Police in Aberdeen have hailed the success of a year-long anti-violence initiative which has seen more than 500 additional officers deployed across the city.
The Campaign Against Violence (CAV) initiative started on April 1, 2013, and has resulted in more than 200 individuals being charged or arrested in connection with crimes of violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour.
A total of 534 extra officers have been deployed across the city at key times.
Aberdeen city divisional commander Chief Superintendent Adrian Watson said: “Statistics show that crime has reduced by 4% overall and in particular, violent crime in the city centre is down nearly 20% in the last year.
“However, with around 35,000 visitors to the city centre every weekend, we must continue to be vigilant and target the very small minority of those who engage in disorder across the city.
“Violence of all kind, including domestic abuse within the household, is a priority for Police Scotland and we regularly make good use of our community policing teams, specialist officers, and those experienced officers from non-front facing roles who help during initiatives such as CAV.”
The initiative, which is co-ordinated by officers from the alcohol and violence reduction unit, has contributed to a 10.6% reduction in disorder and anti-social behaviour.
Police Scotland are continuing the initiative with more than 35 extra officers carrying out high-visibility patrols across the city last night in a bit to provide extra visibility and keep communities safe.