SPECIAL police patrols are being rolled out across the borough in four areas considered hot spots for gang related crime.
Waltham Forest Police have identified Walthamstow High Street, Leytonstone High Road, Bakers Arms in Leyton, and the area around Coronation Gardens in Leyton, as locations notorious for high gang activity.
More weapon sweeps and stop and search operations are to take place by the Territoral Support Group, (TSG) the Guardian has learned, in a joint partnership between police and the local authority.
The TSG has already conducted 385 searches in Waltham Forest streets.
A spokesman said that 38 arrests have been made for various knife and drug-related offences since the initiative started on July 12, and there has already been a reduction in the number of robberies in the past week.
Also, 31 vehicles have been seized for being unroadworthy or uninsured.
Det Supt Adrian Hutchinson said: "We're sending the message that if you are found with a knife or firearm there will be serious consequences.
"This is not a short-term measure and we will be seeking to impact on longer-term issues.
"I am confident that it will make a real difference over the long-term to the people of Waltham Forest.
"The operation is just the beginning of a robust approach to gang related violence.
"This is just a starting point".
If you have information on gang related crime, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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