Peer mentors initiative to tackle crime culture coming to Edinburgh

  • Former young offenders acting as ‘peer mentors’ to help children escape from a life of serious organised crime
  • Edinburgh, Newcastle and Cardiff identified for roll out following successful project in Glasgow
  • Two thirds of teenagers supported by Glasgow project have significantly improved their offending behaviour
  • Analysis shows a £½m city council saving by ‘diverting’ high risk young people from secure care
  • According to UK Government, organised crime – including money laundering and drug trafficking – bigger threat to UK than terrorism
  • Run by UK charity Action for Children and funded with £4.6m from The National Lottery Community Fund, project will now target ‘high-risk’ 11-18-year-olds across the UK.

A ground-breaking programme diverting young people away from a life of serious organised crime is to be rolled out to a number of cities across the UK.

Action for Children’s Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention service has been running in Glasgow since 2013 and will now be rolled out to Edinburgh, Newcastle and Cardiff, funded by £4.6 million from The National Lottery Community Fund. Continue reading Peer mentors initiative to tackle crime culture coming to Edinburgh

Dispersal Zones back in place for firework season

Dispersal zones are to be set up across Edinburgh again this year to help tackle antisocial behaviour and disorder ahead of Bonfire Night. The zones will cover the hours between 2pm and midnight from Friday November 1 to Tuesday November 5. Continue reading Dispersal Zones back in place for firework season

Hearts act swiftly to stamp out criminal behaviour

Hearts will close a section of their Wheatfield stand for the last two games of the season in a move to stamp out unacceptable behaviour at Tynecastle. The decision was announced hours after a 19 year old man was arrested and charged for an alleged hate crime committed during Saturday’s Edinburgh derby. Continue reading Hearts act swiftly to stamp out criminal behaviour

“Unacceptable”: 128 deliberate fires in Edinburgh in just two months

Firefighters were called to tackle more than 1,800 deliberate fires across Scotland in the space of just two months, latest figures reveal. Continue reading “Unacceptable”: 128 deliberate fires in Edinburgh in just two months

Fireworks safety: public consultation launched

Have your say on fireworks misuse at Craigroyston event

The use and regulation of fireworks is the focus of a public consultation which aims to ensure everyone can enjoy displays safely.

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham launched the consultation, which asks for views on issues such as whether the sale of fireworks to the public should be banned, and what other measures can help ensure fireworks are used safely and responsibly.

Responses will inform on-going discussions about whether changes to legislation and regulation of fireworks in Scotland are needed, following concerns about their misuse and the potential impact on public safety and animal welfare.

Legislation on the sale and storage of fireworks is reserved to the UK Government while laws covering their use is devolved.

Ms Denham (above) said: “From Hogmanay to summer festivals to Diwali and Bonfire night, fireworks are a focal point of a range of celebrations through the year. Most people enjoy fireworks responsibly but if used inappropriately or without respect for others they can cause great distress or even physical injury to people and to animals.

“From conversations with members of the public and emergency service workers I am aware of concern about the use and sale of fireworks to individuals. We want to work with others to reduce the negative impact of fireworks and the public’s voice is vital in shaping our approach going forward.

“While much of existing legislation on the sale of fireworks is reserved to Westminster, we hope this consultation will identify any gaps in the law and highlight where the regulation of fireworks could be improved.”

A series of consultation events will be held across the country – and one of these will take place at Craigroyston Community High School on Wednesday 13th February from 6 – 8pm.

This is one of a series of engagement events on the Scottish Government’s Consultation on Fireworks, where individuals, communities and professionals are invited to come along to give their views.

Events will provide an opportunity to explore and discuss the use and impact – both positive and negative – of fireworks use in Scotland. A summary report will be produced from the events for the Scottish Government to consider alongside comments received online.

This is an excellent opportunity for those with an interest in discussing views and ideas on what action can be taken to ensure fireworks continue to be enjoyed safely and responsibly.

North Edinburgh has had it’s fair share of firework related antisocial behaviour. Last year North Edinburgh became one of four city dispersal zones created over the bonfire season, following criminal behaviour – and a serious injury to a local police officer – in 2017. Take this opportunity to have your say.

The Scottish Government consultation on fireworks: Your experiences, your ideas, your views is open now. The consultation runs until 13 May 2019.

 

Safety and travel advice ahead of SPFL League Cup Semi Finals

“Plan ahead, be responsible and enjoy the matches.”

That’s the message from Police Scotland as Hearts prepare to play Celtic at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium and Aberdeen and Rangers meet at Hampden Park in Glasgow in the SPFL League Cup semi-finals on Sunday. Continue reading Safety and travel advice ahead of SPFL League Cup Semi Finals

North Edinburgh dispersal zone set for fireworks period

Four dispersal zones are being set up in Edinburgh to combat anti-social behaviour and disorder over the Bonfire weekend. Continue reading North Edinburgh dispersal zone set for fireworks period

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre: let’s stick together

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre is urging user groups to stick with the Centre ahead of a key meeting with police later today. Some groups have talked about leaving the Neighbourhood Centre following youth disorder there last week. Continue reading West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre: let’s stick together