Tag: antisocial behaviour

New Fireworks Control Zones to be introduced in Edinburgh

Nine Fireworks Control Zones (FCZ) will be introduced in Edinburgh this year to minimise the negative impacts of fireworks around Bonfire Night.

FCZs, which ban the use of fireworks in a specific area, were first implemented in Edinburgh last year and covered Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield.

On Thursday, members of the Culture and Communities Committee voted to reintroduce FCZs in these areas for two years, in addition to FCZs in Corstorphine, Moredun, Gracemount, Longstone and Sighthill between 31 October and 9 November 2025.

In March people were invited to apply for their local area to become an FCZ resulting in proposals for Corstorphine, Moredun, Gracemount, Longstone and Sighthill. A subsequent public consultation on FCZs for these areas, alongside Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield, found overwhelming support for their introduction.

Amongst the reasons community groups stated in their applications for FCZs were the misuse of fireworks and the protection of animals and vulnerable people.

Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Margaret Graham said: ““We want everyone to be able to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and responsibly and these FCZs are part of our efforts to ensure that.

“The new FCZs being introduced are based on community requests and respond to real concerns around the safety of people and animals in these areas. This is in addition to the FCZs first introduced last year, which we found had a really positive effect.

“This is just one tool for minimising the negative impact of fireworks at this time of year, and we’ll continue to work closely with partners to look at different ways of addressing the issue.”

It is intended that FCZs will align with any Dispersal Zones planned by Police Scotland around Bonfire Night.

They will also support work to tackle antisocial behaviour with partners like Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) as part of the Citywide Bonfire Strategic Planning Community Improvement Partnership (CIP).

This includes patrols of fly-tipping hotspots, co-ordination of CCTV cameras, visits to premises licensed to sell fireworks to conduct safety checks and youth engagement initiatives.

Find out more about FCZs in Edinburgh online.

Tracy Gilbert MP meets with youth workers and police to discuss rise in anti-social behaviour

Tracy Gilbert, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has met with Citadel Youth Club and local police officers to discuss growing concerns around youth anti-social behaviour and so-called “baby gangs” in Edinburgh.

The meeting, held yesterday at Citadel Youth Club, focused on the challenges faced by communities and the importance of early intervention and support for young people.

Ms. Gilbert stressed the need for greater investment in youth services and preventative measures, highlighting that providing young people with safe spaces and positive opportunities is essential to tackling anti-social behaviour.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “I was grateful to meet with local police and the Citadel Youth to listen to their concerns about the rise in youth anti-social behaviour. It’s clear that prevention is key.

“We need more investment in youth services to give young people the opportunities and support they deserve, while also keeping our communities safe.

“I will continue to work closely with community partners, the police, and youth organisations to push for the resources our young people and locals urgently need.”

Appeal for information following incidents of anti-social behaviour involving dirt bikes in Edinburgh

Officers in Edinburgh are appealing for information following a number of a calls regarding the dangerous use of dirt bikes in Edinburgh.

Over the course of Sunday, 17 August, 2025, multiple reports were received of the bikes being ridden in a reckless and in an anti-social manner in the areas of Calders, Juniper Green, Lanark Road, Broomhouse and Sighthill.

Sergeant Gillian Watson said: “The reckless use of dirt bikes not only endangers those riding them, but also members of the public.

“We have already seized four bikes and our enquiries are ongoing. We are keen to trace all of those who were riding in this dangerous manner.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have private CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage, or who knows where these bikes are being stored, to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2699 of Sunday, 17 August, 2025.

Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership: DON’T buy alcohol for under 18s

Underage drinking causes harm to children and impacts whole communities. That’s why buying alcohol for under 18s is ILLEGAL.

Help us clamp down on proxy purchasing.

Refuse to buy alcohol for under 18s.

Report it to the police if you see it.

What’s the story? Council issues advice ahead of Oasis capital gigs

With Rock ‘n’ Roll stars Oasis arriving in Edinburgh next week, the city council has released advice for residents, businesses, and visitors:

The sold-out shows taking place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Tuesday 12 August mark the band’s first appearance in the Capital since 2009 and are expected to draw Supersonic crowds of up to 210,000 fans over the three nights.

And we won’t just Roll with it. To keep the city running smoothly for everyone, planning has been underway for some time in collaboration with our partners. There has also been regular engagement with residents, particularly in the Murrayfield area to plan ahead and address any concerns.

As the fans Slide Away, we will be making sure key areas surrounding Murrayfield will be tidied up all three nights after each show. We will be dedicating extra litter collectors for Roseburn Park too.

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cllr Jane Meagher, said: “Excitement is building in Edinburgh for Oasis Live 25 as it’s our turn to witness rock history. With all of our partners in the city we’ve been planning for this for some time to make sure we’re ready to welcome thousands of Oasis fans over three nights.

“There will be extra trains, trams, and buses to accommodate concert goers, along with those attending our summer festivals. With this in mind we urge you to plan ahead.

“We are keen for everyone to have an enjoyable experience, not only at the show, but on their way before and after. Whilst we relish hosting the biggest and best events and want everyone attending to truly enjoy themselves, it’s important that we remember our residents. We’ve had regular engagement with those living near Murrayfield to plan ahead and address any concerns.

“We ask that visitors are considerate and respectful of them whilst enjoying our fantastic capital city. We’re urging people to only travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if you have a ticket.”

To find out more, and for helpful information in the lead-up to the concerts, visit our dedicated events webpage.

Please also check the dedicated webpage of the Scottish Rugby Union with detailed advice for attendees.

Campaign aimed at tackling youth drinking praised by Minister

The “It’ll Cost You” campaign was praised by Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown MSP when she visited the latest roll-out in Edinburgh.

The “It’ll Cost You” campaign now in its tenth year and run nationally across Scotland raises awareness of the consequences of proxy alcohol purchases to help protect children, reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, and make communities safer.

The event at the Scotmid store on Gorgie Road demonstrated the value of 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. The campaign raises awareness of the damaging effects and criminal nature of buying alcohol for under 18s.

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, said: ““To have run this campaign for ten years is a strong example of partnership working to help reduce crime and make our communities safer.

“‘It’ll Cost You’ reinforces the message that buying alcohol for someone under the age of 18, regardless of your relationship to them, is illegal.

“It can put them at risk of becoming vulnerable or involved in antisocial behaviour and if you buy drink for them, you could be fined, imprisoned, or both. This campaign highlights the dangers of underage drinking and sends a strong message that this is not acceptable.”

Policing Together Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland, said: “It’ll Cost You” is a really important campaign that looks to address the various risks to young people associated with them gaining access to alcohol.

“Please remember, that buying alcohol for those who are underage is a criminal offence and could result in a fine, a prison sentence, or both.”

Luke McGarty, Scottish Grocers’ Federation, added: “This campaign ties in with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing.

“Retailers are committed to reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.”

Tam Cassidy, Community Alcohol Partnership Advisor for Scotland, 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.”

Ian Lovie, Licensing & Compliance Manager, Scotmid, said: ““Scotmid has been long term supporters of the campaign.

“We understand the importance of preventing proxy purchasing in our stores to help reduce underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

Report illegal use of off-road bikes

Riding off-road bikes illegally in public green spaces can cause serious injury to other people.

Know who’s riding an off-road bike in parks or recreation grounds? You can tell independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously about who’s involved and where it happens.

You can also get more info on how you can report to local partners and where you can legally and safely ride an off-road vehicle.

Speak up directly to us on 101 or visit our partner website https://orlo.uk/oryx2

#PoliceScotlandEdinburgh

#PoliceScotland

Police activity at Portobello

TACKLING ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

On Saturday, Community Officers and Special Constables from our North East Support Team (#NEST) patrolled Portobello Beach throughout the day, robustly challenging and addressing any antisocial behaviour.

During a foot patrol, NEST officers engaged in a foot pursuit. They apprehended an individual who has since been charged with multiple drug supply offences involving Class A and B substances. The individual has been issued police bail, banning them from returning to Portobello, pending a court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Officers will continue visibly patrolling Portobello and engaging with the local community over the summer period.

#KeepingPeopleSafe

#CommunityPolicing

Remember, remember …

FIREWORK CONTROL ZONES

Is your community being considered for a Firework Control Zone in November?

Streets in Balerno, Calton Hill, Corstorphine, Gracemount, Longstone, Moredun, Niddrie, Seafield and Sighthill have been nominated.

We’d like to hear your views at http://edinburgh.gov.uk/firework-control-zones…

Drylaw action against illegal bikes

POLICE officers seized an illegal electric motorcycle in the Drylaw area yesterday afternoon and continue to support city-wide efforts to target motorcycle crime.

We recognise the impact of illegal and anti-social motorcycle use and encourage anyone with information that can assist officer to take them off the street to contact police or Crimestoppers on 0800555111 or at https://orlo.uk/c6VuF