Police in North Edinburgh are urging local youngsters and their parents to heed a safety warning following a recent road accident in West Pilton that has left a 15-year-old in a critical condition in hospital.
Enquiries are ongoing and police are appealing for witnesses after two males riding on a motorbike collided with a car in West Pilton Gardens at around 5.40pm last Tuesday evening (22 April).
Inspector David Happs, who is based at Drylaw Police Station, said: “The dangers in riding a high-powered motorcycle without the relevant training, experience or protective headgear are clear.
“We have charged several young people over recent months in connection with the dangerous and antisocial riding of motorbikes in the area, but a small minority of local young people continue to cause disruption to their local community.
“We are committed to tackling this antisocial and dangerous activity and officers have this week visited a number of local young people and their parents to reiterate this safety message and highlight the danger these young people are placing themselves and others in.”
Police Scotland acknowledges the strong feelings in the local community regarding the motorcycle issue and Inspector Happs is keen to reassure residents that the force is continuing efforts to identify those involved in such incidents and is urging members of the public to report any relevant information to the police.
He added: “Given the increased risk to the rider and other members of the public, the circumstances in which we will pursue a motorcycle in a police vehicle are rare. However, we have and will continue to make appropriate use of the police helicopter, other specialist and plain-clothed police resources, as well as CCTV and other evidential opportunities to identify the riders and investigate any offences committed.
“Many of the bikes involved are stolen from elsewhere in the city and I would also encourage motorcycle owners to take what reasonable steps they can to prevent their bike from being stolen. We continue to respond to calls from the public providing information on the location of hidden motorcycles, and we work with local Council teams to locate the bikes to prevent further misuse.
“There is a wide range of diversionary activities and facilities in the local area for young people and we work closely with these groups, the City of Edinburgh Council, Total Craigroyston and other agencies to develop longer term strategies to reduce the offending behaviour and danger to the local community.”
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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