Coronavirus pandemic

The Police response under Operation Talla has continued in line with the updated Government guidelines from 14^th September 2020. During the first weekend thereafter, Police officers attended 405 house parties across Scotland (compared with 392 from the previous weekend) and further enforcement powers have now been granted to Police under Regulations 8 to 11, namely:

• limiting public gatherings to a maximum of six people from two households
• limiting indoor gatherings in private dwellings to a maximum of six people from two households
• a person must not attend a party or social gathering in a private dwelling involving 16 or more people, who are members of more than one household
• power of entry, including the use of reasonable force, in specific circumstances without the need for consent or a warrant

Breakdown of calls in north Leith/Newhaven area (approx 266 in total)*

• 21 calls relating to public nuisance
• 17 calls of theft
• 13 domestic-related calls
• 5 calls of other violence
• 17 loud noise/music-related calls
• 28 concern-for/missing person calls
• 5 drug-related calls

*stats included until 21/09 

Plain-clothes patrols across Leith

Over the weekend of 11-13^th September, Police officers from response and community teams conducted plain-clothes patrols across the Leith area focussing on antisocial behaviour and drugs hotspots, including Leith Walk, Buchanan Street, Easter Road, Ferry Road, London Road, Portland Street, Ocean Terminal, public parks and walkways. These patrols resulted in licensed premises checks, numerous vehicles and persons stopped/searched and 3 people charged with drugs possessions.

Some of the local issues we have been looking to tackle include

• drug misuse in areas of North Fort Street, Madeira Street and Industry Lane, resulting in increased high-visibility foot & mobile patrols
• post-lockdown opening of David Lloyd gym, Newhaven Place and recent trend of unreported thefts from lockers – there have been no issues regarding the covid-related health guidelines; however, discussions with management have been held over increased security and potential suspects for the thefts
• dog-walkers & fishermen within ‘restricted’ Forth Ports land at Western Harbour – liaising with Forth Ports regarding vandalisms to fences and locks, uniformed and plain-clothes patrols to highlight dangers of the area to members of public

Filming within Leith Police station

On 7^th and 9^th September, we were visited at Leith Police station by a film crew from Channel 4’s upcoming third series of Britain’s Most Historic Towns presented by Professor Alice Roberts. The Edinburgh episode will focus on Georgian Edinburgh, looking at how the city was physically and intellectually transformed during the first Industrial Revolution, and how the experiences of people living in the Old and New Town radically diverged during the period. The episode, which will include analysis of Alexander Carse’s painting, THE LANDING OF HIS MAJESTY GEORGE IVTH AT LEITH, 15TH AUG 1822 hung within the Council Chamber at Leith Police station, will air in 2021.

Fireworks Night

I have had a meeting with Asda Sandpiper’s designated Community Champion to discuss their safeguarding plans around the sale of fireworks, which will include double age-checks, increased security presence and CCTV monitoring.

Ocean Terminal shopping centre

PC Margo Darling has been appointed as Ocean Terminal liaison officer to replace PC Smith. There will be no monthly beat surgery at Ocean Terminal until further notice.