Tag: antisocial behaviour

Police Scotland: Early success for City Centre Policing Unit

49 ARRESTS IN FIRST MONTH OF OPERATION

Almost 50 people have been arrested by officers from our new City Centre Policing Unit during their first month of operations.

From 1 to 31 July, a total of 49 individuals were arrested and 114 charges brought against them for a range of offences within the city centre during proactive patrols and reactive responses undertaken by the unit.

The CCPU officially launched on 2 July 2026, supported by funding from the City of Edinburgh Council’s Visitor Levy.

Over the last month over 2,300 hours of patrols by CCPU officers have taken place to engage with members of the public and businesses within the city-centre, respond to intelligence relating to criminal activity and provide a high-visibility presence to deter offending.

In addition to the arrests, two Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued for antisocial behaviour and a further 20 Recorded Police Warnings were handed out for incidents that did not require arrests to be made.

A total of 208 youth interactions were carried out to engage with young people visiting the city centre and build strong relationships with this demographic to help deter offences such as antisocial behaviour.

Extensive work has also been done to tackle street drinking in the Hunters Square area, with alcohol seized on 47 occasions.

Throughout August, CCPU officers will play a pivotal role in policing the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe to offer reassurance to the increased number of people within the city-centre and respond to any incidents that arise during this time.

Inspector Stephen Quinn, who leads the City Centre Policing Unit, said: “Our first month has been immensely challenging but extremely rewarding, as CCPU officers set about providing benefit to Edinburgh’s city centre.

“Extensive support from the CCPU was provided to staffing the cordons required to keep the public safe following the significant fire on Princes Street and this meant that resources that would previously have been required from other parts of the city were able to continue with their normal duties.

“Despite the demands of the fire, we have also been successful in tackling some of the key issues affecting the city-centre, including shop theft, antisocial behaviour and disorder.

“Working alongside key partners such as our colleagues at the Retail Crime Taskforce, Simon Community Scotland, Street Assist and representatives from the night-time economy, we continue to tackle hotspot areas and improve confidence in the policing response to ongoing problems.

“We’re under no illusion that more work needs to be done and we will continue to build on the success of our first month as we strive to make Edinburgh’s city-centre as safe as possible for all of those who live, work and visit the area.”

‘It’ll Cost You’: Spotlight on Buying Booze for Youngsters

The crime of buying booze for youngsters came under the spotlight in Kilmarnock this week (July 29th).

Scottish Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald MSP visited the Asda Superstore in Kilmarnock to see for herself how retailers, alcohol producers and Police Scotland have come together to drive home the message that buying alcohol for under-18s could land someone a fine, jail time or both. 

The “It’ll Cost You’ Campaign is delivered by the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership, Police Scotland and Community Alcohol Partnerships.

The event at the Asda Superstore in Kilmarnock demonstrated the unique partnership working between the alcohol industry, retailers, Community Alcohol Partnerships and the police in tackling underage drinking and youth disorder. 

Asking an adult to buy alcohol for under 18s is one of the most common tactics used by young people to access alcohol. It’s an offence in Scotland for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for someone who is under the age of 18.

This is known as proxy purchase. Adults who buy alcohol for children may face a fine of up to £5,000 or three months in jail. The campaign raises awareness of the damaging effects and criminal nature of buying alcohol for under 18s.

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Kirsten Oswald said: “It was valuable to see first-hand how the ‘It’ll Cost You’ campaign brings together retailers, Police Scotland, Community Alcohol Partnerships and the alcohol industry to tackle proxy purchasing and help prevent underage drinking.

“Buying alcohol for anyone under 18 is a criminal offence and could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both. It can put young people at risk of harm, increase their vulnerability, and contribute to antisocial behaviour.

“While awareness is growing, proxy purchasing remains an issue in our communities and I urge anyone considering it to think carefully about the consequences for themselves and the young person involved.”

Chief Inspector Michelle Grant, Police Scotland said: “When young people access alcohol, it can become a factor in violence and increased vulnerability. Buying alcohol for underage people is dangerous and it’s a criminal offence which can result in a fine, a prison sentence, or both. Don’t buy alcohol for young people.”

Grace O’Keeffe, Corporate Affairs Manager Asda said: “Asda is pleased to be supporting the ‘It’ll Cost You’ proxy purchase campaign.

“As a responsible retailer we want to play our part in reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

Luke McGarty, Scottish Grocers’ Federation, added: “The success of initiatives such as Challenge 25 have helped reduce the number of direct sales of alcohol to under 18s, but young people are increasingly accessing alcohol by other means.

“Asking an adult to buy alcohol for them is one of the most common tactics used. The It’ll Cost You campaign helps to tackle this.”

Grahame Clarke, Community Alcohol Partnership, said: “Proxy purchase continues to be a challenge across Scotland.

“This campaign highlights the dangers and penalties that can result from adults buying alcohol for young people.”

Strengthening Football Banning Orders

Improving match experience for all

Courts will be given tougher powers to impose Football Banning Orders (FBOs) in Scotland to include specific offences in an effort to improve the matchday experience and safety at games.

It comes as the analysis of a consultation on FBO legislation has published.

There were 903 responses to the consultation, with organisations such as the SFA, SPFL and Police Scotland supporting an extension of the use of FBOs. Whilst a majority of fans who responded expressed concerns about expanding FBOs, fans also raised concern around the increase in the use of pyrotechnics and some reported witnessing serious incidences of inappropriate behaviour.

In response, Ministers will introduce legislation in the Scottish Parliament which will include targeted and specific measures to strengthen FBOs to cover behaviour such as the use of pyrotechnics, pitch invasions and throwing missiles.

Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald said: “The vast majority of football fans attend matches to support their team and are a credit to their clubs.

“However, a small minority are compromising the fan experience and the safety of players, officials and all in attendance through anti-social and criminal behaviour.

“Recent high profile incidents involving pitch invasions and the continued use of pyrotechnics demonstrate the challenges the police, football authorities and clubs face and have to deal with. This is why we will give courts more effective powers through Football Banning Orders to target dangerous and abusive behaviour.

“Football is our national sport, and we want to make sure it is a safe and enjoyable environment for all and that is what we aim to achieve by introducing legislation.”

Football Banning Orders were introduced in Scotland as part of the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006.

Currently in Scotland, an FBO is available to the courts when three factors are present:

  • A person is convicted of an offence which involved the person engaging in ‘violence or disorder’;
  • The offence was related to a football match; and
  • The court considers that making an FBO would help prevent ‘violence or disorder’ at or in connection with football matches

Football Banning Orders Analysis of Consultation Responses – gov.scot

Stronger North: crackdown on crime in North Edinburgh

THIS STORY APPEARED ON THIS DAY IN 2017 – Ed.

Police have been conducting Stronger North activity in the North Edinburgh area over the past week. Officers have made 42 arrests and executed seven misuse of drugs warrants since last Monday. Over the last week £9000 worth of drugs have been recovered in the area, along with seven stolen motorcycles and one stolen car. Seventeen vehicles have also […]

Stronger North: crackdown on crime in North Edinburgh

Police: Antisocial behaviour and youth disorder in North Edinburgh

14 YOUNG PEOPLE IDENTIFIED

We are aware of recent concerns involving groups of young people in the Pennywell and West Granton area. Our investigations have now identified 14 young people linked to 52 offences.

They and their parents/carers have been spoken to and referrals are being made to Child Protection and Youth Justice partners.

Thank you to everyone in the community who has helped us.

We remain committed to tackling behaviour that affects your quality of life and to working with partners to support young people towards safer, more positive choices.

City council agrees Firework Control Zones for 2026

Fourteen Firework Control Zones (FCZs) in total will be in place across Edinburgh this autumn as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the negative impacts of fireworks around Bonfire Night.

Following a successful introduction in 2024, Firework Control Zones will return to several areas of the city between 30 October and 8 November 2026 following a decision by Councillors at yesterday’s (Monday 8 June) meeting of the Culture and Communities Committee.

Councillors agreed to consult on Firework Control Zones in Corstorphine, Longstone, Sighthill/Broomhouse and The Murrays, alongside new zones in Liberton Grange, Lochend, Stenhouse/Gaskell Street, West Pilton, Wester Hailes, and Moredun.

FCZs prohibit the use of fireworks within designated areas for a limited period of time, forming part of a wider package of measures aimed at improving public safety and reducing anti-social behaviour.

Earlier this year, communities were invited to apply for Firework Control Zone status in their local area, with community groups highlighting concerns including the misuse of fireworks, anti-social behaviour, and the need to protect animals, older people, and other vulnerable residents.

The decision builds on the positive impact of previous years’ measures, with Edinburgh experiencing significantly lower levels of firework-related anti-social behaviour compared with earlier years.

Work between the Council and Police Scotland also led to a substantial reduction in the number of retailers selling fireworks within the city. In 2024, 33 traders sold fireworks in Edinburgh and by 2025, that number had fallen to just two.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: We know that fireworks can have a significant impact on vulnerable people and pets, which is why it’s important that we use every tool available to support safer celebrations.

“Firework Control Zones are an important part of our wider approach to keeping communities safe during Bonfire Night and reduce the disruption that fireworks can cause.

“Feedback from residents, community groups and partner organisations shows that the zones have been effective in helping to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve the experience of local communities during firework season.

“We will continue to work closely with Police Scotland and local communities to ensure Bonfire Night is as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone.”

BUYING ALCOHOL FOR KIDS IS A CRIME!

Adults buying alcohol for children are contributing to street disorder and underage drinking problems.

A campaign will launch in the summer holidays to drive home the message that buying alcohol for minors could land you with a fine, a jail sentence or both.

The “It’ll Cost You” campaign will launch in communities across Scotland at the beginning of the school holidays and will be fronted by Police Scotland with support from local stores and supermarkets.

Police Scotland is working with retailers, large and small, and alcohol companies to drive home the stark message that buying alcohol for children, proxy purchase, is a criminal offence.

Evaluations of the previous campaigns have shown a steady increase in awareness about the implications of supplying alcohol to minors, but it remains a serious issue with detections being made by police across Scotland during the course of last year’s campaign.

The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign is a collaboration between Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership and Community Alcohol Partnerships.

This year’s campaign will run from 29 June in communities across Scotland.

Chief Inspector Michelle Grant, Police Scotland, said: “This campaign showcases the benefits of key partners working together to inform the public of dangers associated with underage drinking, as well as the criminal consequences for supplying those under 18 with alcohol.

“Awareness of the criminality of proxy purchase has increased in recent years, since the campaign launched, with reports being made by both retailers and members of the public.”

Luke McGarty, Chair of the SAIP Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “Retailers are determined to stop underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.

“Our members are robust in ensuring that under 18s can’t buy alcohol from their stores, so our communities need to support these efforts and be aware of the consequences of proxy purchasing.  

“The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign fits perfectly with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”

Tam Cassidy, Community Alcohol Partnerships said, “As the school summer holidays approach, the campaign is a timely reminder to everyone about the consequences of buying alcohol for children and about the impact that underage drinking can have on our communities.  

“That’s why we will be working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, to make sure we highlight the campaign in all the work we will be doing in local communities over the summer holidays and beyond.”

Gracemount firework miscreant jailed

A 19-year-old man who was involved in significant disorder in south Edinburgh on Bonfire Night two years ago has been sentenced to 16 months in detention.

Finlay Burns appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 2 March, 2026, after pleading guilty last month to violent offences, including endangering the lives of police officers after he attacked them in the Gracemount area on 5 November, 2024.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “The scenes we witnessed in Edinburgh that night were wholly unacceptable and Finlay Burns was responsible for some of the most violent and disorderly behaviour.

“His guilty plea earlier this year is a testament to the overwhelming evidence we gathered, and the case built against him by Edinburgh Division.

“His reckless behaviour terrorised the local community and put officers at significant risk of harm.

“The safety of our officers is a priority for Police Scotland, and this incident shows the unpredictable and dangerous nature of situations they can face, while keeping our communities safe.

“I hope the outcome in this case serves as a reminder to everyone that we will not tolerate such conduct and will use all resources at our disposal to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Fet-Lor closed today

Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to close FetLor today due to the Vandalism, Disrespect and Anti-social behaviour the young people carried out during and after The Boys Club last night.

The attitude towards staff, the building and community was unacceptable.

We take great pride in providing a free, safe and positive space for young people, but this behaviour has made it impossible for us to operate safely.

Our priority is always the wellbeing of everyone who uses the club, and we must take this step to protect our staff, our building and our community.

There will be NO boys club until January.

Police E-Bike crackdown sees bikes seized and 13 men charged

POLICE Officers in Edinburgh have seized 13 e-bikes following complaints from residents about anti-social behaviour.

The South West Community Policing Team carried out the initiative between 20th and 23rd November in the areas of Fountain Park, Dundee Street and Morrison Road.

Thirteen males aged between 18 and 45 were charged with road traffic offences, with offences including no insurance, no licence and no helmets. Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

PC Bob Galbraith said: “We are committed to ensuring public safety following the concerns raised by residents regarding anti-social behaviour involving e-bike riders, particularity incidents of riding in pavements, travelling at excessive speed and causing alarm or inconvenience.

“We continue to encourage residents to report any incidents so we can respond. Anyone with any concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101. We worked closely with HM Immigration officers during the initiative.”

#SWCPT

#CommunityPolicing