Police embarked on a six-month campaign in Perthshire

The six-month crackdown also tackled anti-social behaviour and saw increased patrols by officers in areas where youths gathered.

Tayside Police said calls to the Perth control room concerning youths causing annoyance fell by half compared with the same period last year.

Two shops were also reported for selling alcohol to underage customers.

More than 900 litres of alcohol were confiscated in Perth alone.

Resounding success

Ch Supt Matt Hamilton said the operation had been a resounding success.

"When young people drink alcohol the knock-on effect of anti-social behaviour, vandalism and other youth-related crime has a significant adverse impact in communities," he said.

"This operation has shown that positive and directed policing does help to reduce and disrupt anti-social behaviour amongst young people and those who choose to supply them with alcohol."

The Crime Reduction Unit based in Perth looked at trouble spots and put on extra patrols at peak times to tackle the problems.