Update and review of previous 9 months for the community policing team

Inspector Graeme Nisbet has shared this with us (including contact details for local community police officers):

"This year has been one of challenge and change, along with the fluctuations in crime in the area the community team along with the division have responded to major operations and events however our continuation on and commitment to local policing remains strong.  

Officers have been tasked with responding to the complaints from communities and increased their ability to respond quickly and attend specific locations where we have had reported concerns.  We  have worked closely with our partners and officers have worked with other agencies in the area and we maintain very good links with a number of local groups and I have no doubt this will continue in to 2017.

On this note I would like to thank all of my partners, community groups and stakeholders for all of the help, support and assistance this year as tackling community issues is one which needs a shared approach and it is one which has worked and will continue to work very well in the south area.

You will know that I am committed to local officers supporting and being visible in the community and I have made sure officers have attended as many community meetings and events as possible and I will do everything possible to have this continue.

With regard to crime, this year we have seen a significant fall in house breaking crimes with an average 30% reduction although vehicle crime is on the slight increase and is the focus of continued police activity.

Anti social behaviour, particularly with the use of motorcycles was a problem in the open green spaces and park areas during the summer and autumn and we saw issues not only in the south but across the city with the north area suffering. Locally we had put together a local operation which sits under a citywide operation and this will be put in place early next year to prevent an escalation, although the winter nights have seen it, not surprisingly, tail off.

Other forms of anti social behaviour mainly, youth calls, have been tackled and a number of individuals are now subject to various forms of intervention and ongoing work to disrupt their behaviour and we will continue to concentrate on those responsible.

Violent crime remains a priority under operation Austinberg and we continue to work in the known hot spot areas where we conduct weekly patrols, overall violent crime in the area has fallen which is a positive. I also recently attended a domestic abuse forum in Southouse where I did a presentation along with other speakers, this was very well attended by a broad spectrum of public and professionals and domestic abuse remains as a divisional priority.
Road Safety, will continue as a focus for my team, we have been supporting the school streets initiative and also the introduction and roll out of the 20mph zones in Edinburgh. Speeding in general will be monitored and enforced where we have concerns and vulnerable premises. Recently we worked with partners to increase the safety and visibility of cyclists and will continue this through the winter.

A number of warrants over the last 9 months were applied for allowing us to tackle drugs and search for stolen property at a number of addresses in the area, I plan to keep this going as tackling drugs is a focus for not only my community team but by the division and we often have specialist officers in plain clothes deployed in the area. We make sure we collaborate with one another and share information to maximise opportunities but the information from the community has been excellent allowing us to obtain warrants and carry out enforcement.

We now have a dedicated sergeant for each area:

PS David Cuthbert, based at St. Leonards is now in charge of the Southside/ Newington & Meadows/ Morningside wards
PS Mark Innes, based at Howdenhall is in charge of the Liberton/ Gilmerton ward

The community officers can be contacted on
EdinburghSouthsideNewingtonCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk  
or
EdinburghMeadowsMorningsideCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk
or
EdinburghLibertonGilmertonCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk

I can also confirm our current ward officers areSouthside/ Newington Ward
PC Chris Harris & PC Neil Mackay
Meadows/ Morningside
PC Jennifer Mackenzie &  PC Stuart Fraser.
Liberton/ Gilmerton Ward
PC Rebecca Wilson & PC Craig Cairns

The Police Scotland Survey is live and we are committed to getting the opinion of residents and local businesses on local Policing priorities. Since April 2016 we have been asking individuals to complete an online survey that would influence local Policing plans. This is an ongoing project however the most recent results will shape Edinburgh's Policing priorities for 2017.

Please take two minutes to confirm the top priorities that have been highlighted by others in Edinburgh represent YOUR VIEWS too.
We want to hear from you. To take part copy and paste this link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MN9WGCF

Please pass this information on to anyone else you think might be interested in taking part, but don't forget to do it now as this mini-survey closes at the end of December.
This coming festive season, is as always a busy time for the police and we have a number of operations and events to oversee and of course like many of our colleagues in the emergency services, officers will be on duty through the festive period, which is a typically a demanding period for us all.

May I wish you all the very best for the festive period and I look forward to working with in 2017.
Graeme Nisbet"

South Edinburgh Community Safety drop in events at local libraries

http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Newington-Library-7.jpg

The South Edinburgh Community Safety Team, in partnership with Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service has arranged a number of community drop in events in local libraries.

The events are an opportunity to meet local community officers to seek advice, guidance or support in relation to crime & anti social behaviour and fire safety.

Events will be held as follows:

Newington Library

Th 15 Oct     2-4pm

Mo 16 Nov  4-6pm

Morningside Library

We 2 Sep     10:30-12:30

Th 1 Oct       2-4pm

Mo 2 Nov    4-6pm

For further information please contact Michael Traill Community Safety Officer.

Domestic Security Event: 7-9pm at Mayfield Salisbury Church

A Domestic Security Event is being run by PoliceScotland and City of Edinburgh Council Community Safety on 29 April (7-9pm at Mayfield Salisbury Church, 1 Mayfield Road Edinburgh).

The event aims to offer constructive advice regarding both personal safety and protection of your property. There will be presentations from the organisers and a chance to ask questions.

Agenda for MSCC meeting on We 26 Nov 2014 at 7:30pm

Marchmont & Sciennes Community Council will hold its November meeting on 26 October 2014, at 7:30pm.  

The meeting will take place in our usual venue of St Catherine's Argyle Church halls on Beaufort Road/ Grange Road. 

This will be our third meeting of 14/15.  There will be no meeting in December.  We will resume our regular practice of meeting on the fourth Wednesday of the month on 28 Jan 2015 (until Jun 2015).

All who live or work in the area are most welcome to attend 

A G E N D A

 1            Sederunt and apologies

 2             Draft Minutes of last meeting, 22 Oct 2014 and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

·      food recycling

·      MSCC leaflet

·      Cycle route consultation submission

·      Cemetery cheque

 3             Police Report

 4            Update on Meadows from Mike Shields 

Items for discussion

 5            New planning applications (?)

 6            Council Budget challenge

 7            Tarmac over setts

 8            Youth and criminal justice consultation

 9            HMO review

10           Christmas tree event preparations

11           Installation of new noticeboard

Items mainly for information

12            Update on Christmas tree lighting ceremony

13            Treasurer’s report

14            Reports of meetings

                        students in the community funding for projects

                        cycle routes/ CC liaison

15            Sciennes in pilot of school streets scheme

16            AOCB

17            Date of next meeting: 28 January 2015

Bike Marking – Middle Meadow Walk. 29 Oct between 3 and 6pm. First few free!

Speak up Speak out about children affected by drugs and alcohol

The misery suffered by children affected by alcohol or drugs is being spotlighted in the latest Speak up Speak out campaign. 


It’s the fifth in a series of campaigns by the City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland and NHS Lothian highlighting public protection issues. 




The campaign will tackle the issues and offer help, support and advice to youngsters whose lives are affected by drink and drugs:

• by targeting pregnant women, advising them to avoid drinking alcohol or taking drugs and educating on the risks of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
• by encouraging parents to act as role models and think about the effect of drinking in front of their children 
•  offering support to children whose parents have problems with drugs or alcohol supporting parents and carers to get advice on how to talk to their children about drinking and drugs
• signposting support services to children who are being pressured to take substances or are worried about friends
• asking neighbours worried about a local family to speak out on a child’s behalf
• by publishing a toolkit for professionals involved in the support of children affected by drugs and alcohol.

To coincide with FASD Awareness Day, a range of posters will be seen in venues across Edinburgh to spotlight the main issues and directing people to a variety of sources for help:

• edinburgh.gov.uk/speakupspeakout

• Social Care Direct, The City of Edinburgh Council’s social work service (0131 200 2324).

• Edinburgh & Lothian Council on Alcohol (0131 337 8188)

• Crew 2000 (0131 220 3404)

• ChildLine (0800 1111)

A radio advert will be aired on Forth One and Two from Tuesday 9 September and a series of child-friendly posters have been developed for primary and secondary schools.

If you’d like to hear more about the campaign or would like some campaign materials, please 
contact ann.duff@edinburgh.gov.uk

Watch out: there's a thief about

Shopkeepers and residents in and around Roseneath Street should be aware that thieves have struck again in the area.  Several premises were broken into during the week beginning 6th July.

Make sure that doors and windows are kept locked (especially stair doors) and look out for unwanted visitors.

Keep the police aware. Community PC Thomas Archer (e-mail: EdinburghMeadowsMorningsideCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk; telephone: 101) at St Leonard's will be glad to hear from you.

Some advice from Trading Standards...

As part of continuing action against Doorstep Crime, The Trading Standards team at City of Edinburgh Council would like to pass on some advice.  

They discourage residents from contracting with cold callers at the door, and along with their partners in Police Scotland urge residents to be cautious when dealing with any doorstep callers.

·         Check ID

·         Use door chains or bars

·         Close the door when you are making telephone calls to check ID.

·         DO NOT call mobile numbers (Starting 07...) to verify ID.

If you are in any doubt regarding the person, then call Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

The Trading Standards team advise that you get multiple quotes for work from traders that you trust – Do not engage someone who has called at your door saying that your property needs work.

Some residents can also take advantage of the Care & Repair scheme: 0131 220 7630  and the Garden Aid Scheme:  0131 529 7881 or email Garden.aid@edinburgh.gov.uk

Essential contract information leaflets are available here, which detail what you should establish for many home maintenance contracts. For large projects you should ensure that you engage with a professional who is able to provide the necessary expertise.

'No Cold Calling' Zones can be set up in suitable locations, with agreement from the majority of residents. This indicates to those who would wish to call at your door that you do not accept cold callers, and repeated violations of this can constitute a criminal offence. More details are available here, and the council can supply stickers and signs as required.

They also provide updates to partners at Neighbourhood Watch Scotland. You may wish to consider whether your area would benefit from a neighbourhood watch.

Members of the Trading Standards team are happy to receive any information which you believe may be of use in targeting criminal activity. They routinely target activities relating to Doorstep Crime, Counterfeit tobacco and alcohol and Product Safety. If you have any information which you believe may be of use please get in touch.

You can get further information about Trading Standards here.

Have your say: Edinburgh Policing Plan 2014-17

Police Scotland are currently undertaking a program of public consultation in order to inform the creation of their next Edinburgh Policing Plan for 2014-17. 

This program has included face-to-face street surveys, local community engagement sessions, a bespoke online business survey and now a general online survey. 

This general online survey is aimed at the general public and will remain open until Tuesday 24th December. 

Speak up Speak out: don't let abuse or neglect go unreported

Edinburgh residents are being asked to Speak up Speak out about harm. The campaign is reaching out to anyone being harmed to come forward for help or for others to report concerns about someone they know.

Abuse could be physical, psychological or be in the form of neglect. It could be domestic abuse or families suffering through someone’s drug or alcohol problems. It can happen regardless of age, gender or the colour of their skin. It can happen anywhere and be caused by friends, relatives, colleagues or strangers. By encouraging people to be open about their concerns and talk to care professionals, it is hoped that more adults and children can be protected from harm.

The campaign aims to ease fears that involving the authorities will make things worse. The worst of these fears are of splitting up families or prosecution. That may happen in the most severe of cases but in most cases the Council and the many organisations it works with will ease the situation by providing practical support.

You can pick a leaflet up from community venues, voluntary organisations, doctor and dentist surgeries and in hospitals.  You can also find out more at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/speakupspeakout

If you are being harmed or if you think you know someone who is, speak up:

Social Care Direct

0131 200 2324

socialcaredirect@edinburgh.gov.uk

Police Scotland

101 or in an emergency call 999

Police Scotland: new website available

Following the amalgamation of the police forces in Scotland a new website has been produced.

To access information about South Edinburgh:

* click on the 'Your Community' tab at the top of the web page.  

* Select Edinburgh as the Division

* Select Edinburgh South as the Area Command.  

* Choose a ward (Meadows and Morningside or Southside and Newington)

Agenda for Community Council Meeting - 7:30pm on We 27 Feb

Marchmont & Sciennes Community Council will meet on: 

January 23rd 2013 at 7.30 PM 

at St Catherine's Argyle Church Halls, Beaufort Road

Please Note: This meeting will be in the Large Hall

A G E N D A

1 Sederunt and apologies

2 Minutes of the meeting on 23rd January

3 Matters arising from the minutes, including: planning, police priorities, Civic Trust nomination, HMOs, Road works South Meadow Walk, Lothian Buses, Craiglockhart, Planning application withdrawn

4 Matters for Information, including

            Royal Mail sorting office,  Property maintenance meeting 28.2.13 Royal Garden Party

5 Police Report including: Police National Strategic Plan

6 Neighbourhood Partnership Report (AP) including: Transport Strategy, City Centre Posters, Community Safety event, Public Urination

7 Treasurer’s report (AS)

8 Planning matters

9 HMO report

10 MABLAG

8pm

11            Meeting to discuss pressure to increase James Gillespie's Primary intake

(with JG Primary School Council)

·                John  Beattie, JGPS Council

·                Lindsay Glasgow, Service Manager Asset Planning CEC,

·                Paul Godzik Convenor for Education, Children and Families

followed by questions   

12  Any other competent business,

13  Date of next meeting: March 27th 2013

Survey seeks responses: policing and safety

Lothian & Borders Police would like to know your views about policing, safety and what it is like to live in our local area. The survey is now available for completion online.

The results of this survey will help to inform policing priorities and influence how they engage with the local community in future. Please be assured that the information you provide will be treated with the strictest confidence and anonymity.   If you have any questions regarding the questionnaire please call 0131 311 3131 where a member of staff will be happy to help you. Thank you very much for your time.

mapping road deaths 1999-2010

The BBC have published an interactive web site that shows every death on every road in Great Britain 1999-2010. 


You can pick a local authority or enter a post code to see fatalities over the period shown on a map.

Community Beat Police Newsletters for Tollcross, Marchmont and Meadows - Aug 10

Yocksan Bell, the community beat officer for Tollcross, Marchmont and Meadows has circulated his newsletter for Aug 2010.

Community Beat Police Newsletters for Tollcross, Marchmont and Meadows - Jun 10

Yocksan Bell, the community beat officer for Tollcross, Marchmont and Meadows has circulated his newsletter for Jun 2010.

Community Beat Police Newsletters for Tollcross, Marchmont and Meadows - May 10

Yocksan Bell, the community beat officer for Tollcross, Marchmont and Meadows has circulated his newsletter for May 2010.

Community Beat Police Newsletters for Tollcross, Marchmont and Meadows - Apr 10

Yocksan Bell, the community beat officer for Tollcross, Marchmont and Meadows has circulated his newsletter for Apr 2010.

Note of March EACC Question Time about Policing

(Unapproved) minutes of the March EACC Question Time about Policing are now available at the Edinburgh Association of Community Councils website

Draft for consultation: Antisocial Behaviour Strategy (2010-13)

A draft 3-year Antisocial Behaviour Strategy (2010-13) for Edinburgh is now available for public consultation.  This has been jointly prepared by the City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Police.  Comments are welcome; please respond to antisocialbehaviour@edinburgh.gov.uk by 9 March 2010.

A paper copy is available from the MSCC secretary.