Police warn women against hiding guns
The Met's new anti-gun campaign
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By Lewis Bazley. |  |
Wednesday, 30, Sep 2009 04:30
By Richard James.
The Metropolitan police have warned women of the grave consequences they face if found storing or carrying guns for their male friends.
The force's anti-gun Trident unit has today launched a new campaign primarily targeting black girls aged between 15 and 19.
Police claim there are a growing number of teenage girls in London willing to help store weapons for male gang members; be they boyfriends, brothers or friends.
A series of radio, cinema and billboard adverts have been launched with the bold warning: "Hide this gun and you help commit the crime."
The campaign is set to target six London boroughs - Brent, Hackney, Haringey, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.
Claudia Webbe, chair of Trident's independent advisory group, said: "Sadly, young women have always been involved in carrying and storing firearms.
"We are deeply concerned, however, that this involvement seems to be increasing and those who are involved seem to be younger and younger.
"Vulnerable young women are sometimes pressurised into storing or transporting the weapons by men they know, or sometimes willingly do so. The consequences of this for the young women themselves are devastating. It is vital that we act now to prevent more young women becoming involved in carrying and storing firearms.
"Our role is to protect, engage and support young women to avoid the dangers of violent crime."
The Met report that between January 1st 2004 and August 31st 2009, a total of 46 women and girls were charged with possession of a firearm.
And so far this calendar year Trident cases have led to a total of 12 women charged with possession of a firearm. Of these 12, seven are teenagers.
In comparison in 2008 there were 13 women, compared to only two in 2007.
Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Ball, head of Trident added: "This year's campaign has been designed to tackle an emerging and concerning trend. In the past few months Trident has seen an increase in the number of arrests and convictions of young women for the possession of firearms.
"Those who store and carry guns for others are partly responsible for the crimes committed with those weapons. The consequences for them, their families and their friends are not worth thinking about."