POLICE are launching an anti-violence campaign in the wake of a bloody Bank Holiday weekend in Scotland.
The launch of the
“Boozed up, Squared Up, Locked up’ campaign comes after a series of violent incidents occurred across the country last weekend.
The campaign is running from today (Wed) until July 31 nationwide and concentrates on reducing weapons related and alcohol fuelled violence.
Over the Bank Holiday weekend a Fife man was stabbed to death and a woman was found dead in her flat in Grangemouth on Sunday.
Three men were attacked during separate incidents in Edinburgh also on Sunday: a 16-year-old boy was stabbed with a broken bottle, a 33-year-old man was attacked by four males and a man in his 20s was left in serious condition after being assaulted.
The campaign is a re-launch of last year’s initiative and will use posters featuring the image of a young man in custody.
The image will be used on Adtrailer, Bluetooth and beer mats throughout the force area.
Throughout the campaign Lothian and Borders police officers will use metal detectors outside pubs and nightclubs to detect weapons and increase visible police presence.
Inspector Paul Matthews, of Lothian and Borders Safer Communities Department said: “The alcohol-related violence phase of Lothian and Borders Police proactive prevention campaign was a real success last year, and we hope to repeat that success this year.
“Summertime means warmer, lighter nights, barbecues, house parties, late night drinking and extended opening hours – and it’s not surprising people want to enjoy these after the long dark winter.
“However, there is a very real link between alcohol and violence, often spur-of-the-moment, where both the victim and the accused are likely to be young men.
“We want to drive home the message that everyone is responsible for their own actions, and alcohol is neither an excuse nor a justification for violence. “
Last year’s campaign reported an overall decrease in violent crime during June-July 2010 compared to June-July 2009 and 108 weapons were recovered.
