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THUGS caught carrying a knife in town and city centres face up to four years in jail in a Christmas crackdown on blades.

Scotland's top lawman, Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland, vows anyone caught with a knife will be arrested and prosecuted.

The six-week zero tolerance pilot scheme is designed to reassure revellers over the festive period.

Police and politicians said increasing the maximum term from one to four years sends out a strong message to knife thugs.

Mulholland said: "This new initiative further strengthens our prosecution policy on those caught with a knife.

"The public will wish to enjoy the festive period without fear.

"The zero tolerance crackdown should help to deter anyone stupid enough to think about carrying a knife."

The pilot scheme will be backed up by crime prevention initiatives for licensees, such as Pubwatch and Unight.

One such strategy is Operation Oak, introduced by Grampian Police and the Aberdeen Community Safety Partnership to tackle crime. It has resulted in a six-year low in anti-social behaviour, making the city one of Scotland's safest.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said the zero tolerance measures will have an impact on our booze and blades culture.

He added: "Tackling knife crime is a priority."