Tag: Police Scotland

‘Our message is simple: the best approach is NONE’

POLICE LAUNCH DRINK/DRUG DRIVING CAMPAIGN

Sadly, statistics show that this is the time of year when Scotland’s road users are at their highest risk of being killed or seriously injured because the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sometimes “just one drink” can push you over the legal limit and in turn have devastating consequences.

The video (below) from THINK road safety is a reminder that you should not succumb to peer pressure in social situations. Every life is worth more than any extra drink.

Speaking about the launch of a campaign to tackle this issue, our national Head of Road Policing Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston said: “As we head towards summer there are many additional social events for people to attend, such as barbecues with family and friends or larger organised events such as town shows or village galas. All are perfect opportunities to socialise in relaxed surroundings and many people will take the opportunity to have an alcoholic drink.

“Whatever the occasion, as responsible individuals, we all have a duty to consider the amount of alcohol we consume if we intend on driving. It is important to remember that the measures of alcoholic drinks consumed at social events can be significantly more than pub measures. Unfortunately, people can get caught up in the moment and unintentionally or otherwise over-indulge in alcohol.

“Drivers must consider that even if you make alternative arrangements to get home after an event, you could be over the limit the next day, depending upon the amount you have had to drink. The effects of alcohol do not wear off immediately and drivers must be aware of this if they intend driving the following morning. Make sure you do not get caught out.

“Over the next week our increased visibility and activity throughout the country aims to reassure the public that drink/drug driving is highly dangerous and publicly unacceptable. If you choose to drink and drive or drive whilst unfit due to the effects of drugs there is a high likelihood that you will be caught.

“Our message is simple – the best approach is none.”

Police Scotland is committed to achieving the Scottish Government’s 2020 casualty reduction targets by tackling the risks associated with drink/drug driving and the campaign supports the service’s efforts to reduce road casualties.

Anyone with information on drink/drug drivers can contact Police Scotland on 999 in an emergency. Alternatively call 101 or Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111

Operation Close Pass: Seventy motorists receive ‘chat on the mat’

Nearly 70 people in Edinburgh have received the ‘chat on the mat’ as part of Operation Close Pass. The initiative sees drivers who pass an unmarked police cyclist too closely pulled over and given advice using a specially designed mat which shows how much space a person on a bicycle needs when overtaking them. Continue reading Operation Close Pass: Seventy motorists receive ‘chat on the mat’

Operation Soteria: Easter update

Edinburgh Police report:

Easter Drylaw Park

Thanks to your calls, we were able to recover three stolen motorbikes at the start of this week hidden in the Clermiston/Drum Brae area. All of these bikes have been sent away for forensic examination.

Our Op Soteria officers and Edinburgh Council colleagues also spotted hidden motorbikes in the Granton area whilst on patrol. Through joining a few dots, we recognised this as being the same bike driven by a man who has now been reported for motoring offences. Like homing pigeons, we returned to the same area the next night and another stolen bike was waiting for uplift.

Following reports of youths driving around in the Easter Drylaw Park area on motorbikes on Tuesday, we reported one for various motoring offences including being in possession of a stolen vehicle. The motorbike was seized for forensic examination and there will be further enquiry regarding other thefts across the city in relation to this juvenile.

Others who we identified having not committed any offences were returned home to their parents. Note to parents – who your kids are associating with is your business. Speak to your children and take an interest in their lives. Next time it could be a phone call from the cells, or even worse.

Later in the week, the Op Soteria team were in the West Pilton/West Shore Road area after numerous calls regarding a high powered motorbike being driven on the foreshore. The police Helicopter was deployed and the bike was followed across the city. We appreciate it’s a noisy machine but it’s truly an invaluable resource to us. Sharp footage from the chopper has led to positive enquiries being conducted to trace those involved.

Another man was spotted breaching his bail curfew so he’s been reported for his troubles.

Keep the reports coming folks. We need your help in combating motorcycle related crime.

 

Man in court following local crime spree

MAN IN COURT AFTER HOUSEBREAKINGS AND ASSAULT

A man has been arrested and charged in connection with seven housebreakings and an assault, which occurred in the West Pilton, Kirkliston, Murrayfield and Drylaw areas.

The assault took place in Crewe Place on Tuesday (April 11) and the housebreakings occurred between 8th and 12th April.

The 22-year-old will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Saturday 15th April).

Detective Inspector Graham Grant said: “We treat violence and housebreaking as a priority in Edinburgh and will act swiftly to apprehend those responsible.

“If you have witnessed or been the victim of crime in your area, you can report this to police via 101, or can do so confidentially through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Have your say on Police Scotland’s ‘Policing 2026’ programme

WHAT IS POLICING 2026?

‘Policing 2026’ is a collaborative and strategic programme, led jointly by the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland, to transform policing in Scotland over the next 10 years

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

Scottish policing has undergone major change and despite the challenges we face our communities have seen consistent and excellent local and specialist operational policing.

However, Scotland’s communities are growing and continuing to diversify. Demands on policing are increasingly focused towards addressing vulnerability and the consequences of inequalities. Policing must  evolve and we must continue to design our services around citizen and community needs. We need to focus  on ensuring that we have the skills, tools and capacity to address future needs, rather than focusing on the size or structure of our organisation.

HOW WILL WE DO THIS?

Developing our approach in five key areas of activity will drive the transformation:

  • Prevention – tackling crime, inequality and critical problems facing communities
  • Protection – based on threat, risk and harm
  • Communities – focused on localism, diversity and the virtual world
  • Knowledge – informing the development of better services
  • Innovation – becoming a dynamic, adaptable and sustainable service.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The strategy is now published in draft form to allow the public and stakeholders to offer their views and feedback over a 10 week period before a final strategy is approved and published before the summer.

Have your say – click the link

https://consult.scotland.police.uk/consultation/2026/

Medieval stones stolen from city hospital

The City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian have appealed for help following the theft of late-medieval masonry from the Grange area. A pair of 600-year-old architectural carved bosses – thought to have adorned the original Trinity Collegiate Church – have been stolen from the grounds of Astley Ainslie Hospital. Continue reading Medieval stones stolen from city hospital

Operation Soteria relaunch: cracking down on motorcycle crime

Drylaw team targets motorbike-related antisocial behaviour

Local police have appealed for the community’s help in tackling motorcycle crime and antisocial behaviour. Inspector James Jones said working together  ‘can bring an end to this dangerous and disruptive behaviour.’ Continue reading Operation Soteria relaunch: cracking down on motorcycle crime