Gangs and gun crime
Gangs operate by using fear and intimidation to get what they want. Unfortunately the use of violence is common where gangs operate and it can involve the use of firearms or imitation firearms.
Gun crime includes any crime that involves the use of a gun or firearm. This includes:
- A murder where the victim was shot
- Any situation where a gun was fired, whether anyone was injured or not
- A robbery or burglary where the thieves carried a gun as a weapon
- Intimidating people with a firearm
- Carrying a gun that is banned, like a handgun
- Carrying or using an imitation gun
- Hiding a gun or keeping it for someone else
- Owning a gun without a licence
Being threatened with a gun or witnessing an incident involving any kind of firearm can be extremely frightening and upsetting. Victims who have been injured or who have witnessed someone else being injured or killed as a result of gang related violence or gun crime often suffer ongoing effects.
If you are suffering as a result of gang related violence or gun crime, we are here to help. We provide emotional support, guidance and practical help to make sure you can move forward.
Our specially trained counsellors will be able to find the right type of support for you in a way that works for you.
You can talk to us over the phone, contact us by email or meet us in person. Whether the incident has happened recently or years ago, we are here – to talk, to listen, for advice, for help.
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t reported the crime to the police but if you would like to we can help with that, too.
All of our services are free and confidential. Please get in touch.
Staying safe
Lancashire Constabulary have produced some guidance to help you stay safe if you suspect someone is carrying a gun. The following information has been taken from the constabulary website:
- If you suspect that someone is carrying a gun, do not approach them. Even if you think the weapon may be a replica, take the situation seriously and report it.
- Never carry a replica gun in public. There have been tragic incidents in the past where police officers have assumed that a weapon is real, and have responded accordingly.
- It is illegal to carry air guns, even unloaded, in a public place without authority or good reason.
- It’s illegal to buy or sell air weapons that use a self-contained gas cartridge system to fire pellets.
- You’re more likely to be a victim of gun crime if you carry a gun yourself.
