CRIMEBUSTERS have arrested more than 500 Glasgow gangsters in the last year.

And a surge of intelligence-led operations has helped police net millions in "gangster tax".

The dedicated police squad - based in Glasgow - have seized more than £11million under proceeds of crime legislation and prevented companies acting as gangster fronts from getting another £8m in business.

Detective Superintendent Stephen Grant said: "We have no intention of resting on our laurels. We will continue to target those individuals and groups involved in organised crime in Greater Glasgow with a view to making our city a safer place."

The results were released to the Evening Times as part of Police Scotland's annual report. Across Scotland, 2677 gangsters have been snared and £82m seized during the last year.

DS Grant added: "In collaboration with our partners, we will pro-actively target those criminals by targeting the supply of controlled drugs by seizing their cash and assets. However, to achieve our targets we need the public's assistance."

"I would encourage anyone who has concerns regarding an issue in their community, or regarding any individual involved in any aspect of serious and organised crime to contact police."

As part of the report, Scotland's top officer Sir Steve House also revealed the number of rapes in the country has jumped by more than 23%.

Police Scotland's annual report revealed that 1690 rapes were reported in the last 12 months - 318 more than the previous year. However, detectives have solved more than 71% of sex attacks, which took place in the last year.

Sir Steve said: "We said from the outset of the single service that such crimes were under-reported.

"Rape presents unique challenges in terms of investigation and evidence gathering and such inquiries can be extremely complex.

"Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and will continue to ensure there are no hiding places for offenders."

In recent weeks, the Evening Times has reported a spate of sex attacks in the Glasgow area.

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk