Police have teamed up with Aberdeen hotels to help banish anti-social behaviour in the city.
Hotel Watch was launched yesterday to ensure city-centre premises are used for the purpose they were intended – pleasure and leisure.
Officers hope the scheme will work in a similar way to Pubwatch, which has reduced violence and other types of criminal activity, such as drug dealing and vandalism, in the city.
Around 17 hotels have already signed up, and hope that by working together with partners Police Scotland and Aberdeen Inspired they can prevent antisocial behaviour, and give guests the best possible experience.
City Centre Inspector David Howieson said: “The aim of this new scheme is to support hotels with their business by building better relationships between the city centre community policing team and hoteliers, and prevent criminality which ranges from unruly behaviour and causing annoyance to using hotel premises for criminal purposes.
“It is as an opportunity to engage with visitors in the city and give some safety advice and provide them with information specific to Aberdeen.
“As well as creating a welcoming atmosphere for people coming to stay and enjoy themselves, we also want to create an unwelcome atmosphere for those who would use the city for criminal purposes.”
Gary Craig, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said he “warmly supported” any initiative that makes the streets safer.
“We want to support and help businesses in the city and remain keen to support people having a safe and fun time in the city centre,” he said.
Gary Noble, Operations Manager at the Carmelite Hotel, added: “We are delighted to be working alongside the local policing team in the setting up of Hotel Watch.
“We are confident that this new working relationship with see benefits for our customers and our staff.”