Smash hit

Surveillance was increased to identify “safe houses” and weapons caches. Gang gatherings were monitored. Altogether 25 portable wireless CCTV cameras were deployed at frontier points between rival gangs’ turf. Stop-and-search became routine.

Police also made innovative use of existing child protection legislation that has resulted in young people deemed to be at risk being taken off the streets for their own good. At the same time, officers have made a determined effort to build closer relations with schools and community groups.

Chief Superintendent David Keller, who came up with the idea of exploiting child protection legislation, heads weekly meetings of his officers at Longsight police station. On the wall of his office is a newspaper front page showing the faces of 55 people shot dead in Greater Manchester’s gun wars. “When I look at those faces it reminds me of the job I have to do,” he once said.

Since the start of Operation Cougar, which cost £6.5 million, only three shots have been fired compared with more than ten times as many in 2007. There have been 229 arrests, 9 guns seized, 31 juveniles identified as at risk and warning letters sent to 59 families.

Mr Keller said: “For the first time we have the prospect of the end of gang crime.”

The Home Secretary, who cancelled a press conference at short notice for legal reasons, has agreed a further £50,000 funding to the project.

Community leaders are more grudging in their praise. Matt Sumners, general manager of the Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse project, who works with young people aged 8-25, has noticed a reduction in violence but said that gang membership remained fluid with younger “soldiers” forming fresh offshoots. Guns remained the weapon of choice.

The chief constable insisted that he was not complacent, but added: “I have no doubt at all that lives have been saved. There are young people walking the streets of Manchester today who would otherwise be in an early grave.”

Disarming 'Gunchester'

38 gang-related shootings in Greater Manchester, 2007

3 gang-related shootings in 2008

229 rrests since Operation Cougar began on February 14 last year

296 disturbances of gang activity

9 firearms recovered

£6.5m Greater Manchester Police increase in anti-gang funding in 2008

Source: Greater Manchester Police

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