Over Christmas and the New Year I was extremely worried to learn of the reported rise in violent incidents and robberies in the west of Scotland.
The figures from Strathclyde Police indicated in the first 11 months of 2011 there were 17 reported assaults with intent to rob at Strathclyde bookmakers.
Given that this compared with just three cases for the whole of 2010 I am worried that there has been such a resurgance in such incidents at betting-shops. The rise in robberies over the same period is also concerning.
There have been reports of other similar incidents in recent months across the rest of Scotland and I believe it is now time for the Scottish Government to host a Summit on betting Shop Violence and involve all interested parties, including representives from the industry and trade unions.
I first raised this issue in 2008 and worked extensively over a two-year preiod with the trade union Community, who represent workers in betting shops, to get this on the government's agenda. It is extremely disappointing that we have see a resurgence in such violence, especially when contrasted with the decrease in such crimes in the London area over 2010-2011.
I have written to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice to highlight my concerns and to urge him to host a meeting.
The Herald and the BBC Website carried coverage of this story .
I conduct roving surgeries on Mondays or can meet by appointment. I'm always keen to hear from the people I represent.
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