Police make 36 arrests in violent crime crackdown

Police have made 36 arrests in a crackdown on violent offenders in the run-up to Christmas.

Officers in the north east targeted those wanted on warrant for a range of offences including assault and robbery, domestic abuse, and possession of an offensive weapon.

A 32-year-old man was arrested in connection with a serious assault in Aberdeen, while a woman aged 26 was detained after an assault and robbery in the city.

In Elgin, a 28-year-old man was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon, and four search warrants were executed in the Moray area aimed at disrupting known violent offenders suspected of being involved in the drugs trade.

Sergeant Scott Brander, from the Divisional Alcohol Violence Reduction Unit (DAVRU), said: “Enforcing warrants is part of our routine business to tackle violent crime, however the festive period in particular is a focus as emotions run high, more alcohol may be consumed and inhibitions might be lowered.

“To ensure that the most violent offenders are not free to commit any further crime over the festive period, targeted proactive operations are crucial to ensure accused people are detained and unable to reoffend.

“In 2017/2018, six people in Scotland died as the result of a single punch and Police Scotland’s ongoing ‘One Punch’ campaign continues to warn of the devastating consequences split-second, ill-informed decisions can have.

“By all means we want people to enjoy their festive period, but at the same time please think about how much alcohol you are consuming.

“We get less inhibited when drinking and can become more aggressive, not thinking about the consequences until we sober up.

“We will continue to carry out enforcement action as and when necessary to make the north east a safer place to live and will also continue to work with external agencies to ensure arrested people are offered support for any substance misuse issues they have in an effort to dissuade them from future offending.”