DOZENS of people have been arrested after a campaign was launched to tackle community crime in the north of Glasgow.

As the Safer Possil crackdown was launched earlier this month, police cautioned 71 people in the first seven days of the 16-week initiative.

Officers teamed up with North Glasgow Housing Association to tackle serious assaults, drugs offences, nuisance neighbours and alcohol-fuelled disorder.

The association, which handles around 1000 tenancies, has part-funded a dedicated police squad of two extra sergeants and 10 officers to supplement the existing team.

Six people were arrested for drugs possession and 20 litres of alcohol were seized in the first week of the campaign which started on June 6.

Police carried out 380 intelligence-led stop searches for weapons and drugs and and this resulted in 92 arrestes.

The 14-week campaign follows similar initiatives in Wyndford area and the Glenavon tower blocks and this has led to an 82% drop in incidences of violent crime.

Police say partnership working is more effective at driving down crime and anti-social behaviour.

Housing officers and police also carry out joint visits to nuisance neighbours and offenders and offer support to victims of domestic abuse.

Police will patrol flats and streets and known crime 'hot spots' and target licensed premises to tackle the illegal sale and supply of alcohol.

A weekly drop-in surgery will also be held for people to report crimes.

Chief Inspector Ann Hughes, of Maryhill police office: "What we are trying to do is build a safer community but we need the support of other people.

"What's also important is making sure the working practices are in place when the initiative ends."

Ann Marie Devlin, of North Glasgow Housing Association said: "Tenants feel safer when there are more police. It's about changing peoples' perception of the area too."

The move follows a successful campaign by police to target drugs offences, violent crime and antisocial behaviour in the Maryhill, Kelvin and Canal area, which led to the arrest of 35 drug dealers.

Operation Mosaic also resulted in the seizure of £108,000 in cash and goods and a dramatic drop in incidents of antisocial behaviour.

caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk