CITY detectives will distribute Crimestoppers postcards in the Glasgow communities where gun attacks have taken place in a bid to catch the criminal gangs responsible for the targeted hits.
The latest tactic by Police Scotland has been deployed in a bid to get fearful communities to speak out against the criminal gangs - without fear of retribution.
The force believes intelligence from the communities could provide vital clues in two city shootings which are still being actively investigated including the murder of Kenny Reilly.
The 29-year-old died after he was shot while sitting in the passenger seat of a BMW car at traffic lights on Bilsland Drive, near to Maryhill Road in Ruchill on April 16.
A black car pulled up nearby, and the black balaclava-wearing passenger of that vehicle got out and shot him.
A short time after the incident a black people carrier was found burnt out at Craigieburn Gardens in nearby Maryhill.
Detectives want key witnesses who were in the areas on the night of the shooting, which happened at 10.20pm, to come forward.
They are also looking for the hitmen who attempted the kill William Barclay, 26, in Dykemuir Street, between Springburn and Balornock on March 10.
He was targeted in broad daylight at 4.30pm as he was leaving the car with his family. Two hitman appeared and chased him. One of the men shot at him with the bullet narrowly missing.
A chase continued down Dykemuir Street towards Red Road where the Barclay was repeatedly slashed with a bladed weapon.
Detective Inspector Jim Bradley, above, said: “We want to really encourage people to come forward and give information. We understand that people are reluctant to come forward to speak to the police.
“We have had a lot of successes over the years based on witness information and there are procedures in place for people who do assist the police.
“But if people do feel strongly that they don’t want to be seen to assist the police then Crimestoppers is the natural route to go.”
The postcards, above, will be delivered to communities mainly in the North Glasgow area and contain information on how to contact the charity Crimestoppers.
Angela Parker, National Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “We want to encourage people to come forward because of the harm that these criminal gangs are causing and it has escalated recently.
“It is a really important campaign because Crimestoppers is the only way for people to contact give information 100 per cent anonymously always - that is our message to people that might fear retribution.
“You don’t have to be a witness, make a statement or go to court. No one will ever know you contacted us unless you tell them.”
Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
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