The policing day job goes on despite coronavirus pandemic

Since the introduction of lockdown and the Scottish Government’s physical distancing guidelines, much of our daily business focused on engaging with members of the public who were in breach of the guidance, explaining the rationale and importance of compliance and encouraging them to return to their respective homes.

I am pleased to report that, in the vast majority of cases, the community have been adhering to the lockdown guidelines and compliance rates have been exceptionally good. Only on a very small number of occasions have my officers had to resort to enforcement and issue a fixed penalty ticket.

With large parts of the South West of Edinburgh being a rural area, and with the recent spell of warm weather, park areas and pathways have proved extremely popular with those wishing to exercise.

My officers have deployed on foot, on bicycles and off road vehicles in order to access as much of the region as possible and engage with members of the public in a safe manner, while observing physical distancing.

While the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a change to some of our patrolling activity, we have remained committed in our response to tackling crime and drug dealing offences.

Over a three-month period of enforcement activity I can report that we maintained a consistent approach with regard to this area of concern, resulting in the execution of 18 search warrants where £97,740 worth of drugs were recovered.

In addition, £16,000 in cash was seized and 20 people were charged in relation to associated offences.

I would encourage members of the public to report any information or concerns via 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers. Please rest assured that my officers will continue to target those involved in such criminality.

Police in South West Edinburgh have also continued to address a number of local issues and priorities identified by our communities.

In response to concerns raised over speeding, local community policing teams and Roads Policing officers have worked together to conduct a number of high visibility speed checks across the area. Since the beginning of May, checks have been carried out at five different locations across the south west. We will continue to work with our colleagues in Roads Policing to reduce the risks associated with speeding and make our roads safer.

As we enter the height of the summer period I hope we can all enjoy a continuation of the recent nice weather. However, I would like to remind you all of the importance of taking steps to secure your property. In addition to your homes, I would advise you all to consider the security around your sheds and bicycles in particular. We have a range of incredibly useful and effective crime prevention advice available on our website at www.scotland.police.uk

Finally I would like to encourage you all to keep up to date with the latest government advice in relation to coronavirus and continue to follow the guidelines that are in place to stop the spread of virus, protect our NHS and save lives.

I wish you all a safe and happy summer.

Chief Inspector Scott Richardson is Local Area Commander, South West Edinburgh