antisocial behaviour – Page 15 – The NEN

West Pilton: tackling the scourge of antisocial behaviour

Brandin, a member of North Edinburgh Young People’s Forum, is concerned about the ongoing antisocial behavior in the area:

A gang of local youths have committed many crimes in North Edinburgh recently: they are an extreme danger to the public and themselves. The groups has at least twenty members and is based in Pilton.

The crimes they commit are inexcusable and disruptive to the community: their crimes include breach of the peace, vandalism and theft. Recently an attack on an innocent Chinese man has created massive fear in the North Edinburgh community.

A local shop in West Pilton is a meeting point for the gang. The shop owner does not want to be held responsible for them being outside his shop as the gang threaten anything that attempts to stop what they are doing.

Local people are keen for the police to start doing something about the gang but they are sometimes hindered by the law – police are not allowed to give chase to the troublesome youths as they tear up local green spaces and the streets due to the risk to the health and wellbeing to the riders, so the gang is able to run free, behaving like lunatics.

The police have caught many of the youths and many have dozens of charges on their criminal record. Many have been given ASBOs, but they just turn up again and never serve any jail time – which many locals think is appalling.

I spoke to an young lady who said that the group are a ‘joke’. She said the police are not doing enough as the group are extreme vandals who are are a big threat to the community. She added: “The young people have taken over the community and are committing needless crimes. The police have said that they don’t have the resources but it is not difficult to ask other police stations for the things they need. They have to do more – and fast – before things escalate.”

Local people are not happy with what the gang are doing and many feel the police are not doing enough to stop the gang. At a public meeting in West Pilton recently the public made their views clear to councillors and police representatives.

The community is now waiting for explanations – and hopes that something is done to tackle the problem in the near future.

Brandin, North Edinburgh Young Peoples Forum

Josh and Nikki of the NEYPF took these photographs in and around West Pilton Park last week:

However local police insist problems in West Pilton are being addressed. In a statement on Facebook last Friday, Edinburgh Police Division said:

‘In North Edinburgh we are continuing to tackle antisocial behaviour and disorder in the area. Additional officers have been brought in from other parts of the East Command area to assist local officers particularly in the Forth Ward. In the last two weeks alone:

– 45 people have been arrested or reported for a variety of offences including possession of drugs, offensive weapons, antisocial behaviour, hate crime and housebreaking.

– 14 people have been arrested on warrants issued by the Court.

– 8 stolen vehicles have been recovered in the area and returned to their rightful owners.

– Over 120 persons have been stopped and searched with 12 being found in possession of suspected controlled drugs.

– Road checks have resulted in 4 uninsured vehicles being seized and taken off the street and the drivers reported.

Local Area Commander Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan added: “Police Scotland are committed to tackling these issues in conjunction with our partners in both the short and long term in order to keep people safe and support the local community”.

Police warning ahead of Sunday’s derby clash

Police in Edinburgh are reminding fans that a policing operation will be in place at this weekend’s derby match to identify anyone in possession of alcohol, fireworks or flares.

Over 14,000 spectators are expected at Easter Road Stadium tomorrow for the game, which kicks off at 12.15pm. Antisocial drinking in the surrounding streets will not be tolerated and officers will be enforcing the Edinburgh by-law in this regard.

In addition, police will be assisting stewards to carry out searches outside the ground to prevent illegal or prohibited items being smuggled in. A specially trained police dog will be deployed to detect explosive or combustible materials. Fans from both sides are urged to ensure their behaviour during the match does not put themselves or others in danger.

Superintendent Liz McAinsh said: “The atmosphere at the Edinburgh derby is always electric and we want all supporters to enjoy the day. Police will be patrolling around the stadium with a focus on stopping anti social street drinking and fans will be subject to searches as a condition of entry to the ground. A specialist search dog will be used to detect anyone in possession of fireworks or flares.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and while the behaviour of the vast majority of Hearts and Hibs fans is exemplary, the reckless conduct of a small minority could place everyone in danger.

“Anyone found to be in possession of these items, or any other objects that are not permitted within the stadium will be refused entry and may face further police action.”

Communities urged: make this a fire-free summer

With the school holidays upon us the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are appealing for parents, carers and young people to Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire.

Director of Prevention and Protection, Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Lewis Ramsay, said: “During the summer break there is often a rise in deliberate fires. These can include refuse and wheelie bin fires, fires in stairwells, closes and derelict buildings as well as grass and countryside fires.

“With early weather predictions suggesting we could be set for a hot, dry summer, communities could be particularly affected this year. We are appealing for the community to help us reduce these incidents.”

Mr Ramsay added: “Many young people will have engaged with SFRS personnel via school visits, youth programmes and public events. We want young people to remember our message that starting fires is never harmless fun.

“Deliberate fires can overstretch local fire and rescue service resources, taking firefighters away from other incidents and putting lives at risk. Parents and carers can help too by discussing summer fire safety with young people.

“Every hour, every day, there is a house fire in Scotland. We need firefighters to be free to tackle real emergencies. Together we can work towards a fire free summer.”

The service is also urging anyone in the community who may have information about a deliberate fire, or who may be responsible for setting it, to report it straight away.

Mr Ramsay said: “Every deliberate fire has victims, costs and consequences. The core public safety and call to action message is that fire setting is an offence. Don’t Accept It, Report It.

“If you know anything about fires that have been started in your area contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You won’t have to give your name or go to court.”

SFRS is often called to attend fires which have been started deliberately in stairwells, closes or wheelie bins and ACO Ramsay is keen to highlight the danger these pose.

He said: “Refuse left lying in the street or in a common stairwell or close present a potential target for fire setters. Make sure you don’t leave refuse or wheelie bins against any property or building.Deliberately set fires are dangerous and put people’s lives and property in danger.

“By keeping wheelie bins out of sight, stored away from the building and, if possible, behind locked gates these risks can be reduced. We would ask residents and businesses to follow these precautions to eliminate the threat of deliberate wheelie bin fires.

“SFRS wants communities to enjoy the summer and work in partnership with the fire service to help make this a fire free summer.”

There is further information about deliberate fires at the SFRS website www.firescotland.gov.uk

Last year, firefighters in Scotland attended around 14,196 fires in bins, skips, fly tipped waste, derelict buildings, dry grass and heath land. With an estimated average cost of £2,000 for attendance at such incidents, the cost to the Service and our communities is a staggering £28.4 million. Approximately 81% (12,238) of these fires were deliberate.

DO report any build-up of rubbish to your local council or community fire station. This will help ensure it can be removed and prevent fires

DO report any fly-tipping direct to your local council or to the National Dumb Dumpers Stop line on 0845 230 40 90

Appeal for witnesses following Leith assault

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was assaulted in Leith earlier this month. They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who came to the aid of the man during the vicious attack – which took place in board daylight.

The 29-year-old victim was subjected to an unprovoked attack while walking south on the bridge crossing the Water of Leith at the north end of Great Junction Street.

He was punched and kicked by three teenagers during the incident, which took place at around 3pm on Tuesday 17 June.

It’s understood that members of the public intervened to stop the assault and Police Scotland are very keen to trace those people.

Police Constable Iona McWilliam said: “This was a terrifying and unprovoked attack on a man and enquiries are underway to identify the three men responsible.

“It took place in the middle of the afternoon and we would urge anyone who witnessed the event or who may know something that would help our investigation to come forward immediately.”

The first suspect is described as white, aged between 16 and18, of slim build, and wearing a grey hooded top and grey jogging bottoms.

The second man is also described as white, aged between 16 and 18, of slim build, wearing a grey hooded top and grey tracksuit bottoms, and he was carrying a black drawstring sports bag at the time.

The third suspect is described as white, aged between 16 and 18, and of slim build, and he was wearing a black top with a white Adidas logo on side.

Anyone with information on this incident can contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Kicking antisocial behaviour out of the city

Plans to help stop antisocial behaviour from blighting Edinburgh’s communities have been agreed. Prevention and support are key elements of the city council’s Antisocial Behaviour Policy, which was approved by the Health, Social Care and Housing Committee today (June 17th).

Tackling antisocial behaviour is a priority for the city and the policy sends out a clear message that while steps will be taken to stop it from happening in the first place, serious or persistent cases will also be dealt with.

Antisocial behaviour can affect entire communities and their experiences have helped to shape the policy process: tenants groups, community councils and members of the public who participated during the consultation process supported the principles of the policy and agreed there is a need for a robust approach.

The new Antisocial Behaviour Policy supports the aims of Edinburgh’s Antisocial Behaviour Strategy 2013 – 2016, and is based on key principles:

Prevention and early intervention;
Management of tenancy conditions;
Effective partnership working;
Effective legal solutions;
Regular and effective communication;
Quality and performance monitoring.

Community Safety Leader Cllr Cammy Day said: “This policy was developed to help people live safely and free from the distress that antisocial behaviour causes. It was vital that local communities helped to shape this plan, and I am delighted that so many took the time to contribute.

“Any threatening or disturbing behaviour will not be tolerated and I want to send a clear message to those involved that there will be consequences to their actions. The policy also details our plans to target the underlying causes of antisocial behaviour through early intervention and support.

“Edinburgh is generally a safe and welcoming place and we will continue to work with the public and partner organisations to ensure that it remains so.”

5 November: fewer bonfires but rise in attacks on firefighters

Fewer bonfires in the East but a rise in attacks

This year saw a reduction in the number of bonfires attended by fire and rescue service personnel in the east of Scotland (the former Central, Lothian and Borders and Fife areas) but disappointingly there was increase in attacks on firefighters.

Group Manager Steve Gourlay, Edinburgh City area said: “The work in advance of 5th November with our Council and Police Scotland colleagues ensured a large amount of combustibles were removed before they could be set alight and potentially cause disruption, impacting on the availability of our resources.

“The arrangements for the night itself involved the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Community Action Team for the City working in the local areas with Police Scotland and Council Environmental Warden colleagues to assess bonfire safety issues, give advice and where required request SFRS resources. Six dual crewed SFRS/Police Scotland teams covered the neighbourhood areas with further police resources also being deployed as required. Early indications are that this approach has lessened the burden on vital frontline SFRS resources and improved the safety of Edinburgh communities.

“Unfortunately our crews were subject to verbal and physical abuse, with bottles and stones being thrown at our vehicles, some equipment was also stolen from a locker of one of the appliances. Fortunately no one was hurt but this is totally unacceptable and we will work with police colleagues to identify those involved. A debrief will take place between partner agencies to ensure our joint working approach is evaluated and also to log any lessons learned which will inform our planning for next year.”

Edinburgh’s experience was replicated across the country, with a drop in the number of bonfires attended but a disappointing increase in the number of attacks on firefighters, appliances and equipment.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, Director of Prevention and Protection for SFRS, said: “This year we issued a call to action for everyone in our communities to Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire. By acting safely and responsibly and attending organised displays, the public have made Scotland safer than ever before.

“SFRS front-line crews, control room and support staff have worked tirelessly over what is traditionally the busiest period of the year for the fire and rescue service. In addition the efforts of local authorities, Police Scotland, education, public and voluntary sector partners have been vital in ensuring the safety of the public, while our media partners have been essential in spreading potentially life-saving messages.”

Police issue fireworks warning ahead of derby clash

Police Scotland will be carrying out an operation at tomorrow’s League Cup Quarter Final between Hibs and Hearts, searching for anyone in possession of fireworks or flares.

Officers will be carrying out searches outside Easter Road stadium, and a specialist search dog, capable of detecting flares, will also be used to identify anyone trying to smuggle illegal items into the stadium.

Police are warning that robust action will be taken against anyone trying to take flares or fireworks into the ground. The warning follows incidents at recent derbies where flares or fireworks were used.

Superintendent Kenny MacDonald, who is in charge of the policing operation on Wednesday, said: “The match kicks off at 7pm, and I would encourage supporters to get there early, as they will be travelling to the game during rush hour and there is limited parking near to the ground.

“There will be search cordons in place around the stadium, and searches will be undertaken as a condition of entry to the ground. A specialist search dog will be used to detect anyone in possession of fireworks or flares.

“We recognise that the majority of supporters are well behaved, however there are a small minority who in the past have put themselves and others in danger by throwing fireworks or flares.

“If this behaviour continues then it will only be a matter of time before someone suffers a serious injury, and we are working with clubs and stewards to do all we can to prevent such dangerous behaviour.

“Anyone who is caught with a flare or firework can expect to be arrested, either at the time, or as a result of a post-match investigation. As well as receiving a criminal conviction, they may very well find themselves being banned from attending future matches throughout the country.”

Let’s hope all the the fireworks are ON the pitch tomorrow!

Anti-Violence Initiative This Weekend

Lothian and Borders Police will deploy extra officers in communities across the Force area this weekend, as part of an ongoing effort to deal with incidents of violence and disorder over the festive period.

Arrangements have been made for officers who normally fulfil departmental roles to be deployed in front-line response roles to bolster the police response to such incidents on one of the busiest weekends of the year.

A range of enforcement and preventative activity will be undertaken, with officers focusing their efforts on targeting domestic assault and alcohol-related violence across Edinburgh, the Lothians, and Scottish Borders.

Chief Superintendent Malcolm Graham, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: “As part of our ongoing effort to tackle all forms of violence in local communities, we are deploying substantial numbers of additional officers within communities across the Force area this weekend.

“The extra officers will provide a visible presence on our streets, and will help police deal swiftly and decisively with incidents of violence. There will be a particular focus on domestic abuse as part of this activity, in line with the ongoing Lothian and Borders Police campaign against domestic abuse over the festive period.

“Likewise, we are conscious that this is one of the busiest weekends of the year due to the numbers of revellers enjoying a night out with friends or colleagues before Christmas, and the deployment of extra officers will ensure that we are well equipped to deal with incidents of alcohol-related violence and disorder.”

Stay safe advice for festive revellers

Revellers visiting Edinburgh city centre this weekend are being urged to make plans to ensure they get home safely at the end of their evening. With the Christmas party season now well underway, police expect there to be a high number of people visiting the city centre for a night out with work colleagues and friends.

As part of Operation Astrodome (the Lothian and Borders Police response to the festive season in Edinburgh) officers will be carrying out additional high-visibility patrols in order to provide reassurance to the public, and deal with any criminal behaviour.

Inspector Gill Geany, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: “Edinburgh city centre is a great place to visit for a night out, and we are keen that people enjoy themselves over the festive season. We would urge revellers to drink sensibly, and to consider what steps they can take to ensure they get home safely at the end of the night.

“It is advisable for people to ensure their mobile phone is fully charged before they go out, and if for any reason you lose your mobile, then you should keep a list of emergency numbers and some spare change if you need to make a call. I would also urge people to remain in the company of their friends, and if possible, to make arrangements to travel home together at the end of the night.

“Late night buses are available and there are a number of taxi ranks in operation throughout the city, staffed by taxi marshals from City of Edinburgh Council. Lothian and Borders Police and the Council have worked together to produce totem posters that have been erected in the city centre, showing the locations of late night bus stops and taxi ranks.

“I would urge people to make use of these transport options, and to plan ahead to ensure they get home safely. Our personal safety pocket guide – Good Nights Out, Get Home Safely– is available to download on the Lothian and Borders Police website, and I would recommend that people take advantage of the advice available.”

Letter: Building barriers is not the answer

Dear Editor

I am writing express my anger regarding the proposal from residents of Silverknowes asking to brick up three access points leading to Muirhouse following incidents of antisocial behaviour being blamed on Muirhouse residents. While I disagree with vandalism and antisocial behaviour, blocking pathways will not be the solution to this problem. This could have the adverse effect on the problem. Unfortunately lots of this behaviour is happening all over the city.

I recall this same group opposing the building of the new Craigroyston High School close to their homes . What do these people want? A Berlin Wall within North Edinburgh? They are not an elitist group who can dictate what they want. The majority of people from Muirhouse are decent people who strive to improve their community and retain good links with surrounding neighbourhoods. Perhaps the answer is getting activists groups together within the neighbourhood to consult with each other . This could hopefully help to resolve the problem. Building barriers between communities is not the answer.

Anna Hutchison (by email)