Police are appealing for information and condemning the disorder seen in The Meadows this weekend.
Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor of Edinburgh Police Division said: “We are aware of the extent of the disorder seen in The Meadows this weekend and we absolutely condemn this.
“Officers were called to a number of incidents over the course of the day and responded quickly and professionally in the face of some blatant anti-social behaviour.
“Hundreds of people were moved on or dispersed from the area.
“Three people have so far been charged in connection with anti-social behaviour and a serious assault, and we are working to trace others involved in various incidents.
“In particular, we’re eager for anyone who saw a 22-year-old man being attacked around 7.30pm in the Middle Meadow Walk area and also a 17-year-old man being seriously injured in the park around 6.40pm, to come forward.
“Anyone who witnessed these incidents, who has seen information online or has footage which may be relevant is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 1635 of 3 April, 2021. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Be assured that there will be a continued police presence at The Meadows over Easter and the coming weekends, as a minimum. We’ve been working with the council and are committed to tackling these issues together, both in the immediate future and long-term. There will be zero tolerance.”
Officers are also urging people to do the right thing to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
CI Taylor continued: “We’ve urged people to stay local and follow the regulations on gatherings. Saturday saw several thousand people congregate at The Meadows and, disappointingly, some were intent on disorder.
“The coronavirus regulations have had a significant impact on our lives and I would like to thank those who are sticking to the rules and doing the right thing to avoid the spread of the virus as we move through the easing of restrictions.
“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.”
Council Leaders are calling on Edinburgh citizens to enjoy the springtime festivities safely, considerately and locally while Covid restrictions are still in place.
Weather forecasters are predicting long spells of sunshine and mild temperatures this weekend, meaning thousands of people are expected to flock to enjoy the bank holiday weekend in the many parks and beauty spots around the Capital.
From today [Friday 2 April], Scotland’s ‘Stay at Home’ advice changes to ‘Stay Local’, as part of the national roadmap out of lockdown.
This means people can leave their homes for purposes other than work, exercise or to buy food, but there is still a restriction on travelling outwith your local authority area, unless it’s essential.
Recent media reports and social media coverage have highlighted significant amounts of litter left behind in parks such as the Meadows, where there have also been incidents involving illegal gatherings and antisocial behaviour such as public urination and toileting.
Council waste and cleansing workers will be targeting resources in the Meadows and other popular destinations over the Easter break, with extra collections of large litter bins in targeted areas.
The Council continues to work very closely with Police Scotland to address antisocial behaviour. Following recent incidents of antisocial behaviour and breaches of Covid restrictions in the Meadows, including on the evening of Tuesday 30 March when a large gathering was dispersed by Police Scotland, visible police patrols will continue in the area throughout the Easter period.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “I want to pay tribute to everyone in the city who’s worked so hard and sacrificed so much to keep themselves, their loved ones and our whole community safe through this dreadful pandemic.
“As things start to ease up, it’ll be wonderful to begin enjoying some of the things we’ve all missed so much, but we have to take things slow and steady, or we risk setting ourselves back again.
“This Easter weekend is a great opportunity to meet up safely with friends and family, in line with the guidance. I know the vast majority of citizens will enjoy our fabulous open spaces responsibly, leaving the areas as they’d expect to find them.
“Sadly, some people don’t always behave quite so considerately, so our sincere plea to everyone is to respect and care for our parks, beaches and greenspaces while you’re visiting them. If there’s no bin or the bin’s full awaiting one of our regular patrols to empty it, please take your litter home with you. The Council teams are working hard to keep our green spaces clean but please remember your rubbish is your responsibility.
“Remember the need to Stay Local, too – we can’t run the risk right now of the virus travelling between local authority areas. It will be safe again to travel within Scotland before too long if we all stick together and help keep the case rates down. If we stick at it and do our bit now, it won’t be long before we all reap the benefits.”
Council Depute Leader Cammy Day said:Edinburgh is an amazingly beautiful city and we’re so lucky to have so much access to nature and green spaces. So it’s really disheartening to see images of parks and beaches disfigured by litter and dog fouling – there’s absolutely no excuse for it.
“We’re urging everyone who’s planning a visit to a beauty spot this Easter weekend – or anytime, for that matter – to remember that these fantastic spaces are for every single one of us to enjoy.
“Please clean up after yourselves (and your dogs!) for the next person or family who comes along. We want to see the same community-mindedness and respect for each other’s wellbeing that shone out in Edinburgh’s response to the pandemic replicated in the way people treat our shared spaces.”
Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “The coronavirus regulations have had a significant impact on our lives and I would like to thank the vast majority of people who are sticking to the rules and doing the right thing to avoid the spread of the virus as we move through the easing of restrictions.
“People should not travel outwith their local authority area except for essential purposes. While Easter weekend is traditionally a time for visiting friends and family, I would urge people to stay local and follow the regulations on gatherings.
“If you are visiting beauty spots within your local area, do so safely and respectfully – leaving no trace of your visit. Please also park responsibly to allow emergency access.
“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.”
As well as the Stay Local change from 2 April, other adjustments to the national Covid restrictions will see garden centres, hairdressers, car dealerships, click and collect retail services and homeware stores, among others, able to reopen from 5 April.
Social media messaging on litter, dog fouling and public urination will be ramped up on the Council’s social media channels throughout the Easter period, along with reminders on the changes to national guidance so people understand which measures have been relaxed or amended.
Police are appealing for information following a road traffic incident in the north west Edinburgh.
The incident happened at around 11am yesterday (Tuesday, 30th March), when a sliver Mercedes and black BMW were travelling at high speeds between Telford Road and Ferry Road at the junction with Granton Road.
Detective Sergeant Rory Legge said: “The incident took place in broad daylight on a busy stretch of road and we are asking members of the public to come forward with any information they may have.
“If you were in the area at the time and witnessed these vehicles, or have any dashcam or mobile phone footage that could assist with our investigation, I would urge you to contact police.
“Police can be contacted by calling 101 and quoting incident number 1017 of Tuesday, 30th March, 2021.”
Police Scotland is working with the The City of Edinburgh Council and Maritime and Coastguard Agency to help make Portobello Beach safer for all.
This week, the Council will install new numbered signs on the top of the existing groyne beach defences at Portobello Beach.
In an emergency, direct experience tells us roads signs cannot be easily seen from the beach so the new signs will be much more visible, improving safety.
They measure approx. 600mm high and 450mm wide.
Numbered 1 to 6, the emergency services can use these numbered signs to plot your location in an emergency (see map).
Marker 1 – Pipe Lane Marker 2 – Bath Street Marker 3 – Bellfield Street Marker 4 – John Street Marker 5 – Bedford Terrace Marker 6 – End of promenade at Joppa Road
Police will continue working with our partners as the year continues at Portobello.
In a coastal emergency, please dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Police Scotland has launched a national campaign to tackle the rising number of bike thefts taking place across the country and to raise awareness of bike security within the cycling community.
Pedal Protect officially kicked yesterday (Friday 26 March), to address the increasing trend in bike thefts, which has been experienced throughout Scotland in the past year. It will also be supported by British Transport Police.
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and downward trend in various acquisitive crime offences, Police Scotland’s year to date figures in February 2021 showed over 4900 reports of stolen cycles were made. This is a rise of 18% from the previous year.
Often these crimes are motivated by opportunity, with those responsible taking advantage of poor or non-existent security measures in place when leaving bikes unattended, or storing them within sheds, garages and other outbuildings.
The launch of Pedal Protect took place at Fettes Police Station, where officers highlighted the significant number of lost and stolen bikes that come into police possession on a weekly basis.
In order to improve bike security officers across the country will be hosting a range of bike marking events and will publicise these on the Police Scotland social media channels.
In addition, police have been engaging with bike retailers in town and cities and many have now agreed to provide Pedal Protect and Bike Register security information leaflets to customers who purchase a new bike.
Local policing teams will also continue to gather intelligence on bike thefts taking place in their communities, and carry out appropriate enforcement action when required. The public are asked to come forward with any information relating to the theft of bikes within their communities.
Detective Superintendent Matt Paden, Police Scotland Acquisitive Crime Lead, said: “Across Scotland, cycling is a popular form of transport, as well as a recreational past-time and each year the public spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on buying bikes.
“Despite the significant sums of money people spend on a bike, the amount spent on security pales in comparison. Stealing a bike is often seen as an attractive option for those involved in acquisitive crime, as to do so is normally a quick process, with modest security measures in place, easy to overcome.”
“While bike theft typically takes place to allow thieves to make a quick sale, we now believe more expensive custom bikes are being targeted by organised crime groups so they can be resold for hefty prices, which fund their criminal operations.
“We have launched Pedal Protect because we will be conducting a range of intelligence-led activity to return stolen bikes to their rightful owners, but also to encourage all of those who currently own, or who are considering buying a bike, to invest in appropriate security.
“I would also urge anyone who has had a bike lost or stolen to regularly check in with their local policing division and provide all relevant details so we can return as many recovered bikes as possible, often cycles are recovered but no one comes forward to claim them”
Supporting the Pedal Protect campaign is record-breaking Scottish cyclist, Mark Beaumont.
Attending the launch, Mark Beaumont added: “A bike can cost anything from a couple of hundred pounds, to several thousand pounds, but no matter what you pay, the feeling you get when your bike is stolen is the same.
“It’s devastating when a valued possession is taken from you and that’s why it’s so important to make sure you take all the necessary steps to keep your own bike safe.
“I’m really happy that Police Scotland has launched Pedal Protect, because not only are they taking the investigation of any stolen bike seriously, but are working hard to educate the public on how to safeguard their bikes.
“Having been the victim of a bike theft myself, I know how much distress it causes and that’s why I would urge all cyclists to consider the security they currently have in place for their bikes and ask themselves, are these measures sufficient?
“Police Scotland will be promoting their Pedal Protect campaign on a number of channels, including social media, so I’ll be sharing their messaging on my streams too. I really hope this helps raise awareness on bike security and potentially stop any of my followers having their own bikes stolen.”
Following an increasing number of antisocial behaviour incidents reported to police within the last week, particularly focused around the Meadows, Local Area Commander Chief Inspector Sam Ainslie has issued a statement:
Chief Inspector Sam Ainslie said: “As the Local Area Commander, I am saddened by the number of antisocial behaviour incidents reported to police within the last week, with concerns tending to be focused around the Meadows.
“Given the challenges of the last few months, local communities should be able to enjoy our open green spaces, in accordance with the current guidelines. Disappointingly, the selfish and sometimes reckless behaviour of a small minority continues to have a negative impact on others. This includes, but is not limited to, drink-related disorder.
“Community safety remains an established priority and we will continue to work with our partners, including the City of Edinburgh Council, retail premises and transport providers, to combat antisocial behaviour in all its forms.
“Local officers will continue to remain visible in the area, whether that be on mobile, foot, or indeed cycle patrol.
“I would encourage the public, if you observe or witness criminality in the area, to help us hold offenders to account by contacting Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
“I’d like to thank the vast majority of people for following the regulations, whilst they remain in place. As ever, our officers will engage with the public, explain the current coronavirus guidance and encourage compliance, where necessary.”
Police Scotland is appealing for information after a cyclist collided with a car in Edinburgh on Sunday afternoon.
Around 4.40pm on Sunday (21 March), a 32-year-old woman was cycling a white Specialized road bike on Broughton Street, near to Forth Street, when a collision occurred involving a silver coloured Volkswagen car.
The driver of the Volkswagen stopped, but was not present when police arrived.The woman was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary to be treated for minor injuries.
Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick said: “We are trying to establish exactly what happened here and would appeal for anyone with any information to come forward.
“Did you see this cyclist, or vehicle prior to the collision? Or were you driving in this area of Edinburgh and could have dash-cam footage that can help us? We urge you to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information should contact Police via 101, quoting incident number 2942 of Sunday, 21 March, 2021.
Police Scotland can confirm that four teenage girls have been charged in connection with an assault against three other girls in the Meadows.
The incident happened around 7pm on Sunday, 20 March. All four youths aged, 13, 16, 16 and 17- years-old, will be reported through the appropriate youth justice process.
We would like to thank everyone who helped up with our enquiries into this incident.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Police are appealing for witness following an assault and robbery of three girls in the Meadows.
The incident happened around 7pm on Saturday (20 March).
Two teenage girls, aged 13 and 14-years-old, were approached by a group of youths who assaulted and robbed them. An unknown member of the public intervened and took both girls away from the group.
A short time later a 16-year-old girl, known to the other girls, arrived and the group approached them again, assaulting the 16-year-old by dragging her to the ground and also robbing her. Again, unknown members of the public intervened, and the girls were taken safely away.
All three girls suffered injuries to their faces which required medical attention.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait of Corstorphine CID said: “This was despicable behaviour which has left three young girls injured and shaken and it will not be tolerated.
“Enquiries are ongoing and we are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and would urge anyone who may have been there and saw what happened to contact us as soon as possible.
“We are especially keen to speak to the various unknown adults who intervened to help the girls and I would ask that if that was you that you give us a call.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 3698 of 20 March, or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed on anonymously.
A 49-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a 35-year-old man was found seriously injured in Wester Drylaw Drive, Edinburgh, on Tuesday, 9 March.
He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 22 March.
Officers investigating the theft of a vial of Covid-19 vaccine in Edinburgh have charged a 41-year-old man.A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Police want to thank you for your assistance with our appeal for information on this investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Police are investigating the theft of a vial of Covid-19 vaccine from the EICC Vaccination Centre in Edinburgh.
Chief Inspector Neil Wilson of Edinburgh City Division said: “We were made aware of an isolated incident of theft of a COVID-19 vaccine from the vaccination centre at Morrison Street in Edinburgh around 11.50am on Saturday, 20 March.
“The theft involved a single multi-dose vial of vaccine.
“A police investigation is ongoing, and officers are working closely with NHS Lothian and following a positive line of enquiry.
“Members of the public are reminded to remain vigilant to fraudulent offers of vaccine, which pose a risk to public health.
Vaccines should only be administered by healthcare professionals as part of the national NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme.
“If you are offered a vaccine outwith this setting you should decline and inform police immediately via 101”
