Glasgow Kelvin MSP Sandra White has hailed Strathclyde Police as it was revealed that an experimental Scottish scheme, in which police refer young gang members directly for intensive support from a local charity, has achieved dramatic results by cutting offending in half.

The SNP MSP welcomed an evaluation report on the work carried out by Includem on behalf of Strathclyde Police which revealed that young people who completed the programme were charged with 47% fewer offences in the six months after leaving the scheme. The scheme costs £6,656 per offender. The cost of a secure place is £40,000.

Commenting, Ms White said: "Strathclyde Police are showing the way with this scheme which has achieved an enormous amount in a short period of time. Events in England over the last week underline the importance of projects like this and I am certain other forces will now be looking to learn from what is being achieved by Includem.

"The Scottish Governments investment in 1000 extra police officers has also helped drive crime rates down to a 32 year low and make Scotlands streets safer.

"There is absolutely no complacency, and there is always more to do to make our streets safer.  However, with the evidence that putting more police on the streets has helped to cut crime it is clear that the Scottish Government is right to prioritise maintaining those additional officers, and take action to tackle the booze and blade culture and expand the cashback for communities scheme to ensure more of the money from crime goes to support our communities."