Tag: antisocial behaviour

Edinburgh urged to celebrate safely ahead of Bonfire Night

Campaign offers advice as new research gives insight to safety behaviours

The Scottish Government and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are urging people in Edinburgh to plan ahead and stay safe this Bonfire Night (5th November).

While new research highlights that 86 per cent of respondents1 in Edinburgh are concerned about the impact of fireworks on others, it also shows that 43 per cent2 stated they would give sparklers to children under five. Sparklers can get five times hotter than cooking oil and are the most common type of firework to injure children3.

David McGill, Lead Clinician for the Care of Burns in Scotland (COBIS) network and Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Scotland’s Burn Hub said: “Children are frequently burned with sparklers.

“There’s a misunderstanding of how hot they can get, causing severe burns to fingers and hands, or catching clothing alight. Sparklers should never be given to children under the age of five.

“Unfortunately we see a rise in burn injuries around Bonfire Night, in both adults and children, with 41 injuries recorded over the four-week period around Guy Fawkes night last year.

“The majority of these occurred at private properties, ranging from minor, such as burns to the fingers, to severe, including loss of fingers and complex eye injuries with loss of vision.”

As part of the new drive, people are also being encouraged to consider attending an organised public display, something almost half of those surveyed (48 per cent4) plan to do.

This remains the safest way to enjoy fireworks and helps minimise their impact on other members of the community, with 42 per cent of respondents5 in Edinburgh stating they have a family member or pet who is negatively affected.

For those still planning on using their own fireworks, the Scottish Government and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to consider others, ensure they know how to keep themselves and loved ones safe, and to follow regulations.

It is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including streets and parks, and to buy or give fireworks to someone under the age of 18, other than category F1 fireworks6. 

It is also illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm, extending to midnight on 5th November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Iain Macleod is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection. He said: “Every year people are injured by bonfires and fireworks and admitted to hospital, with children particularly affected.

“We encourage the public to follow the safety guidance in the lead up to Bonfire Night and we always recommend attending an organised event if possible.

“People should also be aware of the laws around the use of fireworks, consider the risks and always follow the Firework Code to keep everyone safe.

“Please respect our staff who are working hard to ensure the wider community is safe on one of the busiest nights of the year for our service.”

Fireworks can be particularly distressing for those who experience sensory impairment, and can also cause stress in animals.

Scottish SPCA Director of Innovation and Strategic Relations Gilly Mendes Ferreira said: ‘‘Every year thousands of animals suffer stress and anxiety caused by the use of fireworks.

“Animals can panic and flee at the sound of a bang and this can lead them towards danger such as being the cause of a road traffic accident, also putting human lives at risk.

“Our advice for those with animals includes not walking your dog at night when fireworks are being set off, bringing all pets indoors and stabling horses. Make sure doors, windows and cat flaps are kept closed so your pet doesn’t become distressed and try to escape. If you’re setting a bonfire, always check for cats or wildlife before setting it alight.

“We’d always encourage the public to attend organised displays. If you are going to hold a private display, let your neighbours know so they can safeguard against any distress pets and farm animals may face.”

The Firework Code, details of legislation in Scotland and a list of organised events can be found on firescotland.gov.uk.

To report the misuse of fireworks anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Dispersal Zones information

Dispersal Zones for #OpCrackle have been set up across Edinburgh and will be enforceable from 3rd – 5th November.

These zones are set up to help prevent anti-social behaviour and to keep the community safe.

Additional officers will be deployed over the weekend across the city and they have the grounds to take action should people be involved in such conduct, as detailed in the below poster.

Keep yourself and others safe by attending organised events only, which can be found here:

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/…/organised…/…

#KeepingPeopleSafe

Operation Moonbeam 2023: Keeping communities and emergency services safe over Bonfire season

Police Scotland will be deploying Public Order officers in support of community policing teams throughout the Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night period.

Since 2018, specialist resources have supported local officers across the country as part of Operation Moonbeam, following significant disorder and antisocial behaviour in 2017, which saw members of the emergency services, including police officers, attacked.

In 2022, parts of the country were subjected to unacceptable levels of firework-related criminality, which caused considerable distress to communities and resulted in high-value damage to property.

In response to this, an enhanced level of Public Order resource is being deployed during Operation Moonbeam 2023 to provide further support and protection to police officers, other emergency service workers and the general public.

In October last year, new legislation was introduced under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act This legislation makesthe proxy purchasing of fireworks for anyone under the age of 18 a criminal offence.

Those in breach of this legislation will be subject to a fine of £5,000, a six-month prison term, or both.

From this year, additional legislation under the Act has been introduced, which prohibits the carriage or use of a pyrotechnic article within a public place and allows officers to conduct stop and search activity on anyone they believe may be in possession of such items.

Operation Moonbeam was launched yesterday at a joint event in Edinburgh, alongside Crimestoppers, who launched their own campaign encouraging the public to report any intelligence they have on potential emergency service attacks, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “The overwhelming majority of the public wish to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and responsibly, but it is a small minority who intentionally use the festivities to cause fear and alarm within our communities and commit acts of damage and violence.

“I want to make it abundantly clear that such reckless behaviour, including targeting my officers and other emergency service personnel will not be tolerated and we will use all  the powers at our disposal to bring offenders to justice.

“Last year saw an escalation in incidents in specific parts of the country and we are increasing the level of public order resource available to communities this year to deter and respond to any offences.

“The new powers we have in relation to proxy purchasing and stop and search capabilities for anyone suspected to be in possession of pyrotechnics in a public place are yet another tool at our disposal to address fireworks-related crime.

“We want Bonfire Night to be a safe and enjoyable experience for anyone who choses to participate in it and a peaceful occasion for those who don’t. Please help us achieve this by ensuring your behaviour does not put yourself or others at risk.”

Give information anonymously here:

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

Operation Crackle: Dispersal Zones come into effect next week

Dispersal Zones for #OpCrackle have been set up across Edinburgh and will be enforceable between 3rd November and 5th November 2023.

These zones are set up to help prevent anti-social behaviour and to keep the community safe.

Additional officers will be deployed over the weekend across the city and they have the grounds to take action should people be involved in such conduct, as detailed in the below poster.

Keep yourself and others safe by attending organised events only, which can be found here:

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/…/organised…/…

Operation Crackle: Follow the Fireworks Code

We are working together with partners such as Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and The City of Edinburgh Council to educate and keep everyone safe in the lead-up to bonfire night.

Where possible, attend an organised display. It is safer and will be far more impressive to look at.

#OpCrackle

We are reminding people of the dangers of fireworks as we approach Bonfire Night. Check the Fireworks Code and get essential tips on staying safe.

Downloadable leaflet: https://rb.gy/cu5jn

Web: https://firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/fireworks-and-bonfires/firework-safety/

Youths charged with bus and tram offences

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.

Missile warning ahead of today’s Edinburgh derby

Two men, aged 24 and 19, have been arrested and charged in connection with items thrown during a match between Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian in January.

The items were thrown during a match at Easter Road Stadium on Saturday, 22 January.

The men were arrested on Thursday (13 April) and are expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Chief Inspector Murray Tait, policing lead for today’s Edinburgh derby, said: “We take reports of missile throwing at matches very seriously and we work with clubs to identify anyone involved.

“The consequences of being struck by an item thrown from a stand can be severe and such behaviour will not be tolerated by our football clubs or Police Scotland.”

Telford trolley dump!

LOCAL MSP & COUNCILLOR TAKE SHOPS TO TASK OVER TROLLEY DUMPING

Edinburgh Central MSP, Angus Robertson, and Inverleith ward councillor, Vicky Nicolson, have demanded Craigleith shops take action to prevent trolley dumping in local green spaces.

Trolleys from a range of shops at Craigleith Retail Park are being lifted and dumped around the local area, chiefly Telford Park and its adjoining cycle paths.

The phenomenon of trolley dumping has increased in line with the retail park’s expansion. Local resident, Audrey Rollason, is so frustrated, she has taken to gathering trolleys in her own garden and liaising with her SNP councillor to have them picked up.

Another resident Andrea, and her 9-year-old son Dylan, have also spent significant amounts of time shifting trolleys from parks and gardens. Andrea branded the trolley dumping practice ‘a disgrace’.

Now, local MSP Angus Robertson and Councillor Vicky Nicolson have stepped in to demand retailers do their bit to end trolley dumping. 

Angus Robertson MSP commented: “It is totally unacceptable that Telford residents face the dumping of trolleys in local green spaces and in parks. Not only is it a disrespect to the local area, it is costing local residents and the Council time and money having to collect them.

“While it is not retailers’ fault that trollies are being lifted in the first place, it is time that they step up to help solve this issue. We know there are tried and tested ways of reducing trolly dumping.

“Other retail parks have developed various solutions, such as wheel-locking systems to stop initial removal or, in some cases, retailers actively collect the lifted trolleys from the local area. Councillor Nicolson and I have asked retailers to consider all options to help stop the trolley dumping.”

Councillor Vicky Nicolson said: “Trolly dumping is something I am acutely aware of in my ward. Indeed, on the regular community litter picks I arrange along with Drylaw Telford Community Council in the summer, we often find trolleys strewn about the place.

“It is deeply frustrating for residents, who should not have to waste their time solving this problem themselves. Local MSP Angus Robertson and I have written to the Craigleith retail park to ask them to take action to help prevent and tidy up dumped trolleys. We will continue to liaise with and represent the views of locals to tackle this issue.”

Resident Audrey Rollason said: “Trolley dumping has got worse and worse in the Telford area. I constantly find trolleys around the place, and often new ones appear in a period of hours. It is absolutely demoralising and makes our local area look run down and unwelcoming.

“I want the shops to do their bit to help – it shouldn’t be up to me and other local residents to gather their trolleys for them. I’m grateful to Councillor Nicolson and Angus Roberson MSP for helping us and I hope we can end trolley dumping once and for all.”

Seven youths charged following fireworks offences in Oxgangs

Seven youths aged between 13 and 16 years have been charged in connection with offences including breach of the peace, shoplifting, assault and theft following a disturbance at a shop in Oxgangs Road, Edinburgh on Saturday, 5 November, 2022.

A report will be sent to the relevant authorities.

Chief Inspector Neil Wilson said: “Our investigation into incidents of disorder on Bonfire Night is ongoing. Officers are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries, including a wide-ranging review of CCTV footage from throughout the city, to identify those involved and ensure that they are brought to justice.

“I would appeal to anyone with information that may assist our enquiries to contact officers through 101. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Transport Convener condemns anti-social behaviour on city’s buses

The city council’s Transport and Environment Convener has condemned anti-social behaviour towards Lothian Buses employees.

Councillor Scott Arthur’s comments follow an open letter from Sarah Boyd, managing director of Lothian Buses, which acknowledges an increase in abusive behaviour towards drivers and other customer-facing people, as well as frontline workers around the city. 

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, responded to Sarah Boyd’s letter, saying: “It’s extremely disappointing to hear that Lothian Buses’ employees are having to endure abusive and anti-social behaviour.

“These keyworkers work hard to provide a trusted, essential service for the city and it’s appalling that they’re having to put up with this kind of treatment. 
 
“We’ve pulled through an exceptionally challenging few years together, as a city, and I’m grateful for the indispensable role Lothian Buses played during the pandemic. We should not forget that drivers faced unknown risks everyday getting keyworkers to work.
 
“The current Europe-wide driver shortage means all bus companies face huge challenges in maintaining their network, but I know the vast majority of people in Edinburgh understand this and will continue to support Lothian Buses by reinforcing a zero tolerance stance on anti-social behaviour.”

Visit Lothian Buses website for information on services.