Joint action fights crime

As you can read in the main section of Outlook, the new locally-based Neighbourhood Action Units (NAUs) have reduced crime rates around the city.

The seven new units – made up of 102 Council-funded Police officers – replaced the Safer Communities Units and Youth Action Teams earlier this year.

Now, six months on, the new NAUs have contributed to almost a 20 per cent drop in crimes such as vandalism and violence.

The NAU is a Council/Police model that is receiving significant attention across the country.

They tackle the issues that are identified by local people as causing them the most concern.

…and the North successes?

Early this year the Scottish Government announced that £2 million in proceeds of crime money from criminals would be allocated to the Scottish Football Association to fund diversionary football projects.

The Council’s SFA football development officer David Sheldon bid for the cash and achieved commitment to run a Midnight Soccer League at Leith Academy.

The Leith Midnight Soccer League takes place on Friday evenings from 7.30-9pm at Leith Academy over ten-week periods.

So far, it has been very successful with more than 100 youths aged 12-16 taking part. There has been a notable reduction in complaints about youths.

• NAU officers have continued to monitor several youth issues in and around the Bonnington/Newhaven area in conjunction with the local community beat officer.

In conjunction with Port of Leith they have managed to resolve the offending behaviour of several youths.

• An officer works closely with the Polish Community at Swietlica drop-in centre. Issues are identified and addressed at an early stage leading to increased confidence within the community.
• Minor drug issues and antisocial behaviour among local youngsters resulted in joint warnings from Police and teachers to the offenders and their parents.