Crime rose by 7% overall

The force's annual report, which will be published on Wednesday, shows that almost two thirds of crimes have been solved by the force.

However, Chief Constable Andrew Cameron will voice concern at continuing levels of youth disorder.

In his report, Mr Cameron says tackling violent crime has been a major focus of the past year.

The overall figure is down by 14%, although the number of attempted murders went up by 13% to eight.

Targeted patrols have led to record seizures of offensive weapons.

However, the report says that youths were responsible for a "disproportionately high" number of these cases.

I would urge parents to talk to their children...to emphasise the serious dangers of weapons being carried in the streets Chief Constable Andrew Cameron

The force also dealt with more than 3,500 people involved in anti-social behaviour - a large number of whom were young people.

Mr Cameron said this was a problem that the police could not solve in isolation.

He said responsible parenting, employment, leisure opportunities and a pro-active criminal justice system also had a part to play in solving the problem.

In his report, he says: "I would urge parents to talk to their children before they go out for the evening and when they return home to emphasise the serious dangers of weapons being carried in the streets."

Overall, crime has risen by 7%.

Mr Cameron said that was partly explained by more pro-active policing, especially in relation to drug dealing.

Hotspots of disorder

Drugs with an estimated value of more than �1.1m were seized last year and more than 200 alleged dealers were arrested.

The force is placing an emphasis on providing reassurance to communities by policing hotspots of disorder.

Mr Cameron said he was pleased to report that the force had recorded a detection rate of 64% for the second successive year.

"In my view this is an exceptional performance, given that the Scottish average is 45%," he writes in the report.