Tag: community safety
Wildfire warning in place
A ‘very high’ risk of wildfire remains in place across large parts of Scotland this weekend, the country’s fire and rescue service has warned.
As public lockdown restrictions are eased amid the coronavirus pandemic, people who live within or who may enter any rural environments have been warned to exercise extreme caution.
Following several weeks of dry weather conditions, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Area Commander Bruce Farquharson has stressed that Scotland’s countryside is “vulnerable” to fire.
A spate of wildfires could place unnecessary pressure on the emergency services as they already work to support partners and protect the public amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
The ‘very high’ wildfire warning – released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – remains in place until Monday, June 1.
Area Commander Farquharson, who is also chair of the SWF, said: “While we appreciate that many people will seek to enjoy the outdoors during this spell of good weather this weekend, we urge everyone to make sure that they don’t increase the chance of wildfire.
“We have had very little rain over the past two months, and a large volume of dead, bone-dry vegetation remains left over from last year – which essentially acts as a fuel for fire.
“As a result, there are currently vast areas of countryside all over the country that is tinder dry and vulnerable, and has all of the ingredients for fire to take hold and spread.
“We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame, such as disposable barbecues or campfires.”
Wildfires can start by the careless disposal of barbecues or campfires left unattended. They then have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; threaten the welfare of nearby communities; and place a strain on the emergency services.
In recent weeks, notable wildfires in New Galloway forest in Dumfries and Galloway, at Wester Ross in the Highlands, and on Kilpatrick Hills near Clydebank, have drawn upon significant SFRS resources across several days.
During the Spring period last year, SFRS crews worked tirelessly to tackle and contain more than 2,000 fires involving grasslands, woodlands and crops – three times as many as the same period in 2018.
Area Commander Farquharson continued: “We would always stress the importance of being vigilant in areas of countryside, but right now we are in a unique and testing period for all emergency services.
“Large wildfires require huge resources to bring under control, and this has the potential to then impact on our entire structure across Scotland.
“We will always do our utmost to protect our communities, and to save life and property from harm at all times – but we also need the public to help us.
“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments, and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”
For further advice and information about wildfires and how to prevent them visit:
Police issue latest Performance Report
Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor has urged people to share their concerns with police as a new report highlights offences in private and virtual spaces.
The Quarter 4 Performance Report is the final one of the 2019-20 performance cycle that supports Police Scotland’s outcomes focused approach to reporting.
It shows almost 1,700 offences were recorded under new domestic abuse laws during its first year in legislation.
Introduced on 1 April 2019, the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act criminalised the coercive and controlling behaviours used by domestic abusers, creating a single offence which covers the full range of abusive behaviours whether physical, psychological, financial or sexual.
The report reveals 1,681 crimes under DASA were recorded during the year, with 1,158 detected.
The new offences are counted within Group 1 crimes of violence, which increased by 1,297 crimes (16.2%) year on year overall.
The Performance Report also highlights increases in crimes with a cyber element, including the disclosure of, or threat of disclosure of, intimate images, as well as online grooming and cyber-related fraud.
The period covered by this report includes only a very small number of days during which emergency measures to ensure physical distancing in response to coronavirus were in place.
Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “Crimes recorded under the new domestic abuse legislation underline the fact that, sadly, private, and indeed virtual, spaces are not safe places for everyone.
“For some people, the stay at home guidance may expose them to a greater risk of abuse, harm and neglect.
“We are seeking to be proactive when it comes to people we know have a history of committing domestic violence or domestic abuse, and we also want to ensure that support is given to people who may have been victims in the past, and we are encouraging people and neighbours to look out for each other.
“I want to reiterate that Police Scotland remains here to help and support our fellow citizens to keep them safe in all aspects of their lives.
“If you need police assistance, if you need our support or intervention, or if you have concerns about someone else, contact us and we will help.”
The report, which can be read here, will be presented at the Scottish Police Authority’s Policing Performance Committee on Thursday (28 May 2020).
Police Scotland has also published detailed management information covering Quarter 4 here. The data, while not official statistics, relates mainly to crime recorded by Police Scotland.
To assist public understanding of their work, Police Scotland is providing provisional information about the nature and level of demand on policing specifically for the period during which the measures have been in place and how we are responding to this public health emergency. Find out more here.
Further, detailed, management information relating to the period beginning April 2020 will be published routinely in the Q1 of 2020-21 Performance Report and management information.
Violent crimes and housebreaking have fallen in Edinburgh, according to the latest figures.
The Performance Report shows that overall crime in the capital is down year-on-year by 1.6 per cent, or 818 offences.
In Edinburgh, violent crime rose by 182 offences. However, when removing offences recorded under new domestic abuse legislation, there was a fall in violent crime.
A total of 205 offences were recorded under the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act, which came into effect last year and created a single offence covering the full range of abusive behaviours, whether physical; psychological; financial or sexual.
There were five fewer victims of attempted murder – a reduction of almost 19 per cent, while serious assaults also fell by just over 18 per cent, equating to 77 fewer incidents.
Protecting vulnerable people and bringing perpetrators of sexual offences to justice remains both a national and local priority and year to date detection rates for all sexual crimes is up 3.4 percentage points, which includes a 6.3 percentage point rise in the detection rate for sexual assaults.
One area of sexual offending that has seen a rise in reporting is lewd and libidinous crime, which rose from 100 offences in 2018/19 to 129 in 2019/20. Many of these offences were identified as part of larger investigations, where additional victims and crimes came to light. Edinburgh Division’s Public Protection Unit continue to conduct proactive inquiries to identify victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
Housebreaking, motor vehicle crime and shoplifting offences are all down from the previous year.
The figures show that there are 484 fewer housebreaking offences, 80 fewer motor vehicle crimes and 783 fewer shoplifting incidents.
Edinburgh Division has also seen 88 more drug supply charges brought against members of the public, as well as a 26.3 per cent rise in drugs possession offences. This is driven by an increase in proactive work within the Capital, through Operation Threshold and two large scale dance events held at the Royal Highland Showground in Ingliston.
Antisocial behaviour continues to fall in Edinburgh, with 1383 fewer incidents than last year.
The most significant reduction is 891 fewer noise complaint reports and fire-raising crimes have also reduced by almost 24 per cent, which equates to 62 less crimes.
The number of road casualties in the division fell from 936, to 779 – a decrease of 153 incidents. Similarly, the number of fatalities has reduced from seven to three.
Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “It is incredibly encouraging to see significant reductions in crime figures for the Capital and I am grateful to all of my officers and staff for their continued professionalism and dedication in serving Edinburgh’s communities.
“Tackling violent and sexual offences are two of our top priorities, along with reducing housebreaking, and I am delighted that these crimes have fallen, meaning we have several hundred fewer victims.
“We are also giving enhanced focus and attention to not only detecting domestic offences, but ensuring victims are suitably supported, while perpetrators are brought before the courts. I want to mirror what DCC Taylor has said and reassure our communities that, despite these offences mostly taking place behind closed doors and in virtual spaces, we will utilise all resources at our disposal to investigate these incidents professionally and sensitively when they are reported.
“Nevertheless, we recognise that more still needs to be done to tackle the continued use of weapons, particularly bladed items during other criminality and our Violence Reduction Units work tirelessly to identify those who both carry and utilise weapons and remove them from our communities.
“In addition, School Link Officers regularly speak with pupils in our high schools to raise awareness of the risks and consequences associated with carrying a weapon.
“The new legislation for domestic abuse to include coercive control means we are seeing more and more reported incidents and I welcome this, as domestic abuse remains an under-reported issue. For those living in a situation where they find themselves being physically, emotionally or sexually abused by a partner, please contact us immediately so we can help you.
“I also want to reaffirm our commitment to road safety and to assure all road users that Road Policing Officers will continue to provide a visible presence on the city’s roads to identify motoring offences and educate the public on safe driving.
“Police Scotland will continue to work alongside all of our relevant partners to improve the quality of life for the city’s residents and to ensure that any issues requiring a police, or multi-agency response, are dealt with appropriately.
“The public continue to have a huge role in helping us not only tackle and reduce crime, but prevent it in the first instance, by taking a range of simple steps to protect themselves, their loved ones and their possessions.
“Please visit our website at www.scotland.police.uk for lots of useful information on crime prevention and personal safety.”
Father and son charged after major drug seizure
A father and son have been charged as part of a joint National Crime Agency and Police Scotland investigation into the large-scale importation of the new psychoactive substance kratom.
The pair, aged 60 and 38, were arrested as officers from the Organised Crime Partnership executed two warrants in the Bathgate area of West Lothian on Tuesday 12 May.
The arrests followed two seizures of kratom made by Border Force, one of 52 kilos at Edinburgh Airport on 15 April, and another of 102 kilos at East Midlands Airport on 6 May.
Kratom is a controlled substance under the New Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, traditionally grown in south-east Asia and used as a stimulant with opioid-like properties.
The two men were charged with importation, possession with intent to supply and offering for supply the drug, and have both been released pending a summons to appear before court on a future date.
Investigations are continuing.
NCA Scotland operations manager John McGowan said: “We estimate these seizures would have had a combined value of around £60,000 once sold on the black market.
“Kratom is a dangerous drug, and working with partners like Police Scotland and Border Force we are determined to do all we can to prevent such substances making it on to our streets and damaging the communities of Scotland.”
Deputy Director Murdo MacMillan, head of Border Force Scotland, said: “These seizures have taken a large amount of dangerous psychoactive substances out of the hands of organised criminals and off our streets.
“Border Force will continue to work with the NCA and Police Scotland to bring those involved in smuggling to justice.”
Edinburgh communities thanked for Covid-19 support
Chief Superintendent Sean Scott has praised the Capital’s communities for their commitment to physical distancing over the past few weeks. The Divisional Commander also called on everyone to keep playing their part in helping fight the spread of coronavirus.
He said: “This has been a difficult and testing time for many of us, but I am delighted by how positively the overwhelming majority of people within Edinburgh have responded to the restrictions.
“Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham has today urged the public across Scotland to continue and stay at home, avoiding the temptation of the good weather. I echo these sentiments.
“Please do not leave the house unless it is for an essential activity such as buying food and medicine, or for travelling to work, if you are a key worker.
“You are also allowed to go out for daily exercise, but please stay within your local area and where possible keep driving to a minimum.
“We have a number locations which attract residents such as Portobello Beach, The Meadows, Inverleith Park, Cramond foreshore and the Pentland Hills, all of which are beautiful in the sunshine, but the safe and responsible thing to do at this time is to avoid these areas where possible to ensure physical distancing.
“The Chief Constable has previously spoken about the importance of police taking a common-sense approach at this time and so Police Scotland officers are committed to engaging with the public, highlighting the necessity of staying indoors and encouraging people to return to their properties.
“If, and only if, these options have been exhausted, will we consider enforcement of the coronavirus legislation.
“Please also remember that house parties and gatherings with anyone out with your household are not permitted at this time. However, there are plenty of other ways to stay connected with family and friends, such as by telephone or by using online platforms.
“Thank you so much for all of your efforts to date but you still have a vital role to play in preventing the spread of coronavirus. Please stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.
“Figures issued today show that 118 fixed penalty notices have been issued in Edinburgh between Friday 27th March and Thursday 23rd April.”
Don’t burn garden waste, pleads council leader
Edinburgh’s Council Leader has urged residents not to burn garden waste or any other rubbish to help protect others’ safety, particularly the vulnerable and those with respiratory problems.
Adam McVey has been joined by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to urge the public to dispose of waste responsibly, rather than burning it.
Garden waste collections have been paused in Edinburgh to allow crews to focus on other, essential collections during the coronavirus outbreak. People are being encouraged to compost cuttings and grass in the meantime, or to hang onto it until collections resume.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “It’s been extremely heartening to see Edinburgh’s residents playing their part in our response to this crisis by staying indoors and looking out for one another.
“Be assured that as soon as we can we will resume garden collections and reopen the community recycling centres. But for now, and we don’t yet know how long for, we’re asking you to help in our effort to keep residents and our waste staff safe. We really appreciate your patience while we’re not able to collect garden waste and glass recycling due to the changes we’ve had to make.
“We appreciate that while our garden waste collections have stopped to let us deliver other, essential services people will need to find ways of managing their excess garden waste where they don’t have means to home compost. But we are appealing to anyone carrying out gardening this weekend not to get rid of it by burning bonfires, as the smoke can pose a risk to people’s health, particularly the vulnerable and those with respiratory problems.
“By following our tips for composting garden waste, or hanging on to it until collections begin again, instead of burning it, you will be helping us to safeguard the health of people who live here, as well as reducing any impact on our emergency services.”
Kenny Rogers, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Senior Officer for the City of Edinburgh, said: “As we all spend more time indoors, you can help us help you by working to reduce risk in and around your home.
“We will always be here for our communities, but when firefighters are mobilised to unnecessary incidents, it can divert them from genuine emergencies.
“That is why I would urge everyone to stay safe this Easter weekend and to do their bit to protect themselves and others by disposing of garden refuse carefully and responsibly.”
Find out more about the Council’s response to the coronavirus, and service changes, online.
More than two-thirds of all fire fatalities were over 50-years-old
MORE than two thirds of people who died as a result of fire in Scotland in the last five years were over 50-years-old, according to the latest statistics.
Figures also show that almost a third of all fire casualties for the same period were aged 60 or over.
The stark numbers are revealed as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service launches a national Older People Month of Action, aimed at keeping Scotland’s most vulnerable and elderly residents safe in the home.
As part of this, firefighters are ready to offer potentially lifesaving Home Fire Safety Visits.
Between 2015 and 2019, 218 people sadly lost their lives due to often preventable fires in Scotland – 149 of whom were aged 50 or over.
And for the same period, there were a total 5,862 people who became casualties after being affected by fire or smoke – 1,600 of whom were more than 60 years old.
Now, SFRS is launching a wide-ranging appeal which will run through the month of March, and reaching out to families, friends and neighbours to help ensure that older people in Scotland’s communities remain safe from harm.
Assistant Chief Officer Ross Haggart is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Prevention and Protection. He said: “It is heart breaking when a life is lost in any fire, particularly when they are often so preventable.
“It’s easy to think that fire won’t happen to you, but statistically there is potentially a house fire in Scotland every two hours.
“And it is clear to see that people who are around the age of 60 or over are most affected by serious house fires.
“As a service, we believe any fatality because of fire is one too many and our thoughts remain with every single person affected by such tragedy.
“While we will continue our prevention efforts across Scotland I think we all need to ask ourselves, is there more I could do?
“The time to take action is now.”
In 2018-19, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service visited almost 70,000 homes across Scotland to offer free Home Fire Safety Visits.
During these visits, which prioritise the homes of those deemed most vulnerable and at risk, SFRS can help spot possible fire hazards, sort out a fire escape plan and provide information about smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms.
Trained staff can also help by suggesting other agencies who can help make sure residents are safe and protected in the home.
ACO Haggart added: “We have dedicated personnel across Scotland – operational firefighters, community firefighters and community safety advocates – ready to offer potentially lifesaving Home Fire Safety Visits.
“If you are 60 or over please contact us now. If you have a friend, relative or neighbour in this age group, talk to them about our free Home Fire Safety Visit service.
“You can even offer to contact us on their behalf.
“We want to reach every older person in Scotland – but we can’t do that without your help.
“Together we can prevent fires happening and protect older people across Scotland.”
Storm Dennis: stay safe
A yellow weather warning for high winds remains in place this morning as the tail end of Storm Dennis passes through. Thirteen flood warnings are currently in place across Scotland, but none of these affect the Edinburgh area.
Commuters are being urged to take care when travelling in heavy rain, wind and thunderstorms.
The latest FLOOD ALERT for Edinburgh and Lothians was issued yesterday and remains in place: ‘While river levels are now receding, they are expected to remain high during Sunday.
‘There may be ongoing localised flooding, primarily of land and roads, with local disruption to travel and difficult driving conditions possible. Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.
‘Advice and information is also available through Floodline on 0345 9881188.
‘This FLOOD ALERT UPDATE is now in force until further notice. If you haven’t already signed up to receive free flood messages, please call Floodline or register online at sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup. Your Floodline quick dial number for this area is 23200.’
Driving in storms, rain and strong wind
Choices and planning ahead
- Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen. A good rule of thumb is ‘if it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down’.
- If heavy downpours are expected, avoid starting your journey until it clears.
- If you can, choose main roads, where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris and flooding.
- Use dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced.
- Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands. This is particularly important when planning to overtake.
- Keep an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges over a river or railway – these are some of the places you are more likely to be exposed to side winds. Ensure that you maintain enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for it being blown sideways.
- Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front.
- Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared.
What to do when the road is flooded
- If the road is flooded, turn around and find another route. The number one cause of death during flooding is driving through flood water, so the safest advice is turn around, don’t drown.
- Although the water may seem shallow, just 12 inches (30cm) of moving water can float your car, potentially taking it to deeper water from which you may need rescuing.
- Flood water also contains hidden hazards which can damage your car, and just an egg-cupful of water sucked into your car’s engine will lead to severe damage.
- Never drive through flood water. Turn around.
Keep an eye out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians
- Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance.
MORE than 30 specialist water rescue firefighters were deployed throughout the Scottish Borders in response to severe flooding over the weekend.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service mobilised five water rescue units to the area, and they have been responding alongside partners to protect members of the public.
Crews carried out 15 water rescues at locations across Scotland including Perth, Linlithgow, Newcastleton and cross-border responses, and Operations Control have handled more than 60 flooding related incidents.
SFRS crews have also been working throughout the day to assist in the safe evacuation of residents in Hawick to safety, following Severe Flood Warnings indicating risk to life.
Heavy rains brought in by Storm Dennis have caused the River Teviot to reach its highest levels since 2015.
Assistant Chief Officer Paul Stewart said: “Crews have been working alongside our partners in extremely challenging conditions to ensure the safety of all residents in affected areas.
“We have been able to call upon specialist resources from across the East and West of Scotland, with more than 30 specialist water rescue firefighters mobilised to the area in response to the heightened flood risk.
“As such, we have been working very closely with partners and lead agencies throughout today to provide assistance where required and our resources remain available to protect Scotland’s communities.”
ACO Stewart added: “My thanks must go to our dedicated crews on the ground and our Operations Control staff, who have been working extremely hard across Scotland in response to severe weather related incidents in addition to normal 999 emergencies, as well as our partners and the resilient communities in the area.”
Police issue doorstep crime warning
Most people who call at your door will be genuine, but sometimes someone may turn up unannounced with the intention of tricking their way into your home. If someone calls:
LOCK – Keep your front, back, & side doors locked, even when you are home.
STOP – Before you answer, stop & think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked the back door & taken the key out. Look through a spy hole to see who it is.
CHAIN – If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or door bar on first if you have one. Keep this on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep.
CHECK – Even if they have a pre-arranged appointment, check identity cards carefully. Close the door while you do this. If you are still unsure, look up a phone number in the phone book or online & ring the organisation to verify their identity. Do not use a phone number on the identity card as this may be fake.
Bogus callers may be smartly dressed & claim to be from the council, police, or utility company. They can also turn up as builders, gardeners, or other trades & try to trick you into paying for unnecessary work.
You should never agree to have work done by someone who is just ‘cold calling’.
If you think work needs done get at least three quotes from trusted companies.
Use The Edinburgh Trusted Trader Scheme to find tradespeople who have been checked & vetted by both Police & Trading Standards officers. Information on this Scheme can be found here- http://ow.ly/nPfT50ybKfx or by phoning 0131 513 9921.
If you think a bogus caller or doorstep criminal has called on you, or been in your street, report this to the police immediately on ‘101’ non-emergency or ‘999’ in an emergency. If you would rather remain anonymous, you can report incidents to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For further crime prevention advice- https://www.scotland.police.uk/…/home-and-personal-property/ or contact your local Crime Prevention Officer by contacting ‘101’.
Four-year-old praised for raising fire alarm at family home
A four-year-old girl who raised the alarm after spotting a potentially devastating fire at her family home in Fife has been praised for her “brave and instinctive” actions.
Hollie Aitken was at home in Cowdenbeath with mum Siobhan Mullen last Wednesday afternoon, when a fire began to develop involving a bin and garden furniture at the back door.
Siobhan, 25, was upstairs in the bath when little Hollie went downstairs to find her favourite toy – and spotted smoke and a bright glow at the rear patio doors.
Nursery pupil Hollie ran upstairs to warn her mum, allowing the pair to immediately exit the house and dial 999.
Two fire appliances from nearby Lochgelly Community Fire Station were mobilised to the house, on Arthur Street, where crews worked to extinguish the flames.
Dad Kevin Aitken, 27, said: “It was a frightening experience for Hollie and Siobhan, and we know it could have been so much worse had Hollie not acted so quickly.
“Hollie only turned four in December but she’s such a confident and intelligent girl.
“We are so lucky that Hollie reacted like she did – to instinctively go and warn her mum, which allowed them both to get out of the house and call the fire service.
“The fire engine arrived straight away and the fire was very quickly extinguished. Fortunately were able to limit the damage to the back patio and the rear of the house.”
Firefighters at Lochgelly welcomed Hollie and Siobhan to the station for a tour, and to thank the youngster for her bravery on the day.
Dad Kevin said: “Hollie had such a fantastic time visiting the station, sitting in the fire engine and getting a shot of the hose. The firefighters were brilliant.
“We can’t thank them enough. Hollie’s not stopped talking about it all since.”
Watch Commander Jenny Murray, who was part of the crew from Lochgelly turned out to tackle the fire, said: “We were delighted to welcome Hollie and her mum Siobhan to the station for a tour, and to meet some of our firefighters who attended on the day.
“She was such a wee character, going around and shaking hands with everyone, and she really made our day.
“It was important that we thanked and recognised Hollie for her actions. While the home did have a working smoke alarm fitted, it would appear that as the living room door was shut it had not yet activated.
“Instead, Hollie’s brave, instinctive and quick-thinking actions allowed those inside the house to quickly and safely evacuate, and for the early intervention from the fire and rescue service to prevent further damage to the property.”
WC Murray added: “Incidents such as this also highlight the importance of having a fire escape plan at home. It doesn’t take long to make a plan and it could save lives in the event of a fire, especially if you check and practice your escape plan regularly.
“We offer everyone in Scotland a free home fire safety visit, in which we will help you sort out a fire escape plan and provide information about smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms.”
To arrange a FREE Home Fire Safety Visit, you can: call 0800 0731 999; text “FIRE” to 80800; complete an online form at firescotland.gov.uk; call your local fire station