Antisocial behaviour and driving in Aberdeenshire is being targeted in a new police operation.

Officers will patrol popular hot spots in Garioch in evenings and over weekends to "proactively deter" antisocial behaviour and associated crimes.

This new operation comes as the lighter evenings and dry weather encourages people of all ages to be outdoors.

"Over the month of June officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols in Garioch particularly Inverurie in order to discourage antisocial behaviour," said sergeant Kevin Ritchie.

"With the lighter evenings and dry weather people of all ages obivously like to enjoy being outdoors and meeting up with friends.

"Unfortunately for some, this can lead onto committing antisocial behaviour and public nuisance offences.

"Officers will be out patrolling on foot and vehicles around the towns and we'll be looking to engage positively with young people and deter them from becoming involved in antisocial behaviour.

"Antisocial behaviour such as large groups of people congregating and making lots of noise is a nuisance for residents and causes concern.

"Residents, particularly older members of the community can feel intimidated and anxious by large groups."