Xcalibre is GMP's specialist unit tackling gun and gang-related crime.
The walls of its office are covered in mugshots of suspects, grouped together under the names of their gangs - the Rusholme Cripz, the Fallowfield Mad Dogs and the Moss Side Bloods, among others.
'We've had a number of incidents where we have had tit-for-tat fights,' says Det Sgt Robert Cousen.
'One gang will go into opposing territory. That then sets up tensions because the opposing gang will want some form of retribution.
'That's why we have Operation Cougar going on at the moment - to make sure those tensions don't get out of hand.'"
Powers have come into force that could ban gang members from entering certain areas, wearing ‘gang colours’, and going out in public with dangerous dogs.
Police and local authorities will be able to apply for the gang injunctions, which will be issued by a county court and last up to two years. They will be given to adults who have been proven to have engaged in, encouraged or assisted gang-related violence.
James Brokenshire, the crime prevention minister, said the powers will help tackle a ‘higher level of criminality’ than anti-social behaviour orders, but will not lead to a criminal record if breached.
The Centre for Social Justice criticised the lack of a unified and coherent strategy for tackling anti-social behaviour.
Executive director Gavin Poole said: ‘What we urgently need is a comprehensive strategy for the short-term, medium-term and long-term. Without it, lives will continue to be lost and the waves of devastation will continue to roll across communities impacted by street gangs.’
Home secretary Theresa May is expected to make an announcement on anti-social behaviour this week, which will be designed to increase the effectiveness of measures to tackle the problem.
She is reportedly keen to scrap the term ASBO, although the gang injunctions have already been unofficially dubbed ‘gangbos’.
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