WIREDGOV

The public needs to work with police forces, and the National Crime Agency, to help tackle the scourge of criminal gangs.

That was the message from Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, also one of two APCC Joint Leads for Serious Organised Crime, following a PCCs’ group visit to the NCA in London last Wednesday.

She said: "It was good to meet with the NCA and hear about the work they are doing to keep us safe. 

"Crime is changing. Criminal gangs typically no longer operate out or warehouses and factories, they are operating in normal residential streets in every city and most large towns in the UK.

"It is key that enforcement agencies share information regarding serious organised crime with the general public. In return, we need the public to help us fight these most serious of crimes by being aware and vigilant and reporting anything that doesn’t seem right. Crimes can be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers as well as to your local police force.”

National Crime Agency Director General (Capabilities), Nina Cope, said: “We were delighted to welcome Donna and colleagues to the NCA, to discuss the impact of Serious and Organised crime on communities and what we are doing as the Agency that leads the fight against it.

“We work hard to tackle the threat, which includes the fraud and cyber crime that steals money and information, the child sexual abuse that ruins lives, and the trade in drugs and guns that brings violence and intimidation to our streets.

“Public reporting is vital to tackling crime, and we will continue to work with policing and PCCs around the country to ensure that we’re taking the right action at the right time to keep people safe.”