Police today (Monday, March 2) launch a nationwide crackdown on group disorder.

The month-long initiative 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 Anti-Violence campaign, coordinated by the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

The main aim of the phase is to reduce group fuelled violence occurring in public areas at peak times such as Friday and Saturday nights.

This final phase will also consolidate work carried out in the knives and alcohol phases of the 08/09 campaign.

Chief Inspector Cameron Cavin, Anti-Violence Campaign Co-ordinator, said:

“Group disorder isn’t just gang violence, it’s 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. Our aim is to make forces across Scotland more effective at tackling this problem and preventing it before it occurs.

Among the tactics being employed by forces during this phase are:

• High visibility patrols
• Stop / searches
• Targeting of known offenders
• Identifying potential problem areas and offenders via social networking sites
• Targeting of those selling alcohol to underage drinkers
• Gathering intelligence within secondary schools in order to identify issues before they become problems

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:

“This is exactly the kind of tough enforcement that can help make our streets and communities safer. High Visibility patrols and targeting known offenders are proven tactics that can help combat group disorder and help us reclaim public space - bad behaviour and violence will not be tolerated. That’s why I’m fully behind the latest phase of the Violence Reduction Unit’s campaign.”