This article attempts to explain how combining some of the recent thinking about organised criminal networks, street gangs and confidential intelligence with local problem-solving initiatives offers an integrated solution to tackling the harm caused by criminals in communities. It does not claim to be a panacea, but makes specific reference to the impact of criminal networks at a neighbourhood level, and the relationship among gangs, criminal networks and their precursor ‘peer groups’, and touches on how international networks affect crime in neighbourhoods. It also proposes possible collaborative solutions for addressing this criminal challenge as part of an integrated approach.
HallsworthS.YoungT. (2005) Urban Street Collectives: Gangs and Other Groups, report for the Metropolitan Police Service and Government Office for London. London: Home Office.
2.
Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) (2005) Closing the Gap: A Review of ‘Fitness for Purpose’ of the Current Structure of Policing in England & Wales, Thematic HMIC report. London: Home Office.
3.
MuirR.D. (2004) Problem Profile of Criminal Networks in the Metropolitan Police District. PATP220SCD10DAU2004 SCD 10(4). London: MPA, Development and Analysis Unit.
4.
Cabinet Office Strategy Unit (2009) Extending Our Reach: A Comprehensive Approach to Tackling Serious Organised Crime. London: Home Office.
5.
ColesN. (2001) ‘It's Not What You Know – It's Who You Know that Counts: Analysing Serious Crime Groups as Social Networks’British Journal of Criminology41: 580–94.
6.
HMIC (2009) Getting Organised, Thematic HMIC report. London: Home Office.
7.
HMIC (2005) Mind the Gap, Thematic HMIC report. London: Home Office.
8.
LeviM.MaguireM. (2004) ‘Reducing and Preventing Organised Crime: An Evidence Based Critique’Crime, Law and Social Change41: 397–469.
9.
Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) (2006) Briefing on the Criminal Networks Priority, Report by the Commissioner, 24 April. London: MPA, Planning, Performance and Review Committee.
10.
TilleyN.LaycockG. (2002) Working Out What to Do: Evidence Based Crime Reduction, Crime Reduction Series Paper 11. London: Home Office.
