A Perth police chief wants the public to turn detective if they suspect local crime lords are operating in their neighbourhood.
Chief Inspector Mike Whitford said officers are aware of organised crime in Perth and Kinross and he insisted that law-abiding members of the public can play a critical role in bringing those responsible to justice.
He urged residents to report any suspicious individuals who may be “leading the life of Riley”.
He wants communities in Perth and Kinross to feel they can “actively” speak to officers out on the beat.
“It is sometimes hard because they (officers) do run around in cars but, obviously, for me the focus is getting police out on the beat,” he said.
Chief Inspector Whitford continued: “There are organised criminals in Perth and people are often looking at individuals they know are driving around in big posh cars, apparently leading the life of Riley.
“We are encouraging them to contact Crimestoppers or phone the police if they suspect anything.
“If people have information on drug dealers, let us know, as the dealer in Perth or Blairgowrie is simply the end person of a very, very long, organised, criminal chain. Picking up the phone can be the first step that allows us to take action.”
Mr Whitford urged the public not to be backward in coming forward.
“The last time I was out, I visited something like 25 pubs and I was probably in each pub about 20-25 minutes, blethering to customers,” he added.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for the public to chat to the police other than in an enforcement situation and a reminder that they are there.”
And he said he feels the initiative is already working.
“I have to say that it’s going very well,” he said. “I myself go out now as many Fridays as I can and it’s very much about high visibility and going in to speak to the licensee.
“We’re trying to get them to recognise that, as a licence owner, their responsibility is to keep the public safe. It’s making sure they adhere to the conditions of the licence.”
The initiative also made it clear that police support was nearby when staff were having to deal with drunk individuals, he added.