Police Crackdown On Violence In North-East
40 people were reported for violent crime across Aberdeenshire and Moray as part of a week of action.
More than 40 people have been reported following a week of action targeting violence throughout Aberdeenshire and Moray. Operation Sandside ran from Monday 17 November to Friday 21 November 2014 and was led by the Alcohol and Violence Reduction Unit. During the week, violence related crimes recently reported were investigated and concluded and in the region of 250 visits were made to licensed premises in towns and villages throughout the area including Elgin, Forres, Banff, Peterhead and Fraserburgh. As a result of the operation over 40 people were reported for crimes of violence with 21 of those appearing in court from custody. Working closely with specialist teams and partners, including Aberdeenshire Council Licensing Standards Officers, the initiative focused on dealing robustly with violent offenders but also on reducing offending through effective policing of licensed premises and hot spot areas. Rob Sturton, Aberdeenshire and Moray's Violence Reduction Inspector said, "We know that the Aberdeenshire and Moray areas are some of the safest places to live in Scotland and working with our partners and the community we want it to stay that way. "Operation Sandside is about sending out a clear message to violent offenders that we will catch you and put you to court. "However this is only part of the story, Sandside is also about reducing incidents.
"It's about stopping something before it starts and we will continue to effectively police our towns and villages to provide communities with the reassurance that they can enjoy the vibrant night time economy safely. "This is particularly important as we move towards the festive period where we already have plans in place, under our 'Safer Streets' campaign, to bolster our high visibility patrols in key areas. "Over the festive period, teams of officers will work with our partners to ensure that alcohol fuelled violence is kept to an absolute minimum. "But we can't do it alone, we need the help of the community. Remember, look after your friends, don't drink too much and stay out of trouble."