Festive celebrations kicked-off in earnest at the weekend, with Perth revellers enjoying largely trouble-free nights out.
Police had prepared themselves for one of the busiest nights of the year, with the so-called Freaky Friday or Black Friday bringing hundreds of people into the town’s pubs.
Friends and colleagues were out in force as the Christmas party season got into full swing. Police reported little disorder and praised pub and club-goers for their responsibility and good humour.
Additional officers were on the streets of Perth to ensure that revellers enjoyed a trouble-free night out. They were helped out in the town centre by street pastors, taxi marshals and special constables.
Perth and Kinross Council’s safer community wardens also played a part ensuring revellers returned to their own homes safely and without causing any disturbance.
While excessive drinking played a role in some incidents as it does on any given weekend the police experienced far fewer calls than expected.
Inspector Ian Scott, senior officer in charge of the Community Safety Unit based in Perth, told The Courier: ”Although there were an increased number of people out and about and the pubs were busier than normal, there was no increase in arrests or reported incidents.
”We put this down to general good behaviour on the part of the Perth public and the fact that people were simply out to enjoy themselves.
”The force also runs the Festive Homesafe campaign and that included operating additional foot patrols in and around the town centre.
”We also worked with our partners in the community to help facilitate theincreased numbers on the streets. It was a good team approach.”
Mr Scott added: ”You always need a bit of luck in these situations. You have your plans but these can always be thrown off when alcohol is involved and there can be fights that then spill over.
”We’ve been delighted, however, that this year there have been fewer calls than normal on both the Friday and Saturday.
”It was busy but people in general were good humoured and exercised a great deal of responsibility. I’m quite happy with how it went. We are now gearing up for next weekend.”
From the beginning of December into the new year, the police work closely with their partners to raise awareness about personal safety and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
Across the Tayside force area operations such as Centresafe and Festive Homesafe are tailored towards enhancing public safety in town centres.
They also aim to improve the feeling of public safety by providing high-visibility police patrols.