Gang crackdown stops 'thousands'

Police are targeting gang and group violence

More than 7,000 people have been stopped and searched by police in a national crackdown on gang violence.

The searches were the final phase in the Safer Scotland anti-violence campaign which has been running for the past year.

It saw more than 12,000 youths take part in activities to keep them out of trouble.

A further 500 will take part in "attitudinal change programmes" to prevent offending.

Officers carried out 7,485 gang or group related stop searches across Scotland as part of the Communities Working With Collective Violence initiative.

Alcohol and knives are key elements in gang and group violence, which is why we have redoubled our efforts to clampdown on these factors Detective Chief Inspector Andy McKay

Detective Chief Inspector Andy McKay, Safer Scotland coordinator, said: "We know gang membership encourages dangerous behaviour which creates a sense of division, distrust and fear in communities.

"People living in these areas tell us their streets are blighted by gangs and parents tell us they need support to help change their kids' attitudes.

"Gang members justify their behaviour by claiming there is little to do.

"That is why we have launched a three-pronged attack on the problem, cracking down on those committing violence and trying to prevent future violent incidents through attitudinal change programmes and diversionary activities."

A new campaign, focusing on weapons, began on Monday 21 April.

Detective Chief Inspector McKay added: "There will be no let up. We see this as core business and we are determined to tackle it.

"Alcohol and knives are key elements in gang and group violence, which is why we have redoubled our efforts to clampdown on these factors during this phase of the campaign.

"Removing them means reducing the risk of violence occurring in the first place."

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