TOUGH policing has forced a fall in the number of incidents involving boozed-up thugs over the festive period.

 

An Evening Times investigation reveals there were 40% less assaults than last year in Glasgow city centre.

It comes as police are gearing up for one of the busiest nights of the year, with ten of thousands of festive revellers set take to the streets.

Extra officers will be deployed in tonight, which has been billed as the second Black Friday of the Christmas period.

Specialist police resources will be in place - in all parts of the city.

Last week - which included the first Black Friday - there were 40 assaults in the city centre.

Our figures show a 40% drop from the equivalent week last year, when 65 people were attacked.

High visibility and intelligence-led operations are credited with helping to drive down the number of assaults.

Disorder incidents in the city centre also plunged 20%, from 164 to 125, over the same period.

Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland, area commander, said: "Last weekend, people really followed the party safe messages, drank responsibly, and took their time to get home safely.

"Compared to last year, we saw a huge reduction in crime - with violent crime in particular more than halved.

"Usually, this weekend has a slightly different feel with less organised party nights - more people will be out celebrating finishing work, college or university for Christmas.

"As a result, rather than the party function rooms being busy, it will be the pubs and clubs that will be crowded so please be patient at the bar and respect those around you."

Despite the impressive figures, senior officers vowed not to be complacent this weekend.

Mr Sutherland said: "We are by no means resting on our laurels from last week and I would again reiterate to people to ensure they plan their Christmas night out.

Have your mobile phone charged, know how you are getting home, and have the money to pay for it.

"Use one of the Glasgow Night Zone taxi ranks that are marshalled or a trusted and known private hire company through an advanced booking.

"Do not use unofficial ranks or unlicensed taxis."

Meanwhile, a major police operation is underway to protect cabbies after a spike in robberies.

Two taxi drivers were targeted by thieves in the past week, with three-figure sums stolen during each incident.

Police said the cabbies were left badly shaken by their ordeals - and one was threatened with a knife.

Chief Superintendent Gillian MacDonald said: "This is a particularly busy time of year for taxi drivers.

"My officers have been engaging with taxi companies, marshals and drivers to provide guidance and advice in relation to keeping themselves and their cash safe.

"I would urge drivers to be vigilant and to avoid any passengers who may be acting suspiciously and call the police immediately if you feel you are at all at risk."

Detectives are hunting a teenager who robbed a 51 year-old taxi driver last Wednesday evening.

He was dropping off the passenger in Warrix Avenue, Irvine, at around 6.40pm when he was threatened with a knife and forced to hand over his takings.

The suspect is described as a white male, with a local accent, and of slim build.

He was wearing a light-coloured hooded top.

Just hours later, a second cabbie was targeted in a separate incident.

The 55-year-old was allegedly robbed in North Hamilton Street, Kilmarnock, at around 1.10am on Thursday December 11.

A 25-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident.

Bill McIntosh, the General Secretary of the Scottish Taxi Federation, slammed the thieves as the "lowest of the low".

He said: "To rob taxi drivers at this time of year, particularly when their earnings are being relied upon to provide gifts for their own children and families, is reprehensible.

"I would urge all taxi drivers to take advice from the police, keep alert at all times and keep cash and change out of sight.

"It would be good advice to drop off your takings at regular intervals, so that you don't carry large amounts of cash at any one time.

"If any of your passengers are acting suspiciously, use your radio to call for assistance and get your radio base to contact police.

"If you are concerned with behaviour of any intended passengers, don't take them in the taxi and contact the police straight away.

"Do not put your own safety at risk under any circumstances."