POLICE HAVE PRAISED the good behaviour over the May public holiday saying that the number of crimes over the three days was lower than in previous years.
A warning had been issued last week seeking to encourage people in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen to “behave sensibly and responsibly” following the high level of crime over the same period in 2016.
Figures revealed today show that the 110 people arrested this year represented a reduction, with 80% fewer serious assaults and around 12% fewer common assaults reported. Police still executed over 138 warrants with 82 people arrested in the lead up to the weekend for various offences.
A 39-year old male and 35-year old female were arrested for a previous serious assault in Tillydrone, while two males aged 28 and 21 years have been arrested for a serious assault in Keith.
Five drugs search warrants executed in the Elgin and Fraserburgh areas and a cannabis cultivation was discovered in New Deer.
Chief Inspector Murray Main, who leads the violence prevention work in the North East, said: “I am very grateful for the support we received from a number of our partners on what has previously been an extremely challenging weekend for the emergency services.
“The high-visibility policing operations in the lead up to and throughout the weekend period, along with the multi-agency partnerships across the North East encouraged people to enjoy their nights out safely and responsibly.”
Sergeant Willie Murdoch, from the Divisional Alcohol and Violence Reduction Unit who led the operation, said: “During the initiative we targeted suspects and those responsible for violence in our communities.
“By working with partners and other agencies we were able to arrest and bring before the court, those responsible for committing crime or those who have not paid fines imposed.
“This helps to ensure people can enjoy their time out with family and friends free from trouble caused by a small minority of individuals.”