Tag: Police Scotland

New Annual Police Plan 2023-24

Police Scotland’s Annual Police Plan (APP) has now been launched.

Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM presented the plan to the Scottish Police Authority Board in March. It was then laid in the Scottish Parliament as required under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.

Our APP uses strategic outcomes and objectives to describe the impact that Police Scotland aims to make to the lives of people across Scotland. This aligns with the Joint Strategy for Policing, Policing for a Safe, Protected and Resilient Scotland, and our strategic planning framework.

It was developed with colleagues from across the service and describes how we will prioritise our resources towards the issues that cause the most harm to people and communities.

Progress will be reported across all the activities featured to describe and demonstrate the impact of policing  on Scotland’s communities. Police Scotland’s Performance Framework is being refreshed and as in previous years, will fully align to the strategic outcomes and objectives set out in the Joint Strategy and the APP.

You can also download a PDF version here.

annual_police_plan_23_24_10991_23_ar-finalDownload

Policing for a Safe, Protected and Resilient Scotland

In 2020, the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland agreed and published our Joint Strategy for Policing (2020), Policing for a Safe Protected and Resilient Scotland. This strategy describes our ambitions for the future of policing in Scotland framed around five strategic outcomes.

Good progress has been made in developing our service since that point and the time is right to review our strategy. The Vision for Justice was published in 2022, and Scottish Government has recently reviewed and confirmed their Strategic Police Priorities for the next three years.

We are now keen to engage with our partners, stakeholders and members of the public to gain feedback on the draft document before we finalise it later this Spring.

The Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland have now launched a public engagement exercise on the draft Joint Strategy for Policing 2023-26.

The engagement exercise launched on 11 March 2023 and will run until 23 April 2023.

To find out more and to give us your feedback, please click here.

New Chief Constable will take up post in October

INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED

Police Scotland’s next Chief Constable, Jo Farrell, will take up post on 9 October.

Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM will leave office on 10 August with Deputy Chief Constable Designate Fiona Taylor QPM taking on the responsibilities of Chief Constable in the interim period.

The three senior officers met with Justice Secretary Angela Constance and Scottish Police Authority Chair Martyn Evans at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, yesterday (Tuesday, 1 August).

Sir Iain said: “An effective handover which maintains stability in Police Scotland was a key priority in my retirement plans and I will continue to work with Fiona and Jo to that end.”

DCC Designate Taylor said: “My focus will be on ensuring effective policing is maintained for the communities of Scotland and I will support the effective handover from Sir Iain to Chief Constable Farrell.”

Chief Constable Farrell said: “I thank Sir Iain and Fiona for their work to ensure a smooth transition when I take command of Police Scotland.”

The leadership arrangements were agreed by the Scottish Police Authority.

Chair Martyn Evans said: “An effective and stable handover during this leadership transition is a priority and I am grateful to Sir Iain and Jo Farrell for their commitment and support.”

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “I’m pleased to meet Jo Farrell ahead of her taking up post as Chief Constable and looking forward to working with her in the years to come.”

Police launch Operation Summer City

Police have launched their summer campaign to keep people safe throughout the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe 2023.

From Tuesday, 1 August, an enhanced policing presence will be deployed throughout the Capital’s city centre as part of Operation Summer City to engage with the public and offer a range of crime prevention and personal safety advice.

In addition, the dedicated patrols will deter and detect criminal activity and provide public reassurance.

Local officers from across Edinburgh will be supported throughout Operation Summer City by colleagues from neighbouring divisions, as well as a range of national and specialist departments within Police Scotland.

Each day there we be a mobile police station in the High Street, where the public can report any crime or suspicious activity they experience, or receive in-person safety information from the officers working within.

Throughout the duration of the campaign, the Edinburgh Division social media channels will be used to provide crime prevention advice and other guidance aimed at safeguarding the public from harm.

Local residents and visitors to the city alike are asked to follow Police Scotland Edinburgh on Facebook and @PSOSEdinburgh on Twitter.

Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton from Edinburgh Division said: “The Edinburgh Festivals form the largest festival in the world and turns an international spotlight on the Capital. As such, we must ensure that the policing response is adequate and proportionate during this time.

“From 1 August we will have increased foot patrols within the city centre and officers will provide a visible and reassuring presence to all of those who live, work and visit the area over the course of the Festival and Fringe.

“We benefit greatly from our ability to call upon additional resources from across Police Scotland and I am grateful to the officers coming from other local policing divisions and specialisms who will enhance our response capability for Operation Summer City. We also work closely with event organisers to ensure the event spaces are safe and enjoyable for everyone who attends.

“Throughout the duration of the Military Tattoo, there will be an Air Restriction Zone in place around the Castle esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket and Johnstone Terrace.

“The restriction operates from 4pm until midnight between Thursday, 3 August and Saturday, 26 August. This is to ensure the safety of all of the Tattoo performers and attendees and means that unauthorised drone flying within this area is strictly prohibited.

“Despite the population of Edinburgh doubling during the coming weeks, I am confident the Capital will remain a safe place for both tourists and local residents, but nonetheless, I would ask that anyone who sees anything suspicious during their time within the area reports their concerns to police immediately.

“In addition, I’d encourage the public to follow our social media channels so they can stay up to date with all relevant crime prevention and safety information we will be publishing.”

Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton, Operation Summer City Silver Commander, has shared the following message:

https://ow.ly/c34U50PpVsk

#OpSummerCity

Ratcliffe Terrace collision: Police appeal for information

POLICE are appealing for information following a crash on Ratcliffe Terrace at 8.45am on Thursday 26 January, involving a blue Vauxhall Corsa and a cyclist.

A man aged 27, the cyclist, was taken to ERI for treatment.

If you saw what happened or have dash-cam please call us on 101 – Incident 0654 of 26/1/23

Council condemns dangerous vandalism in Corstorphine

ANGER AND CONFUSION OVER MANSE ROAD SAFETY MEASURES

Council officers have responded to an incident at the weekend involving vandalism and graffiti to a controversial trial bus gate on Manse Road, which left a pylon in a precarious and dangerous position.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “There’s no excuse for dangerous criminal behaviour like this. We are lucky a member of the public reported it to us early on Sunday morning so that our crews could quickly attend and make the column safe, and I’d like to thank them for this.

“The trial road safety measures in Corstorphine aim to address the fact the majority of local residents (67%) feel there is an issue with vehicles in area. Ultimately, however, improving safety in the street does have some impact on vehicle use – primarily for traffic cutting through the area on the way to somewhere else.

“Given that context, this type of reckless criminal behaviour is shameful, and I know that local people both for and against the scheme are concerned about what’s happened. The damage to council property and the graffiti is completely unacceptable and all it achieves is disruption, expense and a damaging effect on the reputation of a great local community.

“We’ll be reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to Police this week, and I’d urge anyone who knows who may be responsible for this senseless criminal act to reach out to Police too.

“Given the risk the damage posed to the people in the adjacent retirement housing, I hope those responsible are promptly brought to justice.”

The design for Corstorphine Connections was approved by the Transport and Environment Committee in August 2021.

As part of the development of the designs for the project the Council carried out a significant amount of engagement with the local community, many of whom highlighted concerns about the volume and speed of traffic in the area.

Independent market research carried out showed that 67% of people living in the area thought vehicle traffic was a problem, and those with disabilities were more likely to be concerned about the situation.  

By limiting through traffic and providing spaces to sit, relax and interact, Corstorphine Connections aims to create a much safer and more welcoming environment for people living there.

Cllr Arthur added: “I know already that many parents have enjoyed being able to walk and cycle more easily with their children in the area since the Council started implementing the scheme, particularly during the recent warmer weather.   

“The Council retained access for all residents travelling by car too, alongside these changes, so that those who choose to drive can still do so. It is now much harder, however, for delivery drivers etc to cut through the residential area on the way to somewhere else.  

“There are plenty safe and sensible ways to share your views on this trial which we are keen to listen to. I have now attended the local Community Council twice to listen to residents, and I’ve made sure a Council Officer attended every time it met over the past year to answer questions and collect feedback.

“I have also said I will return whenever they want. Additionally, I have done the school run with a local parent, met with a second resident and have a further meeting with a local resident in the pipeline.”

Police: Did you see this black Skoda?

About 1730hrs, on Sunday 2nd July 2023, a black Skoda has been travelling in convoy with a Silver Honda from Tesco, Meadow Place Road, westbound along Meadow Place Road towards Broomhouse roundabout and then onto Broomhouse Drive.

This vehicle has been involved in a road traffic collision.

If anyone has been in the area at that time and witnessed the incident or has dash cam footage of the vehicles, please contact 101 quoting incident number 2614 of 02/07/23.

Police seek witnesses to George Street disturbance

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following a disturbance in the city centre.

Around 3.15am on Monday, 24 July, 2023, officers were called to a report of a disturbance outside a premises on George Street.

A 23-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries where he remains in a stable condition. A further two men, aged 20 and 24, were also taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries.

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and officers appealing for anyone with information that might assist them to come forward.

Detective Inspector Steven Gray said: “We know that the area would have been busy at the time and a number of people must have witnessed the incident.

“Three men have been seriously injured so it’s imperative we establish exactly what happened.

“Any small piece of information could prove vital, so please do get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0316 of 24 July. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Police: Shed and garden security tips

What can I do to stop thieves entering and stealing from my garden?

If you have a garden, it’s the first thing an intruder will have to deal with if they want to break into your house. There are also items in your garden which a thief may wish to steal.

Take some simple steps to secure your garden, shed and garage.

Keep hedges, walls and fences low at the front of your house. Keep this to a maximum of 1.2 metres high. This will make it harder for thieves to go unseen by neighbours or people passing by.

Install locked gates so it’s hard to get into the back or sides.  Rear fences and walls should be a minimum 1.8 to 2 metres in height. Trellis topping or an intruder deterrent strip can make climbing difficult.

Grow aggressive shrubbery to make it hard for intruders to climb through. Ideal plants include berberis, blue spruce, common holly, giant rhubarb, golden bamboo, firethorn, shrub rose, pencil Christmas tree, juniper and rubus (bramble).

Security lighting around your property can act as a deterrent. Ask whether neighbours would see someone with the light. Careful use of lighting will inform you or neighbours if someone is there.

Avoid floodlighting that can cause problems to neighbouring properties.

Make sure waste / recycling bins aren’t in a place which will make them easy to use to step or climb over fences/walls or access windows.

Lock away any garden implements, furniture or tools in a shed, garage or outside store. Items such as ladders can be useful for breaking into your home.

What can I do to protect property in my shed and garage?

  • Photograph valuable items of garden furniture or tools and keep a record of the make, model, colour and serial numbers.
  • Use a UV pen or DNA Marking Kit to security mark your tools or furniture with your house number and postcode
  • Use a chain to lock garden tools and furniture together, ensure the anchor point is securely fixed to the ground or solid structure
  • Fit a good quality hasp and padlock to the door, make sure it is fitted with dome headed or non-returnable screws to prevent tampering
  • Sold Secure or Secured By Design products should be considered
  • Secure windows and don’t let intruders see inside
  • Depending on the type of window, you could consider fitting internal window grills, heavy wire mesh or reinforced glass
  • If a window opens, a window lock should be fitted
  • If you have an intruder alarm, consider extending it to cover sheds, garages and outbuildings. Ensure that there is a visible external sounder box
  • If you do not have a secure shed, don’t leave items lying out bring items inside
  • If your garage joins with your home and there is a through door, it should be to the same security standard as your front or back door, and when not being used you should keep it locked.

Have you seen Shirley?

*** UPDATE ***

SHIRLEY HAS BEEN FOUND

Police Scotland is appealing for information to help trace a 34-year-old woman missing from Leith.

Shirley Robertson was last seen entering a large black vehicle in Leith around 3am on Wednesday, 19 July, 2023.

Officers believe she may be in the Falkirk area.

Shirley is described as 5ft 3ins in height, of slim build and has long, wavy brown hair with red highlights.

Inspector David Snowdon said: “We have growing concerns for Shirley’s welfare and our enquiries are ongoing to trace her.

“I am appealing for anyone who has seen Shirley or who has any information on her whereabouts to contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 0769 of 19 July.

Shirley Robertson, aged 34, who was reported missing from Edinburgh has been traced safe and well.

Thank you to everyone who helped following our earlier appeal.

Spot the signs of a knock-off

Fake goods are becoming increasingly sophisticated and it’s becoming harder to tell the difference between genuine and fake items.

Some signs to spot include: low prices, poor stitching, low quality fabric, incorrect logos and spelling mistakes.

Got information about fashion dupes?

Speak up, 100% anonymously, to our charity with any information about fake goods or the criminals behind it: https://bit.ly/FakeGoodsCS