CIRV, the VRU’s groundbreaking gangs’ initiative has helped reduce gang violence in Glasgow by almost 50%.

To date, 400 gang members have signed up to CIRV, which operates in Glasgow’s east end and north side.

Latest figures show violent offending by those who have signed up to CIRV has reduced by 46%, rising to 73% amongst those who undertook CIRV’s most intensive programmes.

VRU co-director Karyn McCluskey said

“These figures are testimony to the great work done by everyone involved with CIRV and to the commitment of young men who geuninely want to change their behaviour. But gang violence hasn’t stopped. It’s been a problem for Glasgow for years and it won’t go away overnight. We’ve made inroads into tackling it, but the key now is keeping up momentum. If we can look back in ten, 20 years and still see a reduction, then we’ll know this has worked.”

CIRV will now become part of everyday business for Strathclyde Police, with plans to expand the project to the south of the city.

Download the CIRV second year report