Police Report May 2020

This report covers progress made by our local policing unit in dealing with the priorities for our Community Council area during May 2020.

COVID 19 – UPDATE

In relation to the COVID 19 restrictions Police Scotland follow an ENGAGE, EXPLAIN, ENCOURAGE and ENFORCE approach.  What this means practically is that when breaches are reported to us we will follow each step in order to resolve the breach with any enforcement action being the last resort.  We continue to receive calls in relation to this and adopt the above approach.

Common misunderstandings – Businesses / Venues breaching the Regulations.  This is a matter for Local Authorities via their Trading Standards Officers to enforce.  These officers can be supported by the Health & Safety Executive and/or Police Scotland if required.

Businesses/Venues are responsible for appropriate measures being in place to ensure appropriate hygiene / social distancing within their premises for staff / customers.  Any breaches should be raised with the business or reported to Local Authority to progress.

More details can be found on the following Scottish Government Website which lays out what is permitted with this new phase introduced as of 29 May 2020.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/

Community Policing Priorities

Antisocial behaviour, Violence and Disorder:  

Police received a couple of calls from a resident regards doorbells being tried in the Airyhall area during the small hours (2nd & 29th May), no persons seen or calls from any other residents, but a reminder for people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity at time it occurs.  

Police are investigating a smashed window to a communal door in the Craigielea area.  This appears isolated to the immediate area and Police are following a positive line of enquiry. 

Officers were also called regarding an industrial bin being set on fire next to the Oor Wullie, Chip shop.  Scottish Fire and Rescue Services were contacted to attend,and advised there was nothing to suggest a wilful or criminal act.  The cause was possibly someone carelessly flicking a cigarette not properly extinguished.  It is important that any calls involving a fire, that SFRS are contacted immediately as the correct resource, they will report to Police if they have suspicions regards criminality and any investigation will thereafter be progressed.

Acquisitive Crime:

Police are investigating reports of an Attempted Theft in the Mannofield area on the 12th May where a person tried to force entry to a letterbox.  Enquiries are ongoing.

I would encourage all members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Police on 101 or 999 if an emergency, remembering to provide as much detail/descriptions of persons as possible. 

Road Safety & Road Crime:

In the Braeside area some fencing was damaged as a result of dangerous driving, two people were traced and charged with a number of road traffic offences.  

We continue to work with partners in response to specific complaints in terms of road traffic offences and to make use of antisocial behaviour legislation.  Residents in the areas affected by antisocial driving are encouraged to contact Police on 101 at the time to report incidents in order for us to take positive action. 

Community Engagement & Reassurance

Shut Out Scammers 

Across the UK we are beginning to see evidence that fraudsters are increasingly targeting the public and organisations with emails, texts, telephone calls and WhatsApp messages offering advice and treatment for the coronavirus. 

They are setting up fake websites selling products and offering ‘cures’ or testing kits. Scammers have also been setting up bogus websites asking for donations for victims or promoting awareness and prevention tips. Cold callers have been contacting organisations suggesting they must have specific measures in place by a certain deadline. 

To help members of the public protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud we advise: 

• Be vigilant and on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly
• Identity cards can be faked – phone the company to verify their identity
• Never let people try to persuade you to let them into your home even if they are asking for or offering help – they may not be genuine. If someone is persistent, ask them to call at another time and arrange for a friend or family member to be with you
• Don’t feel embarrassed - genuine callers expect you to be careful
• Never provide any personal data such as your full name, address and date of birth – scammers can use this information to steal your identity
• Don’t keep large amounts of money in your home
• If in doubt, don’t answer the door.
• Never feel pressured into making a decision on the spot. Any legitimate trader/helper will be happy to return at a later date 
• Never be afraid to say ‘No thank you’ and close the door 
• Be sceptical if you receive an email, text or WhatsApp message about the Coronavirus, and never click on any attachments or links 
• Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into donating money, and never make donations by cash or gift card, or send money through transfer agents such as Western Union or Moneygram 
• Remember, it’s your home. There’s no reason why anyone should ever enter your home against your wishes   

Who can help me? 

• To report a crime call 101 or in an emergency 999. 
• If you have concerns about a purchase that you have made, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000. – www.advice.scot 
• Further information on dealing with scams and fraud is available from our partner sites, who can offer further information, support and advice: 
• For free message alerts from key information providers regarding incidents and crime prevention in your area, go to Neighbourhood Watch Scotland  
• Get to know some of the most common fraud techniques in The Little Book of Big Scams
• Want advice on your consumer rights? Contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000
• Are you a victim or witness to a crime looking for free, confidential support? Call Victim Support Scotland on 0800 160 1985
• To report a matter to Trading Standards call 0808 164 6000
• Report scammers and fraudsters ANONYMOUSLY at Crimestoppers
• Care and Repair Scotland offers help and advice on assisting the aged and disabled to feel safe and secure in their homes
• For safety advice and to request a free fire safety visit, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
• The Telephone Preference Service can help cut out unwanted sales, spam and scam phone calls

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

The primary purpose of these e-mail addresses is for residents to report non-criminal queries, such as passing attentions, information, advice and non-criminal quality of life issues, such as youth annoyance. These e-mail addresses are not for reporting crimes or offences. The process for reporting any crimes or offences is to call 101, where our Service Centre will log the call on our Command and Control system and allocate the incident to our area. Using this process negates the possibility of the report being missed and also ensures that the caller’s details, addresses and telephone numbers are noted for our awareness and response.  

Should you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to discuss these with the Officer attending your Community Council Meeting or by emailing the above e-mail addresses or our Service Centre.  It is not necessary to wait until the meeting and your local CPT Inspector, PI Sim welcomes your contact.

Contact Us

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

🕾 101 – Non emergency 

🖱 Email - *****CPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk

🖱 Facebook – www.facebook.com/NorthEastPoliceDivision

🖱 Web – www.scotland.police.uk

🕾 999 – Emergency 

🕾 0800 555 111 - Crimestoppers