Grand Theft Auto gun poster removed from South London street after public complaints

Lambeth police and council have successfully lobbied company Clear Channel to remove a 25ft advertisement featuring a woman holding a MAC 10 machine gun, following a wave of complaints from members of the public.

The poster promoting the computer game Grand Theft Auto IV, which appeared on an advertising hoarding in Streatham, has now been removed over night, after the police and council raised residents' concerns with the advertiser and requested that they take down the offending image. 

Outraged residents complained to the police and council after the advertisement for the new games console appeared near the Streatham ice rink, SW16, an area where there have been two tragic gun related murders over the last year.

Acting Superintendent Robert Harper from Lambeth police said: “I am very grateful for the quick resolution to this issue, and the response from Clear Channel who acted responsibly in taking down the advertisement.

"The prompt withdrawal emphasises the commitment of the MPS and all our partners to reduce the carrying of weapons by young people and to reduce serious violence by gaining the support of our communities for positive action."

It is our priority to stop serious violence within the borough of Lambeth this includes images, which may promote such offences.

Last year was a very sad time for the families of those involved in the incidents of this area. Patrolling Safer Neighbourhood Team officers acted upon concerns highlighted by their local community and in partnership with the local authority intervened positively to secure the cooperation of the company responsible for siting the advertisement.”

Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, cabinet member for safer communities at Lambeth Council, said: "Residents were justifiably upset by this advertisement and it was right for us to work with the police to raise their concerns.

"We're glad that the company involved has seen sense and respected the concerns of residents by removing the poster.

"We are taking tough action to stamp out violent crime on our streets and will also take steps to lobby against any inappropriate images that glorify gun crime and are insensitive to the people living and working in the area."