Police chiefs from all over Scotland have joined forces in a new bid to cut crime and improve safety for all communities.

Representatives from the country's eight forces met in Stirling for this year's Safer Scotland campaign.

Organisers said the scheme would focus on specific locations in communities and a wider range of anti-social activities including vandalism, aggressive driving and alcohol misuse.

Leading the campaign, Tayside's Assistant Chief Constable Willie Bald, said each division would focus on problems specific to their area.

This is about more than officers being visible, it is about engaging with the public.

Willie Bald, Tayside Police

Speaking at the launch of the scheme at Bannockburn Heritage Centre, he said: "Previous campaigns have looked at a single theme, but on this occasion we are asking local commanders to tackle the issues that affect their communities.

"Therefore it is likely that the city-based officer will be addressing different issues from his rural colleague.

"The public want to see more officers on the streets and all forces acknowledge the importance of being as visible as possible.

"But this is about more than being visible, it is about engaging with the public."

He added that there would be a special focus on talking to local children and young people to address their concerns.

A publicity campaign, backed by the Scottish Executive, will also run in newspapers and radio to support the initiative, which is now in its fourth year.

Force chiefs said they were looking to build on the success of a youth crime in West Edinburgh, which saw a dramatic fall in the number of reported incidents since it was launched in April.