Five people have been charged following a police crackdown on town-centre crime in Fraserburgh.
Officers mounted extra patrols and targeted licensed premises as part of Operation Sandside.
Last night a police spokesman revealed the exercise had resulted in five people being charged in connection with antisocial behaviour offences.
Stewart Drummond, the local police inspector, said he wanted the operation to send a message to responsible adults that the town-centre is still a safe place to socialise.
He said: “The initiative over the weekend was very much focused on showing that any form of antisocial behaviour, drunken behaviour or drug misuse by those out and about in Fraserburgh town centre at weekends will not be tolerated.
“The town-centre is a comfortable and safe environment for people who wish to go out socialising and by working closely with the local licensees and using schemes such as Pubwatch we ensure that it remains as such.”
Inspector Drummond said officers on the beat were joined by specialist dog units and plain-clothes colleagues.
“The extra patrols and the interaction with police was well received by those out and about and although a small number of minor offences were dealt with by my staff it was very reassuring to see that our town centre remains an enjoyable and safe environment for all,” he added.
Brian Topping, the chairman of the town’s safety group, praised the police action – but stressed everyone had a role to play in keeping the town in order.
“I think that’s what the community want to see – police out on the streets where there problems are,” he said.
“I’m very pleased that the local inspector seems to have taken on concerns of the local community and the safety group, but the police can only be as good as the information they are given. If things are not reported, then the police won’t know about it.”