Weapons seized in gangs crackdown

More than 500 weapons - including knives - were confiscated by police

More than 500 weapons have been seized by police during searches on suspected gang members in the last month alone.

Officers stopped and searched 6,075 people across the country in March as part of the Safer Scotland initiative.

As well as seizing the weapons, police also confiscated alcohol from more than 870 underage drinkers.

Youngsters targeted by the anti-violence drive will be urged to take part in schemes involving anger management, sport, music and drama.

Nearly 10,000 young people have taken part in diversionary activities since the latest phase of the campaign was launched at the beginning of last month.

'Three-pronged attack'

Det Ch Insp Andy McKay, co-ordinator of Safer Scotland, said: "These interim figures show that this three-pronged attack on gang and group disorder is working.

"We are coming down hard on those committing violence and trying to prevent future violent incidents through attitudinal change programmes and diversionary activities."

On Monday, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill visited a project in the Springburn area of Glasgow, which will receive more than �15,000 to work with 120 known gang members over a six-month period.

Earlier this year he announced a �200,000 fund to which police and local bodies could make bids for schemes to tackle gangs and youth disorder.

"Many of these schemes imaginatively combine the tried and tested with new ideas and approaches," he said.

"By helping to build new skills and teach young people that there are alternatives to fighting, that banter is better than blades, we can turn lives around and show there's more to life than cheap drink and fighting."

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