Police drones will likely be used within the battle towards anti-social behaviour in East Ayrshire this summer time.
Cops will ship up the high-tech flying gadgets, outfitted with video surveillance, in public spots like parks and likewise plan to extend patrols.
Officers launched their annual summer time marketing campaign on Friday with locality inspector Iain Farmer, who's spearheading the initiative, remaining agency that the scheme will not be about criminalising youngsters over the summer time months.
Inspector Iain Farmer defined: "Following on from our Easter marketing campaign, we'll be utilizing drones to watch the general public parks to assist us higher establish youths finishing up anti-social crimes in these areas.
"The drones are flown by our air assist unit and it is a terrific tactic as a result of the drones have the identical functionality because the helicopters. There may be additionally video and clear photos that assist us see if any criminality is happening.
"One of many greatest gripes I get is of older folks not feeling protected going into the city centre as a result of there are youths congregating whereas below the affect.
"It is unlucky as a result of it is a small minority who're finishing up prison acts.
"However we're not right here to criminalise youngsters, I am unable to emphasise that sufficient.
"Our complete goal is to teach youngsters in regards to the weak positions they could be placing themselves in and maintain everybody protected.
"We have had nice engagement on our social media from involved residents asking in regards to the potential collateral intrusion of utilizing drones and I wish to reassure our neighborhood about their considerations.
"It is a policing tactic that has been totally endorsed and I've carried out a neighborhood influence evaluation. It has the identical functionality as a helicopter which the police have been utilizing because the 80s.
"I proceed to welcome any questions and I am assured this will likely be a profitable marketing campaign."
The East Ayrshire Police division additionally launched its bottle marking scheme to establish the place youths are shopping for booze.
On the day, police have been joined by the Scottish Hearth Rescue Service (SFRS), companions of East Ayrshire Council, alcohol and drug dependant crew, Vibrant Communities, charities, and invited elected members.
"I am so happy to be working in partnership with the SFRS and vibrant communities," Inspector Farmer added.
"Vibrant communities have an extra of 400 deliberate actions for children over the summer time - so there isn't a have to say there is not something for the youngsters to do in our space.
"It is a vibrant neighborhood and we wish to preserve that and work with our companions to teach, maintain everybody protected, and have a enjoyable summer time."
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