Laura Redpath
More than 80 convicted criminals have been arrested in Aberdeen in a crackdown on those who are wanted by the courts.
A total of 140 warrants have been executed since March 16 in a bid to track down those wanted for outstanding crimes, non-payment of fines, failure to appear in court or failure to comply with court orders.
Police said that the operation targeted those whose crimes have been linked to violence.
Fine defaulters who have racked up £10,140 in outstanding debt to Scottish Court Service have also been dealt with.
In addition, seven people have been charged with drug-related crimes as a result of Operation Deka, which began its most recent phase on March 16.
Chief Inspector Murray Main said the results of exercise will reduce the risk of harm the individuals pose to others.
He added: “The initiative has focused strongly on those offenders who cause issues within communities and we have seen encouraging results for the first week with a large number of offenders arrested.
“We will continue to target offenders, including those wanted for acquisitive crime such as theft or reset of property.
“I urge anyone with a fine or outstanding case to ensure they make suitable arrangements to deal with the issue and avoid being taken into custody.”