Tag: Crime

New priorities for policing as locals call for action on joyriding

Police Scotland to strengthen community focus – and North Edinburgh calls for action on joyriders 

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Scotland needs an increasingly resilient, flexible, responsive and locally-focused police service to help keep communities safe. This is the message at the heart of the new Strategic Police Priorities set by the Scottish Government, which also recognise the need to tackle new and developing threats to the public, including cybercrime.

Localism, inclusion, prevention, responsiveness, collaborative working, accountability and adaptability are the seven themes that will inform policing priorities in Scotland in the years to come, launched earlier this week.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson launched the priorities in West Lothian with Chief Constable Phil Gormley, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority Andrew Flanagan and COSLA’s Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Councillor Harry McGuigan.

Mr Matheson said: “With recorded crime in Scotland at a 42 year low, I am confident that policing in Scotland is on the right track. We have a world class police system in Scotland, supported by a hugely dedicated and professional workforce who work each and every day to secure the safety and wellbeing of people and communities across the country.

“I believe that the new Strategic Police Priorities, developed following extensive consultation with people from across Scotland and key partners, will be key to shaping the future of policing in this country and will ensure Police Scotland remain a progressive and forward-looking service.”

Andrew Flanagan, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority, said: “In line with the new Strategic Police Priorities published today, the SPA have initiated work which will deliver a clear long-term vision and strategy for policing now and over the next 10 years. It will have a strong focus on the quality of service that Scotland needs from its policing, how we develop new capabilities, and deliver improved benefits for our communities.

“Through that we are committed to ensuring that the police have a workforce which has the skills and capability to meet the changing demands they face, within a shared direction and purpose for the single service that unites police professional and citizen alike.”

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Chief Constable Phil Gormley added: “We welcome the publication of these strategic priorities for policing as we move forward with the transformation of the service in Scotland. Policing in Scotland, which is built on a really solid foundation and traditions that are the envy of many, needs to be locally relevant and have the confidence of our communities.

“We also need to ensure that the protection communities require to tackle emerging threats and risks is available where and when required. The majority of what officers and staff deal with on a daily basis, around the clock, every day of the year relates to calls for service – people calling us at a time of crisis and need and we need to make sure we respond by having the strategic priorities set out today at the heart of what we do and how we do it.”

Cllr McGuigan said: “The priorities set out by the Scottish Government are to be welcomed by all and COSLA is particularly pleased to see the clear emphasis on localism. It also gives us great encouragement to know that Police Scotland’s work will incorporate prevention, collaborative working and accountability.

“The police do not simply respond to crime, they are also there to help prevent crime and keep our communities safe along with other partners at a local level. The Strategic Police Priorities reflect that message and set a solid foundation for Police Scotland to continue their good work within our communities.”

On the day the prominent politicians and police officiers were launching their new priorities, school pupils on lunch break were watching a teenage joyrider playing cat and mouse with police in and around Muirhouse Shopping Centre. And if crime’s at a 42 year low, it certainly doesn’t feel like it to some local residents who fear letting their children out to play in case they are struck by dangerously driven motorbikes. 

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There’s little doubt about the most pressing crime issue in North Edinburgh just now: youths recklessly riding motor bikes. Local politicians and Police Scotland will meet community representatives next Wednesday to discuss the issue, which is causing increasing anger and concern across the area.

Stolen motorbikes being driven recklessly has been a longstanding problem in North Edinburgh and has spiked again over recent weeks. Back in June 14- year old Brad Williamson died when a motorbike he was riding collided with a car in Silverknowes, last month a stolen car driven by youths plunged into a garden on Graothill Road North in Drylaw and there have been numerous near-misses over recent weeks in West Pilton and Pennywell. In a new twist, there have been reports of pedestrians being assaulted by passing motorcyclists.

Five arrests were made yesterday but arrests alone, however welcome, will not make the problem go away.

It’s a real concern and there’s universal agreeement that something must be done to address the joyriding issue before someone else is killed or seriously injured. The problem is: just what?

 

Recorded crime at 42 year low

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Recorded crime in Scotland is at its lowest level since 1974 according to new figures released today. The statistics have been welcomed by local MSP Ben Macpherson.

In total, 246,243 crimes were recorded in 2015-16, compared to 256,350 in the previous year. Key highlights include:

  • Crimes of dishonesty including theft, housebreaking and shoplifting fell from 126,857 to 115,789
  • Non-sexual crimes of violence are at their second lowest level since 1974 despite a slight rise over the twelve months from 6,357 to 6,775
  • Fire-raising, vandalism etc. increased from 52,091 to 54,226, though this remains 58% lower than in 2006-07
  • Other crimes (mostly drug related or crimes against public justice) fell from 61,488 to 59,180.
  • Crimes of handling offensive weapons have fallen to their lowest level since 1984, down to 3,111
  • The number of offences recorded by the police in Scotland fell from 379,498 to 339,193. These include motor vehicle offences and breach of the peace
  • The overall police clear-up rate increased by 1.2 percentage points to 51.6%.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson said: “I am very pleased that Scotland now has the lowest rate of recorded crime in 42 years, including reductions in drug crime, theft and handling offensive weapons over the last year.

“I am grateful for the excellent work of Scotland’s police officers and their specialist and other civilian colleagues in detecting, disrupting and deterring criminal activities. Each of us can contribute to keeping our communities, homes and businesses safe, including by minimising opportunities for criminals.

“Police continue to lead that preventative approach alongside partners in other public services and the private and third sectors – not least in addressing emerging threats online, including child sexual exploitation, radicalisation and cyber-fraud.

“While higher levels of recorded sexual crime are broadly in line with UK trends, include a significant number of historical cases and may reflect greater willingness by victims to come forward, such incidents are completely unacceptable. This is why we have taken tough action to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

“Since 2006-07 we have also invested more than £10.5 million in a range of violence reduction programmes during which time violent crime has more than halved (down 52%) and is at its second lowest level since 1974.

“Today’s report also indicates that female victims of common assault were far more likely than men to be assaulted by a partner or ex-partner – underlining why the Scottish Government has committed an additional £20 million over three years to tackle violence against women, alongside our plan to strengthen legislation against all forms of domestic abuse.”

Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “The overall recorded crime picture remains largely positive with a 4% fall in overall recorded crime across our communities. This coupled with an increase in the detection rate of 1.2% reflects the hard work carried out by police officers and police staff throughout the country. The report also highlights the large demand on Police Scotland with 246,243 crimes recorded during 2015-16.

“The increase in the report of sexual crime is in part a reflection of the increased level of confidence the public has in reporting this type of crime to the police with the knowledge that every complaint will be handled sensitively and professionally. This equally applies to reports of historical abuse.

“We recognise the increase in crimes of violence and although this remains low in a historical context, we continue to work with partners in communities to tackle violence and address the influence that alcohol plays in many of these crimes. The recorded crime statistics are an important barometer on the level of service that the public get from Police Scotland, but they are only part of the picture.

“On a daily basis officers and staff provide help, advice and assistance on many different subjects ranging from anti-social behaviour, missing persons and mental health issues. In addition, we are developing a better understanding of the demands on modern policing in relation to issues such as cybercrime and online child exploitation which will be a focus for us in the future.

“Police Scotland will continue to engage with the public to identify issues in local communities across Scotland that will direct and inform the shape of policing for the future.”

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, has also welcomed the latest figures.Recorded crime in Edinburgh has fallen by 34% in the ten years between 2006/07 and 2015/16, part of a nationwide fall of 41% and the local MSP believes this shows the success of SNP policies in policing and justice.

Ben Macpherson said: “These are welcome figures that show a steep fall in recorded crime in the period since the SNP entered office in 2007 – and shows that SNP policies, such as having more police officers, have made our communities safer.

“It is excellent to see a decline in recorded crime of 34% across Edinburgh, part of a Scotland-wide picture that shows an overall fall of 41% since 2006/07.

“I am pleased to also see that the largest fall in recorded crime between 2014-15 and 2015-16 was in the City of Edinburgh, with a 11% decline. Having safe communities where everyone feels welcome are vital to creating the Scotland that we all want to see – and these figures show that, under the SNP, we have made significant progress in achieving this goal.”

 

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Scottish Government welcomes hate crime report

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Addressing hate crime should be a priority for the whole of society, according to a new independent report. 

The Independent Advisory Group on Hate Crime, Prejudice and Community Cohesion was set up by the Scottish Government last year to examine the issue and their report sets out a number of recommendations on how to help tackle hate crime and prejudice, and build greater community cohesion. This includes the need for stronger partnership working at a national and local level, better data collection on incidents and an approach that is based on prevention and education.

Speaking following the report’s publication on Friday, Cabinet Secretary for Equalities Angela Constance said: “I welcome the work that the Advisory Group has done in producing this report, which contains important messages that we should all reflect on.

“The Scottish Government is committed to doing all that we can to prevent and eradicate hate crime and prejudice, and build community cohesion.

“Let me be clear – there is absolutely no place for bigotry and prejudice in Scotland.

“As a nation, we have a long history of welcoming people of all nationalities and faiths, and we are committed to supporting their integration into our communities. That has assumed even more importance in the aftermath of the EU referendum, when it is vital that we send a message that Scotland remains a welcoming place for all those who have chosen to make this country their home.

“And we will continue to celebrate the fullness of Scotland’s diversity – everyone in Scotland must be empowered to achieve their potential irrespective of race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

“Since 2012, we have invested over £100 million to promote equality and tackle discrimination and we are continuing to work closely with partner organisations to advance our vision of ‘One Scotland’.

“However, I recognise that there is still progress to be made, and we will be carefully considering the recommendations from the Advisory Group in full.”

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson added: “Everyone has the right to be safe and to feel safe in their communities.

“We already have strong laws to protect against discrimination and I would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of hate crime to report it to the police immediately.

“Our justice partners are doing important work to raise awareness, engage with communities, encourage reporting and ensure that perpetrators of these unacceptable acts are held to account.

“We are continuing to work closely with our key partners and community leaders to ensure people feel protected in Scotland, and anyone found to be engaging in hate crime will feel the full force of the law.”

Duncan Morrow, Chair of the Independent Advisory Group: “We are very pleased to present our report to the Scottish Government. The Government’s commitment to exploring this issue with people who experience hate crime and its effects has been a very welcome and important indicator of its leadership in this issue.

“We found that hate crime remains an all too real issue with real effects on individuals, families, communities and social cohesion. Attacks spread fear to all those who know that they too could face the same violence, and isolates the victims from the rest of society. This in turn fuels prejudice.

“We know that this issue is taken very seriously in Scotland but we heard from too many that reported hate crime is only part of the story. Our recommendations include recommendations to the Government and for criminal justice agencies, including the police.

“However, addressing the underlying issue means sharing the responsibility more widely. Schools and teachers are often in the front line. Community services at local level can have an important influence. Youth workers, transport providers and community organisations are often in a position to act more immediately and more effectively. Political and community leadership is important. Identifying ways for people to act without putting themselves at risk is important. And exploring the opportunities for restorative justice may also be important.

“We hope that the report allows the Scottish Government to continue with its work in this area by providing positive avenues for action and opportunities for partnership working to address this vital issue.”

The full report can be viewed at http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/09/3565

 

Police helicopter joins hunt for Groathill youths

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Police are searching for a group of youths following a serious collision in Groathill Road North this morning. An out of control Mercedes ploughed through a fence and into a stationery caravan in a garden in the busy street just after 8am and witnesses report seeing young people fleeing the scene. Police have enlisted the support of the aerial support to search for the culprits. Continue reading Police helicopter joins hunt for Groathill youths

Cold call crackdown success

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Special zones which help ‘stamp out doorstep crime’ have been hailed a success as the city passes the 100 mark of ‘No Cold Calling Zones’ (NCCZ).

Following a successful Trading Standards campaign during the summer, supported by Police Scotland, all City of Edinburgh Council Sheltered Housing complexes have been designated NCCZ’s and a number of other zones have also been established.

A No Cold Calling Zone is an area in which a majority of residents have stated that they do not want traders to call at their homes without being invited. These areas help local residents to have the confidence to say “NO” to uninvited salespeople and to warn rogue traders and cold-callers that they are not welcome.

Community Safety Leader Councillor Cammy Day visited one of the most recently set up zones in Barnton. He said: “I’m delighted at the response from our residents working with the Trading Standards team to protect vulnerable neighbours by forming No Cold Calling Zones. The feedback from existing zones indicated that 92% of residents have noticed a drop in cold callers, and a satisfaction rate of 100%.

“Cold callers can often be a precursor to doorstep crime incidents, and the formation of these zones encourages neighbours to be aware and gives them the confidence to challenge traders calling within a zone. Traders identified as calling within a zone will be dealt with robustly by our Trading Standards team.”

Street signs have been installed in the area and residents can be provided with stickers to display on their front doors. A stencil was sprayed on the pavement of the street to make callers aware that the area is a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ and that the residents will not deal with them.

Inspector David Happs, Police Scotland Prevention, Intervention and Partnership Department said: “The creation of these ‘No Cold Calling Zones’ right across Edinburgh illustrates the willingness of local communities to work in partnership with Police Scotland, Trading Standards and others to stamp out doorstep crime. It is a crime that can affect anyone and we want to equip our community in how to keep cold callers out of their homes and protect themselves against doorstep crime. Those responsible, like bogus callers and rogue traders, are often extremely convincing in how they approach and interact with potential victims. ‘No Cold Calling Zones’ really sends out a strong message that these criminals are not welcome in Edinburgh.

“Police Scotland is committed to continuing to work with our partners to tackle this unscrupulous crime and urge you to report it. Please report any suspicious activity to Police on 101, or your local Trading Standards Department. If the person refuses to leave your door, or you feel threatened or scared – call 999 and ask for the Police.”

If you would like to find out more about setting up a No Cold Calling Zone on your street, ContactEdinburgh’s Trading Standards team on 0131 529 3030 or email trading.standards@edinburgh.gov.uk for more information. Continue reading Cold call crackdown success

Man shot in Leith

Cables Wynd cordoned off

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A man is being treated in the Royal Infirmary for serious leg injuries following a shooting in Leith late last night. Police found the victim when they responded to a report of a disturbance in Cables Wynd just after 11pm.

Police believe this was an isolated attack and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Detectives are currently pursuing various lines of inquiry and have appealed for information.

Detective Inspector Alan O’Brien told the BBC: “An extensive investigation is now under way into this incident. Although this is at an early stage I’m satisfied this was an isolated attack and there is no ongoing threat to the wider public.

“An area of Cables Wynd is presently cordoned off as our investigation progresses and I thank the local community for their patience and co-operation. I can also reassure local residents that we will use every resource at our disposal to trace and arrest anyone involved in this crime as quickly as possible.”

If you have any information contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111