I was glad to join Edinburgh Police Division to recognise the fact that motorcycle crime across the city has dropped significantly (writes Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson).
Since the 1st April, to 1st September 2018, motorcycle theft has reduced by 60%, which equates to 278 fewer offences across Edinburgh, and there has been a 54% reduction in motorcycle anti-social behaviour calls, with 346 less incidents being reported.
Since being elected, I’ve been working in partnership with others to try to tackle motorcycle crime in the constituency, especially in North Edinburgh – by collaborating with local community groups and the Council, supporting the local police, engaging additional input from the Scottish Government, writing to the Crown and Procurator Fiscal Service about the issue, raising the matter in the Scottish Parliament chamber, trying to help local youth groups and schools, and representing any concerns about motorbikes that people have raised with me directly.
This reduction in motorcycle crime is a result of the way the local community, Police Scotland, local representatives, youth groups, myself as the local MSP, Deidre Brock MP and other partners have all worked together to help tackle this issue.
From what I’ve seen, over recent months there has been a noticeable change in the local community. More and more, people in North Edinburgh have reported incidents and refused to let a minority blight or tarnish their community.
None of us can be complacent but we can all take heart from the significant positive difference that’s been made.
I would encourage people to keep reporting incidents to the police, if and when, they do occur, and pay tribute to the police, The City of Edinburgh Council and everyone involved over the last years in trying to tackle this difficult issue.
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