Ninety-six people have been arrested during a two-week crackdown on serious violent crime in the north-east.
Among them was a 21-year-old man who was wanted in connection with a 2016 alleged serious assault in Aberdeen.
Following the issue of a European Arrest warrant, he was traced and arrested in Spain.
The Divisional Alcohol and Violence Reduction Unit (DAVRU) assisted by Community Policing Teams and other specialist officers launched the focused action to clear warrants for outstanding crimes, failures to appear at court, non-payment of fines and failure to comply with court orders.
A total of 134 warrants have been cleared across North East Division and more than £4,000 in fines resolved with offenders who had failed to pay.
Police said one person has also been arrested for an alleged attempted murder, six arrested for robbery/attempted robbery, 22 arrested for assault/serious assault and four for carrying offensive weapons.
A police statement said: “During the two week operation a 64 year old man was arrested in relation to an alleged attempted murder in the Sinclair Road area of Aberdeen, a 33 year old man regarding a serious assault in the Cove area of Aberdeen , a 27 year old man in relation to an attempted robbery in Westfield Road area of Inverurie, a 28 year old man in relation to a robbery in Westhill, a 35 year old woman regarding an assault in Peterhead and a 28 year old man regarding an assault in Forres.”
The crackdown has been part of Operation PINE, the Division’s ongoing initiative to tackle violent crime across the region.
Sergeant Mike Stobie of the DAVRU, who led this latest operation, said: “Operation PINE is an integral part of our Policing activity day-in, day-out. Arresting offenders on warrant is routine work for Police Officers however focused action like this is crucial . This is a key part in preventing further violent offences and ensuring offenders face the consequences for their actions.
He added: “The high number of people arrested across the region during the past two weeks reinforces our continuing robust approach to targeting offenders and builds on our promise to communities that we will target those responsible for committing such crime.
“Violent crime is inexcusable and completely avoidable. Crimes of this nature not only impact upon the victim and their friends, family and witnesses but they also impact upon the perpetrator too, their friends and their family. During recent public surveys violent crime was ranked as a key concern for the public, placing it as one of Police Scotland’s top priorities, and the recent launch of the ‘One Punch’ national campaign reinforces the message that just one punch has the potential to ruin two lives.
“Officers in the North East do everything they can to ensure those responsible for violent crime face the full consequences of their actions. We cannot do this alone however, and I again appeal to the public to assist Police in bringing violent offenders to justice. If you have information regarding a person you believe may be wanted on warrant or involved in crimes of violence please support us and your community by telling us where they are and what they are involved in. Police can be contacted on 101 and, should you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
