The Metropolitan Police is carrying out increased pro-active operations across London, throughout the month of September, to target those involved in gun crime. 

The Met will be coordinating resources from a number of its units, including CO19 armed officers, local police, traffic officers and Trident detectives. The operations make full use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) capabilities in a series of 'Operation Neon' that will stop people suspected of having involvement in firearms. 

Operation Neons are used regularly with great success in the past to combat a number of types of criminality, including gun crime. 

The operation works by using an ANPR team to identify vehicles known to be associated with guns by matching number plates to intelligence held on the Police National Computer. Trident and local officers will then be on hand to provide detailed intelligence regarding the vehicle and the possible occupants. 

Once the intelligence has been verified a convoy of police vehicles, including Armed Response Vehicles and search dogs, follows the suspect and the armed officers enforce a stop in a safe environment. 

The area is quickly cordoned off and officers search the vehicle for firearms. 

The operation also has traffic officers on hand to stop vehicles that are suspected of committing traffic offences. 

If you see a large convoy of vehicles with armed officers stopping a car, it is likely the Met police are conducting Operation Neon. 

Neons are being employed extensively throughout September as analysis has shown that for the last two years, during this month, there has been a rise in the number of Trident incidents. 

2005 August - 22 incidents, Sept - 35 incidents, Oct - 13 incidents

2006 August - 21 incidents, Sept - 31 incidents, Oct -17 incidents 

Supt Brian Pearce, Specialist Firearms Command in Central Operations, said: 

"We want local communities to be aware that we have significantly increased our use of the Neon tactic, therefore anyone carrying a firearm is far more likely to be caught. Those arrested in possession of a firearm face a mandatory five-year prison sentence. To make sure communities understand and are aware of the police operation, local officers will be handing out leaflets explaining our activity in the immediate area. We want to reassure the public that we are actively tackling those who carry guns in their area." 

Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Ball, head of Trident, said: 

"In the last two years Trident have seen a statistical spike in gun crime during September. While there is nothing to indicate the reasons why this has occurred, we are seeking to ensure that there is no repeat this year.
 
"Trident is not only a reactive investigation team, but also seeks to prevent gun crime before it manifests itself publicly. Therefore operations such as these, conducted with the help of other specialist units, are a very useful tool to marry the intelligence we hold, to help prevent the chaotic nature of Trident offending.
 
"The Operation Neons are an effective way of targeting these criminals who carry guns on their person or in their car. These people are a menace to our communities and will not be tolerated. Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."