Knife crime: Boris Johnson says ‘more could be done’

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Mohammed Imran Ali – also known as Irish Imy – wants to try and stop rising burglaries and thefts from cars that have been seen around Chadderton and Werneth. The plans and the fact the group is led by Mr Ali – who transported the cop killer to a Leeds safe house after he murdered one of his rivals in 2012 – has caused much debate in the local area.

Whilst on the run for this offence, Cregan killed PCs Nicola Hughes, 23, and Fiona Bone, 32, using the same gun-and-grenade method before handing himself in.

Both Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have voiced concerns about the patrols.

But Mr Ali told the Manchester Evening News that he intends to start his rounds in the near future.

When asked what he thought of people’s reactions to his proposals he said: “We will be starting very soon.

“As to the reaction of people, I think that is more people manipulating what it is to fit their own narrative or agenda.”

Mr Ali was jailed for seven years after being found guilty of assisting Cregan in 2013.

Mr Ali was recalled to prison for a breach of his license in 2018.

Many of those objecting wrote to Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Police to express their outrage.

DON’T MISS: 
Gove could replace Patel if migrant boat crisis continues [INSIGHT]
Angela Rayner’s Future of Work efforts crushed by Labour members poll [REVEALED]
‘Sympathy from us? Not a hope in hell!’ Britons mock Germany [REACTION]

Some of those letters were shared publicly, including one from Robert Barnes, a community campaigner in Chadderton.

His letter asked whether the patrols had been authorised by the police, before directing his queries at Carolyn Wilkins, chief executive of the council.

He said: “Do you, as chief executive, think it is acceptable for street patrols to be carried out by a convicted getaway driver?

“As far as I am concerned, residents have the right to be free from crime, but it should be down to the police to deal with this, not individuals with recent criminal convictions.

“I have spoken with residents who are concerned about these developments.

“There is a proper way to tackle crime, this is not the way to deal with it.”

Mr Barnes also referenced a similar group, known as Failsworth Street Patrol, who were warned by GMP that their actions risked “straying into vigilantism”.

The group were told they would not be allowed to patrol as they could put themselves and others at risk.

GMP said they had spoken to the people involved and had no evidence to suggest any group had been set up.

A spokesperson for the force said: “While we always appreciate the community spirit of local residents who spend their free time assisting police to help their fellow neighbours in the area, it is important to remember that when these activities are not organised in conjunction with the police there is potential for those involved to risk their safety and that of others.

“We always strive to work with local residents and community groups to make the area safer, and if you live in the Chadderton or Werneth area and want to raise an issue to our attention, please use the Live Chat function or online reporting form on our website at www.gmp.policeuk. In an emergency always dial 999.”

Leader of the council Arooj Shah has faced questions about these patrols in full council meetings, due to her childhood friendship with Mr Ali.

Addressing the council chambers in a meeting last month, Councillor Shah said: “As a local council, we would not seek to condemn any member of the public who wishes to improve their local area.

“People’s concerns about the levels of crime in their area are very real and something all members hear about from their local residents very regularly.

“We would, however, question whether street patrols of this nature are the best or most appropriate solution to the issues residents raise.

“As a result, we don’t currently offer any support or funding to these types of groups and have no plans to do so.”

Source: Read Full Article