Coronavirus won’t stop us policing the Capital’s streets – Chief Superintendent Sean Scott

Known offenders have been targeted thanks to a fall in crime, writes Chief Superintendent Sean Scott

Chief Superintendent Sean Scott is the Divisional Commander for Edinburgh (Picture: Neil Hanna)

The last month has seen the introduction of new Covid-19 measures across Scotland, and I remain thankful to our communities in Edinburgh for maintaining physical distancing and adhering to the advice provided by Public Health Scotland. I would like to take this opportunity, however, to provide an insight into the work being carried out by Edinburgh’s police officers despite the presence of Covid-19, as they continue to offer a high quality of service across the city.

A reduction in crime has been seen over the past six months, which has allowed us to dedicate time to proactively target known offenders and deal with emerging issues much more swiftly and robustly than in previous years.

We have launched an operation to tackle a series of thefts from sheds, and I’m pleased to say we have already seen early successes, with a large amount of stolen property recovered and a number of persons arrested. This operation is being carried out in conjunction with preventative work from our local community policing teams, with bike marking events being held at schools and other locations, and security advice being provided to prevent such crimes from taking place in future.

With larger numbers of people visiting the Pentland Hills during the past several months, instances of littering, damage, and antisocial behaviour were becoming commonplace. An operation involving Park Rangers, volunteer groups, and officers trained in a variety of skills were deployed, in order to provide a clear visible presence, and educate visitors as to their responsibilities. Hundreds of interactions with the public were recorded, and I am happy to report that instances of antisocial behaviour have reduced in the area.

Our Roads Policing officers have continued to patrol the city, offering advice and education to all. They have recently been targeting collision hotspots and focusing on areas around schools to ensure the safety of pupils. Operation Close Pass, aimed at targeting drivers overtaking cyclists dangerously, continues to take place, and our new speed detection Ranger Motorcycle has been deployed in areas with high pedestrian volume to act as a deterrent to speeders.

World Suicide Prevention Day saw officers and a number of our partner agencies attend events at shopping centres, train stations, and at Waverley Bridge to provide information, advice and support. A large number of people approached the officers and partners to share their experiences in relation to suicide, and I am heartened to know that so many people are openly engaging and discussing the importance of mental health.

County Lines awareness and enforcement initiatives have taken place across the city, aimed at preventing vulnerable people from being exploited by organised crime groups. Our Preventions, Interventions & Partnerships department has been talking to young people, school pupils, and volunteer groups across the city in order to make people aware of the issue and how to seek help if needed. If you are concerned about anybody you know, please contact the police or Crimestoppers.

Given the challenges faced over recent months, I am proud of the work of Edinburgh’s police officers and staff, supported by the wider Police Scotland national resources, and am grateful to the public for your continued engagement, support, and understanding.

Chief Superintendent Sean Scott is the Divisional Commander for Edinburgh