Exclusive: An intensive police operation against gangs in Glasgow�s east end has paid off with a dramatic reduction in crime and enhanced feelings of community safety, according to the first analysis of the pilot scheme.

An intensive police operation against gangs in Glasgow's east end has paid off with a dramatic reduction in crime and enhanced feelings of community safety, according to the first analysis of the pilot scheme.

However, the study also underlines the depth of the problems facing the authorities in relation to gang fighting, painting a stark picture of babies born into gang membership, and parents encouraging children to fight. Strathclyde Police's operation began in October last year and led to significant reductions in crime, including an 8% decrease in antisocial behaviour.

During the period of the scheme, violent crime fell to its lowest level for five years.

The Enhanced Policing Plan involved up to 30 extra officers on nightly and weekend patrols targeting known troublespots, carrying out thousands of searches and visiting licensed premises.

It also incorporated restorative justice measures, environmental improvements, mediation to resolve neighbourhood disputes, sessions in schools, and increased access to diversionary activities such as football.

Residents said that it has increased feelings of safety, "knowing that there were more police about", and some shopkeepers have reported seeing more customers in the evenings. The study, which assessed crime and gang problems in Glasgow's east end before and after Strathclyde Police introduced the scheme, found that gang fighting is an inter-generational problem which left many residents afraid to go out at night.

The research, conducted by Dr Liz Frondigoun, lecturer in criminology at Glasgow Caledonian University, included in-depth interviews and focus groups with some 42 police officers, 47 shop workers and 63 young people in Shettleston, Baillieston and Greater Easterhouse.

It revealed reports of parents encouraging their children, "hanging out of windows shouting encouragement when a gang fight broke out" and residents scared to visit local shops after dark.

Participants in the study expressed serious concerns about crime. Some said: "We can't open our windows beyond a tiny bit in case someone comes in and steals our things. Others said they feel afraid because "there are gang fights all the time, every night".

Chief Superintendent David Martin, divisional commander, said: "The six-month pilot is over, but we are continuing to experience a decrease in violent crime. We don't have the same number of police officers as we did during the pilot but the partnership working is going from strength to strength.

"It is about more than the police, but about all the agencies working together. The pilot is now the prototype for community policing across the force in terms of working to get additional officers and partners on board.

"It will not be rolled out as such but its philosophy will be pursued force-wide. It will form part of the force's plan to generate additional resources for frontline policing."

The news comes as 10 teenagers were arrested yesterday morning during a crackdown on gangs in the Kennishead area of Glasgow.

More than 30 officers, including members of the Strathclyde Police violence reduction task force, targeted a number of houses.

Those arrested face charges including: assault, serious assault, possession of knives, breach of the peace and vandalism.

Chief Inspector Gordon Cummings said: "Time is running out for these people who think they can terrorise local communities with their violent and disorderly behaviour.

"They cause untold misery to local residents living in these areas and we will continue to target anyone who thinks they can do this and get away with it.

"My message to them is clear - you won't get away with it and if you wish to lead your lives in this way, Strathclyde Police will use every legal means at its disposal to put an end to this type of behaviour."