Laughing Policemen: all the world’s a stage for city cops

Police in the Capital have launched their own unofficial Fringe venue as part of this year’s Edinburgh Festival policing campaign!

‘Unofficial’ Fringe Venue 999 will be located on East Princes Street Gardens, below the Scott Monument and is open to any member of the public looking for advice on personal safety, crime prevention and other policing matters.

The large police vehicle will be in daily operation from 11am – 10pm seven days a week and will be in place for the duration of the Festival.

As well as the new venue, the Police Information Centre on the High Street will also be open throughout August, with officers working within to provide assistance to anyone in need.

High-visibility patrols will be deployed across the city centre and other busy areas during the Festival where police will deter crime, engage with the public and address any issues that arise.

Superintendent Lesley Clark said: “Edinburgh is one of the safest cities in the world and a great place to be, not only during the summer, but throughout the year.

“We have a wealth of experience in policing the Festival and considerable planning and collaboration with our partners has already taken place to ensure the safety of those who are visiting, as well as our local residents and businesses.

“Throughout the Capital there are a number of unique Fringe venues offering the public an array of attractions and experiences, which add to the wonderful Festival atmosphere.

“As part of Operation Summer City – our Festival policing campaign – we have created our own unofficial Fringe venue. While you can’t take in a show at our facility, you can receive lots of useful information on keeping yourself safe while you’re out and about enjoying all that Edinburgh has to offer.

“In previous year’s we have utilised social media heavily to promote our safety messages and we are looking to build on that this year, with a number of specially-created videos due to be posted online throughout the coming weeks.

“You can watch these videos and follow our campaign by liking the Edinburgh Police Division Facebook page or by following @EdinburghPolice on Twitter.”