Police Report - April 2022

This report covers progress made by our Local Community Policing Team in dealing with policing priorities for the area during April 2022.

Community Policing Priorities
Antisocial behaviour, Violence and Disorder:
On the afternoon of Sunday 10th April, Police were called to the International School, North Deeside Road in relation to young adults playing football within the grounds and refusing to leave with potential damage to the fence. Officers spoke with staff who confirmed the persons had left and there was no damage. Suitable advice was passed at this time.

On the morning of Wednesday 13th April, Police were advised regards a greenhouse on Northcote Park having had the windows smashed. On speaking with caller it was not believed to have been deliberate, so no crime has been recorded and suitable advice passed.

Officers will continue to carry out patrols in area’s known for anti-social behaviour, including the above.

Acquisitive Crime:

Overnight from Monday 11th into Tuesday 12th April a property under renovation on Morningside Gardens was broken into and items stolen. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101 quoting incident number 0724 of the 12th April.

Everyone is encouraged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity and take simple crime reduction steps such as internal lighting on timers, motion sensing lighting externally and, if you can afford it, consider CCTV.

Road Safety & Road Crime:
There have been no specific incidents of note in relation to Road Safety / Road Crime this month.

We continue to work with partners in response to specific complaints in terms of road traffic offences. Residents in the areas affected by antisocial driving are encouraged to contact Police on 101 at the time, to report incidents and provide as much description as possible of the vehicle(s)/person(s) in order for us to take positive action.

Community Engagement & Reassurance

Operation Armour was launched at the start of April and will run throughout the summer months with the aim of preventing, deterring and detecting bike thefts across the City.  Sergeant Tom Spencer who is leading the initiative said “Bike thefts are a priority for the North East Division all year round however we see an increase in this sort of crime over the summer months with more people utilising their bikes. This operation is essential in sending out a clear message that this sort of crime will not be tolerated”.

As part of the operation Officers will be carrying out both plain clothes and high viability patrols to deter and disrupt thefts.

Another important part of the operation is the educate bike owners on simple but effective security measures they can take and to visit local bike shops asking retailers to continue to promote bike security to their customers. Operation Armour Officers along with Crime Reduction Officers today attended at Edinburgh Bicycle, who have partnered with Operation Armour this year, to promote bike security.

The demand for bicycles has never been greater and as such bicycles are being targeted regularly by thieves. Whether you have just purchased your first bike or are a seasoned cyclist it is worth investing in a good quality cycle specific lock to secure your bike.  Thieves will routinely carry bolt croppers or even battery powered angle grinders and light weight, poor quality locks offer little resistance. As a rough guide consider spending around 10% of the value of your bike on a lock. Always buy the best quality lock you can afford and look out for those that have been endorsed as ‘Sold Secure’ or ‘Secured by Design.’

It's not enough to simply lock your bicycle whenever it is left unattended for a longer period. Modern bikes are light and can be carried away quickly. Whether a bicycle stand, lamp post or metal fence: a bike must be locked to something and whatever you choose, it must be at least as secure as the lock itself. Ideally, use two different types of lock - a thief will need more tools to steal it.  The best place for your bike at night is a locked room, e.g. a cellar or garage, and it should always be secured with a bicycle lock; ideally combined with a ground anchor. If bicycles  cannot be locked to something, for example in the hall or garage, simply lock several bikes together.

Photograph your bike and record all of your bike’s details and distinguishing features and keep in a safe place. The serial number can be found on the bottom bracket. Consider using a bike registration scheme to mark your bicycle. Not only is this a deterrent to thieves but should you be unlucky enough to have your bicycle stolen it increases the chances of getting your bicycle back.

How to Keep Your Bike Safe - A Guide To Preventing Bicycle Theft 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye4p6IGGQWw

How to lock your bike in town - gmbn tech's guide to urban bike security

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQfaFZ5OpOs

How To Install A Ground Anchor - Ultimate Bike Security
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DiLSzzPVyE

Tested - £11,000 of Bike Locks Destroyed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxIbAFnmsIQ

Further guidance can be found at
https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/keep-your-bicycle-secure

Or by contacting Police Scotland Crime Reduction Officers on NorthEastCrimeReduction@scotland.pnn.police.uk

Follow us on Twitter @NorthEPolice #WestEndCPT

Also available are the three following contact email addresses for the West End:
AiryhallBroomhillGarthdeeCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk
HazleheadAshleyQueensCrossCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk
TorryFerryhillCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk

Contact Us
Please also remember you can communicate with us using any of the following:

• 101 – Non emergency;
• Twitter - @NorthEPolice;
• Facebook – www.facebook.com/NorthEastPoliceDivision;
• Web – www.scotland.police.uk;
• 999 – Emergency;
• 0800 555 111 - Crimestoppers.