Police targeting city vandalism

Police officers were targeting crime in the city centre

Police have launched a crackdown on vandalism in Aberdeen city centre.

A weekend-long operation saw officers targeting people who damage property, particularly parked cars, and graffiti buildings.

They were also continuing efforts to address anti-social behaviour such as urinating in the street, outdoor drinking and youth disorder.

It is part of Grampian Police's ongoing Operation Oak, which aims to tackle city centre crime.

Insp Iain MacLelland, of the force's city centre unit, said: "Vandalism to property, in particular damage to parked vehicles and graffiti, is a problem."

Feel safe

He added: "In each case there is a victim. The crime impacts upon how safe people think their local area is and there can be significant financial cost for individuals and companies in repairing the damage.

"Analysis has shown that the majority of offences take place late at night on streets located in and around the city centre.

"Many of those responsible are likely to be persons walking home from licensed premises in the city centre who, for whatever reason, take it upon themselves to damage the property of another."

In the last three months there have been 485 incidents of vandalism reported to the police in Aberdeen city centre, with 44% of the offenders being detected.

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