Thanks for your help during Covid pandemic

Given our collective efforts to date, I urge you all to continue and comply with the current restrictions in place so we can reach the end point of the Scottish Government’s roadmap out of lockdown and begin to experience more freedoms and normality in our daily lives once again.

While the city centre and South East benefit from numerous green spaces and iconic sites, it is vital that we all adhere to current Covid guidance. Once it is appropriate and safe to do so, then everyone can and should enjoy all of the sights and experiences the city has to offer.

It’s been an incredibly difficult year for many of us, so I want to again say how grateful I am for the co-operation and commitment from the vast majority of you.

As ever, we remain committed to serving our communities, and my officers have, and will continue to remain visible, whether that be on mobile, foot, or indeed, cycle patrol in these areas and across the wider locality.

Your priorities are our priorities, and recent activities have targeted youth anti-social behaviour, illegal drugs and the harm caused by serious and organised crime.

Despite concentrated efforts, disappointingly, we continue to see youth anti-social behaviour, within Bristo Square and the surrounding areas, including the Meadows, and whilst more widespread in nature, there have also been a number of instances where buses have been subject to wanton damage.

Notwithstanding the negative impact on community safety and the monetary costs, there is real potential for such mindless actions to cause dire consequences, whether that be a collision or injury to the driver, passengers and other road users. Further, and as I am sure you will appreciate, buses more than ever, provide a lifeline for the most vulnerable, and of course, essential transport for key workers.

These behaviours are wholly unacceptable, and in response, Edinburgh Division initiated a city-wide operation, with this bespoke approach having already paid dividends, leading to a number of perpetrators being reported.

Education is key to prevention, and in collaboration with schools and multi-agency youth workers, our School Link Officers, continue to work to positively influence behaviours.

Proactive officers within our local Initiative and Licensing and Violence Reduction Teams remain resolute in tackling the harm caused by drugs. Supported by specialist resources, a number of drugs warrants were executed during a successful day of action, and whilst commodity has been taken off the streets, importantly these robust measures provide an unequivocal message and deterrent to those involved in dealing and supply.

Having previously written about the detrimental effects of Serious and Organised Crime, I wished to showcase # SpeakUpForSouthEast.

Some of you may have noticed our lamppost covers, distributed across 32 local sites, including shops and outside the high rise flats in Moredun, or indeed, our associated social media feeds. Please support us to safeguard those unable to safeguard themselves.

Should you have any information or wish to report suspected criminality, please utilise 101 or pass anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

I also encourage you to participate in ‘Your Policing Survey’ prior to the closing date on 31 March 2021. The survey is quick to complete and seeks to capture the views of communities - https://consult.scotland.police.uk/surveys/your-police-2020-2021/

CI Sam Ainslie is Local Area Commander for South East Edinburgh

Thanks for your help during Covid pandemic - CI Sam Ainslie