The Metropolitan Police Commissioner’s Total Policing approach is ramping up a gear with a crackdown of gangs in a series of co-ordinated operations today, February 8.

Dozens of suspected members are being targeted in 300 raids – spearheaded by a newly formed Trident Gang Crime Command – and the approach has been described by senior officers as a “step change” in the way the Force deals with the issue.

The op will focus on those suspected of crimes including assault, robbery and drugs offences and is designed to help stop young people being killed or seriously injured.

Around 1,000 officers will now be working to tackle gangs with the introduction of the Central Trident Command as well as local task forces across London.

The command will retain responsibility for the prevention and investigation of shootings, but will now work closely with boroughs to proactively tackle gang crime.

It will be enhanced with additional specialist resources from the Met, including Operation Connect and the Serious and Organised Crime Command (SCD7).

According to Metropolitan Police intelligence, there are 250 active criminal gangs in London, made up of nearly 5,000 people. Of these gangs 62 are considered as high harm and commit two thirds of all gang-related crime.

They range from organised criminal networks involved in drugs supply and firearms to street-based gangs responsible for violence and personal robbery. The small number of people is responsible for more than 20 per cent of serious violence, 17 per cent of robbery, 14 per cent of rape and half of all shootings in the Capital.

Some 19 priority boroughs will have dedicated gang crime task forces to deal with local gang crime, and will work with their partners to implement diversion and prevention activities. Other boroughs and specialist commands will also be required to have more of a focus on gang crime.

Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe said: "This is a step change in how we tackle gang crime in London. It will allow us to identify and relentlessly pursue the most harmful gangs and gang members. It will help us identify young people on the periphery of gangs and work with partners to divert them away.

"Although we are now nearly doubling the number of officers dedicated to tackling gang crime, the police can not do this alone. It is vital we work with the public, local authorities, charities and other agencies to prevent young people from joining gangs in the first place,” he emphasised.

Det Ch Supt Stuart Cundy, OCU Commander for the new Trident Gang Crime Command, added: "Since its launch in 2000 Trident has developed its expertise in combating shootings in London, and in recent years Trident has become more and more focused on tackling gangs across London.

"Trident was launched with a strong community partnership. I intend to reduce gang crime and improve community support for what we do and what we want to achieve, protecting some of our most vulnerable victims and communities."