A police initiative aimed at cracking down on anti-social behaviour by youngsters during the summer holidays has been launched.
Operation Mirfak is being spearheaded by officers to help address crime and disorder in the Strathearn, Strathallan and Kinross areas of Perth and Kinross during “peak times.”
The force says one of the key elements of this activity will be for it to act as an early-warning system to families, making them aware of their children’s behaviour and giving parents and guardians the opportunity to exercise control.
The initiative has been designed to help assist in the prevention and detection of crime and improve the quality of life for everyone through early intervention.
Inspector Iain Ward, who is in charge of the south section of Police Scotland’s Tayside Division, yesterday said anti-social behaviour can have a “major impact” within communities “affecting everyone” from businesses to residents.
He said: “Our section is fortunate not to have a significant problem with anti-social behaviour and while it would be complacent to think we are free from it, we must deal with matters when they arise quickly and robustly.
“We committed in our multi-member ward plans to increase the amount of diversionary activities for the section and, as such, local community officers have helped organise Street Sports For All activityevenings on a series of dates, including visiting Braco, Abernethy, Bridge of Earn and Aberuthven.”
Mr Ward said he “would encourage” every young person to make good use of this “excellent facility.”
“Other youth diversionary activities organised by partnership agencies every summer include regular youth club nights, outdoor activities and youth discos,” he added.
Details on these activities can be obtained from the council’s youth services department on 01738 475000. Anyone who has witnessed an incident or crime is asked to dial 999 in an emergency or contact police on the non-emergency number 101.