Tayside Police re-launches Operation Festive Homesafe in Perth and other Western Division centres

Dec 4 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A SUCCESSFUL initiative to curb booze-fuelled mayhem over Christmas and New Year was re-launched in Perth yesterday.

Tayside Police’s Operation Festive Homesafe aims to ensure residents enjoy safe and secure nights out during the festive season.

The county-wide Western Division scheme targets anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related serious and violent crime.

Evidence suggests such offences become more prevalent during the seasonal holidays, along with incidents of domestic violence.

Vulnerable groups like young people can be also be exposed to greater risk due to excessive alcohol consumption.

Tayside’s Chief Superintendent Craig Suttie said an all-year-round version of the initiative had proved successful in targeting trouble.

“Operation Homesafe has proved to be of great value in Perth city centre and other town centres in terms of crime prevention and detection.

“Furthermore, our high-visibility patrols provide important reassurance to the public.

“A multi-agency approach allows us to identify problems experienced by all those involved in Perth’s and other town centres’ night-time economies.”

During the operation, uniformed police officers will undertake focused patrols in Perth, Blairgowrie, Crieff, Auchterarder, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Kinross.

Operation Festive Homesafe was first introduced in 2005 and is supported by the local authority and licensing board, publicans, retailers and taxi firms.

Another partner is the Street Pastors set-up, and its volunteers will be on Perth’s streets every Thursday to Saturday from 9pm-3am throughout December.

Ch Insp Suttie said previous operations had led to a 20 per cent reduction in serious and violent crime.

“Festive Homesafe is successful in providing resources to help drive crime down and enhance public safety,” he added.

“By analysing where incidents have occurred, the force provides a tailored service and directs resources to where they are needed most.”

Officers will be present during busy periods at the taxi rank in Perth’s Murray Street, and trouble-makers are being warned they could be hit with a fixed penalty notice.

Marshalls will be based at the site every Friday and Saturday night until January 9.

The scheme also runs on Christmas Eve and Hogmanay from 9pm-4am, and on Boxing Day from 9pm-3am.

Community safety partnership convener Willie Robertson said more taxis were being encouraged to service the ranks, reducing queuing times.

“Combined with the safety factor of waiting in an orderly maintained queue, this should help ensure that people a good night out and get home safely,” he said.