Tag: police

Cheers! Leith’s best bar none!

VICTORIA best
VICTORIA best

An initiative to promote best practices within pubs and clubs honoured no less than twenty-one Leith hostelries at an event held at the City Chambers last night. The Best Bar None Scheme has operated in Leith for the past two years, and last night’s awards were a showcase of best practice as well as a celebration of Leith’s top bars.

The awards are unique to the licensed trade and involve an accreditation process that sets minimum standards of operation for venues in consultation with the Scottish Business Crime Centre, while promoting the sharing of best practice to ensure high standards of safety.

It encourages the licensed trade to work in partnership with Lothian and Borders Police, the City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, in order to make their premises safer, and reduce alcohol-related crime and irresponsible drinking.

At the ceremony, which is sponsored by Diageo, Heneiken and Molson Coors, 21 premises were presented with Gold, Silver or Bronze awards for their participation and contribution to the scheme.

The Victoria Bar in Leith Walk has been named “Top Bar”, while the Leith Beer Company on The Shore has won the “Top Pub” award.

Both of these venues will now be nominated to go forward for the National Awards.

Councillor Eric Milligan, Convener of the Licensing Board, said: “The  Best Bar None scheme has proved to be very popular and I’m delighted  that it has proved to be such a success in Leith. It allows licensed premises to provide the best service possible and  also reassures the public that they can enjoy a safe and happy night out and experience everything that the area has to offer.”

Lothian and Borders Police Licensing Inspector, Lynne Symington said: “When the public enjoy a night out within Leith they are entiled to do in a safe and secure surrounding. Managers have a responsibility to ensure to do all they can to deter criminal activity and that the terms of their licence are adhered to at all times. The Best Bar None scheme helps us recognise those premsies who work alongside police and other partner agencies to achieve best practice and help keep our communities safe when out socialising.”

The winning pubs and the award they received:

GOLD

Victoria 265 Leith Walk

Boda Bar 229 Leith Walk

Parlour 142 Duke Street

Bond No.9  84 Commercial Street   

Sofi’s Bar   63-65 Henderson Street

Leith Beer Company 58 Shore     

 SILVER

Links Tavern 7 Restalrig Road

Carriers Quarters  42 Bernard Street

Granary 32-34 Shore

Cruz 14 Shore

Teuchter’s Landing  1c Dock Place

Malmaison 1 Tower Place

Foot of the Walk  7a Duke Street

King’s Wark 36 Shore

Malt & Hops 45 Shore

Marksman 13 Duke Street

BRONZE

Middleton’s 69 Easter Road

Four in Hand 218 Easter Road

Central Bar 7-9 Leith Walk

Tamson’s 280 Easter Road

Tam O’Shanter 39 Great Junction Street

A clear festive message – don’t drink and drive

Police in Scotland are giving their clearest ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ message yet this festive season and pledging to use every means at their disposal to track down those who fail to heed the warnings.

The basic message from the country’s senior officers is that while they support any plan to reduce the drink drive limit those who plan to get behind the wheel should not drink any alcohol.

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) is backing a four-week campaign, starting today (Monday 3 December), which will target those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Across Scotland, officers in marked and unmarked vehicles will be on the lookout for offenders as will all officers who are on patrol in their own local areas. Information and intelligence will be gathered on possible trouble spots and potential drink or drug drivers.

Police are urging the public to help end the scourge of drink and drug driving by reporting suspected offenders to the police or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland (part of Transport Scotland) are supporting ACPOS annual festive drink and drug drive campaign. A television and radio advertising campaign is being aired to emphasise the consequences of drink driving by underlining the message that “if you choose to drink and drive, you choose to lose your licence”.

Deputy Chief Constable Tom Ewing from Fife Constabulary, who speaks on road policing matters for ACPOS, said: “Throughout my career I have found it astonishing that people are prepared to risk not only the serious consequences of losing their licence but also the threat to life and limb, by taking to the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Last year we saw 7445 people charged with being over the limit, which is a simply unacceptable figure.

“We will use every means at our disposal to track down those who drive after taking alcohol or drugs and, with our law enforcement partners, will ensure that they face the consequences. That is likely to mean a fine, loss of driving licence for at least a year and, for repeat offenders and those who give a high reading, the chance of losing their vehicle.

“Many serious crashes happen as a result of drivers drinking or taking drugs and as many as one in nine road deaths is related to a drink or drug driver. That is simply not acceptable and we must work together to end the scourge of drink and drug driving. ACPOS fully supports the idea of reducing the limit for drink driving, which has been the subject of recent consultation but would stress that our clear advice remains that no alcohol or drugs should be taken before driving a vehicle.”

Kenny MacAskill, Cabinet Secretary for Justice added: “If you choose to drink and drive, you choose to lose your licence. But the consequences can be devastating for victims, their families and our communities. On average, an estimated 30 lives are lost on our roads every year due to drink driving.

“The Scottish Government andRoad Safety Scotland are supporting the ACPOS annual festive drink and drug drive crackdown with an advertising campaign to remind people of the dangers and the consequences.

“This Government has made it clear that we want a lower drink driving limit as we believe it will help make Scotland’s roads safer. Our consultation, that sought views on reducing the drink driving limit to a level which would bring Scotland into line with most of Europe and which will help save lives on our roads, closed last week. Consultation responses will be independently analysed and we will publish our consultation report early next year. We will continue to work with the police and road safety partners to consider new measures to tackle the scourge of drink driving on Scotland’s roads.”

The Lord Advocate, the Right Honourable Frank Mulholland QC said: “As the festive season comes around again parties and celebrations will be commonplace. Across Scotland many people will be enjoying time with their families, catching up with old friends and making new ones.

“For some though it may well be a tragic and upsetting time, their lives devastated as family die needlessly because selfish drivers get behind the wheel while under the influence. One in nine deaths on the road is as a result of a drink or drug driver, which is totally unacceptable.

“While we would encourage all involved to enjoy themselves we urge them to act responsibly and not spoil their celebrations, or those of others, by driving under the influence. The message is simple; if you are driving do not drink and do not take drugs.”

drink

Sharp fall in North Edinburgh crime figures

Recorded crime is falling in North Edinburgh. Statistics compiled for a community policing event held at Craigroyston High School last night show that overall crime in Forth has fallen by 10% over the first seven months of this year, while in Inverleith the figure is an impressive 31% – a reduction of almost one-third over the same period.

For the year to date in INVERLEITH Ward:

Housebreaking (homes) – down 42% (24 fewer houses broken into)

Housebreaking (businesses) – down 42% (10 less businesses broken into)

Robbery – down 86% (6 fewer victims)

Break-in to cars – down 46% (23 fewer cars)

Vandalism – down 55% (136 fewer victims)

Overall crime down 31%

In FORTH Ward:

Housebreaking (homes) – down 13% (8 fewer homes broken into)

Housebreaking (business) – down 58% (11 fewer businesses broken into)

Break-ins to cars – down 40% (32 lfewer cars)

Vandalism – down 27% (156 fewer victims)

Fire-raising – down 40% (17 fewer dangerous fires).

Overall crime down 10%

Commenting on the figures, Drylaw Police Inspector Mark Rennie said: “These are an excellent set of figures for the area for the first part of the year (April to October). To achieve such significant reductions in vandalism in both the Inverleith and Forth wards is really important – it means less damage, a better environment and an improvement in the behaviour of young people who predominantly commit this type of crime. Vandalism is a crime which always causes a great deal of concern locally, and it often provides a guide as to the overall amount of antisocial behaviour being experienced within communities”.

“To have 292 fewer crimes (156 Forth, 136 Inverleith) in a fairly short period is good news by any measure and gives an indication that the approach taken by the local Police Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Council Community Safety Team produces results. What we have to do now is continue that focus to ensure we maintain the improvements made and seek further reductions.”

The Craigroyston event was one of a series to allow communities in Edinburgh to have their say on how local policing should be delivered in their area. Staffed by police, fire service and council officers the drop-in session gave local residents an opportunity to discuss safety issues and to suggest local priorities ahead of the introduction of the single Police Service of Scotland next April.

Chief Superintendent Malcolm Graham, Commander of the City of Edinburgh Division, said: “We know that the key to policing communities effectively is to listen to local people and then deliver in partnership with them. These consultations are crucial to how we plan and set objectives. I am very much looking forward to hearing the feedback.”

The aim of the consultations is to make the 2013/14 Police Plan more responsive to public opinion and requirements at a ward level, with meetings being held in each of the six different Council neighbourhood areas.

Councillor Michael Bridgman, newly appointed Convenor of the future city Emergency Services Committee, said: “These meetings are a great opportunity for local communities to share their views with the police and council as to what they see as their policing priorities for the future. We would like to hear about the issues that really matter when it comes to delivering a first class police service. I would urge people to come along to any of the planned meetings, have your say and make a real difference.”

 

Body discovered at Silverknowes Beach

Police attended Silverknowes beach this morning following the discovery of a body on the shoreline.

A Police Spokesperson said “I can confirm that a body of a male has been discovered on the beach at Silverknowes. An investigation is underway and we will release more information when we have it available”

Coastguard and Paramedics remove the body from the beach. (Picture: Robert Pearson)

One local who was in the area said “It was horrible; the body was on the beach and the police were using a sheet to keep it covered, but you could clearly see what it was.”

The Coastguard assisted Paramedics in recovering the body from the beach to a waiting ambulance.

Police seek witnesses to Drylaw road accident

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses after a young girl was hit by  car in Groathill Road North at around 12.30 this afternoon.

The five-year-old was involved in a collision with a Renault Clio, which stopped at the scene and the driver is now assisting police with their enquiries. Police and ambulance responded to the scene and the child was taken to the Sick Kids hospital after sustaining injuries to her abdomen, where she is undergoing medical examination to determine the full nature of her injuries.

Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward. Road Policing Sergeant Brian Smith said: “We are still trying to piece together the full circumstances that resulted in this collision and are urging members of the public to assist with our investigation. The area is next to a primary school and there were likely a number of people around who may have seen what happened. Anyone with information that can help with our enquiries is asked to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Search launched for windsurfer seen in difficulty near Cramond Island

A three-hour search was launched for a windsurfer who was seen in difficulty near Cramond Island.

Members of the public spotted the surfer near  at around 1pm on Tuesday and called the coastguard.

Rescue 177 from Prestwick searches near Silverknowes. (Picture: Michael Lindsay)

A spokesperson for the Forth Coastguard said “We received calls about a male Windsurfer who was having problems to the East of Cramond Island, we laucnehd the Queensferry Inshore Lifeboat, the all weather Lifeboat from Dunbar, Siera Oscar 10 (The Police search boat) and the Royal Navy search helicopter Rescue 177 was scrambled fromPrestwick. It would appear that the male my have made it ashore before our two hour search got underway.”

The RNLI from South Queensferry searches near Granton. (Picture: Michael Lindsay)

At 3.45pm, the search was stood down when the windsurfer was traced safe and well.

Partnership approach to tackle antisocial behaviour

North Edinburgh agencies will join together to launch a season of activities to tackle antisocial behaviour tomorrow. Local police are working with officers from the Fire and Rescue Service, City of Edinburgh Council and other agencies to focus on crime and antisocial behaviour in and around the West Pilton area in response to concerns raised by local residents.

To supplement existing work in the area, a season of co-ordinated crime prevention and environmental improvement activity will begin tomorrow (25 September) and continue into the Autumn.

As well as different council departments, other agencies including the DVLA and Trading Standards will be focusing on the area by co-ordinating their work in conjunction with the local police Safer Neighbourhood Team at Drylaw police station.

A series of activities are planned which will include community led clean-ups, targeting of fly tipping, cycle marking and bike security sessions, joint police / environmental patrols and road safety ‘parksmart’ sessions around primary schools. Free crime prevention surveys will also be offered to victims of housebreaking and hate crime and the police will also be visiting shops and licensed premises to assist them with security and safety advice as winter approaches.

Drop-in surgeries are also planned to allow residents to share their concerns with police and council officers and ensure that resources are focused to where they are needed.

Inspector Mark Rennie from Drylaw police station said: “By being smarter about when and where we use our resources in the area we will be able to have a greater impact on crime and antisocial behaviour over the autumn. We’ve received great support from partner agencies and there is a real willingness to maximise our efforts to tackle the underlying problems which have been reported to us by residents.”

Councillor Cammy Day, Community Safety Leader for Edinburgh, said: “The Capital Coalition is committed to keeping our communities safe. By listening to people and working in partnership with other agencies we can tackle the priority issues and improve the quality of life. I would like to encourage residents to take part in the organised activities aimed at making the area cleaner, greener and safer for all. Take time out to attend one of the many drop in surgeries that are being arranged and tell us what issues are affecting you. This is a great opportunity for our residents to help shape the services that are provided for their benefit. Speak to us about anti-social behaviour, graffiti, dog fouling or anything that you feel will improve life within your community.”

Regular updates on the progress of the operation and ongoing activities will be available on twitter via @LBP_Police and @north_team – and on the NEN blog, of course!

Charity rugby match raises £8,000

Lothian & Borders Police rugby team played a special match yesterday against a Scotland legends team to raise money for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. Money from tickets sales and from a variety of fundraising activities on the day raised over £8,000.

Scotland legend Scott Hastings gets to grips an opponent. (Picture: Thomas Brown)

The match was arranged in arranged in remembrance of former officer Steve Cully, who died aged 41, due to a heart defect and his wife Rosie, who has already raised in excess of £20,000 for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, gave a moving speach about her late husband. Both of Steve’s kids, Josh (4) and Hannah (7) were at the match and they have the task of kicking the match off.

Ballons were set off into the sky before kick off. (Picture: Thomas Brown)

Around 2,100 spectators turned up despite the rain to watch the match and got behind both teams.

Corries legend Ronnie Brown performed the National Anthem prior to kick off. (Picture: Thomas Brown)

Prior to kick off Corries legend Ronnie Brown performed the National Anthem supported by the Police Pipe Band.

Corries legend to perform in North Edinburgh

Corries legend Ronnie Brown will be performing live this Sunday at a charity Rugby match at Fettes Police Station.

Police officers are set to line up against a team of Scottish rugby legends in a charity match arranged in remembrance of former officer Steve Cully, who died aged 41, due to a heart defect. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the charity Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.

Officers from Lothian and Borders Police will take on a team of ex-internationals, including Scott Hastings, Doddie Weir, Gary Armstrong, and Gregor Townsend.

Steve, who was brought up in Belfast, was a keen rugby player who played club rugby at Murrayfield RFC, Edinburgh Wanderers RFC, Murrayfield Wanderers, Stewarts Melville FP, Edinburgh Academicals and represented Ireland U 21’s, Irish Exiles and the British Police.

Steve joined Lothian and Borders Police in 1994 and worked in a number of roles before fulfilling his ambition to become a firearms officer.

He called time on his rugby career in 2005, but took up long-distance running, and in 2009 he was part of a team of Lothian and Borders officers who took part in the gruelling ‘Marathon des Sables’, a series of marathons taking place over a week in the Sahara Desert, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

His love for rugby and charitable nature inspired his colleagues to organise Sunday’s match, which will be attended by his wife Rosie (39) and two children Josh (4) and Hannah (7).

Ronnnie Brown wil lsing the National Anthem prior to kick off.

Sergeant Roddy Bainton is among the former friends and colleagues who have helped organise the event.

He said: “Not only will spectators be given the unique opportunity to see legends from the game in action once again, but there will be a whole range of family-friendly events, including a balloon race, prize draw, bouncy castle, an inflatable assault course courtesy of the Army, and kids’ rugby coaching, involving many of the former pros.

“We are delighted that Ronnie Browne from the Corries has agreed to sing the national anthem before the game, and The Lothian and Borders Police Pipe Band will also be there to help provide the soundtrack for the day.

“I would encourage any rugby fans and their families to come along and join us for what is sure to be a great day, and help us raise money for a worthy cause.”

The match takes place at 2pm on Sunday. Tickets for the game cost £5, with free admission for under-16s.

And just incase you have forgotten the words we have included a video for you.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from:

First XV, 6/8 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5JZ
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, Head Office, Third Floor, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ
Or
Email: stevecullymemorial@hotmail.co.uk

'Shock and Dismay' over speeding figures

Speeding drivers caught every two minutes during police campaign

Police chiefs are ‘shocked and dismayed’ following a three-day crackdown on speeding drivers. A total of 1837 drivers were detected breaking the speed limit during the 20 -22 July campaign across Scotland – equivalent to one every two minutes.

In addition a further 62 drivers were reported for driving dangerously or carelessly during the campaign organised by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland.

Among the worst offenders were a 21-year-old man travelling at 114mph in Aberdeenshire, a woman travelling in Edinburgh at 71mph in a 40mph limit with three children in the vehicle, and a man detected at 95mph through road works on the M90 in Fife.

About 12.37pm, Friday 20 July, Road Policing officers stopped a Mercedes ML300 on Cultins Road, Edinburgh as the driver was driving whilst using her hand held mobile telephone. Enquiry revealed that the driver’s driving licence had been revoked earlier this year for an accumulation of 12 penalty points. The vehicle was seized under the terms of section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the driver reported to the Procurator Fiscal. The current value of the vehicle is in excess of £30,000. About 9.50pm on 22 July, Road Policing Officers stopped a 17-year-old from Tranent on the A1 near to Wallyford for speeding. The speed was recorded at 101mph, the driver was reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Chief Superintendent Derek Robertson from Lothian and Borders Police, who is the ACPOS lead on Casualty Reduction, said: “I am shocked and dismayed at the level of speeding and inappropriate driving which my fellow officers have dealt with during the three days of the campaign. The links between excessive speed and collisions causing death or serious injury are clear and those who flout the speed limits put themselves and others at risk.

“Almost 115,000 speeding offences were recorded in Scotland in 2010/11 which represents over a third of all motor vehicle offences. Speeding is dangerous, costly and unacceptable. This has only reaffirmed the intention to continue our focus on irresponsible drivers, to make sure speed limits are acknowledged and the roads are made safer for everyone in Scotland”.

“Remember that speeding carries a minimum penalty of a £60 fine and three penalty points on your driving licence however, if you are convicted of dangerous driving, you will lose your licence for at least 12 months and you may be ordered to re-sit your driving test.”