Tag: antisocial behaviour

LOTHIAN BUSES OFF FROM 7.30pm TONIGHT

Lothian Buses has announced its intention to withdraw ALL services from 19.30hrs tonight (17 March) following months of incidents of antisocial behaviour. This will include all services operating on Lothian Buses, Lothian Country and East Coast Buses.

The company has announced that all journeys across Edinburgh which are due to depart terminal points after 19.30hrs will not operate tonight.  This applies to evening services only – NightBus services are expected to operate as normal.

Lothian has said that services are expected to return as scheduled on Thursday 18 March but will be kept under review with services diverted away from any area targeted by further attacks until it’s safe to return.

Sarah Boyd Lothian’s Operations Director said: “It is with pride that Lothian serves at the heart of our local communities and after the challenges of the last year it’s frankly appalling that the actions of a few can directly impact on so many. However, driver and customer safety is our absolute priority and so it is with deep regret that we have to take this action.

“We understand that we provide a critical service for key workers and those for whom travel is essential and we can only apologise to these customers who we know will be inconvenienced by this decision.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Police Scotland for all their efforts in helping us to maintain service this far.  I would also like to thank our customers and all of our colleagues for their continued support and patience.

“We would urge anyone with any information relating to these incidents to come forward to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”

Lyn Turner, Unite Regional Industrial Officer said: “Our members have the right to work without fear and we stand by Lothian’s decision to withdraw services from areas in which they cannot operate safely. The safety of our members is paramount.

“We would urge communities to come together and provide information on those responsible for these dangerous acts of criminal behaviour which are putting the safety of our members and that of the public at serious risk.”

City council Transport Convener, Lesley Macinnes, said: “Like everyone who’s seen coverage of the horrendous attacks on our bus services in recent days I’ve been utterly appalled by the reckless and intimidating behaviour of those behind the assaults. Enough is enough, it has to stop.

“I’m completely behind Lothian’s decision to withdraw bus services tonight as a clear message that this criminal targeting of a vital public service will not be tolerated. Anyone out there who thinks they know someone who’s involved in this despicable campaign of antisocial behaviour needs to do the right thing and report it to Police right away.”

All customers are urged to plan their journeys in advance through Lothian’s app (www.tfe.com) or website journey planner (www.lothianbuses.co.uk)

If you have any information about these incidents of antisocial behaviour, please contact the police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Another serious assault in Wester Drylaw Drive

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a man was found seriously injured on Wester Drylaw Drive last night (Friday, 12 March).

Members of the public found a man lying injured on the road at around 7.15pm.

Emergency services attended and a 33-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment to serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Detective Inspector Alison MacDonald, of Edinburgh CID, said: “Detectives are currently carrying out enquiries in Wester Drylaw Drive and the surrounding area in order to establish exactly what has happened.

“I am appealing to anyone who was on Wester Drylaw Drive yesterday evening and witnessed what happened to the victim, or anything at all suspicious, to please get in touch.

“I would also urge any motorists with dash-cams who were in the area to check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our investigation.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1498 of 13 March. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given anonymously.”

Police are still seeking information following an attack on a man in Wester Drylaw Drive which took place on Tuesday afternoon.

Police are also delivering letters to houses in Clermiston following a series of incidents over recent weeks.

On The Buses: Operation Proust continues this weekend

Operation Proust will continue this weekend, with officers on patrol in different areas of Edinburgh to tackle antisocial behaviour on and around bus services.

There have been a number of incidents involving youths across the city over recent weeks, which have resulted in the disruption and even temporary termination of services.

The focus will be on ensuring services are able to run smoothly as well as deterring further incidents of antisocial behaviour and criminality.

Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor said: “Bus drivers have and continue to provide an essential service to the public during this pandemic, including transport to and from hospitals. It is disgraceful that those who have continued to support our communities have been targeted in this way.

“Officers will be out in the community providing reassurance to the drivers and members of the public. Anyone caught engaging in antisocial behaviour or violence will be dealt with robustly.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the individuals involved in the recent incidents and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact Police Scotland through 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Police seek community’s support to tackle Clermiston incidents

Two men have been arrested and charged following a disturbance in the Clermiston area of Edinburgh on Sunday, 7 March.

Around 5pm police received a number calls regarding an ongoing incident in the Clermiston Park and Clermiston Gardens areas.

A 17-year-old man and a 27-year-old man have been arrested and charged in connection with alleged possession of offensive weapons.

They were due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday and a report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Further enquiries are ongoing into the wider disturbance involving a group of youths which occurred on Sunday evening, and police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

The two men will also be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the serious assault of a 48-year-old man in Drum Brae South around 3.25pm on Thursday, 4 March.

Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor, Local Area Commander for North West Edinburgh, said: “This type of mindless, irresponsible and reckless criminal behaviour will not be tolerated in our community and there will be additional patrols in the area.

“We are aware of ongoing issues with antisocial behaviour which is completely unacceptable, particularly in the midst of a pandemic when people are being told to stay at home. Local officers are working with partners to address these issues and proactively put a stop to this.

“I would urge anyone with information or concerns regarding antisocial behaviour to contact Police Scotland through 101, or speak to officers out on patrol.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 when a crime is in progress.”

Three youths charged following tram stop incidents

Three youths have been charged in relation to recent antisocial behaviour and damage on and around buses and trams in Edinburgh.

A 12-year-old boy and two 13-year-old boys were identified and traced by officers in the South West of the city and have been charged with a number of offences including smashing a bus window, throwing excrement at a member of staff and an offence under the Edinburgh Tram Act 2006.

These incidents took place between 5 February and 15 February in the Westside Plaza and between Edinburgh Park and Balgreen Tram Stops.

Sergeant Scott Walker from Wester Hailes Community Policing Team said: “During the past few weeks we’ve received a number of reports of antisocial behaviour at bus and tram stops as well as damage being caused to buses and trams.

“A dedicated team of officers carried out enquiries to identify those who were responsible, during which they spoke to numerous witnesses and viewed CCTV footage.

“We’re pleased to report that three youths have been charged with five offences, and so far in an effort to prevent an escalation in unacceptable and dangerous behaviour, fifteen other youths have been spoken to in the presence of a parent or carer.

“I’d like to thank the public for their help in these enquiries and continued support, and would also like to reassure the residents of Edinburgh and those who use public transport that we will continue to tackle this kind of behaviour.

“This is a city wide issue that we face and our work continues across the division with similar initiatives. Local Community Policing Teams are working hard to identify those responsible in order to educate them on the potentially dangerous consequences of their actions when targeting public transport.”

Anyone wishing to report a crime should contact officers via 101, or in an emergency and when a crime is in progress, always call 999. Alternatively a report can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police step up tram patrols

Edinburgh police will carry out increased patrols at tram stops and on trams over coming days following recent incidents of antisocial behaviour.

PC Mike McGill, Transport Liaison Officer for Edinburgh City Police Division, said: “We have received reports of issues on some trams in Edinburgh recently and damage being caused.

“Dealing with disorder and antisocial behaviour is a priority for us and we want tram staff and customers to feel safe. You’ll see a police presence on some trams this weekend and we will also be paying attention to tram stops.

“If you have any information regarding antisocial behaviour can I ask that you pass this on to police via 101. Alternatively, you can pass on any information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Nine disperal zones now in place for bonfire season

This year nine dispersal zones have been authorised in Edinburgh to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period. The zones will be in operation between 2pm and midnight from today (Wednesday 4th) to Saturday 7th November.

Under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, police have a Power of Dispersal within the designated zones authorised by Superintendent David Robertson.

This means that we can instruct any people in groups of two or more who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner to disperse, and if they do not live there to leave the zones, and then not to return for up to 24 hours. If they do return, they can be arrested.

The nine zones are Muirhouse, West Pilton, Portobello, Loganlea, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southhouse.

They will be in place from 2pm today (Wednesday 4 November) until midnight on Saturday 7 November.

Maps have been published on local police social media.

‘Behave’ warning ahead of tonight’s capital clash

Police Scotland is requesting fans attending tonight’s Edinburgh derby do so in a responsible manner. The game kicks off at 7.45pm with a capacity crowd expected at Easter Road.

Police Scotland will have a number of officers and specialist resources in and around the stadium and across the city on match day to assist both football clubs and stewards in ensuring the safety of all those attending the game.

Chief Inspector David Happs, Event Police Lead, said: “The Edinburgh derby is one of the most exciting and popular fixtures in the Scottish football calendar. A capacity crowd is expected with more watching from home.

“We want both sets of fans to enjoy the game safely and in the proper spirit. It is essential that supporters act in a responsible manner and do not put themselves or others at risk.

“As such any flare, firework or any controlled container or bottle which could cause harm if thrown, is strictly forbidden from the ground. Items such as flares or smoke devices are dangerous and can endanger your own and others’ safety.

“It is illegal to enter or even attempt to enter the stadium with them so if you are found to be in possession of any prohibited items you are likely to be arrested, face prosecution and a football banning order.

“Criminality will not be tolerated and we will work with both football clubs to identify any person involved.

“There will be a high visibility police presence at the turnstiles to support the steward search operation of those persons entering the stadium. Anyone trying to get into the stadium whilst drunk will not see the game and may also face arrest and prosecution.

“Turnstiles open at 6.45pm and I would encourage spectators to arrive early at the stadium. Enjoy the game and please check the club websites for further details about stadium access and the ground rules.”

Hearts supporters not making the trip across the city can watch the game in the Eighteen74 fans’ bar at Tynecastle.

Tickets will once again include a welcome drink and half-time pie. Tickets are priced at £5 and a cash bar will be open throughout. Special guest speakers Henry Smith and Walter Kidd will be on hand for pre and post-match analysis and interviews.

The Eighteen74 fans’ bar will be open at 5pm with the event starting at 6:30pm.

CLICK HERE to book tickets online

Both Hibs and Hearts go into the derby on the back of Scottish Cup wins. Hibs gave  their most impressive performance of the season when they swept away John Robertson’s Inverness Caley Thistle on Friday evening, with their five goals scored by five different scorers.

While Hibs victory was universally expected, Hearts win over Rangers decidely was not. While the Tynecastle side remains deep in the mire at the foot of the Premiership table, the Gorgie men put their league form behind them with a well-deserved 1 – 0 victory – setting up a mouth-watering all-Edinburgh Cup semi-final in the process.

Emphatic victory for either side tonight would see them going into the cup game with a psychological edge, but despite the gulf in their respective league positions this is likely to be a typically tight derby.

Hibs go into the game on a high and, should they reproduce their Friday form their pace will pose a severe threat to a jittery Hearts rearguard. However Hibs fans won’t need reminding that their heroes have often outplayed their city rivals in recent years – only to end up wondering how they managed to lose!

Rock bottom of the league and two points adrift of nearest team Hamilton, this is a game Hearts really can’t afford to lose. Saturday’s cup result was a huge boost for the beleaguered outfit, but they now need to carry this renewed appetite into their league form – and what better game to show that continued improvement than against their oldest rivals?

Hearts coach Daniel Stendel has urged his players to build on their performance against Rangers when they face Hibs in Leith tonight.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s Derby, the German was clear in terms of what will be required of his men on the night.

“The Rangers result was good for everyone; the team, the staff, the supporters. I told the players to enjoy this moment but on Sunday morning the only thing in our head was Hibs,” he said.

“We focused heavily on our defensive work in recent weeks. There was a big improvement against Rangers. Our problems haven’t been about high press or no press, it’s been about discipline and concentration. The biggest thing for me about the Rangers game was how good our discipline was and this must be the case against Hibs as well.”

“We need the same attitude, mentality and quality in our game in order to win the points at Easter Road.

“We have done everything we can to be as prepared as possible. The league is so important and of course it’s against Hibs. My first game against them was not so successful and I hope the second one is better.”

First goal – should there be one – could prove to be crucial.

Not got a ticket? There are some still available and the game is also live on the BT Sport channel.

Hibernian Football Club HeartofMidlothianFC

 

Guy Fawkes Night: more attacks on emergency services

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews responded to approximately 359 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm yesterday (November 5).

Operations Control firefighters handled 882 calls from members of the public. There were also several attacks on crews, but no firefighters were seriously injured. Continue reading Guy Fawkes Night: more attacks on emergency services