A DOZEN people have been arrested or cautioned by police since a campaign to target community crime was relaunched.

More than 100 people have been stopped and searched by officers deployed to the Safer Streets initiative since it began last month in Maryhill.

Police said the targeted searches have led to seizures of drugs, alcohol, weapons and fireworks.

Maryhill Housing Association is working with Police Scotland to target drugs offences, violent crime, anti- social behaviour and problem tenants.

During the original campaign, which ran from January 20 to May 12 last year, 488 people were caught carrying weapons in stop searches, 387 people were arrested for crimes and 60 fixed penalties were issued for anti-social behaviour.

Police said the number of serious assaults dropped 64% on the previous year, from 11 incidents to four.

Since the year-long campaign began on October 12, twelve people have been arrested, nine warned about their behaviour and others cautioned for tenant issues. Both uniformed and plain clothes officers have been patrolling housing estates.

Chief Inspector Graham McInlarlin said: "I am pleased with the results.

"We are targeting areas identified by MHA and the police as causing issues to other residents. We are able to provide reassurance to those residents affected by anti social behaviour, while targeting the individuals responsible for it."

A spokesman for Mary- hill Housing Association said: "Our tenants, other residents and the community generally want action to defeat such behaviour and ensure local streets are as safe as they can be.

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk