Drunk and disorderly offences in Aberdeen have dropped by more than 60%, foillowing concerted efforts to make the city centre a safer place.
A new report reveals there were 72 reports of public street drinking between last April and March this year- down from 87 for the same period the year before.
The five-year average for the crime stands at 186.4 meaning this year’s figure is a reduction of 61.4%.
Similarly, the number of drunk and disorderly offences recorded for 2017-18 stood at 167 compared to 228 for the period last year and a five-year average of 466.
The most serious ‘group one’ crimes, including the likes of murder, abduction and robbery, fell from 398 last year to 377 this year.
The city centre, in particular, once had a notorious reputation with well-paid workers flooding into the area and drinking excessively.
But, in recent years, new partnerships between organisations such as the police, the council and Aberdeen Inspired, along with the introduction of street pastors and taxi wardens, has led to a significant decrease in crime.
This year, Aberdeen won its fifth consecutive Purple Flag award for safety in the city centre.
Shock figures from 2006 revealed there were more crimes in the heart of the city than anywhere else north of the border apart from Edinburgh’s New Town, due to problems with drunken revellers, antisocial behaviour and shoplifting.
But it has also been suggested the downturn in the city’s economy since the crash in oil prices has led to more would-be revellers staying at home.
There are also fewer people visiting pubs and a growing number of young people have turned to healthier life styles.
A report by Police Scotland for next week’s city council public protection committee reads: “Whilst there is still a strong demand placed on police resources over weekends in terms of overall vulnerability, there is a noticeable drop in offences at or near licensed premises.”
Aberdeen Inspired chief executive Adrian Watson said: “I think this is a testament to the work of all partners and their commitment to the city centre in particular.”
Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Martin Greig added: “While the work has to be praised, it has to be noted there are now not as many people going into places to socialise in part due to the downturn.”
Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden said he was hopeful the figures would boost the city’s attraction to foreign visitors.
