#Op Springvalley is the south-east response to youth disorder, anti-social-behaviour & criminal activity, targeting all categories of criminality via prevention, disruption, intelligence gathering and enforcement.
Community Sgt Jen Macgregor said: ‘Our officers will be out conducting high-viz patrols to provide reassurance, engage with the community, prevent offending, and gather intelligence.’
Noise is the biggest issue Brits have with their neighbours’, with nearly half (44 per cent) complaining about the amount of noise they make in the garden, according to new research from Churchill Home Insurance. The top causes of noise complaints are pet-related (such as dogs barking), playing loud music and drilling.
When it comes to their neighbours’ garden habits, 61 per cent of Brits have problems with their behaviour. Those in London have the most issues; there are an estimated nine million people living in London and 80 per cent of those admit to having garden gripes. Only 52 per cent of those in Wales are irritated by neighbourly behaviour – the lowest of any area.
People in the West Midlands are the most likely to speak directly to their neighbours about their annoying habits (31 per cent), while people in Yorkshire and Humberside are the least likely (16 per cent). Londoners are the most likely to report disturbances to their local council (18 per cent).
Almost half (49 per cent) of those with garden gripes are annoyed at least once a week. To try to resolve these issues, more than one in four (26 per cent) approached their neighbour directly to talk about it, 11 per cent reported the disturbance to their local council, and six per cent were forced to call the police.
Of those who decided to act, 52 per cent were successful in reducing the irritating behaviour, leaving 48 per cent with unresolved complaints. As a result of fallouts between neighbours, more than half (51 per cent) think local councils and the police should more strictly enforce rules and regulations around gardens.
Having noisy neighbours is a common issue across the UK. London received the most noise complaints in the UK, recording nearly 152,000 complaints last year and accounting for a third (34 per cent) of the total.
The research also shows that nearly a quarter (24 per cent) have had a boundary dispute with a neighbour. Despite this, only 54 boundary dispute cases have appeared before the Land Registration Division of the First Tier Tribunal in the past five years, suggesting most neighbours tend to settle disagreements before going to a tribunal.
Other frustrations cited by those surveyed include leaving rubbish in their garden (11 per cent), lighting bonfires (9 per cent), and leaving food out that attracts rodents or pests (8 per cent). Neighbours participating in naturism or sunbathing with too few clothes on is also an issue for two per cent of people.
Table one: Biggest Garden Gripes with Neighbours
| Complaint | Proportion |
| Making too much noise in the garden | 44 per cent |
| Boundary disputes | 24 per cent |
| Smoking in the garden | 11 per cent |
| Leaving rubbish in their garden | 11 per cent |
| Lighting bonfires | 9 per cent |
Source: Churchill Home Insurance
Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, said: “Unfortunately, high numbers of us end up falling out with our neighbours because of their noisy habits, something that has become even more heightened given the increased numbers of us who now work from home.
“We recommend that people try to speak to their neighbours first to find a solution to these problems, saving time, money, and relationships, but we know this is not always possible. If individuals are not able to come to an amicable resolution with their neighbour, our Churchill Home Insurance Policy offers added Family Legal Protection, which gives access to a 24-hour legal advice helpline and covers up to £100,000 of legal costs.”
Separate Churchill research found there were nearly 450,000 noise complaints made to councils in the financial year 2021/225. This equates to 1,229 every day, or one every 70 seconds.
Table two: Regions that have the most garden gripes with neighbours
| Region | Proportion with garden gripes |
| London | 80% |
| West Midlands | 63% |
| South East | 61% |
| North West | 58% |
| East Midlands | 58% |
| East of England | 57% |
| North East | 57% |
| South West | 57% |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | 56% |
| Northern Ireland | 55% |
| Scotland | 55% |
| Wales | 52% |
Source: Churchill Home Insurance
Tips for dealing with neighbourhood disputes
Tougher action on the sale and use of fireworks and tackling the misuse of pyrotechnics has been backed in a new consultation.
The public consultation, which attracted a total of 1,739 responses, asked for views on the Scottish Government’s Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Bill.
The proposed Bill follows the report of an independent Fireworks Review Group which recommended tightening legislation to reduce the harm fireworks can cause.
The consultation, published today, shows that of those who responded on these individual issues:
Community Safety Minister Ash Regan said: “The consultation builds on a significant programme of engagement and evidence gathering and demonstrated the range of views among those who responded.
“I am committed to making our communities safer and we have already moved quickly to introduce regulations restricting the times of day and the volume of fireworks that can be supplied to the public – as well as the times fireworks can be set off.
“We are intent on further improving safety for communities across Scotland by taking forward the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Bill at the earliest opportunity to ensure appropriate action is taken over the sale and use of fireworks and to reduce the misuse of pyrotechnic devices such as flares.”
Firefighters across Scotland dealt with more than 370 bonfires on one of their busiest nights of the year yesterday.
Initial figures indicate that crews responded to approximately 374 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm on Friday, November 5.
Meanwhile, Operations Control handled more than 1020 calls from members of the public.
There were also eight reported attacks on crews, with three injuries reported.
With public events cancelled amid continuing Covid-19 restrictions – and in Glasgow due to the evening coinciding with the COP26 event – the Service had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of both fireworks and deliberate fire-setting and to also consider the impact of their actions on communities and emergency services.
Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens is Director of Service Delivery for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He said: “Bonfire Night is traditionally one of our busiest nights of the year.
“I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and resilience of our frontline and Operations Control firefighters and our support staff who have shown extreme dedication over this period.
“I must also thank our partners, and indeed communities across Scotland, for their continuing support in sharing and heeding our safety messaging.”
Libby Logan is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Area Commander for Operations Control. She said: “This was a busy and challenging evening, but I would like to praise our Operations Control staff who have once again worked tirelessly to ensure we respond to those who need us the most.
“Their dedication has allowed us to meet this challenge and continue to protect communities throughout Bonfire Night.”
Condemning attacks on crews, Assistant Chief Officer Stevens added: “Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable.
“This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues – including the police when they must escort us at the scene.
“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a very small minority and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe.”
This year two Dispersal Zones are being set up in North West Edinburgh to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period. The zones will be in operation between 2pm and midnight from Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th November.
Under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, police have a Power of Dispersal within the designated zones authorised by Superintendent David Robertson.
This means that Police can instruct any people in groups of two or more who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner to disperse, and if they do not live there to leave the zones, and then not to return for up to 24 hours.
If they do return, they can be arrested.
Nine dispersal zones will be set up across the city in known ‘hot spots’. As well as West Pilton and Muirhouse, zones will be established in Portobello, Loganlea, Gilmerton, Moredun, Southhouse, Gorgie and Saughton.
News of the establishment of Dispersal Zones will come as no surprise to local residents – the real surprise is that these dispersal zones will be in place over one weekend only.
FREE COMMUNITY SEMINAR
Book your FREE place on @N_Watch webinar now
http://ourwatch.org.uk/webinars @ Mon 15th Nov 5-6pm to find out about the impact antisocial behaviour has on communities & how together we can tackle this growing problem
Officers from Drylaw’s Local Initiative Team carried out proactive patrols in the Marine Drive area yesterday and recovered six motorbikes valued at approximately £20,000.
The bikes are now in the process of being reunited with their owners. Result!
Chief Inspector Murray Tait, Local Area Commander for North East Edinburgh, said: “Our officers responded to a number of incidents involving youths in the Portobello area over the course of the weekend, including violence and antisocial behaviour.
“As a result of these reports, extensive enquiries have been undertaken and we can confirm that 6 arrests have been made to date. Further enquiries remain ongoing.
“It was unfortunate to see a small minority ruin the good weather for the rest of the community with their actions which have no place in Portobello. I want to make it absolutely clear that those who attend with the intention of causing violence and disorder are not welcome.
“Portobello Beach is a fantastic area, with great local businesses and is enjoyed by many families and young children who come to visit the area.
“I would like to reassure the public that there will be a significant police presence in the area, so we can robustly deal with anyone causing issues in the coming days. If you have any concerns about criminality, please speak to officers, call 101, or call 999 in an emergency.”
A youth has been arrested and charged in connection to Operation Proust, Edinburgh City Division’s response to increased reports of anti-social behaviour aimed at public transport providers.
A 16 year old male was arrested today after he was identified following enquiries into two incident involving Lothian Buses which happened on 11th April on Princes Street and 13th April on Howden Hall Road.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct, vandalism along with threatening and abusive behaviour.
The male will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
Sergeant Grant Robertson of Howdenhall Police Station said: “We remain committed to tackling this issue and this arrest should act as a warning to others that this behaviour will not be tolerated.
“We ask parents, guardians and any person who works with young people to speak to them about the dangers and consequences associated with this reckless behaviour.
“Anyone with information regarding antisocial behaviour in their area can contact Police Scotland through 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”
A youth has been traced in connection with a series of incidents where buses were targeted in Edinburgh
The 17-year-old male was arrested over the weekend after he was identified during enquiries into the incidents which happened on Friday, 9 April at Marchmont Crescent, Princes Street and Pennywell Road.
He was charged with four incidents of culpable and reckless conduct together with other instances of anti-social behaviour and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
