Community police in Inverkeithing have been tackling local concerns raised during the Community Engagement process with a weekend of action.

Over the weekend 7-8th October, local officers carried out a plan designed to tackle alcohol related antisocial behaviour in areas highlighted by the public. During the operation, officers were supported by other officers from divisions across the Force through the deployment of the well established and highly successful Operation LASER (Local Action Supporting Engagement and Reassurance).

The operation saw an increased number of officers conducting high profile patrols in identified areas of concern providing a reassuring presence and directly engaging with the community. During this phase of the action, reports of antisocial behaviour in the area were minimal. A small quantity of alcohol was seized and one person was issued with a fixed penalty for consuming alcohol in a public place.

The second phase of the initiative involved similar high profile patrols in tandem with a test purchase operation whereby all off-licence premises in Dalgety Bay were tested. Of the five premises tested, four passed with only one failing, resulting in a person being charged and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Community Sergeant Jonathan Peebles, said: "This operation again demonstrates our commitment to Taking Policing Closer to our Communities. Local people are rightly voicing their concerns through the Community Engagement process and we are directly responding to those concerns. Alcohol related antisocial behaviour is a blight on our communities and we will continue to use various tactics to counter the problem. Whilst it is disappointing that a local off-licence failed the test purchase, this should serve as a timely reminder to those involved in the licensed trade not to be complacent when it comes to challenging customers for proof of age."

The next Community Engagement meeting for the Inverkeithing area will be held at Inverkeithing High School at 7pm on Tuesday 8th November.

Sergeant Peebles added: "The Community Engagement process is designed to facilitate meaningful engagement with our communities and has already resolved numerous local concerns. I am grateful to the regular attendees at our meetings for their contribution and I encourage any person with an interest in our communities to attend and help influence local policing."