Tag: community safety

New law to ban zombie-style knives and machetes

Zombie-style knives and machetes will be outlawed under legislation laid today. A surrender and compensation scheme will launch in the summer

Dangerous zombie-style knives and machetes will be banned under new legislation to take these weapons off our streets and keep young people safe.

Under the measures, first announced by the Prime Minister last year and laid before Parliament yestrday, it will be illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or transport these zombie-style knives and machetes.

The government is urging anyone with one of these dangerous weapons to voluntarily hand it into a knife surrender bin, before the official surrender and compensation scheme is launched in the summer.

This will get these knives off our streets as soon as possible, while giving people in possession an opportunity to hand them in without legal implications. The full ban will come into in force in September, after which anyone in possession of one of these knives may face time behind bars.

During this time, the government will work with police, communities and partners to ensure there is public awareness of the surrender scheme, which have been implemented in the past to accompany knife bans.

This is just one part of a package of measures being introduced by the government to strengthen existing knife crime laws, which are already among the toughest in the world. It is illegal to carry any knife in public without good purpose, carrying a sentence of 4 years in prison, and, in 2016, the government banned zombie knives, whilst cyclone knives were banned in 2019.

Since 2019, police have taken 120,000 knives off our streets through stop and search and other targeted police action. Knife crime has gone down 5% since 2019 and hospital admissions for under 25s involved in stabbings has fallen by 25%. Violent crime is also down 51% since 2010.

Building on this record, the Criminal Justice Bill will go further by increasing the maximum sentence for the possession of banned weapons from 6 months to 2 years, while anyone caught selling knives to under-18s, including online, will also face 2 years behind bars.

Police will also be given new powers to seize and destroy knives found on private premises if there are reasonable grounds to suspect the blade will be used in a serious crime. Previously, police could not seize knives found during a search on a property, even if they had suspicions of criminal use.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “Knife crime continues to take precious lives away, and I am determined to put an end to this senseless violence.

“We must stop these dangerous knives ending up on our streets and in the hands of criminals. We cannot let them be sold to children, and we must give young people a way out of violence.

“That is why I have expedited the ban on zombie-style machetes and we are increasing the maximum sentence for selling knives to under 18s. We will continue to invest in youth services that have prevented thousands of violent injuries.”

Zombie-style knives are just as dangerous as traditional zombie knives, however, they do not have the same distinct images or threatening wording that incites violence.

The police have identified that zombie-style knives are increasingly used in criminality, emerging on the back of the 2016 ban when some retailers exploited this loophole to keep selling these dangerous weapons but evade the law. The measures being introduced today will put an end to this technicality.

In line with previous knife bans, a surrender and compensation scheme will be introduced from the 26 August, and further guidance on how this will operate will be published in June.

Steel Warriors Head of Operations Christian d’Ippolito said: “Steel Warriors welcome the steps being taken by the government to strengthen its tough knife crime laws to keep dangerous knives off our streets. Weapons like these should not be available to young people, they have no place in modern society and should not be glorified.

“At Steel Warriors we believe that lives should be built by steel, not destroyed by it. We melt down confiscated knives and recycle them into outdoor gyms, we then provide free community classes to transform the lives of young people affected by crime, violence and social exclusion, giving them the confidence they need to create positive futures.”

During a visit to Kent Police yesterday, the Home Secretary saw first-hand how Home Office-funded youth violence prevention projects are helping steer young people away from violent crime.

Recent independent evaluation has shown that the government’s Violence Reduction Units, in combination with hotspot policing patrols, have prevented an estimated 3,220 hospital admissions for violent injury since 2019 in areas where the programme operates.

The Home Secretary also met with Yemi Hughes, the mother of a knife crime victim, Idris Elba and members of his ‘Don’t Stop Your Future’ campaign to discuss action being taken on serious violence and what more can be done to tackle the issue.

The legislation laid in Parliament will amend the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

New legal restrictions on XL Bully dog now in force in England and Wales

It is now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, and abandon these dogs or let them stray

New restrictions on the XL Bully dogs are now in force (31 December) making it a legal requirement for all XL Bully dogs to be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public. It is also illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray from today.

The decision to ban XL Bully dogs was made following a concerning rise in attacks from these dangerous dogs, with 23 people sadly losing their lives after vicious dog attacks in the last three years. XL Bullies have been involved in many of these tragic deaths. 

Owners are also being urged to apply to register their current XL Bully dogs, as the Government takes action to safely manage the existing population of the breed. There is only a month left to meet the deadline when the ban comes into force on 1 February.

Owning an unregistered dog after this date will be a criminal offence, with owners who don’t facing a criminal record and an unlimited fine. Owners who do not want to keep their dogs after this date should take them to a vet to have them put down. 

If owners are unsure whether their dog could be classed as an XL Bully, they should check their dog carefully against our guidance and photo examples of XL Bully dogs to help them decide.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “The Prime Minister pledged to take quick and decisive action to protect the public from devastating dog attacks with measures in place by the end of 2023.

“We have met that pledge – it is now a legal requirement for XL Bully dogs to be muzzled and on a lead in public. It is also now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray. 

“All XL Bully owners are expected to comply with the law and we will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, with further restrictions on XL Bully dogs coming into force on 1 February.”

The UK Government has taken a staggered approach to safely manage the existing population of XL Bully dogs, while ultimately banning the breed. 

On the 31 October, XL Bully dogs were added to the Dangerous Dogs Act, with owners given two months to prepare for the first stage of the ban.

Since the 31 December [today], it is illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray. All XL Bully dogs must also be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public.

From 1st February all XL Bully dogs which must be registered.

From 30 June, XL Bully dogs over 1 year old must be neutered, this is extended until the 31 December for younger dogs.

NOTE: THIS LEGISLATION DOES NOT APPLY IN SCOTLAND

Be a Mate this Christmas

Your Presence is worth more than presents, charity says

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is running its annual Don’t Drink and Drown campaign this week – December, 11-17 – to encourage festive partygoers to Be a Mate and ensure their friends make their way home safely after a night out. 

The campaign targets individuals to be responsible for their friends if they have had too much to drink; helping them to return home safely. As work Christmas parties and gatherings with friends and family for the festive period begin to take place, the charity fears that this could result in accidental fatalities as people walk home near the water. 

On average 73 people lose their lives each year through a substance-related drowning, this is more than a quarter (29%) of UK annual accidental drowning fatalities.

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said, “Research indicates that among those aged 16-25 who lost their lives to accidental drowning, 44% had alcohol and/or drugs in their bloodstream.

WAs well as this 81% weren’t with friends at the time of drowning, which is why our key message is ‘Be a Mate’ to encourage everyone to look after their friends and ensure that everyone gets home safely to their families this Christmas. 

“We know that alcohol and drugs have a number of different effects on the body including lowering inhibitions, which leads to impaired judgment, and this is where we see people taking risks and getting themselves into trouble in and around water.

“In line with this, the data also reveals that when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, accidental drowning victims are much more likely to have unintentionally fallen into the water; 55% compared to 36% for those who were not under the influence.”

Further analysis among alcohol/drug related drownings highlighted that, where known, over half of drug and alcohol related drownings take place between 11pm and 5am, the time which many people may be walking home from nights out. RLSS UK wants to reinforce the message of safety in numbers, be a mate, and stay together to make sure everyone makes it home safe. 

Lee said: “We have seen cases where people walk home after a night out, and for various reasons get too close to the edge and end up in the water.

“At this time of year, the water is colder than it looks and cold water shock is a significant factor, and paired with alcohol numbing senses, limiting muscle ability and slowing down reactions, it makes it extremely difficult to be able to swim and self-rescue.

“As we see mainly young men, walking home alone, sadly in these cases there is nobody around to help, we see nights out turn into tragedies. We are encouraging everyone to remember that their presence with their family and friends this Christmas is worth much more than presents, so stay safe and stay away from the water after drinking.” 

For further detail on RLSS UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign visit

www.rlss.org.uk/dont-drink-and-drown

where you can also download resources to spread the word and help keep your friends and family safe this winter.

#RespectHerSpace launched at City Chambers

A new public campaign titled #RespectHerSpace was launched yesterday (November 20) at the City Chambers.

This approach was produced by the City of Edinburgh Council alongside partners, Police Scotland, NHS Lothian, the University of Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Napier University. It was also supported by the Women’s Safety in Public Places Community Improvement Partnership and the Equally Safe Edinburgh Committee. 

The launch follows two Women’s Safety in Public Places consultations held between June 2022 and March 2023. The analysis of consultation responses found between 73.9% and 80.5% of women reported having experienced harassment, abuse, or violence while in a public space in Edinburgh.

Following extensive discussions with key campaign stakeholders, the ‘her’ pronoun was chosen for the campaign title to represent all women and girls.

It comes as evidence suggests that women and girls experience disproportionate levels of harassment in public places compared with men. This restricts their ability to freely participate in school, work, and public life due to concerns for personal safety, directly impacting their health and wellbeing.

The consultations detailed key recommendations to tackle this inequity, including a campaign targeted at men to address their behaviours and attitudes towards women in public places.

The campaign will not target criminality, but instead encourage men to make small changes to their behaviour to make people, especially women and girls, feel safer in Edinburgh.

Small changes, such as crossing the road instead of walking directly behind someone or making a phone call, are intended to reassure women and girls who may otherwise feel unsafe while in a public place. The campaign will be positive and will not alienate or blame men, rather it’ll encourage men to reflect on their behaviour.

This campaign is part of a wider body of work committed to enhancing safety in the Capital. Key examples of these include £500,000 of funding for parks and open space lighting and a new state of the art City Operations Centre with an enhanced focus on CCTV and public safety and security.

The #RespectHerSpace campaign runs from 20 November 2023 for at least three weeks and will be seen across television, digital, and outdoor advertising.

The campaign video and interviews with the actors are available on our YouTube channel.

Depute Council Leader, Councillor Mandy Watt said: “It’s so important that everyone feels safe whilst out and about in Edinburgh. Women and girls are often excluded from full and meaningful inclusion in public spaces due to worries about their safety, but men can be fundamental in changing this.

“We are asking men to make small but significant changes to their behaviour to make sure women and girls feel safe when accessing our public spaces.

“I’d encourage people to engage with this campaign and use it as an opportunity to have these important conversations with male family members, friends, and colleagues.

“We’re committed to making Edinburgh as safe, secure, and inclusive city as possible. Alongside our wider work, this campaign represents an important step in this process.”

DCI Adam Brown of Edinburgh’s Public Protection unit welcomed the campaign: “Improving the wellbeing of our communities is a key purpose of policing and I fully support this campaign, which demonstrates that small and considerate changes in our behaviour can make a difference in promoting feelings of safety and helping everybody to enjoy use of our public spaces equally.

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “NHS Lothian welcomes the #RespectHerSpace campaign.  Research clearly demonstrates the issues faced by women and girls who report negative experiences whilst in a public space. These experiences can cause anxiety and distress, which contributes to poorer health and wellbeing.  

“Increasing awareness of these issues, and of the small changes that can make a big difference, is a powerful tool towards enabling women and girls to feel safer when they are in public spaces across our city.

“Everyone has a right to feel safe and we would encourage people to engage with this campaign and take action to support women and girls to achieve that right.”

Carolann Begbie, Director of People & Services at Edinburgh Napier University said: “We strive to make Edinburgh Napier a safe place for everyone, and this campaign underlines that effort.

“Sadly, harassment and gender-based violence are problems which affect all aspects of society. We want to ensure that it’s not a part of university life.

“#RespectHerSpace demonstrates that small changes can have a significant impact on helping our city become a more inclusive place to study, work and live.”

Rail industry creates immersive VR film to show passengers how they can help to combat sexual harassment

  • Immersive VR experience, designed to empower bystanders to recognise and help combat sexual harassment on the railway, on show today at Edinburgh Waverley station.
  • Demonstrating how a small action could make a big difference is important – 85% of women would feel relieved if someone intervened when experiencing sexual harassment on public transport.
  • This is the latest in a series of nationwide events aimed at providing advice and tips on how bystanders can safely intervene and report a situation before police or rail staff are able to get involved.

As part of the rail industry and British Transport Police’s continued commitment to make sure every passenger feels safe when travelling by train, an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience is coming to Edinburgh today – Thursday 16th November.

The event is aimed at tackling all forms of sexual harassment by educating people to recognise how these situations occur for passengers and empower them to intervene safely and report perpetrators.

Sexual harassment is a real and far-reaching issue in society with seven in ten (71%) women in the UK having experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space, the latest survey commissioned by UN Women UK finds.

The short VR film shows how small actions, such as asking the victim if they want to swap seats or distracting the perpetrator with a question, can prevent further escalation in the moment.

Following a successful initial launch of this innovative VR film earlier this year at London Waterloo station, Rail Delivery Group (RDG) together with British Transport Police (BTP) and local train operators are inviting people in Edinburgh to try the immersive VR experience in their local station.

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of Rail Delivery Group said: “As an industry we are actively tackling all forms of sexual harassment and are committed to making our passengers feel safe when onboard.

“By showcasing the ground-breaking VR experience in stations across the country we’re to equipping people with tips on how to safely intervene in situations as a bystander without putting themselves in harm’s way.

“Whether you see it or experience it, we ask everyone to report anything that makes you uncomfortable to British Transport Police by texting 61016 or using the Railway Guardian app.

“Passengers using Britain’s railways have a right to feel safe and confident to call out these behaviours without fear.”

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said: “Everyone has the right to go about their day in peace without fear of harassment or abuse. ScotRail works very closely with British Transport Police and Network Rail to ensure that Scotland’s Railway is a safe environment for our customers and our staff.

“To assist us in tackling unacceptable behaviour, it’s important for anyone who witnesses it to report those responsible so that they can be brought to justice. This VR experience plays an important role in helping bystanders identify inappropriate behaviour when it takes place.”

Further events will be held in various cities in Great Britain over the coming weeks and months.

How to report

By reporting all incidents that occur, bystanders can help British Transport Police to identify perpetrators and reduce potential harm for others in the future.

To report an incident, contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or using the Railway Guardian app. In an emergency, always call 999.

To watch the full VR film, visit the National Rail YouTube channel here.

RoSPA: Have fun but stay safe this Bonfire Night

Fireworks are fun when enjoyed safely – that’s the message from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), as the nation prepares for bonfire night celebrations. 

RoSPA says that attending an organised display is the safest option, but with some people unable to get out and about and some local councils cancelling firework displays, there could be an uptick in people celebrating at home. And with every bonfire night witnessing serious injury cases, RoSPA recommends anyone hosting a display at home to read its firework safety advice.

Anyone planning on celebrating Bonfire Night should know:

  • It is illegal to buy or give a firework to anyone under the age of 18 except for category F1 fireworks.
  • It is illegal to set fireworks off before 6pm and after 11pm. This extends to midnight on 5 November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
  • It is illegal to use fireworks in the street or other public places.
  • Sparklers reach extremely hot temperatures and can cause severe burns to young children.  It is not recommended to give them to under 5s.
  • Follow the Firework Code and read instructions before use.
  • Not all fireworks are suitable for private use, it depends on the size of your garden – so do your research before purchasing.

RoSPA’s 10 Point Firework Code: 

  1. Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks 
  2. In England, Scotland and Wales only buy fireworks which carry UKCA or CE marks. In the case of Northern Ireland look for the UKNI symbol along with the UKCA or CE mark. Keep your fireworks in a closed box, and use them one at a time 
  3. Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary 
  4. Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back 
  5. Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks 
  6. Never return to a firework once it has been lit 
  7. Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them 
  8. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators 
  9. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire 
  10. Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving. 

Phil Le Shirley, Public Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said: “Bonfire night can be a magical time for families and communities, and we believe the safest way to enjoy fireworks is by going to an organised display where there will be the appropriate safety protocols in place.

“However, we do recognise that not everyone can attend organised displays and may wish to have their own at home. We therefore advise those people to only purchase fireworks from licensed sellers, follow the manufacturers guidelines and dispose of them safely.”

6.7600_BEIS_OPSS_Firework-Safety-Campaign_A4-Leaflets_Animal-wecompress.com_Download

Councillor Tim Pogson, Chair of the Edinburgh Community Safety and Justice Partnership, wrote in the Evening News about the city’s preparation for Bonfire Night:

With Bonfire Night taking place this Sunday (November 5), whilst the vast majority of our residents will behave and celebrate appropriately, I’m conscious of some of the appalling scenes last year where we saw widespread disorder, with emergency services vehicles and officers being attacked.

In 2022, two officers in Edinburgh were treated in hospital for head injuries after bricks were thrown at their vehicle. In another incident in the Capital, approximately 100 people threw fireworks at members of the public and vehicles. This is unacceptable, and I want to be clear that we will not tolerate any attacks on our emergency services who work hard to keep us all safe.

Last week (October 26), Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron attended the launch of Crimestoppers Scotland’s campaign targeting violence against emergency services. Communities which experienced an increase in firework attacks will be equipped with leaflets, posters, and banners to raise awareness of the law around fireworks misuse and help gather information about who is responsible.

Since last year’s incidents, Police Scotland in Edinburgh have worked proactively to identify those involved which has resulted in 29 people being charged with 59 offences. This year Police Scotland have been clear that there’ll be a zero-tolerance approach towards violence and threatening behaviour.

It’s important to highlight the partnership work that has been ongoing for many months to prepare the city for what is the busiest night of the year for our emergency services. Teams from across the Council have been working closely with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, and other key partners in the buildup to Bonfire Night.

From engagement with schools, youth services, and community organisations on the dangers of fireworks, to proactive social media campaigns, and increased patrols from waste services to collect items that could potentially be set alight to name a few, we’re committed to making sure Edinburgh is properly prepared.

I’d like to make special mention of our work with Lothian Association of Youth Clubs as well as our Housing Services and partner Registered Social Landlords. This work will continue up to, including and beyond Bonfire Night where we review this year’s outcomes and begin preparations anew.

We’re committed to working with our partners and local communities to make sure everyone stays safe this Bonfire Night.

I would urge everyone in the city to only attend organised displays and look out for one another. Further safety information and guidance is available on SFRS’s website.   

You can report information related to Bonfire Night anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800555111.

Please also contact Trading Standards on trading.standards@edinburgh.gov.uk or 0131 608 1100 if you have any information on the illegal sale of fireworks. 

RoSPA: Have fun but stay safe this Bonfire Night

Fireworks are fun when enjoyed safely – that’s the message from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), as the nation prepares for bonfire night celebrations. 

RoSPA says that attending an organised display is the safest option, but with some people unable to get out and about and some local councils cancelling firework displays, there could be an uptick in people celebrating at home. And with every bonfire night witnessing serious injury cases, RoSPA recommends anyone hosting a display at home to read its firework safety advice.

Anyone planning on celebrating Bonfire Night should know:

  • It is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including streets and parks.
  • It is illegal to buy, attempt to buy, give or in any way make a firework available to someone under the age of 18.
  • It is illegal to set fireworks off before 6pm and after 11pm. This extends to midnight on 5th November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
  • It’s safer to celebrate at an organised event if there’s one in your area, but if you’re planning a private display at home, make sure you know how to keep you and your loved ones safe.
  • Keep a safe distance.
  • Follow the Firework Code and read instructions before use.
  • Not all fireworks are suitable for private use, it depends on the size of your garden – so do your research before purchasing.

RoSPA’s 10 Point Firework Code: 

  1. Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks 
  2. In England, Scotland and Wales only buy fireworks which carry UKCA or CE marks. In the case of Northern Ireland look for the UKNI symbol along with the UKCA or CE mark. Keep your fireworks in a closed box, and use them one at a time 
  3. Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary 
  4. Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back 
  5. Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks 
  6. Never return to a firework once it has been lit 
  7. Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them 
  8. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators 
  9. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire 
  10. Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving. 

Phil Le Shirley, Public Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said: “Bonfire night can be a magical time for families and communities, and we believe the safest way to enjoy fireworks is by going to an organised display where there will be the appropriate safety protocols in place.

“However, we do recognise that not everyone can attend organised displays and may wish to have their own at home. We therefore advise those people to only purchase fireworks from licensed sellers, follow the manufacturers guidelines and dispose of them safely.

“It’s also important to remember that sparklers are classed as fireworks and therefore are illegal to be sold to anyone under the age of 18, and sparklers should not be given to children under the age of five.”

Operation Crackle: Dispersal Zones come into effect next week

Dispersal Zones for #OpCrackle have been set up across Edinburgh and will be enforceable between 3rd November and 5th November 2023.

These zones are set up to help prevent anti-social behaviour and to keep the community safe.

Additional officers will be deployed over the weekend across the city and they have the grounds to take action should people be involved in such conduct, as detailed in the below poster.

Keep yourself and others safe by attending organised events only, which can be found here:

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/…/organised…/…

Right time for fireworks?

Although fun for many, Bonfire Night can cause stress and anxiety for some.

It is illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm* (*extends to midnight on 5th November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali).

Find more advice on fireworks safety here ➡️bit.ly/sfrs23

#FireworkSafety