SCOTS justice minister is urging cops to open up a new front in the war on gangsters using newspaper headlines.
Kenny MacAskill wants police to shout from the rooftops about successes.
He feels "impressionable youngsters" who may be being lured into gangland activities will realise a life of crime doesn't pay if they read about seemingly untouchable figures being snared.
Speaking at a conference about serious and organised crime in Glasgow, Mr MacAskill said: "I know the police are doing a great job the public often doesn't.
"All too often the media is dominated by doom and gloom. You should not be slow to publicise your success. Good news stories, evidence of your successes, reassure the public action is being taken against these criminals.
"If you have recovered sports cars, designer watches or mansions let the public know about it.
"We need to reinforce the message to those impressionable youngsters - or those on the fringes of organised crime - that entering a life of crime is the wrong choice."
His comments came as he addressed 300 delegates at Glasgow City Chambers, including representatives from police forces, HM Revenue and Customs, prosecutors, and politicians.
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