WATCH: "Proper" & "firm" policing needed to tackle Inverness city centre crime wave

"Having a safe and secure city does require proper policing, and firm policing" - MIKE SMITH, INVERNESS BID

The number of beat cops patrolling Inverness city centre is being doubled to eight officers who will be based there permanently.

It’s after claims that it took Police Scotland two hours to respond to a gang of youths causing chaos at an Italian eatery recently.

Now Inverness city centre traders are being promised "proper" and "firm" policing after a crime wave of anti-social behaviour swept the Highland capital in recent weeks.

Inverness BID has been under increasing pressure to press Police Scotland to do more in the wake of a fight in the city centre, which went viral on social media, and the disorder from a gang of youths who caused considerable upset outside a food firm.

Peter Strachan, chairman of Inverness BID, told MFR News: "Businesses have been voicing their concern for some time about the level of anti-social behaviour in our city, and it's reassuring to see some positive results in combating this."

Inverness area commander Chief Inspector Colin Gough added: "We are acutely aware of the importance of the city centre to Inverness and the rest of the Highlands.

"High visibility policing will continue in the area and additional resources have now been identified.

"This will mean there is eight community beat officers based in the city centre to provide reassurance and to tackle any issues which may arise. This team will be supported by a City Centre Sergeant overseeing daily tasking and delivery of police business."

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