POLICE officers are to carry out a co-ordinated operation across the Kingdom this weekend, starting on Friday evening (March 7), when teams will target those involved in drug and alcohol misuse, crimes of dishonesty and anti-social behaviour.

And there will be moves to tackle issues in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area.

Superintendent Dougie Milton, who is in charge of the operation, said, "Teams of local police officers are being deployed throughout Fife to participate in a co-ordinated operation.

"The initiative, which forms a central component of Police Scotland’s ‘Campaign Against Violence’ (CAV), will see us carry out a number of activities intended to provide public reassurance, prevent crime and detect offenders." Superintendent Milton said the initiative was in response to community concerns raised at Community Engagement Meetings which have identified a number of concerns about drug and alcohol misuse; crimes of dishonesty and antisocial behaviour.

He said, "These issues generate feelings of fear, anxiety and anger among local residents and as such are priorities for local police action.

"To address them, and in line with Police Scotland's over-riding goal of keeping people safe, my officers will be executing arrest warrants, carrying out stop and search activity specifically targeted at people suspected of carrying offensive weapons or engaging in drug and alcohol misuse.

"We will be carrying out high visibility patrols within areas where there have been recent complaints of violence, housebreaking, theft and antisocial behaviour; and visiting the victims of crime to provide reassurance.

"There will also be preventative checks carried out at licensed premises and at the homes of perpetrators of previous crimes.

"To ensure the delivery of effective policing services that both accurately reflect and address local concerns, continued engagement and close partnership working with and within local communities is essential. Therefore, I would encourage members of the public to continue bringing matters of concern to the attention of Fife officers by attending their local Community Engagement Meetings, which are all advertised locally." He concluded, "Although Police Scotland is a national force, we still have a local focus. Consequently Fife issues are, and will continue to be, given local priority status. This is evident in both our Multi Member Ward Plans and the Local Policing Plan for Fife, documents which are compiled following extensive local engagement and consultation. Copies of both can be obtained on the Police Scotland website. www.police.scotland.uk”