A number of people have been charged as the result of a weekend blitz on anti-social behaviour in Stonehaven
Uniformed and plain clothed officers from the Kincardine and Mearns community policing team were involved in the operation on Friday and Saturday, which aimed to ensure proper checks and processes were in place at licensed premises, as well as targeting anti-social and drugs offences.
Police Scotland said seven people were charged over the two days, including three men, all aged 19, who are being reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with an alleged assault.
Two other men – both aged 33 – were charged in relation to the alleged possession of controlled drugs.
Another two were given fixed penalty notices after they were charged in relation to minor anti-social behaviour offences.
Six people were stopped and searched in the hunt for drugs or offensive weapons, while 38 visits were made to licensed premises.
PC Reegan Watson from the Stonehaven police office, who ran the operation, said: “This has given our local policing team a more focused opportunity to continue working with local businesses to help combat anti-social behaviour and drug issues in Stonehaven and the surrounding area, particularly in relation to the night-time economy at the weekend.
“Tackling anti-social behaviour is a focus for us day-in day-out, but by carrying out operations like this we want to send a clear message that anti-social behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.
“We want people to be able to come to Stonehaven and enjoy themselves safely.”
PC Watson added: “While some may see recreational drug use as harmless fun, any aspect of the illegal drug trade has a serious and detrimental impact on the local community as well as further reaching consequences.
“We would ask for the help of local residents in providing information to us about people they know who are committing crimes in our area.”
Anyone with information can contact local officers via 101 or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.