CRIMES in Inverclyde involving the handling of offensive weapons have fallen by over a quarter in the last year.

New figures released today by Strathclyde Police and the Scottish Goverment showed a drop of 26 per cent in such weapon-related offences over the last year.

Inverclyde's new divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Alan Speirs said the latest stats were extremely encouraging.

He added: "Having recently taken on my new role, I am greatly encouraged by the level of proactivity both by my officers and the partner agencies, in particular the work with the Safer and Inclusive Communities Department at Inverclyde Council.

"Within Inverclyde we are conducting large numbers of targeted searches within problematic areas and yielding a very positive outcome in detecting knives and other crimes.

"Every knife or weapon recovered is potentially a weapon less which could be used in a violent attack or assault. Within Inverclyde one in every four stop searches is yielding a positive detection.

"The knock on effect for the Inverclyde area is in the reduction in victims, subjected to acts of violence and anti-social behaviour. Reductions in violent crime is dramatic in the area and is very much contributing to keeping local people safe.

"The innovative, proactive and high visible work of the police will continue within the area." Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today hailed the latest statistics as good news for the area - claiming it proved anti-knife campaigns such as those championed by the Tele are getting positive results.

He said: "In Inverclyde, I am pleased to see that crimes involving handling of an offensive weapon have fallen by 26 per cent in the last 12 months. This has contributed to a nationwide 10 per cent reduction, where crimes have almost halved since 2006/7.

"We have invested heavily in this area, specifically in our efforts to reduce knife crime. We have rolled out our highly successful No Knives Better Lives education campaign in 10 areas across the country to get the message across to young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife, and encourage more positive life choices.

"Across Scotland there is fantastic work being done by local partners in delivering No Knives Better Lives and I thank everyone associated for their work, which is benefiting our communities.

"I am pleased we are seeing positive results in Inverclyde and beyond." Stuart McMillan MSP also welcomed the local figures, adding: "Recorded crime is at a 37 year low, with the number of crimes involving an offensive weapon falling by 10 per cent, and I know the fall in crimes involving offensive weapons will be welcomed in communities such as Inverclyde."