Tag: community safety

Cheers! Leith’s best bar none!

VICTORIA best
VICTORIA best

An initiative to promote best practices within pubs and clubs honoured no less than twenty-one Leith hostelries at an event held at the City Chambers last night. The Best Bar None Scheme has operated in Leith for the past two years, and last night’s awards were a showcase of best practice as well as a celebration of Leith’s top bars.

The awards are unique to the licensed trade and involve an accreditation process that sets minimum standards of operation for venues in consultation with the Scottish Business Crime Centre, while promoting the sharing of best practice to ensure high standards of safety.

It encourages the licensed trade to work in partnership with Lothian and Borders Police, the City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, in order to make their premises safer, and reduce alcohol-related crime and irresponsible drinking.

At the ceremony, which is sponsored by Diageo, Heneiken and Molson Coors, 21 premises were presented with Gold, Silver or Bronze awards for their participation and contribution to the scheme.

The Victoria Bar in Leith Walk has been named “Top Bar”, while the Leith Beer Company on The Shore has won the “Top Pub” award.

Both of these venues will now be nominated to go forward for the National Awards.

Councillor Eric Milligan, Convener of the Licensing Board, said: “The  Best Bar None scheme has proved to be very popular and I’m delighted  that it has proved to be such a success in Leith. It allows licensed premises to provide the best service possible and  also reassures the public that they can enjoy a safe and happy night out and experience everything that the area has to offer.”

Lothian and Borders Police Licensing Inspector, Lynne Symington said: “When the public enjoy a night out within Leith they are entiled to do in a safe and secure surrounding. Managers have a responsibility to ensure to do all they can to deter criminal activity and that the terms of their licence are adhered to at all times. The Best Bar None scheme helps us recognise those premsies who work alongside police and other partner agencies to achieve best practice and help keep our communities safe when out socialising.”

The winning pubs and the award they received:

GOLD

Victoria 265 Leith Walk

Boda Bar 229 Leith Walk

Parlour 142 Duke Street

Bond No.9  84 Commercial Street   

Sofi’s Bar   63-65 Henderson Street

Leith Beer Company 58 Shore     

 SILVER

Links Tavern 7 Restalrig Road

Carriers Quarters  42 Bernard Street

Granary 32-34 Shore

Cruz 14 Shore

Teuchter’s Landing  1c Dock Place

Malmaison 1 Tower Place

Foot of the Walk  7a Duke Street

King’s Wark 36 Shore

Malt & Hops 45 Shore

Marksman 13 Duke Street

BRONZE

Middleton’s 69 Easter Road

Four in Hand 218 Easter Road

Central Bar 7-9 Leith Walk

Tamson’s 280 Easter Road

Tam O’Shanter 39 Great Junction Street

Sharp fall in North Edinburgh crime figures

Recorded crime is falling in North Edinburgh. Statistics compiled for a community policing event held at Craigroyston High School last night show that overall crime in Forth has fallen by 10% over the first seven months of this year, while in Inverleith the figure is an impressive 31% – a reduction of almost one-third over the same period.

For the year to date in INVERLEITH Ward:

Housebreaking (homes) – down 42% (24 fewer houses broken into)

Housebreaking (businesses) – down 42% (10 less businesses broken into)

Robbery – down 86% (6 fewer victims)

Break-in to cars – down 46% (23 fewer cars)

Vandalism – down 55% (136 fewer victims)

Overall crime down 31%

In FORTH Ward:

Housebreaking (homes) – down 13% (8 fewer homes broken into)

Housebreaking (business) – down 58% (11 fewer businesses broken into)

Break-ins to cars – down 40% (32 lfewer cars)

Vandalism – down 27% (156 fewer victims)

Fire-raising – down 40% (17 fewer dangerous fires).

Overall crime down 10%

Commenting on the figures, Drylaw Police Inspector Mark Rennie said: “These are an excellent set of figures for the area for the first part of the year (April to October). To achieve such significant reductions in vandalism in both the Inverleith and Forth wards is really important – it means less damage, a better environment and an improvement in the behaviour of young people who predominantly commit this type of crime. Vandalism is a crime which always causes a great deal of concern locally, and it often provides a guide as to the overall amount of antisocial behaviour being experienced within communities”.

“To have 292 fewer crimes (156 Forth, 136 Inverleith) in a fairly short period is good news by any measure and gives an indication that the approach taken by the local Police Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Council Community Safety Team produces results. What we have to do now is continue that focus to ensure we maintain the improvements made and seek further reductions.”

The Craigroyston event was one of a series to allow communities in Edinburgh to have their say on how local policing should be delivered in their area. Staffed by police, fire service and council officers the drop-in session gave local residents an opportunity to discuss safety issues and to suggest local priorities ahead of the introduction of the single Police Service of Scotland next April.

Chief Superintendent Malcolm Graham, Commander of the City of Edinburgh Division, said: “We know that the key to policing communities effectively is to listen to local people and then deliver in partnership with them. These consultations are crucial to how we plan and set objectives. I am very much looking forward to hearing the feedback.”

The aim of the consultations is to make the 2013/14 Police Plan more responsive to public opinion and requirements at a ward level, with meetings being held in each of the six different Council neighbourhood areas.

Councillor Michael Bridgman, newly appointed Convenor of the future city Emergency Services Committee, said: “These meetings are a great opportunity for local communities to share their views with the police and council as to what they see as their policing priorities for the future. We would like to hear about the issues that really matter when it comes to delivering a first class police service. I would urge people to come along to any of the planned meetings, have your say and make a real difference.”

 

Minister urges safety first on Bonfire Night

Community Safety Minister Roseanna Cunningham has urged communities across Scotland to enjoy a safe Bonfire Night and ease the pressure on emergency services at their busiest time of the year. She encouraged the public to attend organised fireworks displays, allowing families to enjoy a safe spectacle, while reducing demands on frontline fire & rescue resources.

Bonfire Night is also a time which can see a rise in the number of attacks on firefighters.

Ms Cunningham said: “For the majority of people, Bonfire Night is a time to enjoy family fun with a few sparklers or to go to a bonfire party. I would also encourage parents and carers to make sure that they know the whereabouts of their children this weekend and on Bonfire Night, and to attend one of the host of events which I know have been organised across Scotland. I want everyone to enjoy this traditional family celebration safely.

“However, we know from past years that for a mindless minority it is an opportunity to attack or harass those who are there to protect them. We will not tolerate this. It is to be welcomed that attacks on firefighters decreased last year and I hope that this trend continues. Our fire and rescue service do a valuable job and should be able to carry out their duties free from assault or harassment. We support police and prosecutors to use the full force of the law to bring anyone guilty of such offences to justice.”

Figures for 2011-12 recorded 112 incidents where attacks on fire fighters occurred; this was a decrease of 60 incidents (35 per cent) from 2010-11.

Ms Cunningham spoke ahead of a week in which she will attend a meeting of the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board in Perth on Monday (5 November) before launching the Scottish Government’s festive fire safety campaign on Thursday (8 November). This will spread the message of the importance of fire safety in the home.

Alasdair Hay, Chief Officer for Scotland’s new national Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“This is the busiest time of the year for firefighters and support staff working in the fire and rescue service. Our staff are committed to the task of keeping communities safe as they celebrate Guy Fawkes night. Our key priorities are public safety and firefighter safety. Please follow our fire safety advice to reduce the likelihood of an accidental injury or fire. Our advice is that attending an organised bonfire and fireworks display is the best way to have fun in a safe environment.

“Remember too that our crews are there to keep you safe and protect communities. Sadly we often see a rise in anti-social behaviour and violence towards crews responding to bonfire calls. This will not be tolerated and we will work closely with our colleagues in the police to report offenders. Talk to your children about the important role firefighters fulfil in local communities and make sure we are not hindered in our ability to respond to emergencies. Have a great, safe November 5th.”

Broughton pupils get dramatic fireworks message

A powerful play about the dangers of misusing fireworks is being performed at Broughton High School today. TOAST is a 30 minute drama which shows pupils how dangerous fireworks can be, as well as airing issues such as peer pressure, bullying and managing aggression. 

It was originally commissioned by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in Northern Ireland , was adapted for Edinburgh and is being staged by the Strange Theatre Company.

The production involves two actors playing 11 different characters, with the scene shifting between a hospital, a home, a school and a housing estate. The principal character is drawn into an ill-fated escapade with stolen fireworks, with ultimately tragic consequences.

The weeks leading up to Bonfire Night are traditionally a time of increased complaints to police about antisocial behaviour and noise relating to fireworks. Councillor Cammy Day, Community Safety leader, said: “Bonfire Night is great fun and families enjoy the spectacle of fireworks as the nights get darker. However, fireworks can be extremely dangerous if handled improperly. The play ‘Toast’ is an excellent way of helping young people understand the risks and dangers of misusing fireworks.”

Community Safety Manager for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, Steve Harkins, said: “As the service gears up for one of their busiest nights of the year we are urging parents and carers to be mindful of the potential risks from fireworks and the need to heed fire safety advice to ensure this year’s Bonfire Night celebrations stay safe. We work closely with partners including the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver fire safety advice to schoolchildren across the area and TOAST, which highlights the dangers associated with fireworks, is an excellent example of this type of initiative.”

The play will be performed at Holyrood RC High School and Broughton High School today  and moves on to Leith Academy  and Castlebrae High School tomorrow (Friday 2 November).

Fireworks warning to West Pilton parents

Police and Council officers in Edinburgh will be visiting parents in West Pilton in a bid to tackle the issue of fireworks being set off and fires being started in the area. Police officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Team and city council Community Safety Team staff are visiting the homes of youths identified or suspected of setting off fireworks and fire-starting after recent incidents.

Officers have being doing additional patrols in West Pilton over the last fortnight to deter youths from throwing fireworks and, as a result of their investigations, several youths have been identified as being responsible for dangerous behaviour in the area.

Joint Police and Council follow-up visits are being carried out over the next few weeks and the parents of youths involved will be warned over their children’s behaviour. Officers will also be urging parents to take additional steps to ensure their children are not involved in behaviour which causes a risk to the community.

Inspector Mark Rennie of Drylaw Police Station said “We have had two very concerning fires in West Pilton over the last month and several worrying incidents involving fireworks. This type of risk-taking behaviour will not be tolerated. We have additional officers on patrol and we are also highlighting the problem to local shop owners but speaking to parents about the recent incidents and potential consequences is a key part of our response”.

Councillor Cammy Day, Community Safety Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The joint visits are designed to make the position clear to parents – they are responsible for the behaviour of their children. We will carry out an investigation and look at potential breaches of their tenancy agreements and possible legal action should they not heed the warnings given to them. A key commitment of the Capital Coalition is to strengthen and support our communities and keep them safe. We will not hesitate to take the strongest possible action against those responsible for fire raising and other acts of antisocial behaviour.”

Anyone with information regarding fire setting in the area is asked to contact, Lothian and Borders Police 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Keeping communities safe during firework season

The City of Edinburgh Council has joined forces with Lothian and Borders Police and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service to ensure people in Edinburgh enjoy fireworks responsibly.

The lead up to bonfire night is a busy time for all emergency services, and while it is hoped everyone has fun, police will be working alongside colleagues in the fire and rescue service to highlight the nuisance and dangers associated with the illegal use of fireworks.

In the run up to 5 November, police and Trading Standards officers will be visiting retailers to remind them of the legislation surrounding the sale of fireworks. Fire safety talks will be given at schools across the city and joint patrols will be carried out to dismantle any potentially dangerous bonfires.

Councillor Cammy Day, Community Safety leader for the City of Edinburgh  Council, said: “The proactive approach taken by our community safety  teams in dismantling unauthorised bonfires in previous years has been  really successful and this work will continue leading up to 5 November. We would remind people to only attend organised displays, remember the  dangers involved in handling fireworks and enjoy their celebrations  responsibly. It’s one of the busiest nights of the year for the fire  service and it’s important they can carry out their vital role without  the threat of anti-social behaviour.”

Chief Inspector Andy McLaughlin of Lothian and Borders Police said: “Young people and the community should look forward to bonfire night, and be able to enjoy it fully and safely. Although it is an exciting time, the risks involved in playing with fireworks should always be remembered. This is traditionally a busy time of year for all emergency services, but many calls could be avoided if people were more aware of the safety of themselves and others. It should be remembered that fireworks are, in essence, explosives, and should only be bought from reputable retailers and used in a safe, controlled environment. We have seen a reduction in these types of incidents in recent years, and we hope that our work with school children and shop owners will help continue this trend.”

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service Community Safety Manager Steve Harkins added: “We want people to enjoy themselves safely this year. We recommend attending an organised bonfire night display to reduce the risk of accidental injury from fireworks. Be aware that bonfires must be supervised by an adult at all times. If they are not we will extinguish them. We will also put out any bonfires we believe may pose a risk to people or nearby buildings. Lastly, we ask that people respect firefighters as they respond to these calls. Any incidents of anti-social behaviour or violence to crews will be reported to the police. We are there to keep communities safe from fire so please let us do our job safe from interference or harm.”

Anyone with any concerns regarding dangerous bonfires, or the illegal sale of fireworks, should contact their Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0131 311 3131.

Wester Drylaw bonfire

Fire safety advice for freshers

As a new academic term starts Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service is urging students to put fire safety at the top of their agenda for the years ahead:

Part of becoming a student is enjoying the freedom of being away from home and living with new friends. This can be a very enjoyable experience but it can also be daunting.

Living in halls of residence or rented accommodation means that you are responsible for looking after your own health and safety. Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service work with universities and colleges to ensure that halls of residence are safe places to live, through the provision of free home fire safety advice for residents and ensuring that fire-warning systems are installed and maintained correctly.

As a resident within halls of residence, you have an obligation to ensure that the fire warning system and firefighting equipment are only used in an emergency. Unwanted false alarms caused by deliberate or malicious actuation of fire warning systems is a criminal act, which may result in prosecution, but more importantly, may lead to a delay in fire appliances responding to a genuine emergency elsewhere. Your university or college may also consider appropriate disciplinary action against students involved in such activities.

Whilst partying, smoking and drinking are all part of a student lifestyle, it is important to remember that this could put you at a higher risk of fire.

Make sure you know what to do if fire breaks out. Our advice is to get out, stay out and call 999 asking for ‘Fire’. Never attempt to tackle a fire yourself. If you are trapped by fire, get to a window if possible and dial 999. Fire Control will give you fire survival advice until firefighters can reach you.

Cooking and cigarettes are two of the most common causes of fire. In student accommodation, we are also often called to fires started by candles and tea lights. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t cook or smoke under the influence of alcohol and never leave candles unattended. If you have been drinking heavily you may be slower to respond in an emergency.

Tips on keeping your accommodation safe

  • Never leave cooking unattended
  • Never leave candles unattended
  • Keep candles away from flammable surfaces or textiles
  • Don’t cook or smoke indoors when you’ve been drinking alcohol
  • Don’t overload plug sockets
  • If a fire starts get out, stay out and dial 999
  • Practice an escape route with your housemates
  • Check furniture has the permanent fire resistant label
  • Take extra care with cigarettes and smoking materials. Don’t smoke in bed.
  • Extinguish cigarettes properly before you go to sleep
  • Switch off electrical appliances, like mobile chargers and hair straighteners, when not in use
  • Secure portable heaters up against a wall, so they don’t fall over. Keep them away from curtains, furnishings, never dry clothes on them.
  • Know your escape route in an emergency. Make sure you and your housemates know the quickest way out in the event of fire and consider an alternative route in case your usual one is blocked.
  • In all properties, the landlord must ensure gas appliances are installed and maintained annually by a registered plumber.
  • Know your rights. Landlords are responsible for supplying safe gas appliances and electrical wiring

Free home fire safety advice is available here: http://www.lbfire.org.uk/fire_safety/safety_home.htm and a free home safety visit can be arranged by calling 0800 169 0320 or by emailing community.safety@lbfire.org.uk

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service

Stay safe during the Festival

The Festival gets into full swing this month and Edinburgh’s population more than doubles as visitors pour into the city to be entertained. With the Fringe getting under way this weekend, police have issued safety advice to visitors from near and far.

Lothian and Borders Police are encouraging those visiting Edinburgh’s festivals to think about how they can guard against falling victim to crime.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists and visitors are expected to visit the Capital in the weeks ahead, and while incidents of crime remain relatively low during the festival period, the increased numbers of people in the city provide attractive opportunities for criminals.

The policing response to this year’s festival activity will focus on preventing crime, in particular theft, violent crime, and anti-social behaviour.

As part of this preventative approach, police are urging people to access advice on how they can protect themselves from becoming victims of crime.

Tips on crime prevention are available on information displays that have been erected in the High Street, while the Police Information Centre, also located in the High Street, will act as a hub where visitors will be able to obtain advice.

Chief Inspector Gavin Phillip, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: “Edinburgh’s festivals are world-renowned and attract a huge number of visitors, enhancing the Capital’s reputation as a safe place to visit, live, and work.

“We want to ensure that people enjoying the city during this period have an enjoyable time, and in that regard our policing plan in the month ahead will focus heavily on crime prevention.

“In particular, we want people to take steps to keep their personal possessions safe and avoid falling victim to thieves.

Likewise, we are asking revellers taking advantage of the extended opening hours during the festival to be mindful of their personal safety.

“A range of crime prevention advice is available on the Lothian and Borders Police website, and I would urge those planning to visit the city centre in the weeks ahead to visit the site”.

Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “Edinburgh really comes alive during the festival season with thousands of people flocking to the city centre to take in all the fantastic events taking place.

“Thanks to the great partnership work between City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Police the Capital is a safe place, however it’s important people take steps to ensure they don’t fall victim to crime.

“There will also be extra patrols from both police and the Council’s community safety officers and environmental wardens to ensure the city continues to offer a very warm welcome to visitors from all over the world.”

 

Emergency services open day this weekend

 

Blue Green light for McDonald Road event!

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the annual emergency services open day on Saturday (4 August). Hosted by Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service at McDonald Road fire station, the free day out is one of the most popular in our events calendar.

Firefighter Neil Bertram, one of the event organisers, said: “The emergency services open day is always a great day out and it’s free! Last year we had more than 700 people through our doors at McDonald Road. This year the station will be open from 11am until 3.30pm.

“The Police, Scottish Ambulance Service and Coastguard will also be represented on the day. It’s a great opportunity to come along, see an operational station and find out more about the emergency services and the role they play in keeping communities safe.

“From our side we will have fire appliances on display.  The height appliance will be working throughout the event, our community safety vehicle (CSV) will also be used and staff from our Community Safety Function will be on hand to give advice about fire safety and answer questions from the public.  The training centre will be carrying out extinguisher and fire blanket demonstrations.  They will also provide access to the Breathing Apparatus (BA) pod to allow people to get a taste of navigating in zero visibility to rescue a casualty.

“We also hope to raise some money for two very special charities, The Fire Fighters Charity who are dedicated to helping firefighters, fire personnel and their families in their hour of need and Hillview Respite, a local initiative which provides residential respite care for disabled children in Edinburgh. Both charities will be running stalls on the day to raise funds.

“Hopefully the weather will be kind to us on the day and we would urge people to pop along for what promises to be a fun family day out.”

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service