GANGS SQUAD SET UP TO TACKLE CITY CRIMEWAVE
SPECIAL TEAM OF DETECTIVES PUT TOGETHER TO FIGHT CRIMEWAVE ON CITY STREETS
A TEAM of detectives has been put together to help bust gangs on the streets of Coventry.
The news comes as the city is caught in the midst of a crimewave that has seen a number of stabbings and shootings already in September.
The most high-profile was the fatal stabbing of Fidel Glasgow, the grandson of Coventry ska legend Neville Staple, who died after being found injured outside Club M on September 1.
The past two weeks have also seen two other stabbings and a shooting – the latter happened in Far Gosford Street – which left four other people in hospital.
In the wake of the crimewave, the Telegraph asked people how safe they feel in Coventry.
Of the 500 or so people who voted in poll, only 21 per cent said they feel safe in the city.
We also called on West Midlands Police to let the city know what it is doing to fight back against criminals.
And now one of Coventry’s top coppers has said he “completely understands” why people are worried after the recent upsurge in violent crime.
Superintendent Phil Healy stated that “one gun or knife-related crime is one too many” and also revealed that a “dedicated gangs team” has been set up within Coventry Police.
Supt Healy, from Coventry Police, said: “We have seen several violent incidents take place in Coventry so far this month which have resulted in some serious injuries and one man losing his life.
“I know the community is worried and I completely understand why, because one gun or knife-related crime is one too many.
“No amount of police work can fully repair the damage caused to the victims, families and communities that are affected whenever a knife is pulled or a shot is fired.
“Let me reassure you that behind the scenes we have highly-skilled detectives working to investigate the recent violent crimes, following up leads, identifying suspects and taking the necessary action.
“We also have a dedicated gangs team that work hard to identify, arrest and convict those affiliated to gangs.”
Telegraph readers contacted us to say they no longer felt safe in their home city or won’t walk the streets of Coventry alone.
Despite this, Supt Healy says it is “really important that we tackle all violence together” and called for the people of Coventry to work alongside officers who are trying to make the city a safer place.
He said: “We have stepped up our neighbourhood patrols in the affected areas and I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to their local officers and PCSOs.
“In the long-term there is always more work to do and we will continue to build on the on-going deterrent work, alongside other agencies, charities and the community, which is a crucial part of our long-term plan to tackle violent crime.
“It is really important that we tackle all violence together, so if you see something or hear about someone who is planning to use violence against others, we need to know so we can try to do something about it.”
If you have information on any crime in the city then please call West Midlands Police on 101, or call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk. org
Let me reassure you that behind the scenes we have highly-skilled detectives working to investigate the recent violent crimes. Superintendent Phil Healy