PRESS RELEASE

Police are to launch a nationwide crackdown on gang and group disorder.

The month-long Communities Working With Collective Violence initiative, which begins today (Monday, March 3), will address everything from gang violence to football hooliganism and general public disorder through a combination of hard-edged enforcement, attitudinal change programmes and diversionary activities.

The crackdown is the latest phase in the ongoing Safer Scotland anti-violence campaign, co-ordinated by the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

Key aims of the phase are to build on current work and develop more methods of tackling problems of group disorder which can be put into practice long term. This final phase will also consolidate the work carried out in the knives and alcohol phases of this year’s campaign.

The phase will be launched at Strathclyde Force Headquarters by Safer Scotland Co-ordinator Detective Chief Inspector Andy McKay together with VRU head Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan and Chief Constable Steve House.

DCI McKay said:
“This form of violence is prevalent across Scotland and can be fuelled by everything from geographical location and place of residence to football. It adds to the feelings of social division and fragmentation in certain areas and it can tear the heart out of a community. It will not be tolerated.

“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.”

The phase is backed by an additional £200,000 government funding which was recently pledged by Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill to help fund behavioural and attitudinal change programmes.

Mr MacAskill said:
“We need to do more to make sure our young people don’t get caught up in gangs and the cycle of drink, drugs, deprivation and crime that it leads to. That’s why we’re investing money seized from criminals to give young people more opportunities through our CashBack for Communities scheme, and providing a pot of £200,000 for forces and their partners to deliver workshops for known gang members. Combined with our tough enforcement efforts I believe this can make a real difference – helping to stop people joining gangs and offering a way out to those who are already involved.”