The campaign, run with all other Scots forces, started on Monday and will run through until Sunday 10th August 2008. The four-week focus aims to reduce violence and anti-social behaviour associated with the use of alcohol.

Chief Inspector Chris Johnstone, Operational Commander for the Galloway Division, said: "Villages, as well as the larger towns like Stranraer and Castle Douglas are affected by those who engage in anti-social type behaviour as a result of excessive drinking. We will work hard across all our communities to not only enforce the law, but to educate people about the dangers of excessive drinking and the effects it can have.

Chief Inspector Phil Stewart, Operational Commander in the Dumfries Division, added: "Over the month it will be our intention to reduce the amount of alcohol getting into the hands of underage drinkers, and we have a number of operations and initiatives ongoing throughout this period to assist us. Officers on patrol will be targeting street drinking, where byelaws prohibit this, and in addition will be working to alert individuals to the dangers of becoming a victim as a result of their alcohol consumption.

"The public can play an important part in this campaign. Working with the police, they can alert us as to where this type drinking is taking place, where the alcohol has been purchased, by who, and to areas where anti-social behaviour is likely to occur as a result of such drinking.

Chief Superintendent Mike McCormick, the force's Operational Commander says "the force, like all others in Scotland, is committed to tackling all the issues surrounding alcohol and making our villages and towns safer for everyone. Dumfries and Galloway is an inherently safe place to live, and we will work hard to keep it that way".

Diversionary projects and initiatives play an important part of this campaign, and through the Leisure and Sport Department of the local council, many alternative types of activity will be available over the summer months, and in particular on Friday evenings over the period of the school summer holidays.

The Friday Night Project activities include football, tennis and basketball and a climbing wall called 'The Rock' which will be held at various locations across Dumfries. Taster session will also be held in Hip Hop, Free Style and Street Dance. Throughout the summer holiday period The Friday Night Project will provide a number of activities for young people between 12 and 17 years.

This is a great opportunity for young people to try out something new, or just keep themselves occupied over the holidays, and it is hoped for a good turn out to these activities. Posters and flyers advertising the times and venues are being distributed and details will be available on the council website www.dumgal.gov.uk