Tough message for violent gangs

The posters and chalk outlines will appear in known trouble spots

Hard hitting images of the consequences of being in a gang have been posted on buses across the Strathclyde force area in a bid to tackle violent crime.

Chalk outlines of a body and a knife will also appear in 15 areas identified as gang trouble spots.

It is part of a wider operation targeting more than 170 gangs operating in the west of Scotland.

Officers will visit suspected gang members and meeting places, and monitor social networking websites.

Police said they wanted to remind gang members of the brutal results of their actions.

Strathclyde Police's Violence Reduction Task Force has made more than 1,000 arrests, seized 2,752 blades and carried out over 212,466 stop and searches since their Campaign Against Violence was introduced last March.

The latest phase will also see a crackdown on retailers selling knives to young people.

If you choose to take part in gang related violence, chances are we will find you, so be prepared to pay the consequences ACC Campbell Corrigan Strathclyde Police

Police will also use intelligence gleaned from internet sites such as Bebo and Facebook.

Officers will be encouraging people to report crimes, especially those who are often reluctant to co-operate due to fear, vulnerability or involvement in crime.

Assistant Chief Constable Campbell Corrigan said: "What we are trying to do in this phase of the Campaign Against Violence for 2009 is reduce gang violence, remove dangerous weapons from streets and reduce the fear of crime throughout local communities.

"It is not about scaring law abiding people into thinking that where they live is not safe. It is more about sending out a strong message to certain individuals. They know who they are."

He added: "It is quite simple. If you choose to take part in gang related violence, chances are we will find you, so be prepared to pay the consequences.

"The consequences are extremely serious and range from being hospitalised with life threatening injuries to terms in prison. Is a gang fight really worth it?"

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