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A MAJOR POLICE OPERATION in the north east has seen 104 arrests and 149 warrants executed in its first week.
The targeted operation is the first wave that seeks to ensure violent offenders are brought to justice, with enforcement action launched in every corner of the region that focusses on those criminals who are most prolific and most likely to re-offend.
The activity comes under Operation PINE – an ongoing initiative led by the Divisional Alcohol and Violence Reduction Unit (DAVRU) – and includes a range of measures such as apprehending individuals wanted on warrant, bail checks, increased licensed premises checks and working with our partners to ensure preventative measures are in place to reduce the chances of individuals re-offending.
In the past week three men aged 23, 26 and 27 were arrested in connection with an alleged robbery at Peterhead, a 27-year-old man was arrested in connection with an alleged serious assault in Fraserburgh, a 62-year-old woman was arrested in connection with another alleged serious assault in Elgin and a 24-year-old man was arrested in Aberdeen in connection with allegedly breaching bail conditions.
In addition, three other men aged 31, 31 and 54 were arrested in connection with other alleged serious assaults, while three men aged 29, 30 and 40 and a 42-year-old woman were arrested for allegedly being in possession of an offensive weapon.
More than £10,000 in outstanding fines have also been resolved while 306 visits to licensed premises have been carried out to ensure robust measures are in place to deter alcohol-fuelled violent behaviour.
Briefings are taking place in Aberdeen, Inverurie, Fraserburgh and Elgin before officers go out into local communities.
DAVRU Sergeant Rory Campbell said: “Action to tackle violent crime takes place every day across the North East, however, sustained action like this has a proven track record in reinforcing our clear message that violence in any form will not be tolerated and we will continue to make every effort to trace violent offenders currently wanted across the North East.
“Our activity during the past week has taken numerous forms including increasing licensed premises checks to ensure the right processes are in place from the outset to deter alcohol-fuelled violent behaviour. It’s no secret that drinking too much is a massive contributor to violent crime and we are committed to working with licensed premises across the region to ensure that staff know what their responsibilities are.
“Tackling domestic abuse and the consequences of such appalling behaviour, which can include acts of violence, is also a focus. Not only do we continue to monitor offenders bail conditions or home curfews after they have been to court, we also have specially trained and experienced officers offering practical advice and support to victims.
“Enforcement action is crucial to tackle violent crime however prevention is also key, which is why we also continue to work closely with our partners including Community Justice Social Work to divert offenders from re-offending.”