POLICE OFFICERS flooded Dundee city centre, Broughty Ferry and Hilltown on the busiest night of the festive season, often referred to as “Black Friday”.
Operations Centre Safe, Ferry Safe and, launched this year, Hilltown Safe, coincided with Tayside Division’s latest Campaign Against Violence day, putting around 40 officers on patrol in the areas.
Officers across the city started off last night visiting pubs, newsagents and takeaways, speaking with staff about security and engaging with customers.
The purpose of the high-visibility police operations, which went on until 4am, was to take early action to deter troublemakers and stop incidents escalating.
Sergeant Donald Walker said that, at this time of the year, with office parties and people taking half days, there is potential for alcohol-related disorder to start a lot earlier.
“Early intervention is key to all this,” he said. “People may have started drinking at about lunch time.
“I would like to think it is Christmas and we can engage happily with people, but if a situation calls for robust policing that’s exactly what people will get.”
In Broughty Ferry the first police street briefing was held on Fort Street, an area that was particularly busy last Friday.
On the beat in the Ferry, Inspector David McIntosh explained: “Last weekend was particularly busy, with a couple of incidents in the Eagle Inn, so we need to help support staff in there.”
As part of the Campaign Against Violence officers were also visiting the homes of known offenders, warning them to stay out of trouble, and speaking to domestic abusers and their victims.
Mr McIntosh said: “It is a two-prong approach and we are trying to reach both people who come out and people who don’t.”
The Fort Bar in Broughty Ferry, the only establishment with a late licence, last week attracted around 300 people more than Fat Sam’s, Deja Vu and Liquid put together the inspector added.
Owner John Black said they had taken steps to detect and prevent trouble, such as installing 18 CCTV cameras in and around the premises, as well as fitting all staff from the DJ to the bouncers with walkie-talkies.
They also organised a bus service to help people get home safely and not linger in the street after closing time.
As the night pushed on and people started moving into nightclubs, officers looking for drugs and weapons led operations outside specially targeted premises. Officers with metal detectors searched patrons going into Union 39 and the Underground while a sniffer dog was stationed at the entrance to Liquid nightclub from 11pm to 1.30am.
Last night was also the first time a new Safe Zone bus has been available for people in need of first aid and assistance, and police were able to contact a Red Cross “sweeper bus” to come to pick people up.
jethomson@thecourier.co.uk