"Serious and organised crime's loss is the community's gain" - That was the message from Strathclyde Police as ACC John Neilson unveiled a top of the range car, seized from organised crime gangs in the north of the city, which will be used in its fight against serious and organised crime.

Recovered during a criminal investigation, the £40,000 black AS7 Audi Quattro TDI SiLine, now emblazoned with the Strathclyde Police livery, will be used by the Gangs Task Force to combat crime and all forms of antisocial behaviour.

Assistant Chief Constable John Neilson, QPM said "This is a first for Strathclyde Police, but it certainly won't be the last. As you can clearly see, we are proactively seizing your assets. I would say to the criminals that what you have this week; your houses, your cars - you might not have next week. The hard working, law abiding citizens need to know that we are hurting those involved in serious and organised crime where it matters - their pockets.
¬For too long gangsters have used flash cars as a very visible symbol of their supposed power over their communities¬
"These criminals are fast realising that they are not above the law. They may think that they are getting away with it, but we are determined to make a long-term impact in this area."

Speaking after the photo call, and in the same week the Scottish Parliament will debate serious and organised crime, Kenny MacAskill, Cabinet Secretary for Justice said "For too long, gangsters have used flash cars as a very visible symbol of their supposed power over their communities. They are paid for with dirty money and fuelled by the blood, sweat and tears of decent people. This car has now become a symbol of something else - the tide that is turning against the gangsters.

"I congratulate Strathclyde Police on their determination to get back at the serious and organised criminals who have laboured under the illusion that they control parts of Glasgow. Well, the message is clear - you do not. You are not untouchable and your ill gotten gains will be taken off you"

After a couple of months, the car will be sold and the proceeds put back into policing and the local community.

ACC Neilson concluded "We are determined that these people will not be able to parade themselves unchallenged. They are being pursued relentlessly and we will be in their faces."

The event will coincide with the signing next week of an ISP (Information Sharing Protocol) with East Ayrshire Council.

East Ayrshire Council will be the third local authority to sign this protocol, where Strathclyde Police will be in a position to provide the council's procurement officers with information on firms used by alleged money launderers, and run by or associated with criminals. This is to ensure that no contracts are awarded to any company or persons responsible for, or benefiting from, serious and organised crime.