Partners in cutting crime

21 January 2009

Crime rates across Edinburgh have fallen significantly only six months after the creation of Neighbourhood Action Units. Category 1-5 crimes, such as vandalism and acts of anti-social behaviour, have plummeted by almost 20%. Made up of 102 Council-funded Police officers, the new units have replaced Safer Communities Units and Youth Action Teams. NAUs provide a more targeted, intelligence-led approach to community policing and tackling anti-social behaviour. They tackle issues highlighted by local residents and, crucially, they work realigned shift patterns, meaning that, on Friday and Saturday nights when demand is highest, at least half of all those officers available will be on patrol. Lib Dem Councillor Paul Edie, who championed this new initiative, said the first six months of the new system had run smoothly. He said: “The reduction in crime that has been achieved over the first six months of this initiative bears testament to the work these teams and our colleagues across the city. There is no doubt that Edinburgh is a safer city because of their efforts.”