MUGGINGS in Glasgow fell ­dramatically last year, an Evening Times investigation shows.

The number of robberies - most of which took place on our streets - dropped by more than 40%.

Our figures reveal there were 42 robberies or attempted robberies in the city centre, ­between April 1 and December 31, last year.

Most were muggings or street robberies. In the same period, the previous year, there were 73 instances of the crime reported to police.

That is a decline of more than 42% in a year.

Police patrols have been stepped up across the city as officers target "hotspots" for criminal activity, ­including muggings and robberies.

Chief Inspector Alan Porte, area commander for the city centre, is leading the crackdown.

Today he warned: "My message to anyone thinking about committing a robbery in Glasgow city centre is simple - don't.

"We will catch you and you will face the full rigour of the law."

Mr Porte believes "intelligence-led ­patrols" and "pro-­actively targeting" muggers are key to the force's success.

All robberies are investigated by officers from a specialist unit based in the city centre.

It has a team of dedicated officers working on robberies around the clock to make the city streets safer for the public.

From street robberies, muggings and ­mobile phone thefts, to raids on bookies, shops or bank robberies, the unit has a wide remit.

Reassuring communities and reclaiming the streets for law-abiding people is also key to the police's "pro-active" approach.

"By using intelligence-led patrols in ­areas where crime has occurred in the past," Mr Porte said.

"And by pro-actively targeting those responsible, we have had some tremendous results.

"Any crime that is reported is investigated thoroughly by specialist officers."

It comes after the Evening Times revalead housebreakings in Glasgow have halved because of a massive police campaign.

Break-ins in homes in the city centre have fallen by 56% during the last year.

Meanwhile, break-ins at commercial properties, including shops, restaurants, pubs and clubs, have also fallen by 20%.

There were fewer than 98 incidences ­between April and ­December, last year, compared to 123 the previous year.

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk