community safety – Page 4 – The NEN

‘Honour’-based abuse crackdown in raft of new measures

Victims and survivors of ‘honour’-based abuse will be kept safer and more perpetrators brought to justice in a raft of new measures, as part of the UK government’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls and the Plan for Change.

New statutory guidance and a legal definition of ‘honour’-based abuse will be brought in to help the police, social workers and others better support victims and make clear that frontline staff must take these crimes seriously. It will also help stop vital information, which could hold perpetrators to account in a criminal trial, from falling through the cracks.

On top of the new guidance, the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) will work with the police to improve how officers assess the risks posed by ‘honour’-based abuse offenders, so they can step in and support victims as soon as possible. This year, that work will focus on identifying challenges alongside what works to identify areas for improvement.

To unearth the full scale of ‘honour’-based abuse, the Home Office will pilot a prevalence study looking at how widespread this crime is, and a community awareness campaign will be launched to encourage victims to come forward.

Teachers, police officers, social workers and healthcare professionals will also receive more training to help them better spot the signs of ‘honour’-based abuse and know how to deal with suspected cases.

These measures have been backed by the charity Karma Nirvana and 22 other specialist ‘honour’-based abuse organisations. The mother of Fawziyah Javed has also welcomed the changes after her daughter’s tragic murder in 2021. Fawziyah was pushed off Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland by her husband. At the time of her death, Fawziyah was pregnant and she had planned to leave the marriage.

Recent statistics showed that 2,755 ‘honour’-based abuse related offences were recorded by the police in England and Wales. For too long, these devastating crimes which include ‘honour’-motivated killings, female genital mutilation and forced marriage, have been allowed to happen in the shadows.

Today’s measures are the latest step in the government’s efforts to tackle ‘honour’-based abuse. Earlier this year, the joint Home Office and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Forced Marriage Unit launched a new mission statement and action plan with the aim of improving all operations so the unit can continue to provide the best possible support to victims of forced marriage and the professionals who help them.

This remains a vital part of the government’s efforts to tackle forced marriage, a debilitating and devastating form of ‘honour’-based abuse, so victims can be supported at home and overseas.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “All forms of ‘honour’-based abuse are devastating crimes that can shatter lives. There is no ‘honour’ in them. For too long, these offences have often been misunderstood by professionals, resulting in victims not getting the support they deserve.

“Today we are announcing measures to put an end to this and shining a light on this debilitating abuse. This marks a crucial step in this government’s landmark mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade and its Plan for Change.

“Make no mistake – we will use everything at our disposal to make sure perpetrators face justice and victims are protected.”

Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, said: “These crimes can cause unimaginable long lasting physical and mental pain for their victims. They have no place in our society and we must do everything we can to put a stop to them.

“This starts with a clearer definition of the crime and guidance backed in law so that the government, law enforcement and the voluntary sector can work hand in hand to give victims the support they deserve.

“It is also vital that we understand the true scale and nature of these crimes in England and Wales. This will enable us and our partners to help make sure that more victims are protected and more perpetrators face time behind bars.

“This is the latest step in our mission to halve violence against women and girls, as part of the Plan for Change.”

Yasmin Javed, mother of Fawziyah Javed, said: “As Fawziyah’s mother, I am pleased that the government has listened to our calls for a statutory definition of ‘honour’-based abuse, and that this change has been made in Fawziyah’s memory.

“I hope that this will help many more people affected by HBA and ensure that the multiple perpetrators of this abuse are properly recognised and addressed.”

Natasha Rattu, Executive Director of Karma Nirvana, said: “Today marks a landmark moment in how ‘Honour’-Based Abuse is understood and responded to in this country. For years, Karma Nirvana and survivors have called for a statutory definition, and its introduction is a powerful recognition of their voices.

“This step will mean victims are no longer overlooked but seen, heard, and supported, while professionals are better equipped to act. Alongside investment in awareness, training, and the national helpline, this change, in Fawziyah’s memory, has the potential to save countless lives and protect future generations.”

Payzee Mahmod, survivor and campaigner, said: “I welcome the government’s commitment to introducing a statutory definition of so-called ‘honour’-based abuse, alongside multi-agency statutory guidance.

“As someone who has lost my sister, Banaz to an ‘honour’ killing and as a survivor of child marriage and “honour” based abuse myself, I know how vital it is that professionals from the police to social workers and teachers have the clarity and tools they need to recognise this abuse and act quickly to protect those at risk.

“This step represents meaningful progress towards better safeguarding and ensuring that survivors are properly seen, heard, and supported. It is crucial that this commitment is upheld and delivered at the earliest opportunity, so that no one has to suffer in silence or fall through the gaps in our systems.

“I am proud to have campaigned for this change, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside government, statutory agencies, and partners to ensure that survivors are protected and that we move closer to a future free from abuse.”

Assistant Chief Constable Emma James, national policing lead for Honour-Based Abuse, said: “So-called ‘honour’-based abuse is a complex crime which often happens within community or family networks that many victims find it very difficult to speak out against and can face further threats, violence, or isolation if they do.

“That’s why it’s so important that policing works closely with other agencies to identify abuse and protect victims at the earliest opportunity. We welcome the announcements from the government today that will help policing pay its part in protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, said: “So-called ‘honour’-based abuse is a devastating crime, often leaving victims terrorised, isolated, and controlled by the very family and community that should be protecting them.

“The introduction of a statutory definition is a welcome and crucial next step in strengthening our collective response to this serious and complex abuse.

“The accompanying package of measures will ensure this crime is tackled in a joined-up way, helping victims access the support they need to flee and stay safe.

“This victory has been hard won by campaigners, families and survivors alike. I applaud their tireless dedication and commend the government for taking this critical step.”

Jaswant Narwal, Crown Prosecution Service National Lead for ‘honour’-based abuse, said: “We welcome the Home Office’s announcement to develop a statutory ‘honour’-based abuse definition.

“When introduced, it will provide clarity, consistency and confidence in the way these crimes are identified and brought through the criminal justice system.

“We are dedicated to working with government agencies, stakeholders, and survivors to improve the way we bring abusers to justice and break the silence against these crimes which are too-often hidden in plain sight.”

New Fireworks Control Zones to be introduced in Edinburgh

Nine Fireworks Control Zones (FCZ) will be introduced in Edinburgh this year to minimise the negative impacts of fireworks around Bonfire Night.

FCZs, which ban the use of fireworks in a specific area, were first implemented in Edinburgh last year and covered Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield.

On Thursday, members of the Culture and Communities Committee voted to reintroduce FCZs in these areas for two years, in addition to FCZs in Corstorphine, Moredun, Gracemount, Longstone and Sighthill between 31 October and 9 November 2025.

In March people were invited to apply for their local area to become an FCZ resulting in proposals for Corstorphine, Moredun, Gracemount, Longstone and Sighthill. A subsequent public consultation on FCZs for these areas, alongside Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield, found overwhelming support for their introduction.

Amongst the reasons community groups stated in their applications for FCZs were the misuse of fireworks and the protection of animals and vulnerable people.

Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Margaret Graham said: ““We want everyone to be able to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and responsibly and these FCZs are part of our efforts to ensure that.

“The new FCZs being introduced are based on community requests and respond to real concerns around the safety of people and animals in these areas. This is in addition to the FCZs first introduced last year, which we found had a really positive effect.

“This is just one tool for minimising the negative impact of fireworks at this time of year, and we’ll continue to work closely with partners to look at different ways of addressing the issue.”

It is intended that FCZs will align with any Dispersal Zones planned by Police Scotland around Bonfire Night.

They will also support work to tackle antisocial behaviour with partners like Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) as part of the Citywide Bonfire Strategic Planning Community Improvement Partnership (CIP).

This includes patrols of fly-tipping hotspots, co-ordination of CCTV cameras, visits to premises licensed to sell fireworks to conduct safety checks and youth engagement initiatives.

Find out more about FCZs in Edinburgh online.

Tracy Gilbert MP meets with youth workers and police to discuss rise in anti-social behaviour

Tracy Gilbert, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has met with Citadel Youth Club and local police officers to discuss growing concerns around youth anti-social behaviour and so-called “baby gangs” in Edinburgh.

The meeting, held yesterday at Citadel Youth Club, focused on the challenges faced by communities and the importance of early intervention and support for young people.

Ms. Gilbert stressed the need for greater investment in youth services and preventative measures, highlighting that providing young people with safe spaces and positive opportunities is essential to tackling anti-social behaviour.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “I was grateful to meet with local police and the Citadel Youth to listen to their concerns about the rise in youth anti-social behaviour. It’s clear that prevention is key.

“We need more investment in youth services to give young people the opportunities and support they deserve, while also keeping our communities safe.

“I will continue to work closely with community partners, the police, and youth organisations to push for the resources our young people and locals urgently need.”

Wildfire Warning: 13-19 August 2025

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has issued its tenth wildfire warning this year and urges the public to avoid the use of naked flames outdoors. A ‘very high’ risk of wildfire comes into effect from today – Wednesday, 13 August – and remains in place until Tuesday, 19 August.

The affected areas across Scotland are:

13-15 August – eastern areas

16-17 August – eastern and western areas

18-19 August – most of Scotland, including east, west, central belt and southern uplands.

Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife.

Group Commander Niall MacLennan is one of the SFRS Wildfire Tactical Advisers. He said: “During periods when the risk of wildfires is high, we want people to avoid using portable barbecues, discarding cigarettes on the ground or lighting campfires in or near areas of vegetation as these all pose a significant threat.

“We know the vast majority of wildfires are started by human behaviour, so acting responsibly can lower the chance of a fire starting in the first place.

“Help us protect remote and rural communities, who can be hugely impacted by wildfires, by following the safety advice and being familiar with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”

Wildfire prevention and safety advice can be found on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s website.

You can learn more about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code online.

Arthur’s Seat Fire: experts warn of glass bottle fire risk

Sunday’s wildfire at Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat, was thought to have been started by ‘human activity’. While this could be a range of things, one possible reason could be discarded litter.

Glass waste experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk warn locals that discarded litter, particularly glass, left in direct sunlight and near grass, can ignite and spread quickly. To help reduce the risk of more fires, they are urging locals to carefully dispose of empty glass bottles to prevent fires.

What’s the risk?

Wildfires are on the rise, with research finding that by April 2025, the UK had already surpassed records for the area of land burnt by wildfires.

So far this year there have been 175 fires, burning an area of over 40,000 hectares – that’s an area more than twice the size of the city of Glasgow.

Fires like these are becoming more common due to climate change. One study found that human-induced climate change makes the dangerous conditions needed for wildfires at least six times more likely.

Why is glass waste an issue?

Glass waste, specifically any that’s clear or curved like drinks bottles, can act as a magnifying glass in direct sunlight and start fires. The magnifying effect of glass can project the sun’s rays onto dry material like grass, wood, or paper. When this reaches a certain temperature it can ignite a fire. Combine this with dry and windy conditions, and fires spread quickly.

While this may sound an unlikely combination of factors, it’s more common than many people realise. For example, a fire in the Peak District in May was attributed to discarded bottles, and a similar situation was seen on the Isle of Arran in April.

Outside of wildfires, glass also poses a risk in the home. Residents should be careful when disposing of glass into open top bins, especially when combined with other combustible materials found in dry mixed recycling, such as paper and cardboard. Alongside this, a single glass bottle left on dry garden grass could be enough to start a fire.

Beyond the obvious risk to health and life, wildfires, especially those that burn the UK’s moorland, can be ecologically devastating. They can wipe out whole ecosystems and make local areas more prone to future flooding.

How should you dispose of glass?

If you take any glass bottles with you to open outdoor spaces, you should always take them home with you. Never leave glass exposed in direct sunlight for long periods of time, especially alongside dry vegetation and materials like paper and cardboard.

Glass should always be recycled. Waste glass is a valuable resource that can be constantly recycled into new glass products. If glass is sent to landfill, the raw material is lost and more must be mined to create new products. Recycling glass saves up to 30% of the energy compared to making new glass from raw materials.

What to do if you spot a fire

First, ensure you get yourself and anyone you are with to safety. Once you have done so, call 999 to report the fire. Try to give as much detailed information as you can about the location – What3Words can be helpful to pinpoint fires. Never attempt to put out a wildfire yourself, as these types of fires can behave erratically.

What are the consequences if your litter leads to a fire?

If your litter causes a fire, and you left this ‘deliberately’ or ‘recklessly’, this might be classed as arson⁵ under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. This could result in a criminal record, unlimited fines, and even a prison sentence.

Littering itself can see you issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £500, or a fine in court of up to £2,500.

Graham Matthews, glass waste expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, said: “Many people aren’t aware of the danger discarded glass poses. But as the weather heats up, it’s essential that the public are careful with all waste.

“We know that climate change is only escalating the risk of wildfires across the UK, and we have seen many concerning instances of just a single glass bottle being responsible for burning huge swathes of the countryside.

“We urge people to be responsible and considerate with any glass waste, both in and outside the home. You should always take your litter with you regardless, but the consequences are so much higher in hot, dry weather.

“While leaving glass bottles unattended or littered may seem like a simple moment of carelessness, the lasting impact on our environment can be huge.”

Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership: DON’T buy alcohol for under 18s

Underage drinking causes harm to children and impacts whole communities. That’s why buying alcohol for under 18s is ILLEGAL.

Help us clamp down on proxy purchasing.

Refuse to buy alcohol for under 18s.

Report it to the police if you see it.

Campaign aimed at tackling youth drinking praised by Minister

The “It’ll Cost You” campaign was praised by Scottish Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown MSP when she visited the latest roll-out in Edinburgh.

The “It’ll Cost You” campaign now in its tenth year and run nationally across Scotland raises awareness of the consequences of proxy alcohol purchases to help protect children, reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, and make communities safer.

The event at the Scotmid store on Gorgie Road demonstrated the value of partnership working between the alcohol industry, retailers, Community Alcohol Partnerships and the police in tackling underage drinking and youth disorder.

Asking an adult to buy alcohol for under 18s is one of the most common tactics used by young people to access alcohol. It’s an offence in Scotland for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for someone who is under the age of 18.

This is known as proxy purchase. Adults who buy alcohol for children may face a fine of up to £5,000. The campaign raises awareness of the damaging effects and criminal nature of buying alcohol for under 18s.

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, said: ““To have run this campaign for ten years is a strong example of partnership working to help reduce crime and make our communities safer.

“‘It’ll Cost You’ reinforces the message that buying alcohol for someone under the age of 18, regardless of your relationship to them, is illegal.

“It can put them at risk of becoming vulnerable or involved in antisocial behaviour and if you buy drink for them, you could be fined, imprisoned, or both. This campaign highlights the dangers of underage drinking and sends a strong message that this is not acceptable.”

Policing Together Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland, said: “It’ll Cost You” is a really important campaign that looks to address the various risks to young people associated with them gaining access to alcohol.

“Please remember, that buying alcohol for those who are underage is a criminal offence and could result in a fine, a prison sentence, or both.”

Luke McGarty, Scottish Grocers’ Federation, added: “This campaign ties in with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing.

“Retailers are committed to reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.”

Tam Cassidy, Community Alcohol Partnership Advisor for Scotland, said: “Proxy purchase continues to be a challenge across Scotland.

“This campaign highlights the dangers and penalties that can result from adults buying alcohol for young people.”

Ian Lovie, Licensing & Compliance Manager, Scotmid, said: ““Scotmid has been long term supporters of the campaign.

“We understand the importance of preventing proxy purchasing in our stores to help reduce underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

Report illegal use of off-road bikes

Riding off-road bikes illegally in public green spaces can cause serious injury to other people.

Know who’s riding an off-road bike in parks or recreation grounds? You can tell independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously about who’s involved and where it happens.

You can also get more info on how you can report to local partners and where you can legally and safely ride an off-road vehicle.

Speak up directly to us on 101 or visit our partner website https://orlo.uk/oryx2

#PoliceScotlandEdinburgh

#PoliceScotland

Spotlight on dangerous and illegal use of off-road bikes across Scotland

The charity Crimestoppers Scotland has launched a new campaign appealing for information about the dangerous and illegal use of off-road motorbikes and other mechanically propelled bikes across Scotland.

There has been rising concerns and reports from communities across Scotland over the illegal use of off-road bikes and other mechanically propelled bikes including mopeds, e-bikes and e-scooters.

Complaints often centre around off-road bikes becoming a threat to the public as the bikes are ridden recklessly in residential areas, town centres, on pavements and in green spaces – with no concern from the riders for their own safety or that of the public.

Crimestoppers spoke to people in Scotland who has been directly affected by dangerous and illegal use of off-road bikes:

A Farmer in Dumfries told us his fields had been ripped up overnight, costing thousands in repairs and increased security costs.

An elderly lady in Edinburgh almost stepped in front of a bus to prevent a bike on the pavement from crashing into her.

In February Whinhill Golf Club in Greenock experienced extensive damage to the greens and fairways.

Angela Parker, National Manager, Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “We heard from many people who felt scared and threatened by the increased use of illegal off-road bikes. This illegal activity also damages the environment and heritage, taking years to recovers and costing thousands to repair.

“Our campaign aims to support communities in reporting anonymously to our charity and providing information on where people can safely and legally enjoy riding their bike.”

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, said: “I’m pleased to support this important campaign.

“Using off-road vehicles illegally is dangerous, anti-social and can cause huge disruption to residents in local communities as well as causing damage to parks, playing fields and the natural environment.

Crimestoppers enables individuals to report crime anonymously and these reports help the police to tackle this crime. Together, we can make a real difference.”

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “These bikes are causing untold damage and misery in our community, damaging public and private property and leaving residents feeling scared and intimidated, which is simply unacceptable.

“Areas like Grieve Road have been particularly affected by the rise in off-road bikes and the course at Whinhill Golf Club, which the council owns, has also been damaged so there is a cost to the taxpayers to repair the fairways and greens, not to mention the inconvenience caused for golfers and staff.

“As with most things, the authorities need the help of the public to tackle this problem by reporting illegal and anti-social activity and Crimestoppers is a way in which people can do that and do it completely anonymously.”

Useful information includes:

Who is riding them illegally and what they were wearing?
The names of those responsible for putting the public and themselves in danger.
Where are they being stored?
The exact location, date and time the bike/s were seen?
Anything distinctive: colour, make, number plate details.

If you own or ride an off-road bike or other mechanically propelled bike, (that includes e-bikes and e-scooters), you must ensure that you comply with UK law. Our campaign webpage gives useful information on all manner of bikes.

To pass on information about the illegal use of off-road bikes completely anonymously, visit the Crimestoppers website (Crimestoppers-uk.org). You can fill in a safe and secure form or you can call the 24/7 UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. Young people can also report crime via the charity’s youth service website Fearless.org.

Please note: With Crimestoppers-uk.org and Fearless.org, computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted them.

For telephone calls to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.