Organised crime ‘part of everyday life’ in some areas of Scotland Organised crime has become a “routine aspect of everyday life” in some parts of Scotland, according to a major academic […]

Organised crime has become a “routine aspect of everyday life” in some parts of Scotland, according to a major academic study commissioned by ministers.

For some young people, becoming a member of an established criminal gang is viewed as “very appealing” compared to the alternative of unemployment or precarious work, the research found.

“In each area, there were local firms, families and ‘faces’ who were seen to have involvement in organised criminality” The i newsletter latest news and analysis Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. SCCJR study

The 18-month study, which was commissioned by the Scottish Government, focused on three areas known to be affected by organised crime and gathered data from 188 people.

Researchers at the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research conducted in-depth interviews with local residents, schools, businesses and community organisations as part of the project.

A separate nationwide poll found that 30 per cent of Scots regarded organised crime as a very or fairly serious problem in their local area, with one in 10 saying they had been personally affected.

The study found that in some parts of Scotland, organised crime had “deep roots” and a “corrosive reach”, which led to fear and violence forming part of the background to people’s lives.

It concluded that while street crime such as drug-dealing and theft was its most visible form, this was only the “tip of the iceberg” and most of the gangs’ activities were hidden from public view.

Researchers said that in an era of “precarious work and zero-hours contracts”, organised crime was often seen as more meritocratic than the legitimate economy as well as being financially rewarding.

Myth of success

But they added that most criminals involved with gangs never achieved “sustained material success” and had to live with the constant threat of imprisonment or violence.

“Across all field sites, participants recognised organised crime as a significant and enduring feature of the local landscape,” the study said.

“In each area, there were local firms, families and ‘faces’ who were seen to have involvement in organised criminality.

“Organised crime frequently featured as a relatively routine aspect of everyday life that was known of, to a greater or lesser extent, by a majority of participants.”

The study makes a series of recommendations to tackling the issue, including strengthening links between local services to help prevent the exploitation of vulnerable residents.

It also suggests developing local policing to support community intelligence-gathering and backs the creation of a new criminal offence of “coercive control”.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said the study would inform the government’s thinking on how to support people affected by organised crime and protect them from its influences.

Dr Alistair Fraser, a senior lecturer at the University of Glasgow who took part in the project, said: “For the first time, we have been able to hear from people living in communities across Scotland where organised crime is part of everyday life.

“The study shows that while organised crime might be thought of as glamorous, it is rooted in deep and enduring forms of harm and exploitation at community level.”