More bobbies, less booze, no blades

Campaigning in the Glasgow East by-election the SNP Candidate Cllr John Mason highlighted the early and effective action taken by the SNP to tackle crime and make Glasgow East safer as the SNP shows it is on the side of people in Glasgow East.

Cllr Mason will also press the SNP's case for action to reduce access to cheap booze as one of the underlying causes of crime in our communities and for a ban on airguns.

Speaking in the East End Cllr John Mason said;

"The SNP has a record of success in this constituency after only 12 months in government in training more police for our streets, tackling the gangs, reducing knife crime and bringing forward radical proposals to target the cheap booze culture that fuels much of the violence in our communities.

"In the East End there has been a real improvement over recent months as funding for work to tackle the gang culture makes its way onto the streets providing young people with alternatives to crime and breaking barriers between gangs.

"The Enhanced Policing Plan in Glasgow's East End saw crime drop across the constituency by up to 24% with violent crime down 5% and a 27% reduction in the carrying of offensive weapons.

"Too often Glasgow East is written off because of crime or violence. We must not allow that to continue.

"The SNP is on your side in Glasgow East and is working with people in this constituency to tackle the booze and blade culture.

"As a result of the SNP's commitment to 1000 extra police in our communities – a policing increase Labour's candidate did not vote for – Strathclyde Police will be able to bring in an extra 750 police for communities across Glasgow including the East End.

"Tackling crime and violence requires a wide approach, that's why along with more police on our streets we are putting forward radical proposals to tackle the cheap booze culture - reducing access to the alcohol that fuels crime in our communities.

"The continuing misuse of firearms, including airguns, is also damaging lives and damaging the peace and security that everyone deserves. The SNP's position is unambiguous. We favour a full licensing scheme for airguns covering both the purchase and use of air weapons.

"The Scottish Government has shown a commitment to tackling this scourge with a summit on firearms. However firearms legislation is reserved to Westminster and as Glasgow East's MP I will take this issue forward with the Home Secretary by pressing for a review of the current laws.

"The Scottish Government is acting on crime in this community and is doing so with success. There is a long way still to go but the SNP is on your side in Glasgow East to deliver safer streets and safer communities."

ENDS

1. Evening Times, 9th April 2008

"Strathclyde Police aims to boost its ranks to a record level, with officer numbers up by as much as 750 over the next three years...They include taking advantage of new officers paid for by the Scottish Government under the SNP's election pledge to recruit 1000 extra police in Scotland."

Source

In the 2007 election Labour promised NO extra police officers.

In the Scottish Parliament all Labour MSPs failed to vote for funding for more police officers.

2. Enhanced Policing Plan in Baillieston, Shettleston and Greater Easterhouse Over 600 criminals arrested Since October crime rates have fallen dramatically:

* antisocial behaviour related crime - down 7%
* disorder calls to the police - down 8%
* violent crime - down 5% (lowest level for five years)
* vandalism - down 20%
* carrying of offensive weapons - down 27%

Source.