Drive on to keep city streets safe over Christmas and New Year

A campaign was launched yesterday aimed at keeping the Inverness streets safe over Christmas and New Year.

The initiative, Operation Respect, will see increased police officer patrols, marshals on the taxi ranks, a security task team and street pastors working together to reduce crime and disorder during the festive frolics.

As part of the operation Stagecoach are running a low-cost night bus service from 11.30pm until 4am every Friday and Saturday this month to Culloden, Balloch, Kinmylies and Hilton. The service will not run on Christmas Day or New Years Day.

The operation also aims to improve personal safety for shoppers, pub goers and business owners with the use of the Shopwatch scheme and Pubwatch schemes.

Inspector Murdo MacLeod, of Northern Constabulary, said: “We have increased and targeted officer patrols with the primary aim to deter crime, but if not, to detect.

“I would also like to stress the personal responsibility of the public during this time and by doing simple things such as planning your journeys, looking after your friends and drinking responsibly, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable time in the Highland’s capital.”

Inverness Business Improvement District chairman Craig Duncan said: “It is an excellent use of our members’ levy because it goes a long way to providing a safe environment for residents, shoppers, visitors and party-goers alike and undoubtedly adds value to the festive experience in Inverness city centre.”

Depute provost Councillor Peter Corbett said: “Operation Respect is an excellent example of how we can improve people’s experience of the city centre and therefore help its vibrancy.”