Over 170 people have been arrested in the Capital by the Festival Policing Team for a variety of offences during the month-long policing operation for the Edinburgh Festival.
High-visibility police patrols were deployed across the city-centre’s busiest locations throughout August as tens of thousands visited for the second largest festival in the world.
In addition, local officers were regularly assisted by colleagues from across the country to engage with members of the public, deter criminal activity and address any issues, which arose.
As a result of this activity, 156 people were arrested for crimes including, drugs, theft, robbery and assault.
In addition, a further 20 individuals were also apprehended for various warrant offences.
During the Edinburgh Festival police worked closely with the City of Edinburgh Council Licensing Department and a total of 726 licensed premises visits were undertaken.
Licensing officers spoke with staff at each of these venues to remind them of their responsibilities when selling alcohol to patrons and conducted searches of the premises to ensure no crimes were taking place within.
Through their engagement with members of the public as well as various policing activities, officers also gathered significant pieces of intelligence in relation to offenders operating within the city, which will now be progressed for further investigation.
Chief Inspector Bob Paris from the City Centre Policing Team said: “With another spectacular Festival now behind us, I would like to commend the vast majority of the city’s visitors and local residents for their outstanding conduct and support of our policing operation.
“During this month, local resources have been supported by colleagues from across Scotland to help deliver vital crime prevention advice to the public and to address the regular crime trends we observe during periods of increased footfall within Edinburgh.
“In addition to the 176 arrests that were made, officers were also on hand to provide useful information to the public on safeguarding their belongings, as well as ensuring that the city’s pubs and clubs were adhering to the terms of their licenses to keep revellers safe.
“I would like to thank our colleagues from across Police Scotland and our business partners in the City, The Festival and Fringe society’s, as well as the City of Edinburgh Council and the SafeZone Bus for all of their support throughout the Edinburgh Festival.”
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.
