CHELMSFORD will be included in a countywide initiative to clampdown on gang culture. 

The pilot programme will mean more than a thousand people who work with young people will be trained in identify those at risk of being exploited by gangs. 

Roger Hirst, police and crime commissioner for Essex, commissioned the scheme. 

He said: “Gangs exploit some of the most vulnerable young people in our community, bringing them into a culture of crime, drugs and abuse. 

“Tackling gangs is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan. 

“This pathway into exploitation can be stopped by early identification and effective intervention.”

The scheme, also to be rolled out in Thurrock, Southend and Basildon, will provide a support network for those identified, even including ex-gang members.

It comes after Mr Hirst last year revealed to the Weekly News the movement of drug lines from London into the city led to an increase in knife and other violent crime. 

He pointed the finger at attacks on rival drug dealers and acts of debt enforcement for the soaring increase in knife crime.

Of the 608 cases police dealt with, 51 occurred in the Chelmsford borough between 2015 – 2016, equating to a 25 per cent rise on the year before. 

He continued: “Once identified, those at risk of being exploited will be supported by a network of highly-skilled specialists, including some ex-gang members, who work with young people at risk to help them turn their lives around.”

The charity Gangsline was successful in a competitive tender process to deliver the programme, which will be funded by the PCC. 

Sheldon Thomas, Founder and Chief Executive of Gangsline, said: “We are delighted to be working with the PCC and the Safer Essex Partnership in delivering this innovative programme. It is clear that we share the same vision in addressing gang and youth violence.”