Knife crime hits a nine-year low
Lorraine Tinney • Published 20 Mar 2010 14:00
KNIFE crime has plummeted to a record low in Inverclyde after the launch of the Tele's groundbreaking anti-blade campaign.
The numbers of offences involving a bladed weapon is the lowest it has been in nine years.
This is in keeping with the downward trend in violence in the area, which has shown the biggest drop in a decade.
New figures show robberies are down by a quarter and serious assaults cut by 18.5 per cent.
While the number of knives on the streets fell by 16.5 per cent, and offensive weapons by 15 per cent.
Chief Inspector Graeme MacDiarmid, of Greenock police, pictured, also praised the contribution made by the Telegraph's anti-knife campaign
He said: "Over the past year there has been an unprecedented focus on violent crime in Inverclyde.
"The Telegraph's campaign against knife crime, the Scottish Government's 'No Knives, Better Lives' campaign, John Muir's tireless campaigning, and the ongoing hard work of the police, Inverclyde Council and many other partners have all contributed to some very encouraging reductions in serious violent crime and weapons carrying."
This has also resulted in people feeling safer in their communities.
He said: "Our surveys indicate a reduced fear of crime and an increased confidence by the public that local policing issues are being listened to and acted upon."
Police say stop and search blitzes and a clampdown on drinking in public and other anti-social behaviour has helped to reduce the number of serious assaults and robberies.
Officers carried out more than 9,500 searches, which rose by 32 per cent.
But Chief Inspector MacDiarmid said everyone must continue to build on their good work.
He said: "However, the challenge for everyone in Inverclyde is to keep this momentum going.
"None of us can afford to be complacent, and I can certainly assure the public of Inverclyde that tackling violence and disorder will continue to be my priority over the next 12 months."
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 20 Mar 10
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