Gang-busting police operation putting 'added pressure' on Scotland's prison system

Efforts to keep those linked to serious organised crime separate has put “added pressure” on the prison system, the Scottish Prison Service has said.

On Monday, statistics revealed that of 8,252 inmates living in the country’s prisons, around 660 are believed to be connected with criminal gangs.

It comes as Police Scotland launched a crackdown on gang activity across the central belt earlier this year.

The large-scale investigation, named Operation Portaledge, began after two homes in Edinburgh were targeted by gunmen, igniting a criminal war.

A total of 57 people have been arrested in connection with the feud, which started in March.

The SPS say they “welcome” officers’ efforts to disrupt the serious organised crime gangs.

However, this has contributed to prison overcrowding and made care provided throughout the system “complex.”

Due to inmates being linked with feuding gangs, they are required to be incarcerated separately, which has caused “added pressure” to be placed on prisons.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “We work closely with Police Scotland to tackle serious and organised crime which has a devastating impact on communities and disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable members of society.

“Police Scotland’s success in disrupting these groups, and their activities, is welcome.

“However, this has contributed to both the increased numbers and complexity that we now face, with many people in our care requiring to be kept separate for a range of reasons, putting added pressure on establishments, many of which are already full beyond their design capacity.”