Intervention plea to stop gang growth

The justice secretary has instructed an anti-organised crime taskforce to increase early intervention to prevent people joining gangs.

Chairing his first meeting of the Serious Organised Crime taskforce, Humza Yousaf said working with communities was key to diverting people from criminal gang membership.

He asked group members, which includes Police Scotland, councils and charities, to prioritise community engagement and re-focus on prevention.

Mr Yousaf said: “This taskforce has a vital role to play in keeping our communities safe and we have seen high-profile convictions of individuals involved in organised crime and the increasing use of Serious Crime Prevention Orders to reduce the risk to the public. Early intervention to tackle root causes of organised crime is vital.”