Making a real impact on crime

Crime rates in Edinburgh over the Christmas period dropped significantly as a result of a range of extra measures put in place to help residents and visitors safely enjoy the night-time festivities.

The Council, Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership, the Police and British Transport Police joined forces throughout December.

The partnership resulted in an overall drop in the crime rate of 16 per cent, when compared with averages for the same period over the last three years.

Youth calls also halved compared to the same period last year, while the number of serious assaults dropped by nearly half compared to the previous festive year.

A package of partnership measures was in operation in the city throughout the festive season, helping to combat alcohol-related disorder and bolster public reassurance through a highly visible presence.

Joint patrols took place between Police officers and Environmental Wardens.

This is the first year joint patrols at night were possible thanks to the introduction of night-time working for the Environmental Wardens.

As well as their core duties, the wardens assisted the operation by patrolling isolated areas and assisting with city centre dispersal.

The presence of transport marshals to patrol six key taxi ranks, alongside Lothian and Borders Police, in the city centre was also a welcome addition.

This scheme was introduced two years ago on a smaller scale but has proved so popular it has been extended and has been hailed by taxi drivers and the public alike as very helpful.

Need to know

For more information, visit www.saferedinburgh.org.uk