THREE serious organised crime (SOC) groups are in operation in West Dunbartonshire, says the latest police crime report for the area.

However, two of the gangs have been reassessed as 'low risk' while another has been categorised as "medium risk."

In a report to go before members of the Community Planning West Dunbartonshire Management Board, it states: "There continues to be three identified SOC Groups in operation within the area.

"However, two are now assessed as Low Risk and one as Medium Risk."

Police have vowed to keep tabs on the criminals in a bid to keep the streets of West Dunbartonshire safe.

The report states: "Proactive and reactive intelligence and evidence gathering opportunities continue to be fully exploited in an attempt to reduce the threat and harm posed by individuals linked to these groups and to identify new and emerging groups.

"Police activity will continue to focus on arresting individuals linked to these groups, depriving them of cash and assets through full use of POCA (Proceeds of Crime Act) legislation, and as well as depriving them of legitimate enterprise to ensure the maximum impact.

"In line with trends identified across Scotland, the primary function of these groups continues to be assessed as drug supply and distribution within the local area."

Locally, 63 individuals linked to SOC have been arrested (year to date), while through the use of POCA legislation SOC criminals have been deprived of £333,155.60.

In addition, the report details an operation in which a serious and organised crime was disrupted.

The report states: "On Friday 16th September 2016, L Division officers, assisted by UKBA, conducted a joint operation in relation to car wash premises within the division, with a view to disrupting Serious and Organised Crime.

"This operation formed part of the Multi Agency SOC Sub Group Working Plan 2015 - 2017."

During the course of the day, five premises were visited with the following results:

one male was found to be working illegally, ordered off premises and is subject of a

UKBA report, two males were arrested for immigration offences, the owner of a car wash was traced and interviewed regarding his illegal employment

of staff and is subject of a UKBA report in relation to this, while two other males were arrested for a alleged breaches of the Identity Documents Act 2010.

The report also goes into detail about the current terrorism threat posed locally and is warning locals to continue to be vigilant.

The report says: "Keeping people safe by reducing the threat posed from organised crime and terrorism across West Dunbartonshire remains a high priority for all local police officers.

"The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) is the UK's centre for the analysis and assessment of international terrorism.

"JTAC has responsibility for setting international terrorism threat levels which is

currently assessed as SEVERE.

"Recent events in other countries highlight the necessity for vigilance at all times.

"Police across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Division continue to the implement the UK Government CONTEST strategy with local and national partners.

"Police Scotland also continues to target and disrupt the activities of those involved in organised crime at a local level through focused and robust interventions based on the objectives set out in the local policing plan."

The report adds: "As per the most recent intelligence assessment relating to Serious and Organised Crime (SOC), the overall threat/risk posed to the communities within West Dunbartonshire has reduced slightly."