The figures, obtained under Freedom of Information legislation, show that almost one in 10 of those crimes in the area was violent.

During the three-year-period, a glass Buckfast bottle was used as a weapon 114 times.

Police said the figures suggested there is an association between Buckfast and violence.

Part of a BBC investigation, the findings are to be revealed in the programme BBC Scotland Investigates: The Buck­fast Code, broadcast tonight.

Commenting on the figures, Superintendent Bob Hamilton of Strath­clyde Police, said: “The figures are fairly clear that Buckfast is mentioned in a number of crime reports and over the period requested, the Buckfast bottle was used 114 times as a weapon. I think it’s clear from the figures that there is an association there.”

The investigation also looks at the ingredients of the drink and how they may affect the behaviour of consumers, potentially making them anxious and aggressive if drunk in large quantities.

Around the world there is increasing concern about the effect of caffeine when mixed with alcohol.

Neuroscientist Dr Steven Alexander tells how there is 281 milligrammes of caffeine in a bottle of Buckfast – as much caffeine as in eight cans of coke.

A spokesman for Buckfast said: “The ­people who commit crimes are the ones who have to take responsibility. It is completely wrong to blame the knife manufacturer if someone stabs someone. Why just attack Buckfast?”

BBC Scotland Investi­gates: The Buckfast Code, BBC One Scotland, tonight, 7.30pm.