Armed officers, dog units and local policing teams are patrolling Marsh Farm and Lewsey Farm in an attempt to reassure the community following the latest gun crime on Saturday.
A 16-year-old boy was shot in the back in Thricknells Close at about 4am and is in hospital in a serious but stable condition, with “life-changing” injuries.
He is the victim of the ninth shooting in Luton this year, out of 16 gun-related incidents.
Beds Police are determined to crack down on gun crime in the town, and the Luton News joined armed officers and dog units on patrol yesterday to observe the work they are doing in the area.
Officers said they hope their increased presence will reassure the public, particularly the tight-knit Marsh Farm community where the teenager was shot.
Detectives believe it is a “small minority” of criminals who are involved in gun crime in the town.
At the operation briefing yesterday, Det Supt Dave Boyle said: “I don’t want to underplay the anxiety felt in the community, particularly in Marsh Farm, following Saturday’s events.”
Officers were briefed on the information and intelligence relating to the case so far, and given background and context of the situation.
Det Supt Boyle said: “We are looking for certain individuals and are interested in finding out their locations, and speaking to other individuals they have been involved with.”
Police are offering a £1,000 reward to anyone who gives police information that leads to the arrest and conviction of any offender who is involved in gun crime in the town.
They have also released CCTV footage of a man wanted in connection with the shooting on Saturday.
The footage shows a man leaving the area at the time of the shooting, and detectives are keen to speak him as he may have information that could help the investigation.
A Beds Police spokesperson said: “Investigators are taking the unusual step of releasing CCTV footage...this man may have information that could help this investigation and officers need to speak to him urgently.”
The man is described as white, in his mid-teens, wearing a blue top and blue denim jeans.
Call Beds Police in confidence on 101 or text information to 07786 200011.