Officers have seen an increase in offensive weapons and drug offences seized in Glasgow during lockdown. 

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs also rose in comparison to the same period in 2019, with figures being slammed as "extremely disappointing". 

Some 136 offensive weapons were seized from the start of April until the end of June, rising by 37 per cent. 

Hundreds more people were found in possession of drugs than in 2019 with the number of offences rising from 1655 to 2037. 

The number of people detected for being under the influence of drink or drugs while driving went up – from 185 to 260. 

Police Scotland divisional commander for Greater Glasgow, Chief Superintendent Hazel Hendren, thanked officers for their dedication and hard work. 

She said: “Despite the country being in lockdown, officers and staff right across the Division adjusted and responded in the most dynamic way.

"They continued to deliver the best possible service to help keep our communities safe in what is a challenging and changing environment.

"We are not able to do this alone and I am grateful for the support of the public and our partners.”

READ MORE: Confidence in police increases by more than a fifth as crime drops

The figures come as part of a quarterly performance report which also showed public confidence in policing was up. 

Chief Superintendent Hendren added: “During the pandemic Police Scotland officers continued their valued and pro-active work within Greater Glasgow. This has been an extraordinary period, and as DCC Taylor has said today, it is too early to draw any conclusions about long-term crime trends.

“I want to express my thanks to those who adhered to the Scottish Government’s advice to stay at home. However, there were still those who were on our streets intent on breaking the law and they were dealt with appropriately.

“Police Scotland remains committed to taking weapons off our streets and targeting those who deal in drugs. Despite figures showing fewer cars on the roads, it is extremely disappointing that there are still drivers who continued to drive in a dangerous manner and under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

Fraud offences also rose during the period by nearly 20 per cent, with criminals turning to the internet. 

Chief Superintendent Hendren urged the public to remain vigilant. She said:“We saw targeted attempts by fraudsters to adapt well-known techniques to include references to COVID. We will continue to work with all our partners and pursue those who set out to cause harm to our communities and to make Scotland a hostile environment for those involved.”