Are "Muslim Patrols' Trying to Establish Sharia Law In Parts of London? (Video)

Are "Muslim Patrols" taking over the streets of East London? A new report by Al Jazeera has found that a group of young men calling themselves the "Muslim Patrols" have taken to the streets of East London to try to create "Muslim zones."

The group has posted several videos of themselves targeting people who are either drinking alcohol or dressed in ways that they deem inappropriate, Al Jazeera reported. "This is a Muslim area," they're seen telling several people on the street. However, local Muslim leaders, including the East London Mosque, have condemned their actions.

In a statement released on January 17, the East London Mosque said, "These actions are utterly unacceptable and clearly designed to stoke tensions and sow discord. We wholly condemn them. The East London Mosque is committed to building co-operation and harmony between all communities in this borough. The actions of this tiny minority have no place in our faith nor on our streets."

The East London Mosque added that they have contacted the police and local authorities to alert them of the so-called "Muslim Patrol," and added, "We will monitor the situation closely and our Imams will be speaking out against such actions."

During a Google+ Hangout interview with Al Jazeera's The Stream, Abu Abbas from The Shariah Project spoke about the work his group was doing in North East London and how it differentiated from that of the "Muslim patrols." Abbas said that the "Muslim patrol" was "not the best approach," but he believes that Muslims must help spread their faith's message to improve society.

The story has garnered a lot of attention, including an editorial, called "I feel like a stranger where I live," by conservative writer Jane Kelly. Kelly writes of how it feels like Muslims have "taken over" much of London. The reports have also led to the arrest of five "vigilantes" believed to be involved, the Telegraph reported.

What do you think of the "Muslim patrols" and what should London authorities do about it?