FRASERBURGH'S senior police officer, Inspector John Esson, has said that a number of factors contributed to the record fall in incidents of violent and anti-social behaviour over the festive period.
' I feel the level of crime reduction experienced in Fraserburgh is due to everyone currently working from Fraserburgh Police Office, working as a team' Inspector John Esson (pictured)
The Broch saw a 57 percent drop compared to an average of 30 percent across other major Aberdeenshire towns including Peterhead, Stonehaven and Inverurie.
Addressing the factors that had impacted on crime committed during daylight hours, Inspector Esson told the Herald: "There were increased high visibility foot patrols by Police, Community and Traffic Wardens, as well as frequent radio messages between retail premises and Police/Warden patrols by Shopwatch members.
"Allied with this, there were also security surveys and advice given to town centre retail premises, with letters sent to owners of vehicles seen with valuables on display. There was also the introduction of town centre CCTV," he said.
Insp Esson also praised the new Junior Warden Scheme and it's knock-on effect:, saying: "This saw the highlighting of good citizen, community-orientated skills and instilling civic pride in young people through Junior Warden Scheme the ethos of which was passed to class mates prior to festive break.
"The engagement with all youth groups both organised and individuals gathering in specific areas by Police/Community Wardens building respect and trust," he added. The inspector also pointed to a number of other pro-active schemes including Youth Diversion schemes in operation such as the Audacious Disco, Bowling Nights at Leisure Centre being explored, along with the development of Youth Shelter and Art Wall having a positive effect on youth behaviour.
"There is also the effective use of ASBO legislation to deal with habitual offenders, addressing their antisocial behaviour," he added.
Turning his attention to evening and night-time crime, he said: "Increased high visibility foot patrols by Police through external funding were also put in place coupled with the introduction of Town Centre CCTV.
"Pubwatch Scheme bans on drink-fuelled violent offenders are taking effect along with reminders to licensed premises representatives at Pubwatch meetings regarding their responsibility to ensure acceptable conduct of patrons and increased visits to licensed premises at busy times and when dispersing," he said.
"In conclusion, I feel the level of crime reduction experienced in Fraserburgh is due to everyone currently working from Fraserburgh Police Office, working as a team, where appropriate with partners, to try and provide the best possible service to the community," he concluded.
