NORTHERN Constabulary this week launched a pro-active initiative to tackle a range of crimes over the festive period and claimed it is already paying off.
Officers from two command areas have joined forces to take part in the new operation to target criminality in the build-up to Christmas.
The multi-faceted operation will target a wide range of criminal activity including drug dealers and users, shoplifters, drink/drug drivers, irresponsible drivers and the sale of alcohol to minors.
The aim of the operation – which was launched on Friday and will run until Christmas Eve in Inverness as well as towns and villages in Badenoch, Strathspey and Nairn – will dovetail with one of the force’s main priorities, the reduction of anti-social behaviour.
Over the course of the weekend, Northern Constabulary officers identified 31 incidents as part of the new operation, including detecting a shoplifter who stole around £3,000 worth of goods from one city shop.
The officer overseeing the operation is Superintendent David O’Connor, area commander for Inverness.
He said: "We are aware that the festive season is getting under way and that there will be a lot of people out and about in Inverness and the surrounding towns and villages.
"From office parties to Christmas shopping, the streets will be busier than usual. With that comes the seasonal increase in crime involving shoplifters, drink drivers and drug dealers or users.
"Our aim is to provide reassurance to our communities that they can go about their business without worrying about becoming a victim of crime."
Chief Inspector Donald Henderson added the police would take a tough stance with anyone breaking the law.
He told the Highland News: "We will be using various resources to tackle criminal behaviour over this period including launching covert and overt resources."
He added: "This is traditionally a very busy time of year. As always at this time, there is an increase in the number of shoplifting incidents.
"Much of the time people are stealing to feed a drug habit, but there are also those who are stealing to order.
"People will steal anything from alcohol to widescreen televisions.
"However, over the course of our first weekend operating this new initiative, we have been successful in detecting a number of people who have been involved in these types of crimes."
Ch Insp Henderson added that alcohol-related crimes were also in the spotlight.
"We will be using test purchasing to investigate anyone who is suspected of being involved in the sale of alcohol to minors. This is something which we deem very serious.
"There was a lot of alcohol confiscated over the weekend, the majority of it being taken from youngsters. This will simply not be tolerated.
"We have also stepped up our patrols in various blackspots around the city where traditionally there can be trouble or anti-social behaviour and we will also be tying in with national campaigns to target drink and drug driving over the festive period.
"Anybody getting involved in criminal activity will be arrested, taken into custody and they will appear in court."
Chair: Jim Ferguson
