Tag: Police Scotland

Scotland signs up to UNICEF declaration on children, youth and climate action

Scotland has committed to honour the rights of children in the fight against the climate crisis, by signing the UNICEF declaration on children, youth and climate action.

The declaration, which was drafted by children and young people, calls on signatories to uphold the priorities of children and youth throughout the world in the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Signatories commit to advocating for children’s inalienable right to a healthy environment and to enhancing the meaningful participation of children and young people in climate change discussion and action.

Scotland recently hosted the UN Conference of Youth ahead of COP26 and has invested almost £1 million in a programme to engage young people in the climate conference and legacy activity.

The First Minister formally signed the declaration during COP26, and the launch event is being attended by the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Green Skills Lorna Slater. Scotland becomes the 28th country to have signed up so far.

The First Minister said: “Children and young people are driving climate action and it is vital that we listen to their views and harness their passion at COP26 and beyond.

“The global climate crisis is a children’s rights crisis.  So we must make sure that the rights of children and young people are promoted and protected as we tackle it. To do this, we have to give young people a place at the table and a role in decision-making, so they have a real voice in how we respond to a threat that will shape their lives.

“I am proud that Scotland is joining nations across the world in signing this declaration, and committing to listening to and respecting the needs and wishes of young people as we work to deliver the goals of the Paris climate agreement.

“Signing the Intergovernmental Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action is an important step all governments can take to formally recognise a child’s right to a healthy environment.

“Here in Scotland we are determined to deliver the highest protection possible for children’s rights, which is why we remain committed to becoming the first devolved nation in the world to directly incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into domestic law, to the maximum extent possible.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie last night thanked the people of Glasgow for enabling Police Scotland to deliver a safe and secure COP26.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Today we continued to support the visit of puppet Little Amal to Glasgow, and facilitated a number of protests.

“I hope this spirit continues right through the conference closure as, over the past few weeks, we have sought to provide a proportionate policing response to any potential protests, balancing the needs and rights of those wishing to demonstrate or protest against the needs of the wider community.

“The wider community really means the people of Glasgow whose patience and understanding, while managing significant disruption to their daily routines, have been a key part of enabling us to deliver a safe and secure global event.

“So I would like to thank them for being so welcoming to our visitors and for being so accommodating of the large police presence and security measures – the people of the city have made this such a positive experience for those of us who have been working day and night, some of us away from home and families, on what is the largest policing operation seen in the UK for many years.

“Our stated commitment was always that the people and communities of Scotland would still receive the same high standard of service that they are accustomed to for the duration of the conference. With this in mind, we established dedicated local policing teams to ensure that local areas had the resources they require to address local community concerns throughout COP26.

“It is important to us that we understand what the experience of COP26 has been for people in Glasgow and Scotland. For this reason, we want to hear from those who have attended or experienced our policing of these events in Scotland recently.

“We value your views, so please take part in our short survey about how we are policing COP26. And lastly, thank you to all those who have taken part and left us with great memories of Glasgow and COP26.

“Eight people were arrested today with minimal disruption to the city centre and to the people who live and work there.”

Gyle Centre break-in update

Detectives investigating a break-in at The Gyle Centre in Edinburgh, that took place around 2.50am on Wednesday, 10 November, are appealing for any information on the whereabouts of another vehicle involved.

The two suspects tried to force entry to a shop using a silver Suzuki Celerio.  That car was left at the scene and the two men made off in a silver Audi A5 or S5 model.

Both men involved are described as being of slim build and wearing dark clothing with a hood up and face covered.

Detective Inspector George Calder said: “Our investigation is progressing and we believe that the car may be a silver Audi S5, five-door model that was reported stolen from the Drylaw area of Edinbugh around 8pm on Friday, 5 November.

“We are carrying out enquiries to trace the movements of this car since it was stolen, and indeed where the car is at the present time.  The information we receive from the public is vital in assisting our investigation and we would appreciate any information you hold. 

“If you have seen a car matching this description since last Friday, or know where it may be parked then please contact us.

“We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage which could help our investigation.”

Anyone with information can call 101, quoting 0246 of 10 November, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police appeal following overnight break-in at Gyle Centre

Detectives are appealing for information after a break-in at the Gyle Centre.

A car was used to force entry to main area of the shopping centre around 2.50am this morning (Wednesday 10 November) before an attempt was made to access a business within.

This attempt was unsuccessful and the two men involved then left in a second vehicle.

The first car – a silver Suzuki Celerio – was left in place. Enquiries have established the vehicle had been stolen from the Stevenson Road area on Tuesday evening. The second vehicle is described as a silver saloon type car.

Both men involved are described as being of slim build and wearing dark clothing with a hood up and face covered.

Detective Inspector George Calder said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who may be able to help to get in touch.

“We would be keen to speak to anyone who may be able to help us establish the movements of the two vehicles involved or identify the two men seen at the Gyle Centre.

“We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage which could help our investigation.

“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting 0246 of 10 November, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police Scotland: COP26 has been a ‘widely positive experience’

As COP26 arrives at its half way point, Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie looks ahead to the second week while praising both protesters and police.

Assistant Chief Constable Ritchie said yesterday: “For such a highly significant event, to reach the end of the first week with fewer than 50 arrests being made is testament to the fact the relationship between protesters and the police has been largely non-contentious.

“Despite today being a rest day at the conference, Police Scotland has, once again, engaged positively with protest organisers and attendees at a number of events across Glasgow, with minimum disruption to the wider community.

“As you’ll no doubt know, Police Scotland has spent more than 18 months preparing for COP26, and a great deal of effort has gone into ensuring our policing plan is robust but reactive, but also welcoming while balancing the right to protest with the rights of our communities.

“All of our work is underpinned by human rights and a great deal of effort has been taken to ensure our response to COP26-related  incidents and events is necessary and proportionate, and that our ethos and values of integrity, fairness and respect is shared by both our own officers and our mutual aid colleagues who have travelled to Scotland from across the UK to support us.

“This event has already provided us with some unique challenges, but our officers and staff have risen to face them, and the broadly good nature of the members of the public we are interacting with has made this a widely positive experience.

“I very much hope this atmosphere continues into the second week ahead of COP26 coming to its conclusion next weekend.”

Police Scotland welcomes a reduction in incidents over Bonfire Night

Local resources and specialist national teams from Police Scotland have again come together to deploy on Bonfire Night, with the organisation recording 20 per cent fewer calls and reported incidents in comparison to last year.

A policing plan under the name Operation Moonbeam was introduced in 2018 in response to significant public disorder and anti-social behaviour the previous year. This had included targeted attacks on the blue light services responding to emergency calls during the Fireworks Night period.

Throughout Thursday, 4 November, and Friday, 5 November, 2021, 649 calls were received by police in relation to fireworks, and a further 105 regarding fires. In 2020 these figures were 798 and 153, respectively.

Operation Moonbeam lead, Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: “Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, again, there were fewer organised events this year.

“It is very encouraging that we saw a reduction in calls during this traditionally high-demand period. I want to thank everyone who heeded our advice to enjoy themselves in a safe and responsible manner.

“However, unfortunately a number of police officers as well as colleagues from the other emergency services were targeted by a minority of people intent on causing disorder. I utterly condemn this behaviour.

“Thankfully, none of those affected sustained serious injuries but no-one should have to face violence in the course of their duties. These kind of incidents put intense additional pressure on the emergency services and impact our officers’ ability to respond to other people in need.

“We will continue to thoroughly investigate these incidents in the coming days so as to identify those involved.”

Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens, Director of Service Delivery for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable.

“This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues – including the police when they must escort us at the scene.

“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a very small minority and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe.”

COP26 Climate Strike: Police appeal to protestors to act responsibly

Statement from Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie ahead of the Fridays for Future and Climate marches taking place this weekend:

ACC Ritchie said: “The Fridays for Future and Climate march are due to take place this Friday and Saturday, the 5th and 6th of November, and we expect Glasgow to be busier than usual on these days.

“You will certainly see an increased police presence in Glasgow during these events but please don’t be worried. Officers are there to maintain the safety of the public and participants, as well as to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or to counter-protest.

“These rights are always balanced against the rights of the wider community. If you are planning on attending the marches or are travelling to Glasgow for another reason, plan your journey in advance.

“Both the road and public transport networks are likely to be really busy. There are road closures in place during COP26 and information about this can be found on the Get Ready Glasgow website.

“Among the officers who’ll be deployed this weekend are Police Liaison Officers, they will be wearing light blue police vests. They act as a link between event organisers and the police. Their aim is to make sure that participants can exercise their democratic right to demonstrate while helping to ensure the policing response is proportionate.

“A number of other specialist officers will be deployed for these events as well. As will officers from other police services from around the UK who have come to Glasgow to provide assistance. So you’ll likely see officers in uniforms which are slightly different to those worn by Police Scotland.

“We have engaged with key campaign groups to ensure these protests can take place safety and with as little disruption as possible. However, we have made clear that should violent disorder or damage to property occur, those involved will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.

“If you’re going to a march, please act responsibly, be respectful in your actions, and follow the route and instructions given to you by police officers or event organisers. We’re there to keep everybody safe.

“Thank you.”

Crackle and Moonbeam: Capital Police prepare for Bonfire Night

Police in Edinburgh have launched their annual campaign to keep the public safe and deter fireworks-related disorder over Bonfire Night.

Operation Crackle, which runs from today (Thursday 4th November), to Saturday 6th November, sees local officers deployed throughout the city to address the range of criminality that typically arise as a result of the antisocial use of fireworks during the bonfire period.

In advance community policing teams have been working alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the City of Edinburgh Council and may other partners, to engage with young people through various channels and discuss the risks and consequences of using fireworks recklessly.

Officers have also carried out joint patrols with council Environmental Wardens and members of the fire service to carry out environmental audits and identify and safely remove any debris or materials that could be used to start bonfires.

In addition to Operation Crackle, Police Scotland has also launched its national public order response for Halloween and Bonfire Night, Operation Moonbeam.

As part of this campaign, a range of specialist and national resources will be available to Edinburgh’s officers if they are required.

The city’s dispersal zones will once again be in operation as an additional tactic to tackle and deter antisocial behaviour and disorder.

The zones will run between 4th and 6th November from 2pm to midnight each day.

Like the past four years, the zones include Muirhouse, West Pilton, Portobello, Loganlea, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southhouse and enable police to instruct groups of two or more people who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner in these areas to disperse.

Those who fail to comply, or fail to stay away for up to 24 hours, can face arrest.

Chief Inspector Murray Tait from Edinburgh Division said: “Last year saw unprecedented restrictions placed on the public, in terms of gatherings within their homes and gardens, as well as all public bonfire and fireworks displays being cancelled and we are yet to see the return of such events.

“If you are planning to purchase and use fireworks over the coming days and weeks then please do so responsibly and within reasonable times of the day, so as not to disturb and distress vulnerable members of our community.

“We have been working alongside our various partners in advance to mitigate against fireworks-related disorder but nevertheless, we still anticipate a very busy period for ourselves and the other emergency services.

“We are committed to keeping not only the public, but our officers and emergency service colleagues safe, and we are grateful that Operation Crackle officers will once again be supported by the specialist resources as part of Operation Moonbeam.  

“I would ask that parents and guardians have frank conversations with the young people in their care and remind them that behaving recklessly with fireworks can not only put lives at risk, but will result in arrest and a criminal record.”

Police must allow young people to protest peacefully at COP-26, says Children’s Commissioner

Children’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson is urging police to treat young people peacefully protesting at COP-26 with respect and dignity – and has reminded them that children’s rights must be upheld for everyone under 18.

To support this approach, the Commissioner’s office has published a human rights guide today  ‘Under 18? Your Human Rights at Protests: What you need to know’ for children who plan to make their voices heard at the UN climate summit in Glasgow.

The guide has been used as part of Police Scotland’s training for COP-26 and was informed by children’s views and experiences.

Bruce Adamson, Children and Young People’s Commissioner said: “I have written to Police Scotland and have received strong commitments that they will facilitate peaceful protest with human rights at the heart of their approach, and it is important that this happens.

“Police officers have a duty to uphold children’s human rights during COP-26, which include the rights to peaceful assembly and association, alongside their rights to expression, participation, information and protection.”

Climate justice has been consistently raised by children and young people as one of their biggest human rights concerns.

Emma, 16, a Young Adviser to the Commissioner, said: “The right to protest is important as it gives people the opportunity to create change. It gives us a voice and the ability to hold institutions accountable for their actions.

“It is one of the only ways young people can be heard and immediately have a connection with one another, creating a sense of unity. It promotes equality and allows for individuals and groups views to have a chance to be recognised.  The information in this guide about our rights to protest is really useful as we make our voices heard at COP-26 and beyond.”

The Commissioner added: “Children have shown incredible leadership on the issue of climate justice and continue to act as human rights defenders for everyone’s rights across Scotland and internationally.

“They have led powerful, peaceful movements in the streets, for example during school strikes, online, and in court. It is essential that children and young people are empowered to participate and engage in their right to peaceful protest.”

The Commissioner’s guide includes rights information and support, in the event of a child under 18 being arrested or detained by police.

Mr Adamson said: “Arresting a child should always be a measure of last resort, however, it may happen, and children need to know their rights if it does. We’ve included information about children’s rights to contact their family, social worker and to speak to a lawyer, to complain and to ask for release. Any child arrested or detained must be treated with human dignity and respect.”  

The Commissioner repeated his call that no child should be punished for taking part in peaceful protests: “There must be no reprisals or sanctions for children who peacefully protest during COP-26 and schools should support children to participate in the opportunities that COP-26 affords them.”

Your-Human-Rights-at-ProtestsDownload

Warnings of severe disruption as COP26 gets underway

Commuters urged to consider pressure on motorways and railways

As Scotland prepares to host the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow, the demand on the transport network is expected to be unprecedented.  

While many people across the country have already heeded warnings in the run up to the event, the impact on the motorway network and railways should not be underestimated. 

With major road closures in place, further factors that will impact getting in and around the central belt include various protest activities – planned and unplanned – as well as non-COP26 related events such as bad weather, Halloween and major sporting fixtures.  

Members of the public are therefore being urged to avoid any unnecessary travel especially during the first few days of the conference. 

Nicola Blaney, head of events resilience for Transport Scotland, said: “There will be severe disruption on transport networks and we therefore urge people to consider their travel plans very carefully.  

“Across the network, we know certain dates are due to be much busier than others especially November 1, 2, 5 and 6. This weekend is also likely to be very heavily congested, and we need people to help us to avoid gridlock and crucially, leave space for key workers and emergency services to make essential journeys. 

“We’ve been encouraging people to work from home as a way of reducing the risk of Covid – which would also help ease pressure on the transport network during the conference’s peak.” 

Road closures are already in place for public safety with Glasgow’s Clydeside Expressway now fully closed till November 14.  

The M8 will be subject to lane restrictions and road closures from 8pm on October 30 until 6am on November 15. The Tradeston M8 On-slip at West Street will be closed with no access to North Street/Charing Cross.  

A signed diversion route will be in place from West Street to North Street, via Kingston Street, George V Bridge and the Broomielaw. Access to Bothwell Street from the M8 Eastbound at Junction 18 will remain open. 

The public is advised to visit the Get Ready Glasgow website: 

www.getreadyglasgow.com  

which provides all the travel details and will be regularly updated with all the latest information for commuters and businesses as well as details on alternative routes, local road closure dates and where local access will be maintained.  

Further road restrictions which will come into effect next week include road closures from Monday November 1 around Argyle Street – one of the main diversion routes – because of a COP26 event. This will increase congestion and put additional strain on the road network.   

Friday November 5 and Saturday November 6 are also expected to be extremely busy, due to planned climate change related marches going from Kelvingrove Park into the city centre and Glasgow Green.  

Police Scotland’s assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins, said: “Our aim is to deliver a safe and secure event, whilst keeping the city, and indeed the country, operational and moving.” 

An informational video is available here – https://vimeo.com/640339230

Fireworks: local Dispersal Zones to tackle antisocial behaviour

This year two Dispersal Zones are being set up in North West Edinburgh to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period. The zones will be in operation between 2pm and midnight from Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th November.

Under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, police have a Power of Dispersal within the designated zones authorised by Superintendent David Robertson.

This means that Police can instruct any people in groups of two or more who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner to disperse, and if they do not live there to leave the zones, and then not to return for up to 24 hours.

If they do return, they can be arrested.

Nine dispersal zones will be set up across the city in known ‘hot spots’. As well as West Pilton and Muirhouse, zones will be established in Portobello, Loganlea, Gilmerton, Moredun, Southhouse, Gorgie and Saughton.

News of the establishment of Dispersal Zones will come as no surprise to local residents – the real surprise is that these dispersal zones will be in place over one weekend only.