Fears over increase in gang violence during coronavirus crisis

There are fears of an increase in gang violence during the coronavirus crisis as criminals see a drop off in demand for drugs.
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A report called Policing the Pandemic, by the Policy Exchange, suggests that restrictions brought about by attempts to curb the spread of coronavirus could lead to increased levels of violence between rival gangs.

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The report predicts that street gangs who rely on income from illegal drugs will see a reduction in demand and a reduction in events associated with drug taking - such as parties - as social distancing restrictions come into force.

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In turn, this could increase rivalry between gangs who are faced with ‘dwindling revenue streams’, the report says.

Richard Walton, former head of counter-terrorism at the Metropolitan Police and co-author of the report, told The Times that this could increase the strain on an already stretched NHS.