More than 350 warrants have been executed and almost 200 people arrested in the first week of a new high-profile Police crackdown targeting offenders wanted on warrant.
Operation DEKA was instigated by Police Scotland to proactively target those wanted on warrant throughout the North and Northeast of Scotland.
Fine defaulters with an accumulated debt of £37,459 have also been dealt with during the first phase of the operation.
Officers started the campaign on 1st September 2014, and have been working in partnership with representatives of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and Scottish Court Service.
They identified and arrested a total of 190 people wanted on warrant for outstanding crimes, failure to appear at court, failure to comply with court orders and non-payment of fines.
A total of 147 Apprehension Warrants were executed while 207 Warrants related to failure to pay fines.
Of those arrested, a number related to crimes of violence and disorder, including assault and antisocial behaviour.
Other warrants were for a wide spectrum of offending, including misuse of drugs and theft of or from property.
Five individuals were arrested on Extract Conviction Warrants which meant they went directly to prison instead of paying a fine.
During the operation, a man was also arrested for being in possession of a knife in Aberdeen.
The Operation aims to prevent crime and provide public reassurance in order to keep people safe.
Assistant Chief Constable Campbell Thomson, responsible for policing in the North of Scotland, said:
“The aim of this ongoing operation is to disrupt criminal activity, target criminals and prevent crime. This visible and robust enforcement has supported communities throughout the North and Northeast of Scotland.
“Our activities though Operation DEKA will support the work we do day in day out to reduce the number of victims of crime and proactively focus on those criminals who are most prolific, commit most crime and cause the most issues within our communities.”
In Tayside, during week one of the operation, a total of 124 warrants were executed, 92 offenders were arrested and fine defaulters with an accumulated debt of over £4711.25 were dealt with.
Inspector Carol Brown, of the Divisional Co-ordination Unit in Tayside Division said,
“Police in Tayside Division are committed to reducing crime and targeting prolific offenders in our communities to keep people safe.
“In the first week of Operation DEKA, officers have already arrested over 90 offenders who have been subject to warrants for various crimes, including those related to drugs, violence and disorder.
“Over 70 warrants relating to unpaid fines, have either now been paid, or offenders have been taken before the courts.
“In the coming weeks, officers will continue to provide a visible presence in our communities, working with partner agencies, and ensuring that those with outstanding warrants are dealt with robustly. “
