Police patrols have been stepped up in Perth and Kinross in a bid to clampdown on violence.
More resources have been deployed following an increase in violent incidents in Perth on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Temporary Chief Inspector Ian Scott, area commander for Perth and Kinross, outlined the “long-term plan” of Operation Quest, which he hopes will reduce the number of residents becoming victims of assaults in the area.
“Operation Quest is our campaign to reduce violence,” he said.
“Violence across the country, including Perth and Kinross, has seen a small increase this year.
“We’re lucky we have very high detection rates for violent crime detections for robberies and serious assaults are both in the region of 90% and common assault is around 80%.
“What we’re looking to do is prevent that crime, so a lot of activity is focused on trying to get out ‘early doors’ in and around various locations, to have high profile police presence at all times and engaging with people prior to offences taking place.”
Mr Scott said his officers have been using social media to publicise Operation Quest and that his force have been successful in “bidding” for additional resources needed for specified times of the day.
“We’ve got the use of the Divisional Violence Reduction Unit who have been carrying out patrols in the north Perth area and we also have the operational support unit doing patrols in Perth and Kinross as well,” he added.
“That is on-going. Everywhere is pretty busy over the weekends but there are anomalies such as some violence from youths in Perth on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
“So, we try to put additional, flexible resources there and are encouraging people not to get involved in arguments in domestic and alcohol-related incidents, including road rage situations.”
He continued: “We’re also looking to introduce exclusion orders at licensed premises, looking at repeat offenders and also bail conditions. If people are detected for a crime we will look to put restrictions in.
“If people do commit a crime of violence they are likely to be brought before the courts.
“Rather than run this for a week or a month, we see this as a long-term plan.”