EASTER police operation stops shootings in and around London’s nightclubs and bars. The Met police have once again successfully tackled shootings in and around the capital’s licensed premises, with the second rollout of a special anti-gun initiative, named operation Argon. There were no shootings in or related to licensed premises for the duration of Easter - traditionally bank holidays are times when the potential for shootings to occur is heightened, as lots of people are out enjoying their free time in bars and clubs. Over the period of the operation Neon officers carried out 48 stops resulting in 15 arrests, for a range of offences including burglary, possession of with intent to supply of class A drugs, immigration and driving offences.

A total of 83 clubs were contacted regarding their promotions during this operation and over 200 venues were risk assessed by Clubs and Vice. The information received allowed a range of disruptive tactics to be deployed, preventing serious disorder at a number of events and resulting in the closure of three licensed venues. Operation Argon was first implemented over Christmas 2007 and there were no shootings at licensed premises during the festive period and none at all over New Year’. Following this success, The Met put Operation Argon back into action for Easter, once again proving the initiative to be a great success. Work took place across the capital with police officers working throughout the night to target criminals who intended to carry guns into London’s licensed premises. A special night bus with clubs and vice & TSG officers on board was also dispatched to nightclubs to provide rapid assistance and expert advice. Officers were on hand to assist with searches, and to close premises down quickly where problems arose. Operation Neons were also carried out, using intelligence to direct armed stops on cars believed to be associated with firearms. The initiative was a partnership between Trident, Clubs and Vice, Territorial Support Group, Specialist Firearms, the Met Intelligence Bureau, Traffic, the Dog Section and local borough police. Detective

Superintendent Gary Richardson of Trident, said: “This is the second time we have run Operation Argon and the second time there have been no shootings related to licensed premises. This is a marvellous result for the Met, helping to improve the safety of clubbers throughout the capital over the Easter period.We are keen to continue working in partnership with club and bar managers, to improve safety at licensed premises. However, we would still always encourage anyone going out clubbing to visit venues with thorough security and search regimes.