Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders says a project aimed at stemming a disturbing surge in gun and gang violence has so far been effective.

In the first six weeks of the 11-week initiative called Project Community Space, Saunders says his officers have made 240 arrests and laid 525 charges. Thirty-five per cent of those arrests were for firearm offences.

Saunders said the project has been “extremely effective in increasing safety in communities, gathering intelligence, identifying persons of interest, increasing the solve-ability of cases and making arrests and laying criminal charges.”

“Over the six weeks, shooting events have decreased 30 per cent compared to the six weeks prior to the start of the project,” he said Monday morning from police headquarters.

Saunders said 12 people who were free on bail for firearm offences were re-arrested during the first half of the project, and police conducted 876 bail compliance checks.

“The project allows for increased presence and visibility, in patrol cars and foot, in areas where street gangs are prevelant … we have seen some effectiveness as a deterrent,” he stressed.

Watch the chief’s full statement below.