Margaret’s Safer Streets Action Plan

As an MSP, I was proud to lead Labour’s laws to crack down on anti-social behaviour. I was proud to bring in the laws on electronic tagging, ASBOs, acceptable behaviour contracts, dispersal orders for gangs and penalty fines for minor graffiti and vandalism.

But to make our streets safer, we need to bang heads together – in the Council, the Scottish Parliament and at Westminster.

This is my 5 point plan to signal that criminals will no longer have it their own way in the East End.

1. Double the number of extra police on East End Streets

The council has paid for 20 extra police because the SNP has broken their promise on recruiting extra officers. I want the council to double this figure in two years and will fight until they do. More police should help faster response times.

2. Get police out of cars and onto the beat

Police need to use cars to get around, but it’s no substitute to walking the beat. I have demanded an emergency meeting with Strathclyde Police to get officers out of cars, and be visible on the streets. That way police can spot trouble and build a sense of community.

3. Brandish a blade – go to prison

Anyone who carries a lethal blade on the streets of the East End should go to jail. If the SNP won’t support these plans I will.

4. More CCTV in the East End

I will campaign for more CCTV in the East End – and I will demand that Westminster make it easier for the police to use and retain images.

5. Known drug dealers to be targeted by the police

We need to stand up to the dealers. We know who they are, where they are and what they do. I will support any new laws the police need to take dealers off the streets. I will also launch a new community drug forum to bring local people together to discuss anti drug measures in the East End.

From: Glasgow East Labour