GANG members will be told to change their ways or face a severe police crackdown when a new initiative to tackle street violence is launched tomorrow.

Project Ceasefire, based on innovative policies introduced in Boston, USA, and Strathclyde in Scotland, will see experts address problems in the families of gang members, such as poverty, housing and education.

Support will be offered in an attempt to address social factors which lead to crime but if known criminals refuse the help, they will face closer police scrutiny.

Council leader Chris Robbins said: “The main problem revolves a handful of people and a handful of places, and it’s these people that this new initiative will be focusing on.

“While we will be working to crack down on those who involve themselves with gangs, this is only part of the solution.

“We also need to make sure we’re helping family members steer their loved ones away from crime and providing profitable, long-term opportunities for those who currently see gangs as their only way out.”

The borough saw an upsurge of gang-related violence over the summer months, with a number of shootings and knife attacks.

The project, which will also look to tackle gang problems in schools, will be launched during a meeting at the Construction Skills centre in Cathall Road, Leytonstone, tomorrow (Janaury 28).