Fife pupils involved in ‘fight clubs’ take part in anti-violence initiative
School pupils caught taking part in organised “fight clubs” in Fife have been engaging in an initiative aimed at addressing violence among young people.
The scheme, MMA-Ximise Your Potential, saw a collaboration between police, social work, Active Schools and the prison service.
Acting Inspector Barry Stewart told members of the South and West Fife area committee that those participating were also taken through a fitness/MMA themed workout, with the principles of maintaining a positive Mindset, Motivation and Attitude.
He explained: “I know there have been articles in relation to fight clubs between school pupils not just in the South West area but various schools.
“The initiative has run over the course of this year and was something we saw as being really positive.
“It really works on the principles of obtaining positive mindsets and focusing on accountability and responsibility and the risks associated with violence and trying to channel that through a more structured way.
“It resulted in really positive feedback from those involved.”
Acting Inspector Stewart said the area had seen an overall reduction in serious violence, while there has been a “slight decrease” in crimes of dishonesty and keyless car thefts.
Fraud offences across South West Fife remained “relatively high” while antisocial behaviour continued to be an area which cops are focusing on.
“Similar to the previous year, dirt bikes remain an issue throughout, he continued. “It is not just South West Fife, it is a trend across the rest of Fife and the rest of Scotland.
“It is quite difficult to police. We won’t engage in any sort of pursuit. It is too dangerous to the rider and other members of the public. We are reliant on people stopping for us.
“A lot of these off road dirt bike can get passed between people so in terms of identification, we are reliant on trying to back up intelligence.”