Guns are the weapon of choice for the teenagers in the gangs of north Liverpool.

Guns are the weapon of choice for the teenagers in the gangs of north Liverpool.
Footage of boys, hardly out of childhood, wielding revolvers, shotguns and jumping on police cars was posted on YouTube just two weeks after Rhys Jones was killed.
Yet it was the 11-year-old's murder during an unprecedented feud between youths in Croxteth and neighbouring Norris Green which brought Liverpool's gang violence to public prominence. The battle between the Croxteth Crew, to which Sean Mercer belonged, and the Strand Gang, operating in the city's L11 postcode, formed the backdrop to the schoolboy's murder - an innocent victim caught in the crossfire of gangs blighted by a hatred for one another. But this rivalry stems from petty turf spats rather than organised crime, police revealed. Ch Supt Steve Watson, commander of Liverpool north, said: "They (incidents of gang violence) tend to crop up on the most petty of arguments. "They can be disagreements about girlfriends, arguments about having stolen someone else's pedal cycle that unfortunately bubble over into people accessing firearms and actually demonstrating a propensity to use them."
These (gang members) are a growing number of people growing up without a lot of hope in their lives Dr Karen Evans, the University of Liverpool The feud dates back to New Year's Day 2004 with the killing of the Croxteth Crew's Danny McDonald, 20, who was shot several times by a masked gunman in the Royal Oak Pub. His death sparked a series of attacks. During the trial over Rhys's killing it emerged there had been 17 shootings and 70 acts of criminal damage involving the two gangs between 2004 and 2008. The police impetus to reduce gun crime suffered a setback when Strand Gang leader Liam 'Smigger' Smith, 19, was executed after visiting a fellow gang member at Altcourse Prison on 23 August, 2006. Rhys's death almost a year to the day since Smith's killing was a link not lost on police. In fact the bullet which killed Rhys was intended for a rival gang member of the Strand gang. Gang members are recruited from an early age. One 12-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of shooting a van driver in the face in 2004. Rhys Jones' murder thrust Liverpool gangs to national prominence Four years on, the same child, known only as Boy M had become a member of the Croxteth Crew and was convicted of helping dump the gun used to kill Rhys, as well as the bike used and clothes worn during the killing. Demonstrating his hostility to other gangs, he told police during one interview: "I hope all Norris Green people die." Mercer himself was just 16-years old when he shot and killed Rhys. Ch Supt Steve Moore, commander of the Matrix team, said: "Many gang members are the third generation of families who have never worked. "Crime is all they know and so have no normality to be rehabilitated back into." Dr Karen Evans, professor of Sociology at the University of Liverpool, said: "These are a growing number of people growing up without a lot of hope in their lives.
"Around their teen years they lose the aspirations that can change their lives for the better." While Merseyside Police recognise the issue of territorial feuds and gun-fuelled violence, the force is reticent to label these groups as "gangs". The preferred term is "loose networks". Mr Moore insisted the L11 criminals amount to no more than 100 people in a population of 300,000. Their instinct, behaviour and moral compass is far off what we describe as normal Chf Supt Steve Moore, Merseyside Police "These are young people from similar backgrounds and similar geographical locations, but they are not gangs. "Elements of the media have bagged them gangs and they have taken that title because it gives them recognition that they don't really deserve. "We have to be careful about the term 'gang', it implies a level of organisation. There is no hierarchy." Mr Moore believes the problem escalated with the progression from anti-social behaviour to guns. He added: "My personal theory is that these teenagers have accessed guns through older, more mature criminals, passed on to siblings to sort out petty disputes. "Of course once guns are in circulation it is conceivable that some would be acquired by younger people."
In light of the death of Rhys, Merseyside Police have focused their resources on hitting the heart of Liverpool's gun crime. But senior officers conceded their plan, which includes visiting schools to inform youngsters before they are recruited to any gangs, will take 10 years to see results. "It's about a culture change for these kids, but for one or two individuals I think it is too late," admitted Mr Moore.
"Their instinct, behaviour and moral compass is far off what we describe as normal."

there's nothing wrong with a little shooting as long as the right people get shot

advert for the Robert de Niro and ­Al Pacino police thriller Righteous Kill, which used the line "there's nothing wrong with a little shooting as long as the right people get shot", was criticised by a watchdog for running ­during the inquest into the police shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.The promotional campaign for the film, which used the tagline "Most people respect the badge, everybody respects the gun", led to six complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority from people who argued that the advert glamorised ­violence and gun crime by suggesting it was "morally acceptable to kill in the right circumstances".The authority lodged its own challenge, saying that the placing of one of the ­posters at Stockwell tube station, in London, was likely to cause serious or widespread offence at the time of the inquest into the death of de Menezes. The train station was where police officers shot the 27-year-old Brazilian. The jury in the de Menezes case had inspected the Stockwell site of the shooting in September.Lions Gate, which released the film, said the advertising line came from the film and was the "kind of dialogue expected from a film or TV portrayal [of the New York police department] and contained an element of humour". However it said placing the poster at Stockwell was an "unfortunate oversight".The standards agency dismissed the public complaints about the advert, ­stating that it was not irresponsible and was unlikely to glamorise or glorify gun crime. However, it said that having the poster displayed at Stockwell tube station was likely to cause serious or widespread offence. The poster advert therefore breached the advertising code.Lions Gate removed the poster from Stockwell tube station as soon as the company was made aware of the inquest into the shooting of de Menezes.The Brazilian was shot seven times on 22 July 2005 as police hunted for terrorists in a planned operation. In the early hours of that day police traced a gym card, found in a bag holding an unexploded bomb, to an address in Scotia Road, south London. They believed the premises were being used by a suspected terrorist, Hussain Osman. The police followed de Menezes – never identified as Osman – on his way to work. He was attacked by officers after he entered a tube train at Stockwell station.An inquest into his death recorded an open verdict this month.

Criminals need no longer waste time wiping down or washing the cartridge cases

Criminals need no longer waste time wiping down or washing the cartridge cases of the bullets they intend on using in a crime to get rid of their fingerprints ahead of time, you will still be caught! Researchers at the University of Leicester and the Northamptonshire police have teamed up to develop a technique to see fingerprints even if a metal surface has been wiped down. When people hold metal objects, the natural residues on their hands, like sweat, corrode metal surfaces. Their technique is particularly useful with cartridge casings, because the heat from shooting the weapon helps to imprint the fingerprints on the metal. Basically, you dust the metal of interest with a fine layer of conducting powder, and then apply an electrical charge to it. This causes the conducting powder to be attracted to the areas where the metal is corroded from fingerprints. Would be criminals would need to use abrasive cleaning techniques to remove the layer of corroded metallic surface to destroy their prints.

Man in his late teens or early twenties was shot in the face a few minutes before seven tonight on the east side of the Garfield Community Center

Man in his late teens or early twenties was shot in the face a few minutes before seven tonight on the east side of the Garfield Community Center at 23rd & Cherry. Seattle Police Spokeswoman Renee Witt said that a group of men were hanging out in the area when they were approached by a second group. An argument ensued, and a member of the second group pulled out a gun and shot the victim. The victim then entered the community center where he collapsed. He was treated for a while at the scene before being taken to Harborview, where he was last reported to be in critical condition.Witnesses reported seeing 4 teen-aged suspects running through the playfield to the south. A K9 unit was brought in but could not establish a track on the suspects. Police detained two of the victim's friends for questioning, but they escaped through a window before that could happen. No further description of the suspects was available from official sources.The victim was fairly well known among kids in the community. We believe he lives with his family just a few blocks north of where he was shot. I spoke to Saviour Knowledge at the scene who said he knew the victim and had actually spoken to him just earlier in the day. I can also say that we were familiar with the victim's name from listening to the scanner, but we don't have any detailed information to put that in a specific context. (ed. note: We got the right first name, wrong last name at the scene last night. Seattle Times reports today that Harborview identified him as Donnie P. Cheatham)Thirteen-Fifteen-year-old Quincy Coleman was shot and killed on Halloween just across the playfield from this event. We also heard that members of one of the two parties were wearing some sort of t-shirts memorializing Quincy. However, police couldn't say whether this was a retaliation shooting or otherwise a part of the recent cycle of gang violence.

hop-in on Ross Clark Circle was robbed at gun point.

The criminals need to be aware that if you are doing an armed robbery, there may be a sheriff's deputy breathing down your neck by the time you come out of the store," says Sheriff Andy Hughes, Houston Co. Sheriff's Office.Criminals: consider that your warning.The Houston County Sheriff's Office is stepping up its efforts to take down crime in the Wiregrass.In one night, catching four suspected criminals on the scene of three separate crimes, shows this sheriff's office won't take it easy."It's always better to catch them on the scene than to have to do the investigation and rely on other physical evidence,"In less than two hours, at least one car was broken into on Cornell Avenue, Efurd's near Cowarts was burglarized and this hop-in on Ross Clark Circle was robbed at gun point."These are your common thugs. They are people that don't want to work. They want to do crime for a living,"Deputies credit the on-scene arrests to increased patrols and scattered stakeouts.Their quick response has some people in the Wiregrass community taking notice."We as small business people it's kindly scary out here. We realize crime is up. It's just a wonderful thing we have a Sheriff's Office that responds the way they do," says Bobby Efurd, Efurd’s Grocery."I feel like the Houston County Sheriff's Office is doing a fine job. They really are on the ball and we're really glad to have them," says Tony Todd.Sheriff Hughes says you can expect more of who he calls "common thugs" to be arrested until Houston County’s streets are clean.Police arrested Kameron Siler for unlawful breaking and entering a motor vehicle. There may be other charges coming.Both Keith Shedrick Pullin and Tullis Jerome Griffin was arrested for first degree robbery.
Roderick Marshall was arrested on-scene for burglarizing Efurd's Grocery near Cowarts.Meanwhile, two suspects are still on the loose.Deputies are looking for Kendrick Bryant and another person driving the get-away vehicle

taxi driver was held up at gunpoint in Queenstown early yesterday morning by his two `passengers’ and later relieved of his motor car.

taxi driver was held up at gunpoint in Queenstown early yesterday morning by his two `passengers’ and later relieved of his motor car.
Police said in a release yesterday that they are investigating the armed robbery on Desmond Morris which occurred around 2 am yesterday on Crown Street, Queenstown. The men were armed with a handgun and a knife.Investigations revealed that Morris picked up the two men in Kitty and while in Queenstown he was held up and put out of the mauve-coloured AT 212 Toyota Carina car HB 4957. The men then escaped with the vehicle.

388 illegal guns have been retrieved by the Hartford Police Department, leading to 290 gun arrests

illegal guns from as far south as Florida and from California have made their way into the Constitution State. So far this year, 388 illegal guns have been retrieved by the Hartford Police Department, leading to 290 gun arrests, according to the press release.Each year, approximately 93-percent of the weapons used in a crime in Hartford come from out of town. ”Getting illegal guns off the streets of our state reduces crime, increases public safety, and enhances the vibrancy of our neighborhoods,” Perez said. ”Increasing safety helps improve the quality of life for residents in every community.”Perez is a founding member of the organization, chaired by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.

Jonathan Pearson, invaded a home occupied by four children and a mother and escaped with a handful of cash Saturday

Gun-wielding man who invaded a home occupied by four children and a mother and escaped with a handful of cash Saturday night was arrested this afternoon.Latasha Smith spotted the suspect, Jonathan Pearson, across the street just before noon today and recognized him as her assailant, according to a report from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. She immediately called 911. Deputies responded to 1213 David Drive and took Pearson into custody for questioning. He was then arrested and transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach.Saturday's incident happened about 8:30 p.m. at 1212 David Drive. Smith, 29, told sheriff's deputies she was in a bedroom when she heard a crashing noise from the front door. Smith said she ran into the living room to find Preston pointing a gun at her 13-year-daughter, the report states.Preston turned the gun on Smith and demanded money and ordered mother and daughter to get down on the floor, the report states.Smith quickly handed over some money and Preston fled out the front door, the report states.No shots were fired and no one was injured. There were three other children in the home -- a 5-year-old, a 6-year-old, and a 2-month-old.Deputies and officers from the Daytona Beach and Holly Hill police departments, as well as a Sheriff's Office helicopter and a K-9 unit searched for the man without success, according to the report.Smith told investigators that she believed the same man had knocked on her door about two hours earlier and asked for someone who didn't live there. She had not opened the door at that time, only speaking to him through a window in the door. He had apologized for bothering her and left.Just before noon today, Smith saw Pearson across the street and called 911. When deputies spoke with the 24-year-old, he claimed to have never left the previous night but the homeowner he was staying with said Pearson had been gone all night, the report states. Pearson lives in Bunnell but had been staying with a friend at 1213 David Drive.Pearson is charged with home invasion robbery with a firearm, grand theft, two counts of aggravated assault, three counts of aggravated child abuse, and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Investigators are looking for another suspect who had driven Pearson’s getaway vehicle since witnesses reported seeing him get into the passenger side of a car, the report states.

Plaxico Burress suffered a thigh wound when he reportedly shot himself in the leg accidentally at a New York nightclub

Plaxico Burress suffered a thigh wound when he reportedly shot himself in the leg accidentally Friday night at a New York nightclub. According to several reports, Burress was not properly licensed to carry the weapon in New York.Plaxico Burress's attorney told the Associated Press he's been informed that the New York Giants wide receiver will face a charge of criminal possession of a weapon.Benjamin Brafman wrote in an e-mail to the AP that Burress will turn himself in Monday morning and will plead not guilty to the charge.Burress was released from a New York hospital on Saturday. He already had been ruled out of today's game against the Washington Redskins because of a previous hamstring injury.There also are questions about the role of Giants middle linebacker Antonio Pierce in the incident. Pierce reportedly was with Burress at the New York nightclub at which the shooting took place Friday night.The New York Daily News reported today that Pierce potentially could face criminal charges as well. Pierce allegedly attempted to hide the gun after the shooting, police sources told the Daily News. The New York Post reported that, according to records, Burress does not have a permit to carry a gun in New York.
Burress had a concealed-weapon permit issued to him in Florida but records show it expired in May and New York does not recognize out-of-state permits anyway, the newspaper reported. The report in the Daily News indicated the same thing.Thomas King, the president of the New York Rifle and Pistol Association, told the Post: "New York has the most restrictive pistol-licensing system in the United States. It recognizes absolutely no out-of-state permits. An out-of-stater never has the authority to carry" there.The Post reported that criminal possession of a loaded weapon is a felony in New York that is punishable by up to a year in prison.
The Daily News reported that Burress faces up to five years in prison for the felony..Pierce's attorney was in discussions with the police to attempt to prevent Pierce from being charged for his role in the incident, according to the Daily News report. The Daily News reported that Pierce took the gun and put it somewhere in New Jersey after the shooting.According to the Daily News report, Pierce applied pressure to Burress's wound after the shooting and berated Burress for taking a loaded handgun into the nightclub. Burress told Pierce not to call 911 and initially didn't want to go to the hospital but, after being helped out of the club by Pierce, went to a hospital two hours later with his wife and a friend, the Daily News reported. The Giants reported the incident to police and officers were turned away from Burress's home in New Jersey by his wife around 5 p.m. Saturday, according to the newspaper.According to the report in the Daily News, Pierce's attorney told police that Pierce would cooperate with the investigation if not charged. A Giants official went to New Jersey on Saturday to retrieve the weapon and turn it over to police but officers still planned to obtain a warrant to search Pierce's car, the Daily News reported.The Daily News reported that Burress shot himself when he fumbled with the gun after it slipped down his pants leg. Burress initially was turned away at the nightclub because he had a gun but was let in around midnight after telling the club's management that he needed the firearm to protect himself, according to the Daily News.The Giants indicated in a written statement Saturday that Burress suffered an injury to his right thigh in an accidental shooting Friday. Burress was released from a New York City hospital Saturday afternoon, according to the Giants' statement. The Giants declined to release details of the incident, indicating that it could become a matter for law enforcement officials.The Giants did not indicate how seriously Burress was hurt but there was a report that he could be ready to play again within a couple weeks.Burress, 31, also faces possible discipline by the NFL under its personal conduct policy. The Giants indicated in their statement that they'd been in contact with NFL security officials.The NFL has a gun policy that prohibits players from taking firearms to team- and league-related events. The policy reportedly also warns players about carrying unlicensed firearms, saying that could subject them to league discipline as well as criminal charges.
The NFL guns and weapons policy reads, in part: "If you violate this policy on guns and other weapons, you are subject to discipline, including suspension from playing. And if you violate a public law covering weapons--for example, possession of an unlicensed firearm--you are not only subject to discipline, including suspension from playing, but also subject to criminal prosecution."

Houston has become a firearms marketplace for Mexican drug cartels

Houston has become a firearms marketplace for Mexican drug cartels, according to federal law enforcement officials.Gangsters have spent millions in Texas on military-style weapons and ammunition that are being used in the cartels' ongoing clashes with Mexican police, government and citizens. Houston has emerged as a buyers' haven.
"Our investigations show Houston is the top source for firearms going into Mexico, top source in the country," said J. Dewey Webb, special agent in charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' Houston division, in a story Sunday in the Houston Chronicle.Mexican gangsters have chosen Houston because of its numerous gun shops, its proximity to the border and its long-established networks for smuggling narcotics into the United States, the ATF says.Authorities say numerous crimes, including a 2007 Acapulco massacre that left four police officers and three secretaries dead, illustrate the carnage brought on by Houston-bought guns that have gotten into the hands of ruthless killers.ATF is targeting at least three Houston groups it contends supply weapons to the Gulf Cartel, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court.Since 2007, when the investigation was launched after an audit of a gun store's sales records, agents working with Mexican counterparts have traced at least 328 Houston-bought firearms to those groups.Andrew Molchan, director of the Professional Gun Retailers Association, said members are aware fraudulent buyers are out there and are encouraged to ask more questions than the law requires to evaluate customers."Regardless of the business — banks, doctors or whatever — if somebody starts to commit fraud it's very difficult for any business or retailer to combat that," he said.More than 4,000 people have died in Mexico's criminal underworld violence this year.Mexican officials estimate 90 percent of nearly 27,000 weapons seized from stash houses or recovered from crime scenes in the past two years originated in the United States.Mexico's weapons laws are stricter than those in the United States, making it difficult for civilians to purchase guns and ammunition.