Mr Rae wants a focus on alcohol related crime

Willie Rae said new measures were needed to tackle the problem of alcohol-related crime.

The Strathclyde force's annual report, which was published on Thursday, shows a small reduction in total crime, but a rise in violent crime.

The report shows that overall recorded crime is down in the last year by almost 4% to the lowest level in the force's history.

Officers also recorded the force's highest ever detection rate.

However, violent crime was up by more than 2.4% (200 offences).

Mr Rae said that if violent crime was to be reduced, something must be done about binge drinking, especially among the young.

He told BBC Radio Scotland: "The police don't have all the answers to this problem.

Committee recommendations

"Violent crime has been with us for many many years and this issue about alcohol has also been with us for many years.

"It's something that the police cannot solve alone.

"I hope the parliament recognises that this is an important issue, an urgent matter."

Mr Rae is urging changes to Scotland's drinking laws.

He was a member of the Nicholson Committee which has made recommendations to the Scottish Executive.

I hope the parliament recognises that this is an important issue, an urgent matter Willie Rae Strathclyde chief constable

Mr Rae said it was imperative that Sheriff Gordon Nicholson's recommendations were made law as soon as possible.

He said: "If we're going to look at the causes of violent crime, it's looking at modernising the licensing legislation that we have here in Scotland and a report is lying on ministers' desks."

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said everyone wanted to see solutions to the problems.

"We want to change the culture of binge drinking that is too prevalent in many communities.

She added: "We can cut down on the amount of violent crime by getting people to think about drinking more sensibly and more safely."

Police numbers

The chief constable unveiled his force's annual report on Thursday.

Mr Rae said his officers had achieved much in the past 12 months - but that more needed to be done.

"All of our plans and actions are now designed to address the issues of most concern in our communities," he said.

"It is important to inform the public of the strategies we have developed and for them to tell us whether or not these things are actually working."