Strathclyde launch forcewide campaign to promote responsible use of air weapons ...

Airguns are extremely dangerous weapons when inappropriately handled and should not be considered as toys. The consequences of thinking an air weapon is a toy are extremely serious and could result in severe injury or jail.

That is the message from Strathclyde Police as it launches its 'Game Over' campaign, designed to highlight the dangers and reinforce the message that air weapons are not kids play. Although not illegal, in the wrong hands they can be dangerous and can cause serious harm.

Strathclyde police are urging members of the public to keep their homes, cars and other valuable property secure and out of sight, following a spate of “Thefts” recently  in Glasgow’s South Side.  In recent weeks there has been a rise in crimes of this type.

Chief Inspector Kenneth Graham   of “Strathclyde Police” Is offering the following advice:

“We’d like to remind members of the public not to leave valuables unattended and in open view of criminals, even if it is only for a few minutes.

Taking a few seconds to follow simple safety precautions can often save a substantial loss. We would urge the community in the South Side of Glasgow to be alert.

Please remember to secure your home before going out or retiring for the evening. Lock your car doors and remove all property, including satellite navigation cradles and valuable items before leaving the car”.

There are some simple ways that can help protect your property from thieves: 

• Most sneak-in thefts are committed by opportunist thieves who don’t need to break-in due to a door or window being left open.

•  Keeping your home securely locked at all times is the best deterrent.  remember to check your cellar, garage and shed doors too.

• If you see signs of a break-in at your home, for example a smashed window or an open door – don’t go in.  Get assistance and call the police.

• Mark your property with a UV marker pen.  You can use this pen to place an invisible identification mark of your postcode and house number.

• Remember to use a strong chain to secure your bicycle to a solid structure. Modern bikes are extremely valuable so if you don’t lock it, you might loose it

• Never leave your valuables inside your vehicle in clear view of passers-by, even if it is only for a short time. 

• Do Not leave your "CAR" or "HOUSE" keys in view. If they see it, they can steal it. Remove your valuables from sight before someone else does. 

• Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. Members of the public can contact GIFFNOCK Police Office on 0141 532 5700 or information can be passed in confidence via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Constable MacDonald from Barrhead Community Policing Team accepts delivery of her new patrol cycle, from James O'Dowds owner of McPhees Sandwich Bar & Deli. Constable MacDonald and her colleagues will use the cycle to patrol Barrhead addressing issues identified by the community.

Barrhead Community Police can be contacted at Barrhead Police office on 0141 532 6284

Strathclyde Police are urging young people not to be the next gang member tagged 'R.I.P' as it launches the latest phase of the Campaign Against Violence focusing on knife crime and collective violence.

"Think about what you're doing and where you might end up - before it's too late"
This is the message which will be displayed on posters in bus shelters to drive home the message that being involved in a gang can have fatal consequences for gang members and devastating long term effects on their friends and families.

Bus shelter technology
By targeting bus shelters where young people often gather police are hoping the posters will make them think twice about getting drawn into the gang culture and the mindless violence that often goes with it.

These posters use lenticular technology, giving a 3-D like effect, changing the image depending on which angle you look at it from.

Radio and online support
Strathclyde Police will also be sponsoring the guest mix on Clyde One's "GB Experience" for 6 weeks. Broadcasting on Saturday nights, George Bowie's programme has a massive reach in the hardcore rave scene.

Music and online communication are a big part of young people's lives and Strathclyde Police will be supporting the "GB Experience" and developing the "Break The Circle of Violence" Bebo site to engage with them.

Progress made
The Gangs Task Force has made significant progress in tackling the issue of gang violence but the Force refuses to be complacent about the issue. Figures from the same phase last year showed a decrease of 25.3% in Youth-Related Complaints compared to 2008, and Strathclyde Police is committed is continue this trend.

Officers will carry out more stop searches to identify knife and weapon carriers. They will target crime "hotspots" and put in place crime prevention measures.

Analysis from the last eight years enables officers to identify crime hot spots and anticipate the type of crime which is likely to increase in certain areas throughout the year. This means officers and other resources can be dedicated when and where they're most needed and can have the maximum impact.

Price to pay
Chief Superintendent Campbell Corrigan, Strathclyde Police, said

"There are too many young lives lost through this kind of mindless violence and we will take action against gang members. We know that some young people feel they get a sense of belonging from being in a gang - but there's a price to pay for that. They could become the next murder victim or perpetrator.

"Our officers see the consequences of gang violence every day and we are determined not only to deal with the aftermath but to try and prevent it happening in the first place.

"Our motivation is simple - we want to make our streets safer for everyone but we need the public's help with this. They have a vested interest in the areas they live and we're asking them to let us know if they have any information about gangs in their area. Although we have more officers on the street than ever before we also need the public to be our eyes and ears.

"We must remember that the vast majority of young people in our Force area are not involved in gang culture or violence and we don't think they should be given a bad name by those who are."