Strathclyde Police report drop in violent crime

• More than 1,400 fewer victims of violent crime in past 12 months in west coast of Scotland

• Figures also reveal 77 fewer victims of murder and six per cent decrease in knife possession

• Police chief Stephen House praises report but says crime prevention is key

The force’s annual report has shown that there were more than 1,400 fewer victims of violent crime on the west coast in the past 12 months, including 77 fewer victims of murder and attempted murder and a decrease in knife possession of just over six per cent.

Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police Stephen House, who presented the annual report, also highlighted that more than £37 million was confiscated from criminals involved in serious and organised crime, exceeding its £25 million target.

Mr House said the figures represented “significant progress”.

“Since I returned to Scotland in 2007 my focus has been on tackling violence in the West of Scotland which sadly had become an accepted part of our culture,” he said.

“The results show that we have made significant progress. However, figures are not everything and for me the real success lies in the prevention of crime, the reduction of the numbers of families and communities affected by crime and the increase in our ability to Keep People safe. We are determined to do even better this year.”

The report is the last to be published by Strathclyde Police ahead of the creation of a Single Force.