Police to target group disorder

Police said the aim was make people feel safe walking down their own road

Police forces across Scotland have begun a month-long crackdown on group disorder, ranging from gang violence to football hooliganism.

Patrols will be stepped up as officers target known offenders and sales of alcohol to underage drinkers.

Intelligence will also be gathered in secondary schools and social networking sites monitored.

The aim is to reduce violence in public areas, particularly at weekends, so communities feel safer.

The crackdown is the latest phase in the ongoing anti-violence campaign, coordinated by the Violence Reduction Unit.

Ch Insp Cameron Cavin, VRU anti-violence co-ordinator, said: "Group disorder isn't just gang violence. It is any form of violence committed by people acting together, be that in an organised or spontaneous manner.

"We know this kind of violence tends to occur at certain peak times, in certain places. It makes people afraid to go out and can restrict and damage communities.

"We are committed to tackling these issues and making our streets safer for everyone. No-one should feel afraid to walk down their own road at night."

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