Police in South Edinburgh along with a number of partner agencies are launching summer-long initiative to tackle drug-related antisocial behaviour and disorder in the Southside and Newington ward area.
Local officers will work alongside colleagues at the City of Edinburgh Council, Registered Social Landlords and health agencies as part of Operation Austinburg, which aims to identify those responsible for a number of drug offences, including production and supply, as well as associated criminal behaviour.
The activity over the coming weeks will supplement existing work to tackle problems resulting from the use of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in common stairs and communal gardens and also look to prevent disorder and antisocial behaviour linked to alcohol.
As well as additional police patrols, joint activity will include targeted action by Environmental Wardens, stair checks and clean-ups, prevention work and security advice, and night-time patrols to deter street drinking and antisocial behaviour.
Chief Inspector Mark Rennie, Local Area Commander for South Edinburgh, said “This operation will expand upon the recent work all ready carried out in the area and will specifically target local priorities and concerns highlighted by Southside residents and businesses.
“Over the coming weeks we will focus on those offenders who have caused problems recently and ensure that we work alongside our partners to quickly respond to any concerns raised.
“Local residents and businesses will see additional officers and Council staff in the area over the summer and we will continue to keep them updated with developments.”
Community Safety Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Cammy Day, (pictured) said: “Tackling antisocial behaviour is a key priority for the Council and it is well documented that drugs and alcohol can cause this behaviour to escalate.
“We are working closely with Police Scotland in the south of the city to help reduce these incidents, through a targeted approach based on information from local residents.
“As always, local knowledge is extremely valuable and I would encourage south-side residents to get in touch if they have any concerns or information that might be helpful.”
Anyone wishing to follow updates can do so by following the: @EdinburghSouthPolice Twitter account or EdinburghPolice Facebook page.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
