A week-long crackdown on violent crimes across the north-east and Moray has resulted in 12 arrests.
Police teams made more than 100 visits to licensed premises in towns and villages across Elgin, Banff, Inverurie, Stonehaven, Peterhead and Fraserburgh as part of Operation Sandside, which was led by the alcohol and violence reduction unit.
The operation, which took place between Monday, February 2, and Sunday, February 8, resulted in 48 people being reported for assaults, and 11 people arrested on warrant in relation to violent acts. One was also arrested for breaking bail.
Although the operation focused on dealing with violent criminals directly, Operation Sandside also sought to reduce offending by increasing police presence in licensed premises and areas known as hot spots for violence.
Aberdeenshire and Moray’s violence reduction inspector Rob Sturton said: “Teams of officers carried out high visibility patrols in towns across the area and checks were made on 102 licensed premises as well as warrant and bail checks.
“Although this operation was a concerted week of action, we will continue to take measures to reduce violence as part of our activities on a daily basis.
“There is no doubt however that alcohol plays a part in many of the assaults we deal with and so our advice is to drink sensibly and behave responsibly.”