Scots police force appeals to teenagers in fight against gang crime

Published on Tuesday 19 January 2010 10:55

TEENAGERS were today urged to help police fight the war against organised crime, days after the killing of a gangland figure in Glasgow.

Officers want young people to be the "eyes and ears" of their community as part of a new campaign aimed at disrupting the activities of gangsters.

The Strathclyde Police initiative also aims to dispel the "glamour" associated with the criminal underworld.

Council chiefs and representatives from the business and security sectors will work alongside officers to tackle the problem.

The campaign launch comes days after the murder of a gangland figure at a busy supermarket in Glasgow.

Kevin Carroll, 29, was shot dead in an apparent gangland execution while he sat in the back of an Audi car outside an Asda store in the Robroyston area last Wednesday.

Today's initiative was launched at Pollok community centre in Glasgow by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, who called for a co-ordinated approach to stop "evil" from prevailing in certain communities.

A poster featuring four career criminals has been produced to mark the launch.

Drug dealers Stephen Jamieson, Brian McCulloch, and Steven and Gary Caddis were jailed in October for a total of 29 years following Operation Lockdown.

Mr MacAskill said: "In tackling organised crime we need to change a culture that describes some as colourful businessmen. They are not.

"They are gangsters and criminals who prey on our communities.

"That is why all decent people must support the police as they pursue serious organised criminals until justice is done and until they are stripped of their ill-gotten gains."

A key part of the crackdown is action to prevent young people from getting caught up in what is sometimes portrayed as a glamourous lifestyle.

Officers met fifth and sixth year pupils from nearby St Paul's and Rosshall to deliver the message.

Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton said: "We want to show young people that serious and organised crime is not a glamorous career option but a ticket to jail.

"We are increasingly making strides in tackling these criminals and they are fast realising they are not above the law.

"We want young people to know the harm and misery caused by career criminals and help them choose the right path to a fulfilling life rather than the dark criminal back alley.

"We also want them to realise that they can help us tackle the criminals. They are the eyes and ears of their communities and we can act on this information to bring the criminals to justice."

The murder of Kevin Carroll last week has sparked fears of renewed violence on Glasgow's streets.

Carroll was said to have links with a notorious organised crime gang and survived an attempt on his life three years ago.

He suffered stomach wounds in a double shooting in Auchinairn, East Dunbartonshire, in November 2006, when shots were fired at him and a friend from a car.

Mr MacAskill said: "Communities must provide the police with more information on gangs and criminals – just a little bit of information may complete a jigsaw and help convict them.

"The good news is that they are no longer untouchable. But for evil to prevail, all it takes is for good men and women to do nothing.

"I urge everyone, in whatever walk of life and in whichever way they can, to stand up for what is right and against what is wrong."

A national organised crime strategy was launched in June last year in Scotland.

Individual police forces are launching their own strategies to meet the specific needs of their areas.