Town Hall and police chiefs have drawn up a new strategy to tackle a rise in violent youth crime which this year alone has cost the lives of three Islington teenagers.

The plans include a new dedicated gangs team, bringing together police, the youth offending service, the probation service and social work teams.

Councillor Joe Caluori, executive member for children and young people, said: “We know a small minority of young people in Islington are involved in crime. It’s vital we not only change their behaviour, but help to stop a new generation getting involved.”

The joint initiative comes after a series of high-profile fatal and near-fatal stabbings involving teenagers – including one at Archway Tube station last Wednesday – and amidst vows by police and Islington Council chiefs to do everything in their power to clamp down on youth violence.

Plans published by the council this week include the formation of the new gangs team, which aims to disrupt gang organisation, acquire intelligence about gang membership and persuade members to change their behaviour.

It will also track down and prosecute adults who recruit children into gangs. Older members often form a link with organised criminals and supply drugs sold by youngsters on the streets.

The council says it will use its powers to “triage” offenders according to their behaviour. The most risky offenders will be subject to enhanced enforcement and supervision, which can include confiscation of belongings such as cycles and mopeds.

More criminal behaviour orders and injunctions will be issued, and the council has even threatened to evict prolific gang members. All young people who come to the attention of police will be visited at their homes, according to the plans.

The authority is also increasing “detached youth work” on the streets with young people who may be at risk of joining a gang, and will be strengthening its partnerships with schools to make sure they refer children they are concerned about.

It will launch a new service for all children who are on “alternative provision” and not attending mainstream schools, as they are regarded as at risk of being drawn into crime.

Finally, it hopes to work more closely with communities to tackle youth crime by making sure children and young people have a chance to talk about things that are worrying them. The council will help residents and the community report crime, and campaign against knives.

Borough Commander Catherine Roper said: “The worrying rise in youth-related crime, which is not unique to Islington, is a major policing priority and we are determined to reverse this unacceptable trend.

“Working closely with the local authority is fundamental in reducing crime.” The council executive is expected to approve the new strategy on Thursday.

• Keywords
  GANGS (CRIMINAL), KNIFE CRIME
• Geographical keyword
  ISLINGTON (LONDON BOROUGH)