Driving down and detecting crime, targeting anti-social behaviour and enhancing the level of performance have been the priorities.

A mark of the success of that approach has seen Central Scotland Police recently awarded with a fifth successive Charter Mark which recognises excellence in public delivery.

Crime declined by six per cent last year and a detection rate of 60 per cent was maintained Central Scotland Police's position as one of the best performing police forces in the UK.

Other highlights included: drugs worth up to £2 million taken out of circulation; anti-social behaviour strongly targeted; fewer road fatalities; falls in recorded crime across each of the three area commands; more than 300 drug dealers charged; more than 2400 litres of alcohol seized from youths and violence, housebreaking and vandalism cut.

Mr Cameron said the past 12 months, his last full year in the post of Chief Constable before he retires in September after 40 years police service, underlined the Central Scotland force's commitment to providing safe communities.

He said: "The officers and staff of Central Scotland Police have worked in an extremely determined way to enhance levels of community safety across the area and are to be thanked for their efforts.

"The work undertaken over the past 12 months has resulted in a fifth successive Charter Mark award, something which we can all be extremely proud of and from which communities can take great reassurance that their police force is quite clearly delivering on their behalf."

He continued: "There is still more that can be done. In particular, alcohol continues to fuel much of the disorder and anti-social behaviour suffered by communities, which can cause real misery for the public.

"Cutting supplies of alcohol to the hard core of young people responsible for the majority of vandalism and other anti-social behaviour is key to improving community well-being.

"Parents have a critical role to play in working with the police and other agencies to help shut off access to alcohol and providing more positive diversions for those youngsters who become involved in what can become a vicious circle."