Police squad 'making an impact'

Officers have been carrying out early morning drugs raids

A task force set up in Arbroath to tackle crime, drug and alcohol abuse, anti-social behaviour and road offences is making an impact, police believe.

The team started operating in the Angus town at the end of September.

They have been swabbing pub-goers for illegal substances, carrying out drugs raids and targeting shoplifters.

Police said they had already captured a few "untouchables" and would continue to work hard until the team leaves the town over the coming weeks.

Insp Callum Leith said: "We've definitely made an impact. Initial work related to drugs around the town - this resulted in a number of individuals being arrested.

"The feedback that we've got from the local community is excellent.

"A few individuals in the town thought they were untouchable. We've tackled them and put them to court and they will be appearing in court in the near future."

A lot of them that were causing the problems seem to have calmed down now Margot Reilly People First Cliffburn

The police on the task force also work with local agencies to provide help for those who have been arrested.

For example, if someone is caught with drugs they could be referred to the health service for treatment and support to give up their habit.

Margot Reilly from community group People First Cliffburn also believes the task force is having an effect.

She said: "Round the back area of the shops we used to get major problems with a lot of the youths during the day and night and although there is still the odd incident mainly there are no problems there.

"The youths themselves, a lot of them that were causing the problems seem to have calmed down now.

"They're not drinking as much as they would do and the anti-social behaviour has dropped because of that.

"They do seem to be taking more of an interest in their area as well now."

The task force will move onto another area in Tayside in the next month or so.