SL project sees crime fall 79.5%

A Street League project has seen crime fall dramatically in the Calton area of Glasgow, with complaints of violence and disorder levels falling by 79.5% at times when football activities were running.

Strathclyde Police said that disorder related calls fell from 34 per evening in 2007 to 7 per evening in 2008 comparing specific dates and times when sessions were running. Activities were held at 1800-2100 hours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from January to March.

The Calton area of the East End of Glasgow has historically been subject to high levels of antisocial behaviour, disorder and gang fighting, and there is an absence of youth diversionary activity in the area. Dougie Stevenson, Street League's Head of Operations in Glasgow said: "This pilot project has proved very successful in building some bridges between different groups in the community and encouraging people to walk away from gang culture."

The £10,000 project was delivered in partnership with Strathclyde Police and East End Healthy Living Centre, and funded by the Local Community Planning Partnership. Police officers were in attendance on all evenings to alleviate any fears of territorialism and gang related violence.

Inspector Scott Berry of Strathclyde Police said: "During the initiative, traditional territorial barriers between rival gang members were broken down, with a resultant positive impact upon levels of disorder and antisocial behaviour."

Dougie Stevenson added, "This was a very encouraging start with 87 youth engaged with a total of 226 attendances. We look forward to continuing our effective partnership with Strathclyde Police in the future."

Street League launched in Glasgow in 2005.