Police to target noisy or anti-social behaviour this Friday as part of Operation Notebook

29th October 2013

An operation focusing on reducing noise related anti-social behaviour and conduct across the Highlands and Islands will be taking place on Friday 1 November 2013.

Police in the Highlands and Islands receive a large number of calls relating to anti-social behaviour and noise. Operation Notebook will see officers in attendance at identified residential address which have been reported to police as repeat offenders.

Occupiers of a residence attended by police will receive a warning regarding future unacceptable behaviour and of the possible consequences therein. A fixed penalty notice can be issued by officers or a report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal if required

If the report made to police about noise is due to an item such as a television, radio, stereo, instrument, etc, that equipment can be seized by police and retained for a minimum of one month to the cost of the owner.

Officers will be conducting high visibility patrols across the division in order to prevent and deter crime, in particular in locations affected by anti-social behaviour. This will also include the identification of any licensed premises linked to anti-social behaviour in the surrounding public spaces.

Chief Inspector Angus MacInnes, who is overseeing the operation said:

"Noisy or anti-social neighbours are a problem which can easily be avoided. We all have the responsibility to enjoy ourselves in a way that doesn't annoy others. There are some address across the Highlands and Islands Division that we get repeat calls about and that is not acceptable.

"This Friday we will be visiting them, providing advice and if necessary a warning that further calls will result in police action including the possible seizure of stereos, computers, televisions and other equipment. Over the past year there has been a significant decrease in the number of disorder calls, due to the work done through Operation Notebook and Operation Respect.

"Our aim is that this continues so that communities can enjoy themselves peacefully".

Operation Notebook was established to make people feel, and be safer, by tackling anti-social behaviour in and around residential properties within the community.

If anyone has any information relating to criminal activity they should contact police on 101. Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.