Police Scotland launch annual Festival safety campaign

Love it or loathe it, you just can’t ignore it … yes, it’s Festival time in Edinburgh, and Police Scotland have launched their annual safety campaign

LAUNCH OF FESTIVAL POLICING OPERATION

We have today launched our annual campaign to keep people safe during the Festival.

In the coming weeks, hundreds of thousands of visitors are set to join the Capital’s local residents to enjoy a month of artistic performances and events, culminating in the fireworks display at the end of August.

To ensure the Festival is a secure and welcoming environment for tourists and locals alike, police will have a high-visibility presence throughout the city centre to offer a range of useful advice aimed at preventing the public being targeted by criminals.

All of this information will be available on the Police Scotland website or by following Edinburgh Division’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh said: “The Edinburgh Festival is a fantastic spectacle and results in worldwide attention for the city. We will be doing everything we can to prevent crime happening in the first place and I would appeal to the public to help us in that effort.

“By taking a number of simple steps, visitors and locals can ensure their experience of the Festival is memorable for all the right reasons.

“Remember to always keep an eye on your valuables when you’re out enjoying the sights and events within Edinburgh and never leave any belongings unattended. If you are enjoying the nightlife then please make sure you drink responsibly and have a plan to get home.

“This year, for the first time, we have helpful advice for tourists and visitors on-line that they can access before they arrive in the city, so that they can equip themselves with all the information they need to safeguard themselves against opportunistic criminals.

“I would ask that anyone planning on visiting Edinburgh in the coming weeks to visit our tourist and visitors advice page on the Police Scotland website.”

Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “Our environmental wardens will be working closely with Police Scotland in the city centre over the Festival period to help keep people safe and offer reassurance through a high visibility presence. I would encourage people to do their bit too, by acting responsibly and taking time to look at the latest safety advice.

“Edinburgh is a safe city and we want to maintain this, ensuring that visitors enjoying the Festival have the best possible experience of the city.”

Safety advice ahead of Hibs Rangers clash

Police in Edinburgh will have a robust policing operation present today to keep the public safe during the first round of the Petrofac Training Cup between Hibernian and Rangers – and fans have been warned to behave or face the consequences.

Thousands of spectators are expected at Easter Road for this afternoon’s game – which kicks off at 12.30pm – and a significant police presence will be in place to identify anyone in possession of alcohol, fireworks or flares.

Anti-social drinking in the surrounding streets will also not be tolerated and officers will be enforcing the Edinburgh by-law in this regard. In addition, police will be assisting stewards to carry out searches outside the ground to prevent illegal or prohibited items being smuggled in, including explosive or combustible materials.

Fans from both sides are urged to ensure their behaviour during the match does not put themselves or others in danger.

Chief Inspector Bob Paris said: “This is a significant fixture for both clubs and we want all supporters to enjoy the day.

“Police will be patrolling around the stadium with a focus on stopping anti-social street drinking and fans will be subject to searches as a condition of entry to the ground. Drinking on board a supporters bus to and from the match is also an offence and officers will be checking all coaches coming to the match.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and while the behaviour of the vast majority of Hibs and Rangers fans is exemplary, the reckless conduct of a small minority could place others in danger.

“Anyone found to be in possession of these items, or any other objects that are not permitted within the stadium, will be refused entry and may face further police action.”

Police seek witnesses following Cramond assaults

Police are appealing for witnesses after two teenage girls were indecently assaulted last week. The incident happened around 5pm on Friday 3 July at the Cramond Waterfall.

Both of the 13-year-old victims had been in the area when a male approached and assaulted the pair before walking off towards Cramond Beach.

The girls then reported the matter to police, who had been following a positive line of investigation but are now asking for the public’s assistance to help trace the suspect.

He is described as being potentially of Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi ethnicity, around 25-years-old with a large build, short dark hair and a full beard. He was wearing a white polo shirt, black dress trousers and black shoes.

Detective Sergeant David Brady from Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit said: “This was a distressing experience for the young girls and we have been pursuing various lines of investigation over the past week to identify the suspect.

“However, we have so far been unable to establish who he is and I am keen to hear from anyone with information that can assist with our inquiry. In particular, we would like to speak with anyone who was walking between the Cramond Waterfall and Cramond Beach last Friday evening and may have seen this male.

“Similarly, anyone with any further information in relation to these assaults is also asked to come forward.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

RNLI urges: Respect the Water

Over 200 people die accidentally each year in British and Irish waters – and more than half of those who drowned didn’t even plan to get wet …

The RNLI has launched a drowning prevention campaign which aims to reduce deaths by 50%. The ‘Respect the Water’ campaign coincides with the release of figures showing that 24 people died in Scotland’s coastal waters last year.

Over the past five years, an average of 35 people have drowned in Scotland and RNLI aims to halve the number of drownings by 2024.

Most of the deaths – almost a quarter – occurred when people slipped and fell into the water while walking and running. Other causes include people at work (14%), diving (13%), swimming and/or deliberately jumping into the sea (9%) and angling (6%).

RNLI lifeboat crews in Scotland saved 51 lives in 2014, and the charity has highlighted dangers which can be more common in Scotland.

After falling in, people can experience cold water shock or the effects of strong currents under the surface. There are also problems with slippery rocks, sudden waves or unstable ground.

RNLI coastal safety manager for Scotland Michael Avril said: “We want people to enjoy the water but to make sure they respect it.
“Around 35 lives are lost around Scotland’s coast each year but many of these losses could be avoided if people acknowledge the dangers and follow some basic safety advice.”

RNLI’s ‘Respect the Water’ campaign includes two films which will be shown in cinemas throughout the UK.

https://www.rnlivideolibrary.org.uk/getvideo.aspx?vid=QhMxynB6

http://rnli.org/Pages/Video-Details.aspx?VideoItemID=xL1O5RjR

Three people rescued from Cramond Island

It happens every summer, as predictable as rain stopping play at Wimbledon. Yes, it’s the peak season for people getting stranded on Cramond Island …

Three people were rescued by lifeboat after being cut off by rising tides in the Firth of Forth yesterday.

Coastguards received a call shortly after 2pm from a man on Cramond Island who thought he had broken his leg.

Two members of the Queensferry lifeboat were dropped off to search for him, and when the causeway linking the island to the mainland then became flooded by tidal waters two other people also had to be brought to safety.

HM Coastguard’s Jonathan Mustard said: “This was a well co-ordinated response to this incident. All those involved regularly carry out training for this sort of incident and the way this was handled today shows why that training matters.”

Police pooh-pooh Porty party plans!

Officers pour cold water over beach party plan

Police are urging organisers of a beach party to get in touch:

UNLICENSED GATHERING -PORTOBELLO

Local officers in Portobello are aware of social media messages which suggest a beach party will take place on Portobello Beach on Wednesday evening (8 July).

Events such as these require a public entertainment licence and involve lots of planning and consultation to make sure all of those in attendance are kept safe.
So far, our colleagues at the City of Edinburgh Council have received no application for a Portobello Beach Party.

We are committed to keeping our communities safe and local policing teams will monitor the area on Wednesday to engage with members of the public and address any issues which may arise.

If anyone is planning a party on Portobello Beach, we would ask that they contact us and the City of Edinburgh Council so we can discuss all the relevant safety matter and ensure appropriate resources are utilised.

T in the Park: have a happy and healthy time

With less than a week to go until T in the Park kicks off, NHS 24 is urging festival goers to look after their health and make the most of the event.

Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare service is advising visitors to the three-day event at Strathallan Castle in Perthshire to plan ahead and take a few essential items for dealing with illness.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “Summer festivals are great places to meet people and enjoy music with friends but try and remember to pack a few small items with you in case you do become unwell.

“Take some over the counter medication with you for stomach upsets or diarrhoea and take a simple painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. It is also really important to have sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and antiseptic hand gel or wipes are always handy to have at outdoor events, as are things like a supply of pads or tampons and if there is possibility of having sex take some condoms to avoid the risk of sexually transmitted infection.”

He added; “Plan ahead remember to take all your prescription medicine with you to last till you get home, if you use inhalers always keep them handy and think of things like hay fever medication if you are a sufferer.

“Don’t ruin your weekend by drinking far too much too quickly. Try alternating soft drinks or water for alcoholic ones on a regular basis over the day and don’t forget to eat regularly. You don’t want to miss out on seeing your favourite bands by feeling unwell with the effects of too much alcohol.

Professor Crooks advised: “If you do become ill, go with a friend to the nearest First Aid area. Remember there is safety in numbers. Never leave your drink unattended, never leave friends on their own and don’t wander off by yourself. Organise a meeting point if you get split up and stay with people you know.

“By taking simple steps, you can help minimise or even prevent minor health problems from ruining your weekend. Stay safe and have a happy and healthy time at T in the Park.”

For further summer health advice go to www.nhsinform.co.uk There is a Health in Focus section dedicated to staying safe in the summer months.

www.twitter.com/nhs24

www.facebook.com/nhs24

Edinburgh firefighters warn: mind those barbecues

majority of incidents involve bins and/or disposable barbecues

Firefighters in the City of Edinburgh have reminded people to safely dispose of barbecues to help prevent needless fires.

The Meadows is a particularly popular spot for Edinburgh picnickers, and last year the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) attended 57 fires in and around the Meadows between May and August. The majority of these incidents involved bins and/or disposable barbecues.

One of the main causes of the fires was the careless disposal of BBQ’s into bins, some of which already contained combustible materials.

This type of incident ties up valuable SFRS resources as well as causing inconvenience for park staff and users.

Station Manager Jonathon Miller said: “Following the guidance provided will prevent resources from one of Scotland’s busiest stations being tied up at minor, easily prevented small fires on the Meadows.

“This can also delay our attendance at more serious, possibly life threatening, incidents and divert firefighters away from important community safety and training activities.

“We will be conducting routine joint visits with City of Edinburgh Council Park Rangers during the summer to offer advice on BBQ safety as well as offering free home fire safety visits to park users.”

The following simple tips should be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable BBQ and lead to a reduction in fires:

Make sure your barbecue site is flat and away from fences, trees and sheds.
All BBQ’s should be raised from grass areas to avoid burning or scolding
Keep a bucket of water or large bottle of water nearby, in case of emergencies.
Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about five centimetres (two inches).
Never use petrol or paraffin to start, or revive your barbecue – use only barbecue firelighters or starter fuel on cold coals.
Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
Do not leave the barbecue unattended.
After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it.
Hot ashes can melt a plastic wheelie bin and can cause a fire.
Avoid alcohol if you are in charge of a barbeque.
Use one of the two designated BBQ bins on the Meadows (Middle Meadows Walk/Bruntsfield links)

More arrests following local crime spree

Operation RAC: Crime crackdown continues

Police have arrested and charged a 25-year-old local man following a number of thefts and housebreakings in north Edinburgh. The arrest follows the arrest of two others in connection with drugs offences in West Pilton earlier this week.

On Wednesday, officers executed a search warrant at a property on Ferry Road Drive following intelligence received from the public. Various stolen items were recovered and officers are currently conducting enquiries to reunite the stolen goods with their rightful owners.

The man was subsequently arrested and charged for housebreakings to business premises on Queensferry Road, Cheyne Street and Raeburn Place as well as an attempted break-in on Dean Street.

He was also charged in connection with the recovery of an abandoned Mercedes C-Class, which had previously been stolen alongside another vehicle from an address on Prospect Bank Road, and used in several business housebreakings in the Capital.

Superintendent Alan Porte said: “This arrest should reinforce that we will we act on any intelligence we receive and will pursue all possible lines of enquiry to bring perpetrators of housebreaking and vehicle crime to justice.

“The public can be assured that any information given to us will be treated with the utmost confidence, and used to keep our communities safe for everyone.”

The latest breakthrough follows the arrest of two men who were arrested under the Misuse of Drugs Act earlier this week, following the discovery of a significant quantity of Class B drugs in West Pilton.

Drugs Team officers executed search warrants at flats in West Pilton Drive and West Pilton Loan, where they found cannabis with a potential street value of approximately £90,000.

A total of 128 mature cannabis plants were found at a home on West Pilton Drive along with a further 15 vacuum sealed bags each containing 1oz of herbal cannabis and six 250g bags of herbal cannabis worth a potential street value of approximately £55,000. A 30-year-old has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with this incident and will appear in court at a later date.

Police Scotland officers also recovered 51 mature cannabis plants and 32 seedlings at an address on West Pilton Loan with a potential street value of approximately £35,000. A 20-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday and a report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Detective Inspector Stuart Harkness from the Gayfield CID Proactive Unit said “These searches removed a significant amount of illegal drugs from our streets and highlights that Police Scotland continues to tackle those involved in organised crime within the city.

“We will continue with a robust approach to tackle crime in the communities we police and I would appeal for the public to provide us with the information we need to disrupt those involved in criminality. This information may be provided to your community officers, through contacting police on 101 or alternatively in anonymity by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Fire Service issues summer appeal

As we move into summer and the school holidays, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is appealing to the public to join Scotland’s fight and do what they can to prevent fire.

During the summer months SFRS traditionally see an increase in the amount of deliberate fires across Scotland compared to the rest of the year. These fires present a danger to life, property and can have a detrimental financial impact on the Scottish economy.

SFRS will work together with partner agencies such as Police Scotland, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Crimestoppers Scotland to prevent fires and support Police Scotland in highlighting the need to report fire offending.

Station Manager Graham Arnott, Glenrothes, said: “We want the public to have an enjoyable break over the summer holidays – and also a safe one. Over the next few months we’ll typically see an increase in the amount of deliberate fires.

“SFRS is appealing in particular to young people as they go on school holidays to consider the consequences of deliberately setting a fire. We would urge parents to ensure that their children know about and understand the potentially tragic consequences deliberate fires can have, as well as the impact for responding emergency services. Fire setting is an offense – don’t accept it, report it.

“We ask local residents and businesses to ensure that rubbish does not accumulate outside their property and that wheelie bins are stored in a safe and secure area until collection. Bin and rubbish fires can quickly take hold and spread to buildings and vehicles, posing a major risk to life and property.

“As we enter the time of year where we typically see warmer weather we would also expect to see an increase in the amount of woodland, grass and forest fires. Our crews work hard to provide education and advice about the risks and also respond when fires do break out. The public can help them to keep people safe by heeding our safety advice and sharing it with others. We’ll be working hand in hand with rural communities, businesses and landowners to establish ‘Fire Plans’ that will focus on reducing the risk of fire and provide advice on what to do if an emergency does occur.

“There is lots of information available online now at www.firescotland.gov.uk and residents wanting further advice in relation to keeping their home safe from fire can contact us for a FREE Home safety visit on 0800 0731 999, or text ‘FIRE’ to 80800.”