Tag: community safety

Police Scotland and I Am Me Scotland host first Keep Safe Awareness Day

Police Scotland and charity I Am Me Scotland are today celebrating the first ever Keep Safe Awareness Day and showing #WeSupportKeepSafe.

Designed to highlight the efforts underway across Scotland to create safe, supportive communities for everyone, the day also aims to encourage more premises to become Keep Safe places – safe havens in villages, towns and cities for disabled or vulnerable people who may occasionally need assistance.

Since 2014, Police Scotland has been working in partnership with award winning community charity, I Am Me Scotland, to establish a network of Keep Safe places across the country.

The initiative works with businesses and community resource locations, like cafes, shops, libraries, museums or local authority premises and was designed in conjunction with disabled people who highlighted that sometimes they may feel lost, scared or vulnerable when out in the community.

All prospective Keep Safe places have to complete a criteria form which is checked and approved by Police Scotland. Staff then receive Keep Safe Awareness training and display the Keep Safe window sticker to make it clear they’re part of the network. Anyone who enters the premises as a Keep Safe place, will be offered help and support, if necessary.

Despite the initial intended use of Keep Safe places, many people now say they give them the confidence to participate in community life. People may use a Keep Safe shop or a Keep Safe café and never need to ask for help, however, they report feeling safe knowing staff can provide support, if needed.

Keep Safe places and Keep Safe cards are available for anyone to use, and can be particularly useful for people living with dementia, people who have hidden disabilities, or specific communication requirements, such as being non-verbal, or being deaf and using lip reading or sign language. The cards carry information about the holder’s health conditions, communication requirements and emergency contact details.

All Keep Safe places can be mapped out on the Keep Safe Scotland App. This free app enables people to plan journeys in advance, highlighting Keep Safe places en-route. Contact details and opening hours are available for all Keep Safe places, however, not all locations will be accessible as a result of the current coronavirus restrictions.

The App also provides a direct link to report non-emergency hate crimes to Police Scotland.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie (Partnerships, Preventions and Community Wellbeing) said: “As Police Scotland’s Champion for Keep Safe it’s phenomenal to see such a meaningful project being celebrated across the country. The number of sites registered is testament to the spirit within our communities and people’s willingness to help others.

“Keep Safe encourages publicly accessible premises to take the lead in joining the initiative, an action which can make a big difference to someone’s life by providing that safe space if and when it’s needed, and I encourage anyone thinking about becoming involved to do so.

“Police Scotland’s work with I Am Me Scotland also serves to educate people on disability hate crime, with a particular focus on working with young people through the Keep Safe Ambassadors and Supporters programmes.”

“Police Scotland and I Am Me Scotland have also worked with 15 partners to create the Understanding Disability booklet. It carries information about a range of disabilities and conditions and can be used to support staff in Keep Safe places to deliver their services.”

Jonathan Attenborough is a visually impaired guide dog user from Perth who is also a disability campaigner. He said: “The Keep Safe initiative is a fantastic scheme and will be especially useful for disabled people post lockdown.

“Sometimes when I’ve been out and about I could really do with somewhere to go to take some time out and gather my thoughts. It’s great having a reassurance of a Keep Safe place to go if needed.”

I Am Me charity founder Carol Burt-Wilson MBE said: “There are now nearly 900 Keep Safe places across Scotland and each of these public buildings, businesses and community groups are making a fantastic contribution to helping people feel safe and supported within their communities.

“Most people will never need to ask for support or assistance, but knowing there are places they can get help can give them the confidence to go out on their own and can help tackle social isolation.

“The partnership with Police Scotland has been incredibly effective in enabling the nationwide approach as this helps facilitate independent and safe travel across local authority boundaries.

“We will be working with British Transport Police in 2021 to extend the initiative across the rail network helping to encourage independent travel across Scotland, as and when coronavirus restrictions allow.

“COVID-19 has demonstrated the true value of community spirit across Scotland, with many Keep Safe partners diversifying and responding to offer support to local communities. Restrictions have also seen many temporary closures of Keep Safe places, so we are looking forward to doing everything we can to support these groups and businesses to recover, re-energise and continue their fantastic work to make their communities safer.”

Eileen Maclean, I Am Me Scotland Board of Trustees Chair, said: “The charity’s close collaboration with Police Scotland has ensured the benefits of the Keep Safe initiative are available across Scotland.

“We are very hopeful that this Awareness day will encourage others to get involved so that many more disabled and vulnerable people can feel that Keep Safe support is there in their communities if they need it.”

Fire Service warns of home fireworks COVID danger

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is warning of the dangers of using fireworks in private events over the festive period.

With many public events cancelled due to COVID-19, families and communities are being reminded that using fireworks in gardens and common areas can have devastating consequences.

Improper use of fireworks can cause serious injuries, distress pets and neighbors and impact on the work of Scotland’s emergency services.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Alasdair Perry, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection, said: “With public events unable to go ahead, we may see people hosting private events in their gardens to mark the festive season and perhaps New Year’s Eve.

“However, we must warn communities that fireworks are explosives at the end of the day, and if not used properly their use can cause life-changing injuries.

“I would urge anyone considering purchasing fireworks to be well aware of both the dangers and the essential safety guidance.”

The SFRS has created a Fireworks Code to help keep communities safe.

DACO Perry added: “If you are going to buy fireworks, then make sure it is from a reputable seller.

“Always follow the instructions carefully and follow our firework code. We want everyone to bring in the new year safely, so please do not take any risks as we say goodbye to a difficult year for all of us.”



The call has also been backed by the Scottish Government. Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “This Festive season is going to feel very different and at this usual time for celebration I urge everyone to follow the rules on meeting up with other households to help stop the spread of the virus. 

“It is vital that on Hogmanay the public adhere to the rules restricting travel between different local authority areas and meeting up with other households. Under both level 4 and level 3 restrictions it is not possible to meet up indoors or in large groups outdoors on Hogmanay.

“With large, organised Hogmanay firework displays cancelled this year – we know that some people may consider using fireworks in their back gardens. If you do plan on using fireworks please do so responsibly and safely. If we all play our part we can ensure that Hogmanay this year is safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

To view the fireworks code and find more information on how to stay safe around fireworks, visit: 

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/fireworks-safety.aspx

SFRS worker asks communities to reach out

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service worker has spoken of the plight of an elderly woman forced to live in her kitchen to stay warm – as she underlines the need to look out for the vulnerable this Christmas.

Louise Dalton is member of the Service’s dedicated Community Action Team, tasked with providing free Home Fire Safety Visits and advice to some of Scotland’s most vulnerable and isolated people. 

And she is urging communities to get in contact if they know of a relative, friend or neighbour who may be in need of assistance. Louise said: “I don’t think people truly understand the effect of social isolation.

“I will never, ever forget an elderly woman who was living near Glasgow city centre; she had limited mobility and had moved everything into her kitchen.  

“Her bed was in there; she spent all day sitting on a wooden dining chair and had a small electric heater because her gas had been shut off. She had a small portable stove that she made dinner on and at night she crawled over the table to get into her bed. 

“She had no one: no friends or family, no one to make sure she was eating, bathing, or staying warm. 

“It was a horrible situation for anyone to be living in, but there were also massive fire risks there and we supported her to start getting the help she needed from ourselves and our partners.”

During Lockdown, Louise has been working from home as part of a multi-agency helpline team which includes staff from SFRS and Glasgow City Council. 

They have made more than 11,000 calls to vulnerable people across Glasgow to help ensure they continue to get the support they need, including vital medical prescriptions. 

She has also been part of a nationwide partnership between SFRS and the SPFL Trust, delivering thousands of Christmas hampers to isolated and vulnerable people under the Festive Friends campaign launched by the trust earlier this month.

Louise believes communities can also play their part by calling 0800 0731 999 to signpost the SFRS to any other vulnerable people, on their behalf and with their permission, who may be vulnerable to fire or other risks – anywhere in Scotland.

She said: “Social isolation, fuel poverty, mental health issues can all affect anyone of any age and background so it’s been great that we’ve been able to keep working together but we still can’t reach everyone. 

“That’s why we’re asking people to help us – help us make sure no-one is alone this Christmas and that they get the long-term support that they need to stay safe.” 

How to safeguard the vulnerable from house fires this winter

Lockdown could lead to a spike in house fires this winter, with elderly people being particularly vulnerable, according to safety experts. 

Health and safety experts at CE Safety have warned that the UK’s lockdown has led to an increased risk of house fires as people spend more time indoors. 

In the period March 2019 to March 2020, 243 people died in fire related incidents in England, and 82% of these were in people’s homes. 

Those over the age of 65 are particularly vulnerable of suffering a fire in their home, and the risk doubles for those over 80. 

Winter sees an increase in house fires due to candles, Christmas decs, and Brits spending more time indoors.  

The Home Office’s online Incident Recording System (IRS) report that the biggest culprits of igniting accidental fires within the home are cooking appliances, accounting for 48% of all fires, followed by smokers’ materials and other household appliances.

Now experts from CE Safety have warned families to be wary of the dangers, look out for their elderly relatives and make sure their electrical appliances are safe. 

A spokesperson for CE Safety said “The coronavirus pandemic has brought the importance of safeguarding our fellow humans into sharp focus.

“As we head into a winter that could be awash with isolation and continued lockdown for some time yet, taking care of our families, friends and neighbours will remain at the forefront of our concerns.

“And the very real threat of accidental fires in the home are ever-more alarming as this year’s Home Office figures reveal that someone is more likely to die in a fire in their home if they’re elderly, and if they live alone.”

Here’s how to help the most vulnerable people avoid risk of fire in their homes. A short conversation might be all you need to have with an elderly or vulnerable person in order to get the fire safety message across and find out how at-risk they are.

Here are some of the most important questions to ask: 

Have they got a smoke alarm?

This should be never overlooked, and Home Office statisticians have worked out that you are eight times more likely to die in a house fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm. So a smoke alarm should be working properly and be within range of the places a fire is most likely to start. 

Check how they’re cooking

Impart general advice about cooking and fires within the kitchen. Help them understand the importance of double-checking if all appliances are off. 

It’s also vital to keep flammables away from surfaces and open flames, and to throw away old oil in pans and crumbs in the toaster.

Do they own dangerous appliances?

Find out the make and models of their main household appliances and do a quick check online into whether they are the type that have had problems in recent years. Recently Whirlpool hit the headlines for faulty washing machines. A quick online check of the serial number can put minds at ease.

How are they living?

Have the conversation or around how they are living, and whether they could be any potential fire risks in their home. How is the wear and tear of their wiring? Are they keeping areas around plugs and electrics clutter-free? Even a build-up of dust close to sockets and heaters can ignite a flame. 

Smoking

Smoking and ashtrays are the biggest killer from fires in the home. So we all need to stress the importance of being ultra-careful with smoking materials around the home. Watch out and make sure cigarettes are extinguished properly and talk to them about never smoking in bed.

Hidden dangers

It might be surprising to people that fires can start in the most obscure ways – from the sun having a magnifying effect from glass ornaments or vases on windowsill onto curtains or carpets, igniting a flame.

Hair styling tools being left on are also a danger, as is overloading sockets, leaving appliances running during the night or electric blankets being on for too long. It might seem obvious but it’s not to everyone.

The three Cs: Candles, chimneys and Christmas lights

We should all be reminded to be careful with the things we bring out exclusively in winter, when it’s cold outside. There’s very little ventilation and everyone tends to be indoors more. Candles, chimneys and Christmas lights are responsible for fires in homes every year, so let people know how important it is to be careful with them.

Plan an escape route

In the event the worst does happen, then there is far more likelihood of having a better outcome if a plan has been put in place beforehand. Knowing where to get help, who to contact, how to respond, what to do and how to keep calm will give everyone a little more peace of mind too.

For more information on how to help keep vulnerable people safe during an especially isolated autumn and winter, please visit https://cesafety.co.uk/the-elderly-and-vulnerable-need-you-this-winter-a-guide-to-avoiding-fires-in-the-home/

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

Helping students home at end of term

Plans announced to support students to return safely

Thousands of students in Scotland will be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) under plans to allow those wishing to return home at the end of term, to do so safely.

In a statement to Parliament, Further and Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead outlined the measures being taken by colleges and universities to support the safe return of up to 80,000 students ahead of the winter break.

The plans include a widespread COVID-19 testing scheme, which is expected to be rolled out by the start of December.

Enabling easy access to testing for students with COVID-19 symptoms has already proved to be effective in controlling outbreaks. Now Scottish students will be included in a UK-wide initiative to test some asymptomatic students prior to the end of term. 

The Government is working in partnership with institutions and the UK Government’s testing programme on the logistics of offering both lateral flow testing – a new rapid test currently being used in Liverpool, which can deliver a COVID result in about 15-20 minutes – and if needed a more sensitive PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, which may take up to a day or longer to produce a result.

The other measures outlined by Mr Lochhead include:

  • All students will receive early, clear advice on staying safe. Those who chose to stay in student accommodation over the holiday period will also be well supported
  • There will be staggered and early departure from campuses, with universities being asked to make any necessary adjustments to scheduling, to ensure in-person teaching and assessment ends early enough to allow students time to get home at the end of term
  • Any student who wants to return home for the end of term, is being asked to voluntarily reduce their social mixing for two weeks before going home. This means going out only for essential reasons and exercise
  • All college and university students travelling home will be given advice on how to do so safely, which includes following public health advice on the use of public transport

Mr Lochhead said: “Covid 19 is a challenge for all of us, our students included. We have all worked hard to support students in gaining an education this term, and like everyone else we have learnt and adapted as we have progressed.

“Our challenge is to look after the wellbeing of our students by enabling them to return home, while at the same time keeping them, their loves ones, and communities safe.

“Testing will play a role – but only a limited role. My message to students is, ‘thank you for all your efforts, and please keep doing all you can to keep yourself and others safe’.

“I have no doubt the majority of students will want to act responsibly, and will follow the measures that will be set out.”

Read the Minister’s full Parliamentary statement 

Further information and guidance will shortly be published on the Scottish Government website.

Operation Moonbeam: Enquiries ongoing following Bonfire Night incidents

Investigations are under way following a number of serious incidents across Scotland on Bonfire Night.  

Police officers and firefighters were attacked with fireworks and other objects being thrown at them. On other occasions, groups caused damage to cars and properties.  

In Edinburgh police received reports of anti-social behaviour in Pennywell Place.  Officers attended and a 16-year-old male youth was arrested and is subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.

In Hay Avenue, officers had to deal with a large group of youths throwing fireworks and bricks at them. A police vehicle was also damaged in this incident. Officers also attended Arthur’s Seat where groups of youths had gathered with fireworks and a bonfire was alight.

In Glasgow, officers came under attack in Dale Street with youths throwing fireworks at them. In Glenisla Street, a police officer was struck on the head with a firework. He was treated at the scene and continued his shift.

In Kendoon Avenue, police received a report of a vehicle on fire. Officers attended and the police car’s windscreen was smashed, resulting in an officer washing glass from his eye. He continued on duty and one man was arrested.

In Auchmead Road, Greenock, an unauthorised bonfire event resulted in firefighters and officers being attacked as youths threw fireworks and bottles. Public order officers were deployed to deal with the incident. A 15-year old male youth was arrested and charged.  He is subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: “As the Chief Constable has said, it is disgraceful and deplorable when officers and staff are subjected to violence during the course of their duties.

“Across the country, the overwhelming majority of the public enjoyed Bonfire Night safely and responsibly and I want to thank them for heeding our advice. However, I am disappointed at the level of disorder and anti-social behaviour seen last night. A minority of people’s behaviour has once again put lives at risk. It also places intense pressure on the emergency services and impacts severely on local communities.

“The evening of Thursday, 5 November, 2020, saw a number of serious incidents arising throughout Scotland that required Operation Moonbeam resources to support local policing colleagues.

“The majority of these incidents involved young people. To be absolutely clear, such actions are dangerous and cause harm to the public and emergency service workers. 

“We will not tolerate such acts and you may not have been arrested last night but rest assured, officers are carrying out follow-up investigations to identify those involved and responsible. Additional officers will continue to be deployed over the coming days to support local divisions.”

Dispersal Zones remain in place until midnight tonight.

Bonfire and Fireworks advice from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Let’s keep our communities safe this bonfire season …

https://twitter.com/i/status/1323996210043228161

Nine disperal zones now in place for bonfire season

This year nine dispersal zones have been authorised in Edinburgh to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period. The zones will be in operation between 2pm and midnight from today (Wednesday 4th) to Saturday 7th November.

Under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, police have a Power of Dispersal within the designated zones authorised by Superintendent David Robertson.

This means that we can instruct any people in groups of two or more who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner to disperse, and if they do not live there to leave the zones, and then not to return for up to 24 hours. If they do return, they can be arrested.

The nine zones are Muirhouse, West Pilton, Portobello, Loganlea, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southhouse.

They will be in place from 2pm today (Wednesday 4 November) until midnight on Saturday 7 November.

Maps have been published on local police social media.