Fife crime swoop nets drugs and weapons

WEAPONS, DRUGS and alcohol were uncovered in nearly half of all searches carried out by police in a crime clampdown in Glenrothes, it has been revealed.

During an intensive two-week operation targeting violent crime and anti-social behaviour, Police Scotland officers used controversial stop and search powers in a bid to combat crime.

Out of a total of 109 searches, nearly 50% — 53 — were “positive”, yielding a haul of weapons, alcohol and drugs.

In addition, 22 violent offenders were apprehended on warrant.

The concentrated police presence was in response to an expected seasonal rise in violent crimes and disorder in the kingdom.

Data led police to anticipate the increase and carry out Operation Tusker, which hit the streets of Glenrothes between May 9 and 25.

This saw officers turning the spotlight on violent crime.

Officers also seized 24 litres of illicit alcohol from underage youngsters and issued 15 fixed penalty notices.

Officers concentrated their efforts on known anti-social hotspots and 186 extra patrols were carried out at these areas.

Community Inspector Derek Paxton said: “The work carried out during the period of Operation Tusker was in response to an anticipated increase in crimes of violence and disorder.”

“THIS WAS identif ied by analysing information from previous years, allowing us to effectively target resources in the right place at the right time to tackle our priority issues throughout Glenrothes.”

Mr Paxton said using stop and search powers had been instrumental in removing significant amounts of illegal drugs and alcohol off the streets during Operation Tusker.

“We are mindful of public perception around its use, the overriding priority with stop and search is to target the right people at the right time at the right place, all with the intention of keeping people safe in the community.”

The operation came shortly after it was revealed officers had carried out 1,390 stop and searches in Glenrothes in the 10 months up to the end of February, compared to 899 the previous year – a rise of 54%

Of these 405 were found to be “positive” compared to the previous figure of 58 — a staggering rise of 590%.