Gang Activity of Note

MTGP Pilot

MTGP has been in operation since 2008 following concerns raised by partners regarding the high level of gang related violence and disorder within South Lanarkshire which had been a problem for generations.

The partners wanted to introduce a diversionary activity that would have sufficient ‘street credibility’ that would be seen as a viable alternative to offending by gang members. MTGP was established to combat existing problems and to help raise community wellbeing within our most vulnerable and deprived communities.

A pilot was carried out whereby MTGP targeted the area of Halfway, Cambuslang which was the worst affected community within South Lanarkshire with 3 extremely active gangs, in what is a relatively small geographical area. Halfway was also the subject of a 2 page report in a national newspaper titled ‘Halfway to Hell’

MTGP activity proved such a success with over 50 young people attending nightly including several known gang members along with several parents and residents. MTGP activities resulted in a reduction of crime and disorder of 36% and culminated in the formation of a ‘Cambuslang Select’ football team containing several players from the areas 3 gangs. Their first match was watched by 200 ‘supporters’ and passed without incident.

Extensive evaluation with attendees, parents and residents highlighted numerous positive outcomes and it was decided by all partners to continue the good work of MTGP

Gang Activity of Note

MTGP has proved to be extremely successful in targeting hard to reach offenders and gang members. Prior to attending a new location, extensive evaluation is carried out by Police Scotland to ensure that MTGP targets the worst affected areas of South Lanarkshire when need is at its greatest. The following are examples of what has been achieved in communities as a direct result of MTGP activity:-

Halfway, Cambuslang

A serious gang related incident took place in the Carmyle area of Glasgow involving youths from Carmyle and Halfway, Cambuslang. This resulted in 3 charges of attempted murder being reported to the Procurator fiscal. The incident marked the first anniversary of a gang related murder in Halfway involving the same gangs.

At the request of partners, MTGP was tasked to target Halfway in an attempt to stop further gang related incidents of violence and to offer alternatives to offending whilst attempting to reduce community fears regarding acts of retaliation.

Due to the excellent relationships built by MTGP, numerous potential flashpoints were avoided, including planned vigilante activity by residents that was prevented by the intervention of MTGP coaches.

MTGP activity resulted in no incidents taking place during the period when MTGP was in operation.

Despite the high level of concerns raised by residents and partners regarding increases in violence and disorder, MTGP activity, actually resulted in a reduction in youth related crimes and incidents of 12.5%.

 

 

Greenhills, East Kilbride

MTGP had previously carried out activity in the Greenhills area of East Kilbride following a gang related murder. This had resulted in a dramatic reduction in crimes and offences along with MTGP assisting the formation and development of a highly successful community led group, operated solely by residents, Communities United Promoting Inclusion (CUPI).

CUPI was formed by residents including the mother of the deceased, as they feared young people would return to gang activities upon MTGP leaving the area. MTGP remained in the area for an additional 12 weeks to support the formation of the group and its activities.

MTGP was later asked to return to the Greenhills area, in response to increased community concerns relating to the start of the murder trial and also fears regarding acts of retaliation as a result of subsequent counter charges raised by the accused.

Some of the Greenhill’s attendees and parents who gained an SFA coaching qualification with MTGP

Part of the external community fitness area obtained through funding by CUPI

 

Previous MTGP activity had resulted in youth related crimes and incidents being  reduced to an unprecedented level . With the assistance of CUPI and partners, MTGP activity again resulted in this low level of crime being achieved yet again.

Despite increased press interest at national and local levels and during what was an extremely volatile and difficult period, there were no youth related crimes or incidents within Greenhills as a direct result of MTGP activity.

MTGP continues to support the activities of CUPI who have gone onto achieve significant outcomes for the benefit for their community, such as a youth club operated by volunteer adults and young people on a Friday evening which regularly attracts up to 175 young people, several community fun days, a youth drama group and a new external, free community fitness area, operated by a residents management group and overseen by CUPI, all in just 5 short years since their formation.