London police appeal to Tamils

From Neville de Silva in London

Worried about increasing crime and violence among Tamils living here, London's Metropolitan Police have urged the large Tamil community to help them crack down on criminal activity. The Met Police have distributed notices among the community and the substantial number of Tamil-owned or run business establishments seeking assistance in the way of information to get to the bottom of criminal gangs, most of which are said to target young Tamil men.

The police appeal comes in the wake of reports from Singapore and Thailand of the arrest of several Tamils resident in Britain for credit card offences including the withdrawal of funds from banks and shops with credit cards which have been cloned or their details illegally obtained.

Police here are concerned about the intimidation, serious assault and even the murder of young Tamils from the community here. Addressing the community, the police notice states: "Young Tamil men from your community are being intimidated, seriously assaulted and in some extreme cases murdered. The Metropolitan Police Service needs your assistance to help stop this violence. We are committed to making communities safe. Without your help it is very difficult for us to know who the criminals targeting your community are."

The police end their appeal stating, "If you have any information on people who may be involved in criminal gangs, violence, financial fraud or other crimes, please phone the Communities Together Helpline on 0800 028 2390, where you can leave a message. Alternatively please speak to your local police."