Mr Bigs of gun crime targeted

Feb 19 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

MERSEYSIDE’S gun criminals are having the sights turned on them in a new hard-hitting police crackdown.

The anti-gun, anti-gang Matrix squad plans to make life miserable for those at the top end of the gun crime ladder.

A hit-list of the key players has been drawn up, and police have promised they will get “very special attention”.

In a unique move, detectives will call on the criminals at home and give them a choice – lay down their arms and stop the shootings or face the full wrath of the police.

They will be served with a notice that will list the options for the police if the shootings do not stop.

Those options include:

Surveillance of targeted criminals 24 hours a day;

Going after the criminal for any offence, no matter how small or petty, to disturb their lifestyle;

Eviction from their home;

Social services considering if their children are at direct risk and considering them for removal;

Making them the subject of a Section 60 order, giving the police powers to stop and search without cause or reason.