Tag: CCTV

Letter: Mayhem in The Meadows

Summit and Action Plan urgently needed, says resident

Mayhem in the Meadows

Over the course of six months between May and October 1886, 135 years ago, the Edinburgh International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art attracted an incredible 2.7 million visitors to Scotland’s capital.

An astonishing 30,000 people attended on the first day, with 10,000 season tickets sold at one guinea each.

The exhibition’s enormous main pavilion was a sight to behold. It filled the Meadows Parkland between Brougham Place and what is now Jawbone Walk. The domed roof kissed the sky at 120 feet tall and was decorated with the signs of the zodiac.

I was struck as to what our forefathers responsible for creating and attending this would have thought after witnessing the events in the Meadows on Saturday (3rd April).

What occurred has been well documented:

– https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/edinburgh-meadows-chaos-sees-teen-20319859 

– and I won’t spend much time on this, but the scenes of violence, anti-social behaviour and urinating/defecating in neighbouring streets and on the Meadows was something those of us living locally should not have to put up with.

We have had enough.

It should also be noted that this is not a one-off. Roseneath Place for example is commonly used effectively as a public toilet known as the “pee street” and the rubbish left after such occasions on the Meadows is appalling. We are sick and tired of having to go out and clean up and am sure council workers have better things to do.

Without urgent action a long summer lies ahead and what is happening is in clear breach of the Covid-restrictions.

I am conscious that this has been a difficult time for young people, especially on their mental health, but behaviour like this cannot and should not be tolerated, especially as we are going through a fragile Covid-recovery.

The Meadows is now “the place” to go for teenagers, with thousands congregating and clearly overwhelming police, who I have considerable sympathy with and are in an incredibly difficult situation. Large groups are in clear breach of the Covid-regulations and it should be noted that these are not just local teenagers, with large numbers arriving in taxis/using public transport.

A combination of deterring groups of teenagers from attending plus cracking down on anti-social behaviour for those who do is vital.  I have a few suggestions which may want to be considered/built on.

A Meadows’ summit needs to be implemented very quickly to look at what can be done to try and prevent this happening again through delivering an action plan. Not something in six-months time, but now.

Such a group could involve key representatives from the Council – council officials and councillors – MP; community councils, Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, retailers and police (am conscious given the election there is no MSP(s)). This can clearly be pulled together very quickly given the wonders of modern technology.

Some thoughts for consideration below:

  1. Licensing – it was clear from the young people queuing outside shops locally that a large number were underage and should not have been able to buy alcohol. The impact of alcohol on behaviour was clear for all to see. A reminder to shop-owners of their responsibilities is a suggestion.
  2. Toilets – a lack of toilets is an issue. We have to acknowledge that even if we manage to deter groups of teenagers attending and breaching Covid-regulations, they are not enough facilities to accommodate. The provision of some portaloos would be an option, preventing people urinating/defecating in local streets.
  3. Bins – unfortunately many are too lazy to take their rubbish to a bin or take it away. The provision of some black bins on the Meadows itself may be an issue and implementation of a BYOB – Bring Your Own Bag Campaign – tied in with some environmental messaging. Although I am conscious of the potential impact of locating bins on the grass. Potential also to use park wardens (as per 4)) to distribute bags.
  4. Park wardens – provision of park wardens handing out bags, implementing fines for those littering. The presence of someone on Roseneath Place on a summer’s day as a deterrent to those using it as a public toilet would be welcomed.
  5. CCTV – has the potential to deter if people know they are being “caught on camera”. For those engaging in anti-social behaviour there is the evidence to convict.
  6. Police – having to deal with this is a massive waste of police resources, which can be deployed elsewhere.  Groups of individuals must be deterred from attending, but there does however require to be a police presence to crack down on those who do, with a zero- tolerance message. Early intervention through a strong presence early on has the potential to prevent having to address out of control crowds later on. This includes removing alcohol, breaking up crowds and implementing fines.
  7. Parental responsibility – parents clearly have a responsibility in ascertaining what their children are up to. Could a communication maybe be sent by the Council to parents to explain what has been happening, for them to question where their children are going when out and where they have been, and to also highlight the Covid-restrictions?

Ultimately, addressing issues after they happen is much more resource-intensive than trying to prevent them occurring in the first place.

These are a few suggestions any group may want to look at. The Meadows is a much-loved and appreciated resource, and we must all act to try and keep it that way.

Yours with thanks and for consideration

Alex Orr

Assault in Montgomery Street: Do you know these men?

Police have released a CCTV image of two men they wish to speak to as they may have information which could assist with ongoing enquiries into an assault that occurred around 1.30pm on Monday 2 September, 2020 on Montgomery Street.

One of the men is described as being white and in his late 20s to early 30s. He has short dark hair, stubble and was wearing black casual clothing.

The second man is white, in his mid-20s, 6ft to 6ft 4in tall and of slim build with fair hair. He was wearing a grey jumper, dark bottoms and black body warmer jacket.

Detective Constable Philip Wright of Gayfield CID said: ” As part of the investigation, we are eager to identify the two men in the CCTV footage and would urge them, or anyone who recognises them, to get in touch with us immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1528 of the 2nd September 2020, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Western Drylaw Drive assault: Man arrested and charged

UPDATE 16th MARCH:

A 38-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to this incident and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow (Wednesday, 17 March, 2021).

Detective Inspector Bob Campbell said:  “We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a black Dacia Sondero vehicle in the vicinity of Wester Drylaw Drive on the afternoon of Tuesday 9 March and in particular to the occupants of a small white VW Caddy van that was seen in the area at this time.

“I also urge motorists with dash cams to check their footage as they may have captured images which would assist our investigation.

“There will be additional patrols in the area and local residents are encouraged to speak to these officers if they have any information or concerns as it is vital that we trace everyone responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1880 of 9 March 2021.  Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

THE ORIGINAL STORY:

An investigation is under way after a man was found injured in Wester Drylaw.

At around 3.45pm on Tuesday (9 March 2021) a 35-year-old man was found injured by a member of the public in Wester Drylaw Drive. The man was seriously injured and was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment for head, leg and arm injuries.

Officers attended and carried out door-to-door enquiries to establish what had happened. The location of the attack is believed to be within a rear garden of one of the properties on Wester Drylaw Drive.

Detectives are also checking CCTV footage from in and around the surrounding areas for any additional information on the incident .At this stage, detectives do not know who is responsible, whether it was a single person attack or if a group of people attacked the man.

Detective Inspector Bob Campbell said: “The motive for this attack is unknown and we are still working to establish exactly what has happened.

It’s clear from the man’s injuries that he has been assaulted and we need to find out who is responsible and why. I am appealing to members of the public who were in the area around the time of the incident to contact us.

“I would also ask motorists with dash cams to check their footage as they may have captured images which would assist our investigation.”

Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor said: “I know there will be concerns around this incident and I would like to reassure local residents that we will have additional officers on patrol.

“It is imperative we trace whoever is responsible for this attack and we can do that with the support and co-operation of local people, so I would urge anyone with information to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1880 of 9 March 2021. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Assault on Boswall Parkway: Police release CCTV images

Police have released images of a man they wish to speak to as they believe he may be able to assist with an investigation into an assault in Pilton last summer.

The incident took place on Boswall Parkway around 8pm on Tuesday 4 August 2020 and left a man with a facial injury.

The suspect is described as a white male, aged 35 to 45 years old, between 5’10 and 6ft, of medium build. He had short dark hair and was wearing a two tone jacket with a zip across the front, and dark trousers.

Detective Constable Zaira Marker from Corstorphine CID said: “We believe the man in the images may be able to help with our ongoing investigation. We are appealing for him, or anyone who may know him, to make contact with us as soon as possible.

”Anyone with any information can call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3381 of 4 August 2020, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Electric scooter rider injured in Ferniehill – man charged

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was found injured in the south of the city after riding an electric scooter.

Shortly before 12.15am this morning (Wednesday, 3 February, 2021), a witness contacted emergency services after finding a man injured in the roadway on Ferniehill Road.

Officers and the Scottish Ambulance Service attended and the 40-year-old rider was taken to hospital with serious, but not life threatening, injuries.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish how he came to sustain his injuries and officers are asking anyone who may have seen the rider prior to him being found injured to contact police.

Police Constable James Lamb from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit based in Edinburgh said: “First and foremost we are seeking to understand how the man became injured. He suffered a head injury and was found in the eastbound lane of Ferniehill Road, just off Gilmerton Road, near to the junction with Ferniehill Avenue.

“I would ask anyone in the Moredun and Gilmerton areas who may have seen a man riding an e-scooter late last night, or any properties who may have private CCTV covering the area, to check their systems to see if this can help our enquiries.

“Similarly any drivers in the area who may have seen the rider prior to him being found injured, and especially if recording with dash cam, should provide any relevant information or footage to officers as soon as possible.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 0019 of 3 February. An anonymous report can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Following a previous appeal regarding a man found injured after riding an electric scooter in the Ferniehill Road area of Edinburgh on Wednesday, 3 February, Police Scotland can now confirm that a 48-year-old man has been charged in connection with a number of road traffic offences.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

CCTV appeal following Drylaw housebreaking

Police Scotland has released images of a man and woman they believe may be able to assist with an ongoing investigation which relates to a housebreaking that occurred between 23 and 24 November 202 in the Drylaw area.

Officers believe that the man and woman shown in the images may be able to assist with their enquiries.

Detective Constable James Palmer said: “I would appeal to anyone who has any information or who recognises the people in the image to contact us. Any small piece of information could assist us in our enquiries.”

“If anyone recognises the people in the images or has any information regarding the incident, please contact officers at the Community Investigation Unit in Corstorphine via 101, quoting incident number 0099 of the 24th November 2020.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Number of CCTV cameras in the UK reaches 5.2 million

The number of CCTV Cameras in the UK may be as many as 5.2 million, with 1 camera for every 13 people as the popularity of public surveillance, home CCTV and doorbell camera use increases. 96% of the total number of cameras in the UK are now operated by private businesses and homeowners.

“It won’t come as a shock to most people that the number of CCTV Cameras in the UK has hit a new high, driven mainly by residents installing home CCTV in the last year. The popularity of doorbell cameras is relentless”, explains James Ritchey from CCTV installation company CCTV.co.uk

Previously the number of cameras in the UK was estimated at 4.8 million, however it is now believed that this number has jumped to 5.2 million as the cost of technology comes down and the popularity of sub £200 surveillance camera systems and doorbell cameras increases. Anxiety over lockdown and the increase in mail order purchases has driven the use of DIY CCTV systems at home for monitoring and security purposes.

“The technology is getting much cheaper, and when we look at the number of doorbell cameras, DIY CCTV and Home CCTV systems being installed by homeowners currently, we think the numbers have risen much more than we previously thought”, explains Ritchey.

The difficulty in calculating just how many CCTV cameras there are in the UK

There is no exact number available as to how many CCTV cameras there are, as a camera does not need to be officially registered – anyone can install CCTV to protect their property.

Generally, there are 4 types of CCTV camera systems in UK:

  1. Local Authority/Council/Police CCTV camera monitoring systems
  2. Corporate and business CCTV Systems
  3. Home CCTV Systems
  4. Non-installed Doorbell and wireless cameras

We can predict with some accuracy that the number of CCTV cameras in London totals 691,000.

A survey in 2002 by writers Michael McCahill and Clive Norris predicted 1 camera for every 14 people, and in high density areas this rises to 1 in 11. However, 18 years later we know these figures are somewhat inaccurate. CCTV.co.uk believes a figure of 1 for every 13 people is now a more acceptable average across UK cities.

Freedom of Information requests uncover that cameras operated by Local Authorities, Police and London Transport total 23,708 – which is just 3.4% of the total number in London. The remainder of CCTV cameras are operated by private businesses and homeowners totally over 96% – a number which is ever increasing.

Cities with the most CCTV Cameras in the UK:

  • 689,000 – London
  • 83,000 – Birmingham
  • 58,000 – Leeds
  • 46,000 – Glasgow
  • 43,000 – Sheffield
  • 39,000 – Manchester
  • 38,000 – Edinburgh
  • 36,000 – Liverpool
  • 33,000 – Bristol
  • 27,000 – Cardiff
  • 26,000 – Leicester
  • 25,000 – Coventry
  • 24,000 – Nottingham
  • 23,000 – Bradford
  • 22,000 – Belfast
  • 22,000 – Newcastle upon Tyne
  • 20,000 – Milton Keynes
  • 20,000 – Plymouth
  • 20,000 – Hull      
  • 20,000 – Wolverhampton

“These numbers may send shivers down the spine of those worried about state monitoring, however it appears that the Government controls less than 4% of the total CCTV cameras in the UK – most are just homeowners protecting their property”, concludes James Ritchey from CCTV.co.uk

CCTV appeal following Newhaven assault and robbery

Police have released CCTV images of two men they believe may be able to assist them with their enquiries following an assault and robbery which took place on Newhaven Place last year.

The incident happened shortly after 12am on Wednesday, 24 April 2019.

A man sustained minor facial injuries as a result of the incident, during which his Shih Tzu Westie Cross dog was stolen.

The first man is described as a white man, aged between 30 and 40, around 5ft 9ins to 6ft tall and of stocky build. He was wearing a black jacket with a white logo on the left sleeve, black trousers, black shoes and a black beanie hat. He spoke with a Glaswegian accent.

The second man is described as a white man, aged between 20 and 30, of medium build with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark grey long-sleeved top with black sides, black joggers and red trainers.

Detective Constable Ryan Lee of Edinburgh’s CID said: “I would urge anyone who may recognise these men, who knows the whereabouts of the dog or who has any information which could be relevant to this enquiry to report it as soon as possible.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0087 of 24 April 2019, or report this anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Northfield assault: CCTV released

Police Scotland has released CCTV images of two men they believe may be able to assist them with their enquiries in relation to an assault which took place around 9.15pm on Thursday, 27 August 2020 on Northfield Broadway.

As a result of the incident, a 30-year-old man suffered facial injuries and required medical treatment.

Officers wish to trace the men shown in these images:

The first man is described as being in his early 30s, around 5ft 8in tall with short dark/black hair and prominent dark eye brows.

He was wearing a black suit, a black shirt and dress shoes.

The second man is described as being in his early 30s, around 6ft 2in tall and of slim build with short dark hair and facial stubble.

He was wearing a black jumper, black trousers and dress shoes.

Detective Constable Claire Riley of Edinburgh CID said: “We are eager to trace the men pictured as we believe they may be able to assist our enquiries, and would urge anyone who may recognise them to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 3509 of 27th August 2020, or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

CCTV appeal following Leith assault

Police are continuing to investigate an assault in Leith. Officers have released CCTV images of a man that they believe may have information that can assist them with their enquiries.

The incident happened at a pharmacy on Duke Street around 1pm on Wednesday, 25 March, 2020.

A female victim was spat at following a disturbance and the door of the pharmacy was also damaged.

The man shown in the images is described as white, 18 to 25-years-old and of slim build.

He is shown in the images wearing a navy blue jacket, grey hoodie with the hood up, dark jogging bottoms and blue reflective trainers with black soles. He is also shown carrying a black backpack.

Constable Henderson of Leith Police Station said: “The victim was left extremely shaken by this assault.

“We would urge anyone who may be able to help our enquiries or who recognises the man seen in the CCTV images to come forward.

“Information can be passed to Police Scotland by calling 101, quoting incident 1406 of 25 March, 2020, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”