are criminals running the shop

Criminal gangs have hijacked inner city neighbourhoods plagued by protection rackets and drug dealing.

And the “brutish” gangs have taken over other services, including security and housing, Home Office chiefs said.



“Some organised criminals have established themselves as alternative providers of justice, security, housing, and livelihoods”

Theresa May, Home Secretary

Gangsters are filling a “vacuum of authority” which has gone unchallenged by Government and the police.

Home Secretary Theresa May said there were 5,000 gangs terrorising Britain and their grip on society was a “profound concern”.

Mrs May told an audience in London that inner city neighbourhoods were among the worst-affected areas. She said gang crime, including fraud and people- trafficking, cost taxpayers up to £24billion each year.

“Some organised criminals have established themselves as alternative providers of justice, security, housing, and livelihoods,” said Mrs May.

“Some have become, perversely, a kind of role model.”