People littering Aberdeen beach will be among those targeted

Operation Oak is aimed at tackling aggressive begging, littering, parking offences, illegal street trading, drinking in public and drunkenness.

Union Street and the beach and harbour areas will be targeted.

Partners include a number of council departments and Aberdeen Community Safety Partnership.

Grampian Police said what was often described as minor or low-level crime would be tackled "firmly and robustly".

Operation Oak is a welcome initiative in addressing problems of crime and the fear of crime in the city centre during the day and at night Councillor Martin Greig Aberdeen Community Safety Partnership

Ch Supt Albert Donald said: "The police are committed to providing a high-visibility patrol presence with officers taking a very firm policing approach to individuals.

"Many of the problems which we have in the city centre are alcohol-related.

"Together they present a picture of drunkenness, damage to property, and nuisance which does nothing for the quality of life for people living and working in the city centre.

"This can also discourage visitors, whether they be from outwith Aberdeen, or ordinary people living in and around Aberdeen who avoid the city centre at night."

Councillor Martin Greig, of Aberdeen Community Safety Partnership, said: "Public safety in the city centre is a major concern.

"It is vital that the relevant organisations work closely together to improve the situation for the well-behaved majority.

"Operation Oak is a very welcome initiative in addressing problems of crime and the fear of crime in the city centre both during the day and at night."