Fighting 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 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.

The teams are made up of experienced officers and are flexible in their working times to ensure that they are available when and where they can make the greatest impact.

These officers will also jointly patrol with other partners such as Environmental Wardens and Community Safety officers.

…so what are the West crime successes?

HIGH-visibility patrols are tackling the continuing problem of youths congregating and drinking within the green spaces and wooded areas of Corstorphine Hill and the surrounding area.

Large amounts of alcohol have been confiscated and ‘Making the Difference’ forms completed by the youngsters responsible.

A number of youths have been charged with various vandalism offences but this is still a problem area which the Police are continuing to tackle.

To do that, they called on the help of D.A.V.E (Dob A Vandal Edinburgh) – a new campaign in the area. A leaflet is being distributed throughout local schools with a view to achieving a positive effect and a reduction in vandalism.