Metal detectors to aid crime blitz

The city's clubs are backing the metal detector scheme

Police in Scotland's largest city will be given hand-held metal detectors as part of a crackdown on knife crime.

The devices will allow officers in Glasgow to search for lethal weapons without coming into physical contact with suspects.

Chief Superintendent Louis Munn said he hoped the initiative would make Glasgow city centre "blade free".

Mr Munn said: "I am determined to clamp down hard on the morons who bring blades into the city centre.

"I am serving notice on them today and warning them, that their chances of getting arrested for carrying a knife, is extremely high.

"We will use all the powers and technology available to us to the absolute maximum."

People who are going about their lawful business needn't worry - only those carrying weapons have something to fear Chief Superintendent Louis Munn

The scheme, which will be introduced from the end of the month, follows the recent Take the Glass out of Glasgow campaign, which encouraged nightclubs to switch from glass to plastic bottles and tumblers.

Mr Munn, who is the city centre divisional commander, said he aimed to make Glasgow's streets safer.

He added: "More than 70,000 people flock to the city centre every weekend and we want to see revellers and shoppers enjoying themselves in the city centre.

"They deserve to come to Glasgow and feel safe from harm.

Search suspects

"People who are going about their lawful business needn't worry - only those carrying weapons have something to fear.

"I want to see a glass and blade free city centre.

"I know this is a lot to ask for - but I want to get as close to it as I possibly can."

The force hopes items like knives will be easily detected

Mr Munn said there had been a "steady decline" in violent crime in the city centre, but stressed many of the incidents which still take place involve knives.

"By giving officers on the street access to the hand held metal detectors, police will be able to search suspects quickly, safely and without fear of injury," he said

The city's nightclubs are backing the move.

Eddie Tobin of the Glasgow Nightclub Forum said they had been working to improve their image for some time.

"We are deeply concerned that Glasgow has a reputation for knife culture and quite frankly we want it taken off the streets," he said.

"The way to do that is to sponsor the police and to that end we are going to buy them these metal detectors."