? Leave your comments below or email us on hg.editorial@archant.co.uk