Scotland was once again marred by a number of attacks on firefighters in various locations across the country last night. Crews were faced with missiles and fireworks being thrown at them on a reported 11 occasions as they worked tirelessly to keep people safe on Bonfire Night.
Continue reading Attacks on firefighters blight Guy Fawkes celebrations
Attacks on firefighters who are working hard to protect communities during Bonfire season will not be tolerated, says a top fire chief. Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Lewis Ramsay hit out after crews were last year targeted by missiles and fireworks in the course of their duties. Continue reading Fire chief condemns attacks on firefighters
The Environment Agency is reminding people it’s illegal to burn many types of waste.
Burning certain types of waste and setting fire to treated wood, tyres, plastics, rubber and oil can seriously harm health and pollute the environment. Continue reading Do you know what you’re burning this fireworks night?
NHS 24 is reminding people to take care and understand how to treat minor burns ahead of this year’s Bonfire Night celebrations on 5th November. In line with advice from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS 24 advises that people attend an organised display but, if a party is being held at home it’s important that people know how to treat any injuries. Continue reading NHS24 urges safety first this Bonfire Night
Last year Bonfire Night in Edinburgh was a busy one, particularly for cops working in the North of the city. Officers saw an increase in antisocial behaviour and fireworks related calls, which resulted in extensive damage being caused to a police vehicle. Continue reading Bonfire Night in North Edinburgh: police appeal for vigilance
Campaign launched to increase understanding and reporting of hate crime
The Scottish Government has joined with Police Scotland and the Crown Office (COPFS) to launch a new campaign against hate crime.
‘Hate has no home in Scotland’ launched during Hate Crime Awareness Week and will run until 26 November. It aims to increase public understanding of what hate crime is, and how to report it – for those who personally experience it and, importantly, bystanders to hate crimes.
More than 5,300 cases of hate crime were reported in Scotland over the past year, with many other incidents going unreported. The campaign has been developed in partnership with a broad range of stakeholders involved in dealing with hate crime and its consequences as a response.
Launching the campaign, Equalities Secretary Angela Constance (above) said: “We all need to play our part to eradicate hate crime, which has no place in Scotland. ‘Hate has no home’ encourages and empowers people to recognise hate crime and report it, stopping this discrimination at its source. That is particularly important when people are bystanders – no one should be a passive witness when one of our fellow citizens is attacked because of who they are.
“We are committed to working with stakeholders, including Police Scotland and the COPFS, to tackle this blight. Ensuring we all take a stand and report hate crime is an important part of creating a fairer country for all. I look forward to seeing the country come together to support the campaign and take a stand against such hate.”
Chief Superintendent John McKenzie, Police Scotland, Safer Communities, said: “People of all races, religions, ethnicities, of any sexual orientation or with any disability should be able to live their lives free from hate or harassment. There is no place for hate in Scotland and it is our communities, who will lead the way in tackling hate crime with the support of police, the Government and other partners.
“Hate crime is under reported, we want to change that and we are asking people not to be bystanders. Speak out, help us tackle hate crime. By working together we can drive prejudice out of our communities and out of Scotland.”
Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC said: “Crime motivated by hatred is not only a wrong against the individual, but is an affront to our collective values as a community, creating division and fear. That is why we treat it so seriously and why we will continue to do so.
“The prosecution service, along with our colleagues in Police Scotland and other agencies, plays an essential role in creating an environment in which all people who live in Scotland, regardless of their personal or social circumstances, can have confidence that they live in a just society and that they will be protected from crime.”
More information on the campaign can be found here.
Fear of hostility could be stopping large numbers of disabled people in Scotland going out in their communities, says Leonard Cheshire Disability as it reveals the results of a UK national survey of disabled adults aged over 18. Continue reading Fear of hostility prevents one in three disabled people going out
Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted murder. The incident happened around 9.45pm on Thursday at the King’s Theatre on Tarvit Street. Continue reading Police seek information following attempted murder
Ferry Road motorbike hit and run victim Cameron visited Drylaw Police Station yesterday and received gifts from local officers and a bravery award from area commander Chief Inspector Stevie Sutherland. Continue reading Bravery award for hit and run victim Cameron
250 health volunteers reach over 30,000 young people across 90 schools
School pupils are benefitting from the advice of their peers as part of an innovative programme aimed at reducing violent crime. Medics Against Violence is led by health professionals and was created in 2008 in response to the level of young people sustaining injuries following violent incidents. Continue reading Medics Against Violence: tackling violence in young people
