Glasgow ice cream wars

Glasgow Ice Cream Wars

The Glasgow Ice Cream Wars were a series of conflicts in the East End of Glasgow, Scotland, in the 1980s between rival criminal organizations selling drugs and stolen goods from ice cream vans. Van operators were involved in frequent violence and intimidation tactics. A driver's route was a source of valuable territory, and the cause of violent conflict. The conflicts generated widespread public outrage, and earned the Ice Cream Vans the nickname "Glasgow's Ice Cream Wars".

Background

The origins of the Glasgow Ice Cream Wars can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when criminal organizations in Glasgow began to use ice cream vans as a front for their illegal activities. These activities included the sale of drugs and stolen goods. The vans would operate in the East End of Glasgow, a region known for its high levels of poverty and crime.

Conflict

The conflict began when rival gangs started to compete for control of the lucrative ice cream van routes. These routes were valuable as they provided a steady stream of customers and a cover for the gangs' illegal activities. The competition for control of these routes often resulted in violence, with gang members resorting to intimidation and even murder to secure their territory.

Aftermath

The Glasgow Ice Cream Wars culminated in the infamous 1984 Doyle family arson attack, which resulted in the deaths of six people. This event sparked public outrage and led to a crackdown on the criminal activities being conducted from ice cream vans. The perpetrators of the arson attack were eventually brought to justice, but the legacy of the Glasgow Ice Cream Wars continues to impact the city to this day.

See also

• Crime in Glasgow
• History of Glasgow
• Organized crime