Tag: Police Scotland

Winter road safety advice from Police Scotland

Advice for pedestrians

Advice if you are out walking during winter:

  • Dress for the weather by wearing reflective or bright-coloured clothing so other road users can see you when it’s dark or visibility is poor
  • If you are walking home late at night, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when
  • Vehicles can take up to ten times longer to stop on slippery road surfaces so take extra care crossing the road
  • Stick to pedestrian crossings
  • If there are no crossings nearby, find a place with a clear view and wait for long gaps in the traffic before crossing the road
  • Don’t cross the road between parked vehicles, unless it can’t be avoided then take extra care (look out for vehicles that suddenly pull out or reverse)
  • Never cross the road behind a bus
  • If there is no pavement, keep to the right hand side of the road so you can see traffic coming towards you.

Advice for cyclists

Advice to consider if you are cycling during winter:

  • Make sure your bike can be seen by people on the road
  • Use a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back)
  • Wear clothes that help you be seen on your bike, such as bright and light reflective items
  • Pay attention to road signs, markings and particularly red lights
  • Do not cycle on the pavements, they may be slippery and can also endanger pedestrians
  • Be mindful of the effects poor weather can have on other road users
  • Make sure you know about the dangers around you
  • Cars can take twice as long to stop in wet weather
  • Braking can be unpredictable in ice and snow. 

Advice for drivers

Advice for drivers during winter:

  • Make sure your car is ready for winter
  • Check that your tyres, brakes, windscreens, wiper blades and windows are free from defects and clean
  • Drive to the road conditions. Road conditions can change without warning, stopping distances will be affected by the weather
  • Make sure your windows are clean and aren’t misted up
  • Make sure there is no snow and ice on your windows before you drive
  • When the roads are icy, drive at a slow speed in a high gear
  • Accelerate and brake very gently
  • Driving distracted (for example, using a Sat Nav) can cause additional stress. It is dangerous to yourself, passengers and other road users.

Police appeal following serious assault in Gracemount

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was attacked in the Gracemount Drive area. The incident took place around 8pm on Thursday (11 November).

The victim – a 32-year-old man – was seriously assaulted by a man outside Tesco, before making his way into the shop for assistance. He later attended the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

The suspect man was seen to break the window of a car in Tesco’s car park before running from the area and entering a dark hatchback vehicle on Captain’s Drive and driving away.

Detective Inspector Bob Campbell said: “This appears to have been a targeted attack and we do not believe there was any risk to the wider public.

“It took place in public outside a busy shop, with numerous members of the public present, so we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

“We’re also keen to hear from anyone with potential dashcam footage or private CCTV from the Gracemount Drive and Captain’s Drive areas last night, as it could prove vital to our enquiries.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 3297 of 11 November. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.

Police appeal following Fishwives Causeway incident

Police in Edinburgh are continuing enquiries and appealing for information following an incident in Fishwives Causeway on Thursday (11 November).

Around 11.30 pm, a 30-year-old woman was walking along Fishwives Causeway when a man approached her from behind, took hold of her arm and tried to pull her along the pathway.

A passing cyclist intervened and the suspect ran off.

The suspect is described as white, in his 20’s, around 5ft 8, blue or grey eyes and crooked teeth. He was wearing a dark jacket with the hood up and dark trousers.

Detective Constable Neil Donaldson at Fettes Police Office in Edinburgh said: “This would have been a frightening and traumatic experience for the victim.

“Whilst this appears to be a rare and isolated incident we would like to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Fishwives Causeway around 11.30 pm on Thursday, 11 November 2021 and who may have seen a man fitting the above description”.  

Anyone with information should contact police via telephone number 101 quoting incident number 3903 of 11 November 2021. Alternatively calls can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.

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.”