Police are out in force to ensure there is no festive violence

Police in east Perthshire are pleased with a festive initiative aimed at cracking down on violence.

Officers provided a high visibility presence in Blairgowrie recently, as part of Operation Frankie.

Members of Police Scotland helped staff at licensed premises to search customers for items such as weapons and controlled drugs. Around eight licensed premises were visited, not only to ensure licence conditions were being met but also to provide reassurance and assistance.

The policing operation was supported by the force’s operational support division, which provided a passive drug indication dog to assist.

Blairgowrie-based Sergeant John McKeag said: “The majority of party-goers behaved themselves in a responsible manner in Blairgowrie this weekend and I would like to praise them for that.

“This high visibility policing operation carried out along with partners encouraged people to enjoy their night out safely and responsibly.

“It also sent out a warning to those involved in drug offending and violence, that there will be no let up.”

Police have also been out speaking to pupils at schools in Perth and Kinross regarding the dangers of taking drugs and/or alcohol.

And it has also been revealed that officers have also been out in numbers when they gave details of a violence reduction prevention programme as part of Police Scotland’s ‘keepxmasafe’ campaign.

Operation Frankie has been rolled out in recent years throughout Tayside, including a concerted campaign in the Lochee area of Dundee in 2014.