Scope of gang injunctions widened

Revised statutory guidance has been published by the Home Office to widen the scope of gang injunctions to include gang-related drug dealing.

Previously the guidance only covered gang-related violence.

The changes, which came into force this week, also amend the statutory definition of a gang to make it less prescriptive and more flexible.

The Home Office said the guidance has been simplified so that a gang is now defined as having one or more characteristics that enable its members to be identified as a group by others.

There is also a guide for law enforcement practitioners that provides practical information on how to apply for a gang injunction.

Minister for Preventing Abuse and Exploitation Karen Bradley said: “Due to the changing nature of the way gangs operate we have updated the definition of a gang to ensure injunctions remain effective. We have also made it easier for courts to grant injunctions to prevent gang-related drug dealing and protect individuals from this kind of activity by expanding the scope of gang injunctions.”