The Festival gets into full swing this month and Edinburgh’s population more than doubles as visitors pour into the city to be entertained. With the Fringe getting under way this weekend, police have issued safety advice to visitors from near and far.
Lothian and Borders Police are encouraging those visiting Edinburgh’s festivals to think about how they can guard against falling victim to crime.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists and visitors are expected to visit the Capital in the weeks ahead, and while incidents of crime remain relatively low during the festival period, the increased numbers of people in the city provide attractive opportunities for criminals.
The policing response to this year’s festival activity will focus on preventing crime, in particular theft, violent crime, and anti-social behaviour.
As part of this preventative approach, police are urging people to access advice on how they can protect themselves from becoming victims of crime.
Tips on crime prevention are available on information displays that have been erected in the High Street, while the Police Information Centre, also located in the High Street, will act as a hub where visitors will be able to obtain advice.
Chief Inspector Gavin Phillip, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: “Edinburgh’s festivals are world-renowned and attract a huge number of visitors, enhancing the Capital’s reputation as a safe place to visit, live, and work.
“We want to ensure that people enjoying the city during this period have an enjoyable time, and in that regard our policing plan in the month ahead will focus heavily on crime prevention.
“In particular, we want people to take steps to keep their personal possessions safe and avoid falling victim to thieves.
Likewise, we are asking revellers taking advantage of the extended opening hours during the festival to be mindful of their personal safety.
“A range of crime prevention advice is available on the Lothian and Borders Police website, and I would urge those planning to visit the city centre in the weeks ahead to visit the site”.
Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “Edinburgh really comes alive during the festival season with thousands of people flocking to the city centre to take in all the fantastic events taking place.
“Thanks to the great partnership work between City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Police the Capital is a safe place, however it’s important people take steps to ensure they don’t fall victim to crime.
“There will also be extra patrols from both police and the Council’s community safety officers and environmental wardens to ensure the city continues to offer a very warm welcome to visitors from all over the world.”
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