The UK's Bold New Strategy to Combat Organised Crime and Safeguard Communities

In an era where organised crime casts a long, ominous shadow over the safety and security of nations, the UK Government, led by Home Secretary James Cleverly, is taking a groundbreaking leap forward. Unveiling an ambitious, all-encompassing strategy, the UK is setting a new precedent in the fight against the sophisticated networks of serious and organised crime. This comprehensive plan not only aims to dismantle existing criminal gangs but also fortifies the nation against future threats, marking a pivotal moment in the UK's law enforcement history. As we delve into the details of this robust strategy, discover how it promises to reshape the landscape of national security and community safety, offering a beacon of hope in the relentless battle against crime.

The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, has unveiled a comprehensive new strategy to combat the escalating menace of serious and organised crime in the UK. This initiative represents a significant escalation in the Government's efforts to dismantle criminal gangs operating within and against the nation. According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), the UK harbours over 59,000 individuals involved in such criminal activities, costing the country upwards of £47 billion annually. This figure is equivalent to the expense of constructing approximately 450 new hospitals or providing around 730,000 affordable homes outside London.

This fresh strategy builds upon existing measures by the Government and law enforcement agencies, aiming to obliterate intricate criminal networks. This includes bolstering the NCA with unprecedented funding for 2024. The plan also enables local police forces to combat these crimes in their communities and outlines international efforts to thwart exploitation, including modern slavery and human trafficking.

Home Secretary Cleverly stated, “Serious and organised crime not only undermines our national security and prosperity but also degrades society and inflicts significant harm on individuals and businesses nationwide. We are committed to disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups through investment in state-of-the-art policing techniques, international collaboration, and the introduction of new criminal offences.”

The strategy aims to fortify community resilience against serious and organised crime. It ensures that once a criminal gang is disbanded, the area doesn't become a target for another group. The 'Clear, Hold, Build' policing tactic, to be implemented across all police forces in England and Wales in early 2024, will enable police and local partners to eradicate gangs, prevent criminal exploitation during the disruption phase, and address local crime drivers. This proactive approach has already shown promising results in various locations, including a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour in Easington Lane and numerous arrests for serious offences in Barnet by the Metropolitan Police Service.

Additionally, the Government is introducing new measures in the Criminal Justice Bill to provide the police with essential tools to counteract serious and organised crime. This includes banning items used by criminal gangs and electronic devices like signal jammers employed in vehicle thefts.

The Bill will also enhance Serious Crime Prevention Orders, allowing law enforcement agencies to impose restrictions on offenders or suspected offenders to prevent further criminal involvement.

The Government is allocating an additional £5 million to UK police forces to intensify their response to organised immigration crime. This includes support for the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit.

The strategy also underscores the importance of the newly established Joint International Crime Centre in addressing crimes that cross international borders. This centre consolidates resources from the NCA and the NPCC, coordinating the UK's international law enforcement response.

To combat exploitation abroad, the Government is investing an additional £24 million in the Modern Slavery Fund, supporting programmes in countries like Albania, Vietnam, and Romania. This includes initiatives to provide training and employment opportunities to victims of modern slavery.

In efforts to curb illegal immigration, the Government has doubled funding for Project INVIGOR, targeting the business models of smugglers and pursuing those facilitating organised immigration crime.

The strategy also highlights the Government's commitment to tackling economic crime, including fraud. The Home Secretary has empowered the NCA's director general to direct the Serious Fraud Office in matters of complex fraud, bribery, and corruption. Additionally, the Government has partnered with major tech companies to combat online scams and fraudulent content, and new laws in the Criminal Justice Bill will further empower law enforcement to tackle such crimes. An anti-fraud communications campaign is set to launch in the New Year to educate the public on fraud prevention.

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