MEN AND women who batter and verbally abuse their partners in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area, will be visited by police this Christmas while drug dealers have been warned they won’t be let off the hook over the holidays.

Thugs with a history of violence or suspected of carrying weapons, drugs or alcohol can also expect to be “doorstepped” or stopped and searched as a festive blitz on crime gets underway.

Launched on Friday, it will also target burglars and drink/drug drivers. Sergeant Kenny Bow, who is overseeing the campaign, said, “Operation Culkin is a light-heartedly titled operation name with an extremely serious message. “Over the 12 days leading up to Christmas Eve, my officers will be tackling a number of issues which we see as being key to keeping people safe over the festive period.

“The campaign kicks-off with a day dedicated to tackling domestic abuse, which is prevalent throughout the year, but especially so over the festive period when increased stress levels, fuelled by alcohol, can see family issues coming to a head. “We will spend Friday visiting both the perpetrators and victims of domestic abuse, ensuring that curfew bails are being adhered to and generally showing that Police Scotland has a zero tolerance of domestic abuse in all its forms.” He continued, “In the run up to Christmas we will also have additional foot patrols deployed with the priority being to identify vulnerable premises - both residential and commercial. We expect this highly visible presence will deter criminals and if this stops one home being broken into, and one Christmas being ruined, then we will regard that as a success. “Other days are dedicated to tackling drug dealing and we currently have four warrants which will be executed over the period with the intention of sending a message to those bringing harm to our communities that we won’t let them go unchallenged just because its Christmas. “We also have a day dedicated to keeping people safe on our roads. “My hope being this will be a day where advice only is required but, if we identify motorists putting themselves or other road users at risk, then we will challenge that behaviour where appropriate.” In terms of managing violence and violent offenders, PS Bow said, “We have made no attempt to disguise the fact that we will be tackling violent offenders over the course of the 12 days. “As well as visiting perpetrators of domestic violence, we will be actively seeking those wanted on warrant for violent crimes, will be regularly visiting those on curfew bail to ensure compliance and we will also be ‘doorstepping’ those with a history of violence.

“This will be augmented by stop and search tactics where my officers will be seeking to identify the right people in the right places and searching them for weapons, drugs and/or alcohol.” The sergeant did offer reassurance to revellers heading out over Christmas and New Year and said pubs and clubs have been visited by officers and licencees reminded of their responsibilities in keeping people safe. He added, “The licensed trade have been very supportive of this and have welcomed the commitment that officers from Police Scotland will be undertaking an enhanced programme of visits over the festive period. “We further ask that people be sensible with their alcohol consumption, are conscious of the new reduced drink drive limits, and that they look after each other on nights out.

“We would be happy if the only crime that people experienced over the festive period was while watching ‘Home Alone’ with a glass of mulled wine, but we seek to reassure the law abiding members of our communities that, where we identify issues, we will deal with them robustly.

“On behalf of Police Scotland I’d like to pass on my thanks to those who have helped us over the past year, who contribute to making our communities safer places to live in and that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.”