Agenda Document Pack - Police and Fire and Rescue Board - 18/11/2024
Midlothian Council · 18 November 2024
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Board — 18 November 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Notice of Meeting and Agenda Police and Fire and Rescue Board Venue: Council Chambers/Hybrid, Midlothian House, Dalkeith, EH22 1DN Date: Monday, 18 November 2024 Time: 11:00 Executive Director : Place Contact: Clerk Name: Democratic Services Clerk Telephone: Clerk Email: democratic.services@midlothian.gov.uk Further Information: This is a meeting which is open to members of the public. Privacy notice: Please note that this meeting may be recorded. The recording may be publicly available following the meeting. If you would like to know how Midlothian Council collects, uses and shares your personal information, please visit our website: www.midlothian.gov.uk Page 1 of 72
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1 Welcome, Introductions and Apologies 2 Order of Business Including notice of new business submitted as urgent for consideration at the end of the meeting. 3 Declaration of Interest Members should declare any financial and non-financial interests they have in the items of business for consideration, identifying the relevant agenda item and the nature of their interest. 4 Minute of Previous Meeting 4.1 Minute of meeting of 26 August 2024 submitted for approval 3 - 10 4.2 Action Log 11 - 12 5 Public Reports 5.1 Police Scotland Q2 Performance Report 2024/25 13 - 48 5.2 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Q2 Performance Report 2024/25 49 - 62 5.3 Protective Services Quarter 2 2024/25 Report 63 - 72 6 Private Reports No items for discussion 7 Date of Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 4 February 2025 at 2pm. Page 2 of 72
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Minute of Meeting Police and Fire and Rescue Board Monday 18 November 2024 Item No 4.1 Police and Fire and Rescue Board Date Time Venue Monday 26 August 2024 11.00am Council Chambers/Hybrid Present: Councillor McKenzie (Chair) Councillor Alexander Councillor Curran Councillor McEwan Councillor Smaill In Attendance: Midlothian Council Derek Oliver, Chief Officer Place Janet Ritchie Democratic Services Officer Hannah Forbes, Assistant Democratic Services Officer Police Scotland Jim Robertson, Chief Inspector Greg Banks, Superintendent Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Mark Landels, Group Commander Elliot Whitson, Station Commander for Prevention, Protection and Preparedness for Midlothian, East Lothian and Scottish Borders Page 3 of 72
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1. Welcome, Introductions and Apologies The Chair, Councillor McKenzie, welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Police and Fire and Rescue Board, advising that the meeting was open to the public and would be webcast live. Apologies were intimated on behalf of the local Senior Officer, Marc Pincombe, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. 2. Order of Business The order of business was amended with two reports previously included being removed and the agenda was re-issued as detailed below. 3. Declarations of interest No declarations of interest were intimated at this stage of the proceedings. 4. Minute of Previous Meeting 4.1 The Minute of the Meeting held on 27 May 2024 was submitted and moved as a correct record by Councillor Smaill, seconded by Councillor McEwan. Councillor Smaill in moving the minutes, highlighted an action on the Minutes with regards to the number of drugs taken off the market in the last 12 months. The Chief Inspector advised that they did not have those figures with them today but would pull the stats regarding this and send on to Members. 4.2 The Action Log was noted. 5. Public Reports Agenda No. Report Title Presented by: 5.1 & 5.2 Police Scotland Q4 Performance Report 2023/24 and Police Scotland Q1 Performance Report 2024/25 Jim Robertson Outline of report and summary of discussion Jim Robertson, Chief Inspector advised that the Q4 Performance Report had been submitted for information and that prior to presenting the Q1 Performance Report would pass over to the Chief Superintendent who was also in attendance at the meeting. Chief Superintendent Greg provided an update on the appointment of Divisional Commander and expressed thanks to Catriona Paton as Divisional Commander for 2½ years and looked forward to working with the Council. The Chief Inspector presented the Q1 Police Report for Midlothian and highlighted the changes to the crime categories agreed by the Scottish Crime Recording Board to improve consistency in reporting and as a result Police Scotland made changes as recommended. The Chief Inspector advised that they will now be reporting on 8 groups instead of 7 groups and that the that stats will be reported over a 5-year Page 4 of 72
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average, but today’s report was only on the last year and highlighted the salient points within the report. The Chair thanked the Chief Inspector and opened it up to questions. In responding to comments, the Chief Inspector confirmed that he would add St. Mary’s Primary School to the patrol matrix and passing attention will take place at the start and end of the schools day, the Chief Inspector also provided an update on the well-established MCAT operation that targeted motorcycles and anti-social behaviour and the success of this and confirmed that for Bonfire night there was an operation called Moonbeam and local plans are in place to support the fire rescue service as well as providing patrols in Midlothian, it was also highlighted that there had been no significant reports for last year and it was anticipated it would be the same this year. Further comments were made on the very good report and the positive trends in Midlothian over the last few years and a question was raised on the number of crimes per 10,000 and how this relates to Midlothian compared to the rest of Scotland, in responding the Chief Inspector advised that as various agencies use various reporting would take this offline and report back on the statistics. Also raised was the continued vandalism on the bus shelter at King’s Park and both the Chief Inspector and Chief Officer would investigate this further. In responding to various questions and comments the Chief Inspector provided an update on manned Police Stations, crimes related to drug abuse or alcohol, crimes in relation to school violence and XL bullies. With regards to violence and schools, it was confirmed that this had been reported previously and that a re-run of this detail would be submitted again to Elected Members. The Chief Inspector also advised that any concerns regarding XL bullies should be reported to dog wardens or RSCP and all these XL bullies should be registered and that the police are working with dog wardens regarding this. The Chief Officer also confirmed that there was ongoing liaison with the police and dog wardens to ensure the appropriate response is taken in terms of safety of colleagues and the community. Councillors also queried when investigating officers were leave how were incidents managed efficiently; electric scooters and the legislation; road safety and restricted parking at schools. The Chief Inspector advised that with regards to incidents every victim will be given a crime reference number, and any policer officer can provide an update or any officer’s line manager can provide an update even if they do not have a crime reference number this can still be checked on the system. With regards to electric scooters, it was confirmed that any electric scooter on the road must have a license, tax and must wear a helmet and provided an update on the work they are doing to identify individuals not complying to this. The Chief Inspector also advised on the use of AMPR and that various departments within Police Scotland use this daily and it was a very handy investigative tool if the cameras are there. The Chief Officer advised that with regards to AMPR there is a future paper coming to council on the role of our CCTV and also provided an update on the restrictions on parking around schools and that it is very much site specific and highlighted the issues around the drop off and pick up times and that a further report could be brought back on the work that has been done and what is being proposed in going forward. Page 5 of 72
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In response to a further comment with regards to AMPR, the Chief Officer noted the comments, and the Chief Superintendent advised it is not simply a reactive tool it is used in multiple policing investigations on a regular basis and was very much a proactive tool. The Chief Inspector in responding to further comments provided an update on how drugs are brought into the country and how this is addressed, rural roads and speeding and advised that this initiative was predominantly MCAT officers supported by community officers and with regards A6904 actions will be taken into the next forthcoming quarter, the Chief Officer also confirmed that there is a second phase of speed limit work which will be brought back to Council looking at whether these are maintained or reduced. Further comments were made with regards to signage at the Rosslynlee junction and it was noted and would be addressed in discussion with the Council. It was also confirmed that no objections had been received in connection to reduction in speed limits. With regards to voluntary redundancy the Chief Inspector confirmed he would provide the figures on numbers but reassured the committee that this was open to police staff and not applicable to police officers and there had been no reduction in police officers in Midlothian. In responding to further comments on this the Chief Superintendent provided a further clarification and an update on the ongoing review that is taking place. The Chief Inspector in responding to a comment regarding a police helicopter being used to retrieve a stray dog, confirmed that the dog was found and was not an XL bully and that the helicopter was not drawn in to look for a dog but was in the area therefore used to see if the dog could be spotted. The Chief Inspector provided an update on Travellers and the travellers liaison officers and the good engagement they have with the travellers daily, it was also noted that there is a statutory limit on how long they can remain in one place which they sometimes take to the limit before moving on. It was also highlighted that there is no designated area for travellers in Midlothian. The Chief Office advised that they do have an identified site for travellers which is in disrepair due to vandalism and that discussions are taking place with East Lothian on how to move forward with this. Decision The Board noted the update. Agenda No. Report Title Presented by: 5.3 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Q1 Performance Report 2023/24 Mark Landels Outline of report and summary of discussion Mark Landels, Group Commander introduced the report advising that this report was in a new format and would welcome any feedback on this format. The report provides information on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s prevention, protection, and operational response activities within Midlothian for Quarter 1 of 2024-25 (1 April – 30 June 2024) highlighting the salient points. Page 6 of 72
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The Group Commander during his presentation introduced Elliot Whitson, Station Commander for Prevention, Protection and Preparedness for Midlothian who provided details on Section 10 Prevention and Protection & Station Activities within Midlothian highlighting the salient points. The Chair thanked the Fire and Rescue Service for the report commenting positively on the new format and opened it up to questions. In responding to a question raised by the Chair with regards to non-domestic fires being only fires and not including dangerous chemicals the Group Commander confirmed that anything to do with dangerous chemicals would be covered under Special Services. The Chair then enquired as to how the Fire Service works collaboratively with other services and it was confirmed that the request would normally be made to the control room when a risk has been identified and it is treated as an emergency when they are required to attend. The Superintendent, Police Scotland also confirmed that there was clear communication and an exceptionally good efficient working partnership between the services. In responding to a question regarding fire prevention relating to license premises, the Station Commander advised that there is a team of fire safety officers and explained the process of inspections and audits which are carried out and that an enforcement officer will attend if there has been a fire a post audit will also be carried out. It was further confirmed that they work with the duty holders to ensure they are compliant with the legislation and with regards to equipment this depends on the premises and that the Framework documents are all set out is set out by the Scottish Government. It was further confirmed that the premises conduct their own risk assessment. The Group Commander in responding to a question regarding the home fire safety visits and the change in the format, provided an explanation how the targets are set by individual fire stations and the National targets and how this is managed if targets are not met. The Group Commander noted the comments made with regards to the targets and how these are met and will discuss and take into consideration for the next report. Regarding a question raised with regards to Bonfire Nigh, if was confirmed that the waste amnesty would continue this year, and bonfires would be monitored and any concerns raised with the Police ahead of bonfire night. It was also noted that incidents last year were extremely low in the Midlothian area and positive comments were made on the partnership working and how it was managed by all concerned. Comments were raised with regards to batteries and some of these coming from outside countries which may not be up to the required standards and if there was any control on this. The Group Commander confirmed that unfortunately they have no control on this and highlighted that there had been several serious domestic fires due to batteries being charged in the home and advised that they do provide home fire safety guidelines and continue to raise awareness on the dangers of goods from other countries which may not be up to British Standards. A question was raised with regards to water safety and the incidents that occurred, and the Group Commander confirmed he did not have a note of all incidents, but this can be looked at and brought back to the next meeting. The Station Page 7 of 72
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Commander advised that he was not aware of any incidents at Gladhouse Reservoir but that this will be raised at Penland Hills Safety Group which covers all the Reservoirs. The Chief Inspector advised that the Police were aware of one incident, but it was a medical incident, a cold-water shock and signage will be put up with regards to the dangers of cold-water shock and a Defibrillator Station. The Chair thanks the Fire and Rescue Service for the report and the Group Commander excused himself from the meeting due to another commitment. Decision The Board noted the update, the Group Commander to come back to the next Police Fire and Rescue Board with a note of all incidents in relation to water incidents. Action Mark Landels, Group Commander Agenda No. Report Title Presented by: 5.4 Protective Services Quarter 1 2024/25 Report The Chief Officer Place Outline of report and summary of discussion The Chief Officer Place introduced the Protective Services Quarter 1 report for 2024/25 and provided an update on the Protective Services functions which overlapped activities conducted by the Police and Fire and Rescue Services, highlighting the work which had been undertaken during Quarter 1. Comments were raised with regards to Liquor license and that the majority of these were renewals. The Chief Officer also explained the different legislation for different notices and the reasons why some of this is not in the public interest to issue and the reasons why this information would not be disclosed. It was also highlighted that there is a register of improvement notices which is in the public domain but with regards to health and safety issues relating to employees and workplace enforcement this would not be published. The Chief Officer in responding to a question with regards to fly-tipping and fixed penalty notices being public, advised that he would check on the fixed penalty notice route and report back, he further advised that if the fixed penalty goes to court this would not be in the public domain. In responding to a question regarding building standards and waste disposal advised that this would not go through building standards process but with regards size of the development this would come through planning and the waste would all be managed by the developer or landowner. Clarification was requested on a license being granted and a permit being granted and the engagement in the consultation process when a permit is granted under delegated powers. The Chief Officer advised that a license under civic government act would be subject to the procedures and protocols of the General Purposes committee and in terms of the alcohol and liquor licenses these would be under the Page 8 of 72
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procedures and protocols of the Licensing Board. The Chief Officer then provided an explanation on the number of different permits and the various routes would be dependent on the type of permit and some delegated to the Officer to undertake, however there may still be further partners involved. The Councillor further advised this was relating to a situation where a permit has been granted to an unlicensed family entertainment centre where the market traders have a license to trade why does it not need a license. The Chief Officer in responding provided a brief explanation on how this may have happened but as planning enforcement is involved further discussion must take place offline. The Chair thanked everyone for their time and the meeting closed. Decision The Board noted the update, the Chief Officer to report back to on the fixed penalty notice route. Action Chief Officer, Place 6. Private Reports No private items for discussion 7. Date of Next Meeting The next meeting would be held on Monday 18 November 2024 at 11.00am. The meeting terminated at 13.00 pm Page 9 of 72
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Police and Fire and Rescue Board Action Log No Date of Meeting Item No and Title Action Action Owner Expected completion date Comments 1 27/08/2024 4.1 Minutes of 27 May 2024 The Chief Inspector to provide an update on the number of drugs taken off the market in the last 12 months and send on to Members. . Jim Robertson (Police Scotland) November 2024 2 26 August 2024 5.2 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Q1 Performance Report 2023/24 The Group Commander to come back to the next Police Fire and Rescue Board with a note of all incidents in relation to water incidents. Mark Landels (Fire and Rescue Service) November 2024 3 26 August 2024 5.3 Protective Services The chief officer to report back on the fixed penalty notice. Chief Officer Place November 2024 Police and Fire and Rescue Board Monday 18 November 2024 Item No 4.2 Page 11 of 72
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OFFICIAL 1 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian Area Command The Lothians and Scottish Borders Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel Quarter 2 – 2024/2025 The data provided in this report is for information purposes only and is not official crime statistics. This report has been generated to allow Partnership Members to conduct their scrutiny responsibilities. Due to delayed reporting or recording of crimes, incidents or road accidents and the management of crime enquiries, there is likely to be differences between the information in this report and the final Police Scotland statistics. It would not be appropriate to refer to, quote or use any data in this report as official statistics. Police and Fire and Rescue Board Monday 18 November 2024 Item No 5.1 Page 13 of 72
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OFFICIAL 2 | P a g e OFFICIAL Our Vision Sustained excellence in service and protection. Our Purpose To improve the safety and wellbeing of people, places and communities in Scotland. Our Values Integrity, Fairness and Respect. Page 14 of 72
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OFFICIAL 3 | P a g e OFFICIAL Contents of Report Lothian and Scottish Borders Division Policing Priorities 4 Introduction 5 Performance Summary Report 6 Executive Summary 7-8 Protecting the most vulnerable people Missing Persons 9 Domestic Abuse Incidents 10 Racially Aggravated Conduct 11 Crime (Group 2) 12-13 Drugs supply, Production & Cultivation 14 Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour Crimes of Violence (Group 1) 15 Reducing Anti-Social Behaviour 16 Reducing Acquisitive Crime Dishonesty (Group 3) 17 Housebreaking 18 Improving Road Safety Road Safety 19-20 Tackling Serious & Organised Crime Tackling Serious & Organised Crime 21 Complaints About the Police 22 Midlothian CAT team – Q2 Update 23-29 Appendix Lothian and Scottish Borders Divisional Crime Overview 30-32 Midlothian Crime Overview 33-35 Page 15 of 72
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OFFICIAL 4 | P a g e OFFICIAL Lothian and Scottish Borders Division Policing Priorities Page 16 of 72
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OFFICIAL 5 | P a g e OFFICIAL Introduction Crimes and offences are grouped under recognised categories for statistical purposes. The Scottish Government defines these categories, as follows; Group 1 – Non Sexual Crimes of Violence Group 2 – Sexual Crimes Group 3 – Crimes of Dishonesty Group 4 – Damage and Reckless Behaviour Group 5 – Crimes against Society Group 6 – Antisocial Offences Group 7 – Miscellaneous Offences Group 8 – Road Traffic offences Police Scotland publishes management information on an annual and quarterly basis by local authority and police division, as well as at a national level. These reports are produced to demonstrate Police Scotland’s commitment to transparency. Police Scotland publishes all of these reports on the ‘Our Performance’ section of the Police Scotland website. The reports can be accessed here: http://www.scotland.police.uk/about-us/our-performance/ The Midlothian Policing Plan uses the following Police performance indicators, and these have been mirrored in the Scrutiny Report to maintain parity of understanding: 1. Protecting the most vulnerable people 2. Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour 3. Reducing acquisitive Crime 4. Improving road safety 5. Tackling Serious and Organised Crime All figures quoted in this report are for the period April 2024 to September 2024 and are compared against the same reporting period from the previous year. Where figures are quoted on rate per 10,000 population, these are based on Midlothian’s population of 94,680 in 2021 (Scottish Government figures, published April 2021). Page 17 of 72
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OFFICIAL 6 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian Performance Summary rimes of ishonesty oad asual es . ero atali es ll ousebrea in . andalism . . ru Supply Serious ssault . Page 18 of 72
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OFFICIAL 7 | P a g e OFFICIAL Executive Summary Missing Person During Q2 2024/25 21 Adults, 4 Cared for Adults, 37 Children and 5 Care Experienced Young Persons were reported as missing. Domestic Abuse By the end of Q2 2024/25 there were 623 incidents reported, an increase of 3.7% on the 5 Year Average. The number of reported Domestic Abuse crimes recoded (205 reports) is -13.9% fewer than the 5 year average of 238 reports. The percentage of domestic incidents that resulted in a crime report being submitted 32.9% represents a -6.7% decrease on the 5 year average. Hate Crime The 9 Hate Incidents recorded during Q2 2024/25 represent a -30.8% reduction compared to the 5 year average. During same period there have been 55 Hate Crimes recorded representing a 19.6% increase on the 5 year average. The Detection Rate for Hate Crimes at the end of Q2 2024/25 is 63.6%. Sexual Crimes During Q2 2024/25, reports of Rape / Attempted Rape rose by 147% compared to the 5 year average, and the Detection Rate is 53.2%. Reports of Sexual Assault during Q2 2024/25 are -3.9% below the 5 year average, and the detection rate is 56.4%. Q2 2024/25 reports of all Group 2 Sexual Crime within Midlothian had increased by 43.5% to 157 reports against a 5 year average of 109.4 reports. Drugs Supply, Production and Cultivation During Q2 2024/25 there were 17 Supply of Drugs offences recorded, with a detection rate of 111.8.%. During Q2 2024/25 there were 102 Possession of Drugs offences recorded with a detection rate of 109%, representing a -36.6% reduction on the 5 year average. Crimes Of Violence During Q2 2024/25 there were 23 serious assaults within Midlothian which represents a -2.5% reduction on the 5 year average with a detection rate of 82.6%. There were 9 reported Robberies in Midlothian and the detection rate is 66.7%. There were 432 recorded Common Assaults in Midlothian and the detection rate is 66.4%. There were 39 assaults on Emergency Workers. Reducing Anti-Social Behaviour There were 361 ASB incidents reported to Police, reflecting a -11% reduction in this crime type compared to the five year average. A total of 301 Vandalism type offences were recorded, representing a -7.9% reduction compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate is 30.2%. A total of 32 Fire-raising type offences were recorded, representing a 37.9% increase compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate is 43.8%. Dishonesty A total of 979 overall Group 3 crimes (including housebreaking crimes) have been recorded within Midlothian. This figure represents 107 more or 12.3% increase compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate is 32.4%. Page 19 of 72
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OFFICIAL 8 | P a g e OFFICIAL Housebreaking A total of 26 reports of Theft Housebreaking to Non Dwellings were recorded with a detection rate of 26.9%. A total of 17 reports of Theft Housebreaking to Businesses were recorded with a detection rate of 70.6%. Road Safety There have been 3 more casualties (Fatal, Serious, and Minor) recorded within Midlothian than the previous Q2 2023/24 return. This represents a 6.25% increase in the total number of casualties on Midlothian roads casualties on Midlothian roads, however this increase is attributable to an increase in reported Minor injuries alone. There have been zero fatalities within Midlothian during Q2 2024/25. Tackling Serious Organised Crime Continued efforts to disrupt organised crime groups by targeting drugs supply offences, gathering intelligence and generating enforcement opportunities. Page 20 of 72
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OFFICIAL 9 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Missing Persons The Lothians & Scottish Borders (J) Division and the communities of Midlothian recognise that protecting people, particularly those considered vulnerable, is a policing priority. Within the remit of protecting people is the work and investigations carried out to trace people who are reported missing. Adult Cared For Adult Child Care Experienced Child Q2 2023/24 26 7 20 12 Q2 2024/25 21 4 37 5 Change -5 -3 +17 -7 During Q2 2024/25 21 Adults, 4 Cared for Adults, 37 Children and 5 Care Experienced Young Persons were reported as missing. We continue to work with partners to support individuals where a risk is identified. In total there were 17 reports made to police during Q2 compared to the previous Q1 2023/2024 period, which is a trend observed annually reflecting the school summer holiday period and optimal summer weather. As previously highlighted these types of enquiries often place significant resource and financial pressure on Local Policing resilience. I would stress that the number and type of police resources deployed to a locate a person reported as ‘missin ’ varies on a report by report basis and accordin to any Threat, is or arm posed. Recognising the vulnerability associated with missing people, particularly those that are young or suffering from mental health challenges, Police Scotland has adopted a rigorous investigation structure and management approach to incidents involving missing people. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Adult Cared For Adult Child Care Experienced Child Midlothian Missing Persons 2023/24 2024/25 Page 21 of 72
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OFFICIAL 10 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Domestic Abuse Incidents 5 year average Q2 2024/25 % Change from 5 year average Number of Domestic Abuse Incidents 601 623 3.7% Total Crimes and offences in domestic abuse incidents 238 205 -13.9% Percentage of Domestic Incidents that result in a crime 39.6 32.9 -6.7% Total crimes and offences detection rate 193 245 26.9% Total Detections for Domestic Bail Offences 30 32 6.7% Domestic Abuse is a priority for Police Scotland and for all Midlothian Officers. By the end of Q2 2024/25 there were 623 incidents reported, an increase of 3.7% on the 5 Year Average. The number of reported Domestic Abuse crimes recoded (205 reports) is -13.9% fewer than the 5 year average of 238 reports. The percentage of domestic incidents that resulted in a crime report being submitted 32.9% represents a -6.7% decrease on the 5 year average. This statistic documents a continued sureness to contact Police at an early stage in disagreements which ultimately do not result in criminality. This trend supports the assumption of increased confidence in seeking support from police and third-party services. Midlothian Police remain committed to targeting violence against women and girls, demonstrated by a detection rate for domestic crimes and offences during Q2 2024/25 of 26.9%. The Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit continue to pro-actively target domestic abuse perpetrators through various investigative tools. This includes wider pro-active investigations into historical perpetrator abuse through identification of previous partners and offending and multi-agency partnership working to address and mitigate risk to vulnerable victims and their families throughout all our communities. Later this month Midlothian Police will be participatin in the ‘16 Days of Activism to end Violence Against Women and Girls in East Lothian and Midlothian’. s part of this campai n police will be support the Calendar of Events to spotlight awareness. Page 22 of 72
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OFFICIAL 11 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Hate Crime Midlothian 5 year average Q2 2024/25 % change from 5 year average Hate Incidents 13 9 -30.8% Hate Crimes 46 55 19.6 Hate Crime Detection Rate 63 63.6 0.6% Please note that in respect of recorded Hate Crimes, this section references; • Criminal Law Consolidation 1995 S50a(1)(B)&(5)Cause Distress & Alarm • Racially Aggravated Harassment (Criminal Law (Consolidation) (S) Act 1995 S50a(1)(A)) Racist Conduct • Hate Crime and Public order (Scotland) Act 2021 Official Hate Crime statistics include all crime types which have a Hate Crime aggravator added to the crime. The aggravators are Disability, Race, Religion, Sexual Orientation and Transgender Identity with further aggravators of Age and Variations in Sex Characteristics under the new legislation. Due to the new Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 coming into effect on the 1st of April 2024, a new training package has been developed to include the new legislation. This training package has now been offered to all current third-party reporting centres. • The 9 Hate Incidents recorded during Q2 2024/25 represent a -30.8% reduction compared to the 5 year average. • During same period there have been 55 Hate Crimes recorded representing a 19.6% increase on the 5 year average. • The Detection Rate for Hate Crimes at the end of Q2 2024/25 is 63.6%, which is marginally up on the 5 year average, but also represents a 7% improvement of the Q1 rate of 56.6%. Midlothian Police continue to work with partners to encourage the reporting of Hate Crimes. All crimes are reviewed by the Community Policing Inspector to ensure all investigative opportunities are identified and progressed. Hate has no place in society and Midlothian police will actively pursue offenders and report criminality where evidence supports this. Page 23 of 72
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OFFICIAL 12 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Sexual Crimes (Group 2) Crime Type 5 year average Q2 2024/25 % Change from 5 yr average % Detection Group 2 109.4 157 43.5% 49.7% Rape/Attempt rape 19 47 147% 53.2% Sexual Assault 40.6 39 -3.9% 56.4% Other Group 2 crimes 8.4 17 102.4% 41.2% Tackling serious criminality is a top priority for Midlothian officers. We focus on rape and sexual crime to build public confidence in reporting During Q2 2024/25, reports of rape / attempted rape rose by 147% compared to the 5 year average. Due to the sensitive nature of these crimes, we do not comment on specific incidents. Many cases are linked to domestic abuse and as previously highlighted, the majority of reports in Midlothian are ‘historical’ in nature ranging back to 1994. The significant increase in reports supports the assumption of increased confidence in seeking support from police and third-party services. All investigations into rape and attempted rape are overseen by a Detective Inspector, ensuring thorough inquiries that are carefully scrutinised through peer review to maintain high standards of investigation. The Q2 2024/25 Detection Rate for Rape / Attempt Rape is 53.2%. Reports of Sexual Assault during Q2 2024/25 are -3.9% below the 5 year average, and the detection rate is 56.4%. By the end of Q2 2024/25 reports of all Group 2 Sexual Crime within Midlothian had increased by 43.5% to 157 reports against a 5 year average of 109.4 reports. On Monday 28th October 2024, Police Scotland's new ‘T T GUY’ sexual crime prevention campai n launched targeting men aged between 18 – 35 years, encouraging men to intervene and to stop a friend potentially committing a sexual offence. The latest campaign launches at a time when reports of sexual crime continue to increase nationally. Between 1 April 2024 and end of September 2024 (quarters 1 and 2, 2024 – 25), 1,400 rapes were reported to Police Scotland nationally, an increase of 19.5 per cent on the same period in 2023-24. Nearly 7,600 sexual crimes were reported in total, an increase of 3.2 per cent on the same period in 2023-24. Of those, nearly one quarter were reports of non-recent offences (1,829). This increased reporting indicates increased confidence in victims coming forward, as police work with partners, to improve our response to reports of sexual crimes, which have a devastating impact on victims. Page 24 of 72
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OFFICIAL 13 | P a g e OFFICIAL Our message is clear: Women and girls should be able to live their lives free from all forms of violence, abuse, harassment and exploitation. We want to prevent sexual crime, by tackling behaviours that demean, minimise and brutalise women. Prevention sits with all of us, but men need to take responsibility for their behaviour and stop sexual offending before it starts and the latest THAT GUY campaign continues the theme of supporting men to reflect on their own, their friends and relatives, behaviour towards women. The campaign includes a new podcast series featuring five episodes of frank conversations about the attitudes and behaviours that puts women at risk of sexual violence and men at risk of offending by exploring topics like football, social media, and relationships, signposting how guys can make a positive difference by speaking up and stepping in. The podcast series will be available on the ‘That Guy’ YouTube channel and Spotify. Links to both sites are as follows https://youtube.com/@thatguyscotland7342?feature=shared and https://open.spotify.com/show/0etMfCVLCKdYIzXNjYelz5 In November Police Scotland is supportin ‘Project earless’ facilitate free online trainin webinars raisin awareness of Sextortion which is a form of online blackmail. Criminals threaten to share nude or semi-nude photo raphs of their victim (often to the victim’s personal contacts on social media) if money is not paid or if the victim does not comply with some other harmful demand. This short training session is for adults who work with young people in Scotland and will explore: • what sextortion is • ways to prevent and spot the signs of sextortion • what young people should do if they become a victim of sextortion • Fearless' national sextortion campaign and what resources are available to equip young people with more information about the crime These free 1 hour long training sessions are taking place on Wednesday 20th November 2024 (1800-1900 hours) and Thursday 21st November 2024 (1300-1400 hours) and tickets can be booked via the following hyperlink: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fearless-scotland-raising-awareness-of-sextortion-tickets- 1053144787409 Page 25 of 72
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OFFICIAL 14 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Drug Supply, Production & Cultivation Drugs Supply 5 year average Q2 2024/25 % Change from 5 yr average % Detection Drugs Supply (including possession with intent) 21.2 17 -19.8% 111.8% Police continue to focus on those who bring harm to our communities, and particularly those who are involved in drugs supply, cultivation/production and the sale of Class A (such Heroin or Cocaine) and Class C (such Valium or Xanax) drugs, as it has been identified that these have led to an increase in drug related deaths. We recognise the national Drugs Deaths statistics in Scotland and are committed to targeting drug dealers, whilst working in partnership along with the Midlothian and East Lothian Drugs Partnership (MELDAP). During Q2 2024/25 there were 17 Supply of Drugs offences recorded, with a detection rate of 111.8.%, representing the number of outstanding enquiries from previous quarters that have now undertaken forensic analysis and have been subsequently solved. During Q2 2024/25 there were 102 Possession of Drugs offences recorded with a detection rate of 109%, representing a -36.6% reduction on the 5 year average. House searches under warrant have continued and have been successful in recovering drugs, cash and weapons. A number of reports have been submitted and details are contained within the circulated monthly reports. These searches do rely on a steady flow of intelligence from the community, as well as proactivity by the M T’s and wider policin teams. MCAT officers continue to utilise stop and search powers where appropriate to conduct searches on individuals for controlled substances, weapons, and stolen property. Warrant applications for properties are regularly submitted based on intelligence gathered with several warrants executed by MCAT during the quarter, resulting in significant seizures of varying classes of drugs, including cannabis cultivations with 246 plants with an estimated value of £120,000 recovered. A further £40,000 in cash and silver was also seized from another property linked to the supply of controlled substances. Police continue to develop drugs intelligence from the local community. Drugs enforcement requires information from sources to build a picture and fill in the pieces of the jigsaw. We rely upon community intelligence, and encourage reporting direct to police by phone, online, in person, via remote reporting sites and / or anonymously through Crimestoppers (0800 555111). Page 26 of 72
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OFFICIAL 15 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour Crimes of Violence (Group 1) Crime Type 5 year average Q2 2024/25 % Change from 5 yr average Q2 2024/25 Detection Rate Group 1 524.2 561 7% 67.9% Serious Assault 23.6 23 -2.5% 82.6% Robbery 9.8 9 -8.2% 66.7% Common Assault 405.8 432 6.5% 66.4% Please note that with the introduction of Changes to Recorded Crime Groups, Common Assault is now included within Group 1, where previously this was not, resulting in anticipated increase in YTD data compared to LYTD. Reducing violence and the impact on our communities is a priority for The Police Service of Scotland and within Midlothian we work with partners to reduce the circumstances that can lead to violence while endeavouring to identify and arrest perpetrators as swiftly as possible. All Serious Assaults and Robberies are investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department and solvency for these offences remains high within Midlothian. During Q2 2024/25 there were 23 serious assaults within Midlothian which represents a -2.5% reduction on the 5 year average. The detection rate is 82.6%, which is a 15.9% increase on the Q1 detection rate and remains considerably above the wider Divisional detection rate of 76.9%. During Q2 2024/25 there were 9 reported Robberies in Midlothian, this is a -8.2% reduction on the 5 year average. The detection rate is 66.7%, which is a 16.7% increase on the Q1 detection rate. During Q2 2024/25 there were 432 recorded Common Assaults in Midlothian presenting an 6.5% increase on the 5 Year average (26 more). The detection rate is 66.4% and remains well above the wider Divisional detection rate of 58.3%. There were 39 assaults on Emergency Workers during Q2 2024/25 reflecting a 3.7% increase on the 5 year average. I remind that any assault on an Emergency Worker is unacceptable, it is clear that aggressive or threatening behaviour or verbal abuse against Police Scotland or other Emergency Services personnel is simply not part of their duties. Page 27 of 72
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OFFICIAL 16 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour Reducing Antisocial Behaviour Indicator 5 year average Q2 2024/25 % Change from 5 year average Q2 2024/25 Detection Rate Antisocial Behaviour Incidents 405.8 361 -11% Vandalism (Including Malicious Mischief) 326.8 301 -7.9% 30.2% Fire-raising 23.2 32 37.9% 43.8% S38 CJ&L(S) A 2010 365.6 311 -14.9% 73% We continue to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour in its various forms with our partners. Police, CLLE and voluntary partners, have continued high-visibility patrols in ASB hotspots to deter any youth disorder, whilst providing reassurance to local businesses. Throughout Q2 2024/25, there were 361 ASB incidents reported to Police, reflecting a -11% reduction in this crime type within Midlothian compared to the five year average. During Q2 2024/25 a total of 301 Vandalism type offences were recorded, representing a -7.9% reduction compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate is 30.2%. During Q2 2024/25 a total of 32 Fire-raising type offences were recorded, representing a 37.9% increase compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate is 43.8%, and remains considerably above the wider Divisional detection rate of 26.5% During Q3 2023/24 a total of 311 Breach of Peace type offences were recorded, representing a -14.9% reduction compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate is 73%. urin the school summer holiday period, M T officers participated in ‘Operation RAC’ a ivision wide initiative to address shoplifting and youth based anti-social behaviour via high visibility foot and vehicle patrols in Straiton retail park and Dalkeith town centre. Frequent patrols were similarly completed in communities located within near vicinity to a number of pop- up traveller encampments in the Gorebridge and Dalkeith areas, engaging with those individuals camping at these sites whilst providing reassurance the local community, and supporting Local Authority Partners. Following incidents of anti-social behaviour in Dalkeith Town Centre and surrounding park lands, MCAT deployed in varying ways to identify and tackle this issue. As a result, a number of youths have been reported for various offences. Page 28 of 72
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OFFICIAL 17 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Acquisitive Crime Dishonesty (group 3) Crime Type 5 year average Q2 2024/25 % Change from 5 year average Q2 2024/25 Detection Rate Total Group 3 872 979 12.3% 32.4% Given the wide range of ‘Acquisitive Crimes’ this priority is covered in 2 sections within this report: • Dishonesty (covered in this section) • Housebreaking (covered in next section) Dealing with Acquisitive Crime to protect people by reducing the impacts of theft on individuals and communities remains a priority. During Q2 2024/25, a total of 979 overall Group 3 crimes (including housebreaking crimes) have been recorded within Midlothian. This figure represents 107 more or 12.3% increase compared to the 5 year average. During Q2 2024/25 the detection rate was 32.4% and remains above the wider Divisional detection rate of 28.6%. Common Theft and Theft by Shoplifting remain the volume crimes under the Dishonesty heading, accounting for 587 out of the 979 crimes of dishonesty for Q2. Fraud, in particular online crimes, and attempts to obtain money via phone scams remains an ongoing issue, with reported incidents 23.9% above the 5 year average. We continue to push out preventative messages both locally and in support of national campaigns in an effort to continue to reduce the number of victims. Page 29 of 72
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OFFICIAL 18 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Acquisitive Crime Housebreaking Crime Type* 5 year average Q2 2024/25 % Change from 5 year average Q2 2024/25 Detection Rate Dwelling HB 37.8 37 -2.1% 56.8% Non Dwelling (Sheds, garages) HB 40.6 26 -36% 26.9% Other (Business) HB 27.6 17 -38.4% 70.6% *All crime types include attempt thefts. During Q2 2024/25, a total of 37 reports of Theft Housebreaking (including attempts) were recorded. This figure represents a -2.1% reduction on the 5 year average. Recognising the harm and concern Housebreaking generates within communities throughout Midlothian, Midlothian Police are committed to targeting those responsible for carrying out this crime. Similar to our approach to Domestic Violence, during Q2 2024/25 I have maintained a dedicated Midlothian Housebreaking Investigation Team with a detection rate of 56.8%, which compares positively to the wider Divisional detection rate of 34.8%. During Q2 2024/25, a total of 26 reports of Theft Housebreaking to No Dwellings were recorded. This figure represents a -36% reduction on the 5 year average. The detection rate is 26.9% compared to the wider detection rate of 12.9%. During Q2 2024/25, a total of 17 reports of Theft Housebreaking to Businesses were recorded. This figure represents a significant -38.4% reduction on the 5 year average. The detection rate is 70.6% compared to the wider detection rate of 27.1%. MCAT officers continue to Prevent / Deter / Disrupt further Serious & Organised Crime activity with daily bail checks, tasked patrolling and dedicated operations at weekends. As Summer and Autumn progressed through Q2, we reminded residents to secure their homes and vehicles during holiday periods. Using social media messaging to highlight the importance of home security, ensuring that locks on windows and doors are functional, storing valuables out of sight, consider installing outdoor lights, high-quality CCTV, and monitored alarm systems. By promoting these safety measures, we aim to help residents protect their properties and valuables. Page 30 of 72
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OFFICIAL 19 | P a g e OFFICIAL Improving road safety Road Casualties Q2 2023/24 Q2 2024/25 % Change Fatal 1 0 -100% Serious 21 15 -29% Slight 26 36 38% Total 48 51 6.25% Children (aged<16) Killed 0 0 - Children (aged<16) Seriously Injured 0 0 - Road Traffic Offences 5 year average Q2 2024/25 % Change from 5 year average Dangerous driving offences 29 35 20.7% Driving carelessly 62 60 -3.2% Speeding offences 23.2 50 115.5% Unlawful use of a motor vehicle 254.8 293 15% Seat Belt offences 11.4 38 233% Mobile Phone offences 19.4 46 137.1% Driving under the influence 60.6 74 22.1% Throughout Q2 2024/25 there have been 3 more casualties (Fatal, Serious, and Minor) recorded within Midlothian than the previous Q2 2023/24 return. This represents a 6.25% increase in the total number of casualties on Midlothian roads, however this increase is attributable to an increase in reported Minor injuries alone. I am pleased to report that there have been zero fatalities within Midlothian during the 2024/25 FY, representin a 00 improvement on last year’s Q report. During Q2 2024/25, there have been 15 people Seriously Injured, reflecting a -29% decrease (6 fewer incidents) on same period last year. Page 31 of 72
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OFFICIAL 20 | P a g e OFFICIAL During Q2 2024/25 the number of Children Seriously Injured was zero. Recognising the concerning increase throughout Scotland in fatalities involving motorcyclists, Midlothian Community Action and Local Policing Teams supported specialist Road Policing operations seeking to engage and remind motorcyclists to ride within their limitations and not take unnecessary risks. These deployments proved tremendously successful with positive engagement and high visibility the key aim. During Q2 MCAT officers continued to conduct high visibility patrols regarding off-road motorbikes as well as carrying out proactive vehicle stops on a regular basis. 7 fixed penalty notices for No MOT were issues as a result of these stops. Static Road Checks have also been carried out across all wards throughout the quarter and reported back to Community Councils. Due to complaints from local communities, Speed Gun Checks were completed in Newlandrig and Dewarton. 20 vehicles were stopped and provided with corrective advice regarding their driving with further checks planned. A Safe Cycle initiative was conducted by MCAT, using special Constables to boost resources. Cycle paths and public roads were the area of focus, and the initiative led to positive engagement with families/bike riders/other road users and resulted in the seizure of a stolen motorbike. Page 32 of 72
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OFFICIAL 21 | P a g e OFFICIAL Tackling Serious & Organised Crime Tackling Serious & Organised Crime Representation. The UK National Threat Level is SUBSTANTIAL: an attack is likely. On Wednesday, 9 February 2022, the Home Secretary announced that the UK’s Terrorist Threat Level has been lowered from Severe to Substantial. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: “At this time there is nothing to suggest that there is any specific threat to Scotland. However, I would remind the people of Scotland that they should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Police Scotland.” Midlothian continue to wor closely with partner a encies to actively tar et “ ounty Lines” nominals that use Midlothian as a base to distribute drugs throughout our community. Our Counter Terrorism officers recently circulated Staying safe during a weapons of firearms attack on Stay Safe – Weapons and firearms attack | ProtectUK which is sent regularly via Mult Agency and WLC Contest Groups. Page 33 of 72
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OFFICIAL 22 | P a g e OFFICIAL Complaints Executive Summary Total Complaint Cases Received Total Number of Allegations Received YTD LYTD % CHANGE YTD LYTD % CHANGE 49 50 -2.0% 74 92 -19.6% The breakdown above details the total number of Complaints about the Police, received in relation to the Midlothian area command as at 30th September. The breakdown below provides further detail on the Allegation Category and Type. As can be seen there has been a -2% decrease in the overall number of Complaints about the Police when comparing LYTD and YTD. Area Allegation Category and Type LYTD YTD % change Midlothian Council On Duty - TOTAL 43 52 -17.3% Assault 3 3 0.0% Discriminatory Behaviour 1 2 -50.0% Excessive Force 5 2 150.0% Incivility 9 8 12.5% Irregularity in Procedure 15 34 -55.9% Neglect of Duty 5 0 x Other – Criminal 3 1 200.0% Other - Non Criminal 1 1 0.0% Traffic Irregularity/Offence 1 1 0.0% Quality Of Service - TOTAL 31 40 -22.5% Policy/Procedure 7 7 0.0% Service Delivery 8 13 -38.5% Service Outcome 16 20 -20.0% More than ever the Police are responding to people in crisis. Currently under 20% of calls made to Police Scotland result in a crime being recorded; our traditional role has been replaced with a significant increase in needin to respond to ‘ oncern or Person’ calls. Police therefore need the s ills and confidence to practically engage and communicate with people in states of heightened distress. Recognising this trend Police Scotland recently introduced new ‘ ct on’t eact’ trainin . This is a tailored program of training underpinned by behavioural science research that teaches us to understand how and why we react to certain situations, how to recognise this and how to intervene to regain control of our behaviour. We will learn how to engage and communicate with members of the public and colleagues, so that all of our interactions can reach their best outcome in order to keep everyone safe and increase trust in Policing. Page 34 of 72
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OFFICIAL 23 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian CAT team – Q2 Update Activities • High Visibility Patrolling: the provision of community support and reassurance by undertaking high visibility vehicle, foot and cycle patrols focusing on identified antisocial behaviour issues. Throughout Q2 MCAT officers have continued to carry out mobile, foot and quadbike patrols around the Midlothian area with a view to proactively identifying offences and reducing antisocial behaviour. Particular focus has been directed towards youth disorder. Q2 incorporated school holidays and as such MCAT made specific efforts to maintain a presence in those areas traditionally associated with youth disorder. Direct engagement with youths at these sites has been made wherever possible to prevent and deter antisocial behavior. Op RAC is currently underway with MCAT assisting alongside other community officers in carrying out high visibility foot and vehicle patrols in Straiton retail park and Dalkeith town center specifically targeting shoplifting and youth antisocial behavior. Regular patrols were also carried out in the vicinity of the traveler encampments in Gorebridge and Dalkeith to engage with those individuals residing within and provide a presence in order to reassure the local community. Following incidents of anti-social behavior in Dalkeith Town Centre and surrounding park lands, MCAT deployed in varying ways to identify and tackle this issue. Charges were brought against several youths for various offenses and reports submitted to the relevant justice department. MCAT continue to provide reassurance to our minority groups in the area also, regularly visiting and carrying out hi vis patrols of local mosques and displaced persons accommodation. Following a high-profile incident in Dalkeith, MCAT officers deployed for two weeks to provide high visibility reassurance to the public. • Recidivist Offenders: intelligence led focus on individuals known to engage in antisocial behaviour, drugs use/supply and persistent alcohol abuse, with specific attention being given to persons subject to ASBOs and judicial bails (including curfews). During Q2 MDA and GE search warrants were executed at several addresses throughout the county. This resulted in significant seizures of varying classes of drugs, including cannabis cultivations with 246 plants with an estimated value of £120,000 recovered. £40000 in cash and silver was also seized from another property linked to the supply of controlled substances. Page 35 of 72
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OFFICIAL 24 | P a g e OFFICIAL Another two warrants were executed in respect of MDA offences and Stolen Property. 7.6g of Cannabis, two offensive weapons and supply related items were recovered from an address. MCAT assisted in the execution of a Stolen Property warrant in E Division following a robbery at Straition Pond, Midlothian. Stolen property was recovered, and two individuals arrested by MCAT officers. Proactive stop and search activities yielded 16 further positive drug recoveries of Class A and B substances. The overall value of drugs recoveries in Q2 totaled: Class B: £120,215 Class A: £60 Q2 saw MCAT officers progress varying leads of intel. Craving and executing warrants in relation to this intel is a fundamental part of M T’s role and Q saw reat success in relation to warrant executions. MCAT maintained a strong focus on those individuals with warrants in Q2 and 32 Live warrants were successfully dealt with presenting the individuals at court. A number of nominals remain on G4s monitored electronic tag. MCAT liaise with G4S in the monitoring of these individuals and submit reports in relation to any breaches identified. Bail checks continued with a total of 68 compliant checks made and 2 failures resulting in the offenders being reported accordingly for breaching bail curfew. MCAT were involved in an intelligence led vehicle stop of traveling Broxburn football fans for a Scottish Cup tie at Dalkeith Thistle. This stop resulted in the seizure of pyrotechnics and x13 wraps of cocaine. Bail Curfew Check COMPLIANT 68 Bail Curfew Check FAILED 22 Arrest on warrant 32 Search Person MDA Positive 16 Search Person MDA Negative 25 Search Property MDA Positive 16 Search Property MDA Negative 5 Search Weapons Positive 1 Search Weapons Negative 0 Page 36 of 72
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OFFICIAL 25 | P a g e OFFICIAL Search Stolen Property Positive 0 Search Stolen Property Negative 0 • Youth Engagement: actively engage with youths and foster a positive image of the police and their local communities. Act as primary first responders to youth calls, disrupt antisocial behaviour and enforce appropriate legislation firmly but fairly. Maximise alcohol seizures. Engage with partners and CBO colleagues to identify appropriate support and diversionary activities. During Q2, MCAT attended 58 youth incidents across Midlothian. This is an increase on the previous quarter and coincides with the school holidays. Antisocial behavior amongst youths in general has remained at a similar level, however those groups involved are noted to frequently contain the same individuals. Engagement has was undertaken with parents and in cases when crimes have been identified VPDs have been submitted as appropriate. The resumption of the school year saw MCAT engagement with the schools these individuals attend, to educate and engage with the youths involved. MCAT deployed in plain clothes as a way of tackling specific problem areas and as a result, 10 alcohol seizures were made with over 23 litres of alcohol taken from youths, including wines and spirits. This type of pro- active approach to youth anti-social behavior often prevents further incidents being reported. MCAT continue to listen to our community feedback and dispersal of youths from hot spots continued through Q2, which was well received by local business and homeowners. Youth Calls Attended 58 Alcohol Seizures 10 Children At Risk VPDs Submitted 3 • Licensed Premises: monitor licensed premises activity and act as first responders to antisocial behavior related incidents whenever possible. Midlothian Licensed premises continued to be monitored by MCAT officers with random visits conducted throughout Q2. No issues were identified in licenses premises during the month of July. All issues identified in relation to cooperation with Police has been dealt with by way of the relevant engagement with our licensing department. Page 37 of 72
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OFFICIAL 26 | P a g e OFFICIAL There is an intel picture around drug misuse and MCAT regularly deploy in the vicinity, carrying out pro- active stop and searches. MCAT also carry out plain clothes patrols in relation to this to further enhance the drugs picture in Midlothian. Most license premise checks took place at weekends, with licensees being spoken with and the ensuring of appropriate staffing and measures being taken to run without issue. LP Visit Public House 19 LP Visit Off Sales 6 • Support Partners & Colleagues: engage with community partners to work together towards the vision and promote joint patrolling. Support divisional colleagues by acting as first responders to antisocial behaviour related incidents that are occurring in real time whenever possible. Instigate and contribute to operations and initiatives linked to the core vision. ollowin reports of “ultras” settin of pyrotechnics at a football match in west Lothian M T officers deployed at the Dalkeith Thistle vs Edinburgh City football match. Positive engagement undertaken with the youths involved, as well as with the club officials and fans. Following the match officers maintained a presence within the area, escorting the youths from the area and immediately quelling the beginnings of antisocial behavior. One youth was identified as being in possession of a flare and charged accordingly. Officers have attended at several incidents at the request of SAS and SFRS personnel, providing support and protection where required. In relation to the increase in fire raisings MCAT has begun drawing up an operation to address these and will be further liaising with SFRS throughout. As always, when MCAT are on duty, they are the first responders to all anti-social behavior calls in Midlothian. This alleviates pressure on response policing and allows MCAT to build a picture of who/when/where issues are arising. From these, pro-active patrols play a significant role in tackling issues before they arise. Q2 saw impressive results in relation to dealing with issues before they developed into more significant problems. During Q2 there was opportunity to link in with partners at a local Gala Days/Fair whereby MCAT attended with quads, providing demonstrations, and engaging positively with the public and alongside partner agencies, including SFRS & SAS. MCAT continued throughout Q2 to deploy on quad bikes, engaging with local farmers, conducting initiatives in relation to rural crime. Joint Activity NHS/SAS 0 Joint Activity Local Council 0 Page 38 of 72
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OFFICIAL 27 | P a g e OFFICIAL Joint Activity SFRS 1 Joint Activity Public Event 2 • Road Safety: tackle antisocial vehicle use, giving specific attention to inconsiderate vehicle use on the Midlothian road network and the illegal use of off-road motorcycles. Maximise the appropriate use of ASBO warnings and vehicle seizures. In Q2 MCAT officers continued to conduct high visibility patrols regarding off-road motorbikes as well as carrying out proactive vehicle stops on a regular basis. 7 fixed penalty notices for No MOT were issues as a result of these stops. Static Road Checks have also been carried out across all wards throughout the quarter. Due to complaints from locals, Speed Gun Checks were conducted in Newlandrig and Dewarton. 20 vehicles were stopped and provided with corrective advice regarding their driving with further checks planned. In Q2 two separate Motorcycle Road Safety initiatives were led by Midlothian Police and conducted by MCAT and Roads Policing, also incorporating resources from the Scottish Borders. This was a tremendous success with positive engagement and high visibility the key aim. A Safe Cycle initiative was conducted by MCAT, using special Constables to boost resources. Cycle paths and public roads were the area of focus, and the initiative led to positive engagement with families/bike riders/other road users and resulted in the seizure of a stolen motorbike. Q2 saw three vehicle seizures made for vehicles with no insurance, one arrest for drink driving and two arrests for drug driving, as well as one vehicle issued with an ASBO warning. Due to complaints from locals and direct requests from council officials, Speed Gun Checks were conducted across several wards. A multitude of vehicles were stopped and provided with corrective advice regarding their driving with further checks planned. Static Road Checks 18 Fixed Penalty Tickets (RTA only) 7 Section 165 Seizures 3 Breath Tests Negative (pass) 4 Breath Tests Positive (fail) 1 S5A Drug Wipe Negative (pass) 1 S5A Drug Wipe Positive (fail) 2 Page 39 of 72
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OFFICIAL 28 | P a g e OFFICIAL ASBO Seizures 1 • Other Incidents and Arrests of Note Officers assisted with large scale enquiry into multiple thefts of clothing from Salvation Army donation bins perpetrated by suspected organised crime group. 5 donation bins have been identified and a further 9 potentially linked to this. Enquiry also identified an unrelated suspect for a similar offence. Operation RAC has been implemented in the Straiton Retail Park and Dalkeith town centre areas with a view to targeting shoplifting and youth antisocial behaviour. MCAT officers are assisting and supplementing this Operation with further proactive patrols, both high visibility and covert. Following incidents of violence towards minority groups in England, MCAT reached out to and provided reassurance to our Muslim/displaced person community, liaising and patrolling around their places of worship regularly. MCAT carried out regular patrols/engagement with large groups of travellers across several sites in Midlothian. Liaising with relevant departments in the council led to their eviction from every site. Q2 saw MCAT take on several roll-up enquiries relating to acquisitive crime. MCAT solved a spate of vehicle break-ins with high value theft of tools reported. All tools were returned to their respective owners and the suspect identified for crimes across several towns in Scotland. Following an incident whereby a well-known suspect committed several crimes in Midlothian, including crashing his vehicle into a house, MCAT carried out extensive enquiries in to tracing him. This resulted in the male being arrested several weeks after the incident and more crimes he’d committed bein solved upon his arrest. • Planned Activity MCAT officers are currently working on developing several intelligence targets with a view to requesting and executing search warrants. These are in relation to drugs supply throughout the county and will be critical in disrupting the activities of multiple individuals known to be involved in criminality. Pedestrian and cycle zone exclusion enforcement – MCAT will be continuing to enforce these exclusion zones with regular road checks conducted. Plain clothes patrols are planned for Q3 in Midlothian to further deter and tackle youth antisocial behavior. Further static road checks and speed gun checks are planned for Q3 to tackle issues raised in the local community and combat winter drink driving. In Q3, MCAT are planning an operation involving air support to tackle the use of off-road motorbikes across the entire county. This will see the deployment of Drones, dog handlers and uniformed/non uniformed officers. Page 40 of 72
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OFFICIAL 29 | P a g e OFFICIAL MCAT have an operation planned to tackle football hooligans suspected of traveling to Bonnyrigg for an upcoming fixture against Bonnyrigg Rose. This is intelligence led and MCAT are prepared for several eventualities to stop the issue. Page 41 of 72
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OFFICIAL 30 | P a g e OFFICIAL Appendix Lothian and Scottish Borders Divisional Crime Overview Lothian and Scottish Borders Division 5 Year Average 2024/25 Q2 % Change against 5 year average Detection Rates 2024/25 GROUP 1: NON-SEXUAL CRIMES OF VIOLENCE 2,958.4 3,232 9.2 62.0 Murder (excluding culpable homicide at common law) 1.6 1 -37.5 200.0 Culpable homicide (at common law) - - 0.0 - Culpable Homicide (other) 1.8 8 344.4 100.0 Attempted Murder 10.4 8 -23.1 137.5 Serious Assault (of an emergency worker) - 1 0.0 100.0 Serious Assault (Incl. FGM, culpable & reckless conduct – causing injury) 143.2 134 -6.4 76.9 Common Assault (of an emergency worker) 226.6 237 4.6 99.2 Common Assault 2,284.8 2,465 7.9 58.3 Robbery (including assault with intent to rob) 48.8 59 20.9 67.8 Domestic Abuse (of male) 1.6 6 275.0 33.3 Domestic Abuse (of female) 59.8 119 99.0 65.5 Stalking 49.6 54 8.9 63.0 Cruel & Unnatural treatment of children 36.0 44 22.2 93.2 Threats and extortion 70.4 79 12.2 7.6 Other group 1 crimes 23.8 17 -28.6 35.3 GROUP 2: SEXUAL CRIMES 597.8 723 20.9 55.6 Rape 104.6 175 67.3 49.1 Attempted Rape 5.0 17 240.0 17.6 Sexual assault 222.4 212 -4.7 62.7 Crimes associated with prostitution 0.4 1 150.0 100.0 Indecent photos of children 32.2 54 67.7 90.7 Communicating indecently 55.2 49 -11.2 71.4 Causing to view sexual activity or images 89.6 105 17.2 47.6 Threatening or Disclosure of intimate image 41.4 43 3.9 27.9 Other Group 2 crimes 47.0 67 42.6 49.3 GROUP 3: CRIMES OF DISHONESTY 4,195.8 4,413 5.2 28.6 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - dwelling house 183.2 158 -13.8 34.8 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - non dwelling 125.8 85 -32.4 12.9 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - other premises 139.0 129 -7.2 27.1 Opening Lockfast Places - Motor Vehicle 94.8 103 8.6 11.7 Theft of a motor vehicle 208.0 230 10.6 37.8 Theft from a Motor Vehicle (Insecure etc.) 204.2 169 -17.2 20.7 Attempt theft of motor vehicle 18.4 24 30.4 20.8 Opening Lockfast Places - NOT Motor Vehicle 62.2 61 -1.9 14.8 Common theft 1,175.8 987 -16.1 18.2 Theft by shoplifting 1,092.4 1,636 49.8 39.5 Fraud 596.6 617 3.4 15.2 Page 42 of 72
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OFFICIAL 31 | P a g e OFFICIAL Other Group 3 Crimes 295.4 214 -27.6 42.5 GROUP 4: DAMAGE AND RECKLESS BEHAVIOUR 2,042.0 1,932 -5.4 28.8 Fireraising 134.2 151 12.5 26.5 Vandalism (including reckless damage etc) 1,778.2 1,659 -6.7 26.8 Reckless conduct (with firearms) 2.6 1 -61.5 100.0 Culpable and reckless conduct (not with firearms) 120.4 113 -6.1 61.1 Other Group 4 Crimes 6.6 8 21.2 37.5 GROUP 5: CRIMES AGAINST SOCIETY 2,152.2 2,150 -0.1 94.3 Possession firearm/offensive weapon/knife in prison (not used in crime) 8.4 11 31.0 81.8 Possession offensive weapon/knife in school (not used in crime) 3.8 5 31.6 80.0 Possession offensive weapon/knife in a private place (not used in crime) 2.4 19 691.7 94.7 Possession of a corrosive substance (not used in crime) - - 0.0 - Other possession of offensive weapon/knife (not used in crime) 160.8 138 -14.2 88.4 Possession firearm/offensive weapon/knife in prison (used in criminal activity) 3.2 3 -6.3 66.7 Possession offensive weapon/knife in school (used in criminal activity) 1.4 2 42.9 100.0 Possession offensive weapon/knife in a private place (used in criminal activity) 1.0 2 100.0 250.0 Possession of corrosive substance (used in criminal activity) - - 0.0 - Other possession of offensive weapon/knife NEC (used in criminal activity) 128.4 212 65.1 67.9 Production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs 28.4 21 -26.1 81.0 Supply of drugs (incl possession with intent) 96.2 107 11.2 93.5 Bringing drugs into prison 10.8 46 325.9 28.3 Other drugs offences (incl. importation) 7.6 12 57.9 108.3 Possession of drugs 817.6 569 -30.4 108.8 Offences relating to serious and organised crime 3.6 10 177.8 90.0 Bail offences (other than absconding) 486.4 535 10.0 95.1 Other crimes against public justice 385.0 449 16.6 96.4 Other crimes against society 7.2 9 25.0 100.0 GROUP 6: ANTISOCIAL OFFENCES 2,137.4 2,120 -0.8 73.8 Breach of the Peace 58.2 82 40.9 95.1 Threatening & abusive behaviour 1,906.0 1,873 -1.7 71.0 Hate aggravated conduct (incl stirring up hatred) 64.6 79 22.3 91.1 Drunk and incapable 17.6 9 -48.9 100.0 Consume alcohol in designated place (local byelaws) 18.0 18 0.0 100.0 Other alcohol related offences 19.4 23 18.6 100.0 Urinating 53.6 36 -32.8 97.2 GROUP 7: MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES 659.0 666 1.1 60.5 Wildlife offences 25.0 18 -28.0 38.9 Page 43 of 72
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OFFICIAL 32 | P a g e OFFICIAL Offences involved animals (not wildlife) 63.6 49 -23.0 55.1 Community and public order offences 437.4 514 17.5 57.2 Environmental offences 19.2 9 -53.1 88.9 Licensing offences 64.4 46 -28.6 87.0 Other misc. offences 49.4 30 -39.3 90.0 GROUP 8: ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENCES 3,753.2 3,774 0.6 80.9 Dangerous driving offences 138.6 131 -5.5 73.3 Driving carelessly 335.2 300 -10.5 84.0 Driving under the influence 279.4 313 12.0 103.2 Speeding offences 282.0 103 -63.5 100.0 Seatbelt offences 77.8 81 4.1 100.0 Mobile phone offences 89.6 89 -0.7 100.0 Unlawful use of a motor vehicle 1,418.8 1,200 -15.4 98.1 Vehicle defect offences 113.2 203 79.3 99.5 Drivers neglect of traffic directions (NOT pedestrian crossings) 167.0 341 104.2 90.6 Road traffic offences (involving bicycle/tricycle) 4.6 3 -34.8 66.7 Other Group 8 offences 847.0 1,010 19.2 41.5 Page 44 of 72
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OFFICIAL 33 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian Recorded Crime Overview Midlothian 5 Year Average 2024/25 Q2 % change against 5 year average % Detection Rates 2024/25 GROUP 1: NON SEXUAL CRIMES OF VIOLENCE 524.2 561 7.0 67.9 Murder (excluding culpable homicide at common law) 0.2 -100.0 Culpable homicide (at common law) Culpable Homicide (other) 0.2 -100.0 Attempted Murder 0.6 1 66.7 100 Serious Assault (of an emergency worker) 0.0 Serious Assault (Incl. FGM, culpable & reckless conduct – causing injury) 23.6 23 -2.5 82.6 Common Assault (of an emergency worker) 37.6 39 3.7 97.4 Common Assault 405.8 432 6.5 66.4 Robbery (including assault with intent to rob) 9.8 9 -8.2 66.7 Domestic Abuse (of male) 1.0 1 0.0 100 Domestic Abuse (of female) 10.0 24 140.0 75 Stalking 7.2 10 38.9 50 Cruel & Unnatural treatment of children 11.8 5 -57.6 80 Threats and extortion 12.6 13 3.2 Other group 1 crimes 3.8 4 5.3 50 GROUP 2: SEXUAL CRIMES 109.4 157 43.5 49.7 Rape 19.0 47 147.4 53.2 Attempted Rape 0.2 2 900.0 Sexual assault 40.6 39 -3.9 56.4 Crimes associated with prostitution 0.2 -100.0 80 Indecent photos of children 7.4 10 35.1 Communicating indecently 10.4 10 -3.8 30 Causing to view sexual activity or images 15.2 20 31.6 45 Threatening or Disclosure of intimate image 8.0 12 50.0 33.3 Other Group 2 crimes 8.4 17 102.4 41.2 GROUP 3: CRIMES OF DISHONESTY 872.0 979 12.3 32.4 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - dwelling house 37.8 37 -2.1 56.8 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - non dwelling 40.6 26 -36.0 26.9 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - other premises 27.6 17 -38.4 70.6 Opening Lockfast Places - Motor Vehicle 13.2 17 28.8 23.5 Theft of a motor vehicle 43.2 47 8.8 34 Theft from a Motor Vehicle (Insecure etc.) 30.6 39 27.5 30.8 Attempt theft of motor vehicle 1.8 4 122.2 25 Opening Lockfast Places - NOT Motor Vehicle 12.0 6 -50.0 50 Common theft 206.0 203 -1.5 18.2 Theft by shoplifting 290.2 384 32.3 39.1 Page 45 of 72
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OFFICIAL 34 | P a g e OFFICIAL Fraud 110.6 137 23.9 20.4 Other Group 3 Crimes 58.4 62 6.2 41.9 GROUP 4: DAMAGE AND RECKLESS BEHAVIOUR 376.8 357 -5.3 33.1 Fireraising 23.2 32 37.9 43.8 Vandalism (including reckless damage etc) 326.8 301 -7.9 30.2 Reckless conduct (with firearms) 0.0 Culpable and reckless conduct (not with firearms) 24.8 20 -19.4 60 Other Group 4 Crimes 2.0 4 100.0 25 GROUP 5: CRIMES AGAINST SOCIETY 416.8 404 -3.1 97.3 Possession firearm/offensive weapon/knife in prison (not used in crime) 0.2 -100.0 Possession offensive weapon/knife in school (not used in crime) 1.6 4 150.0 75 Possession offensive weapon/knife in a private place (not used in crime) 0.8 4 400.0 50 Possession of a corrosive substance (not used in crime) 0.0 Other possession of offensive weapon/knife (not used in crime) 27.0 16 -40.7 93.8 Possession firearm/offensive weapon/knife in prison (used in criminal activity) 0.2 -100.0 Possession offensive weapon/knife in school (used in criminal activity) 2 0.0 100 Possession offensive weapon/knife in a private place (used in criminal activity) 0.4 -100.0 Possession of corrosive substance (used in criminal activity) 0.0 Other possession of offensive weapon/knife NEC (used in criminal activity) 18.4 33 79.3 84.8 Production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs 4.2 1 -76.2 Supply of drugs (incl possession with intent) 21.2 17 -19.8 111.8 Bringing drugs into prison 0.0 Other drugs offences (incl. importation) 0.4 6 1400.0 116.7 Possession of drugs 160.8 102 -36.6 109.8 Offences relating to serious and organised crime 0.8 4 400.0 100 Bail offences (other than absconding) 107.0 130 21.5 93.8 Other crimes against public justice 73.4 80 9.0 93.8 Other crimes against society 0.4 5 1150.0 80 GROUP 6: ANTISOCIAL OFFENCES 405.8 361 -11.0 75.9 Breach of the Peace 12.4 14 12.9 92.9 Threatening & abusive behaviour 365.6 311 -14.9 73 Hate aggravated conduct (incl stirring up hatred) 7.8 12 53.8 83.3 Drunk and incapable 2.2 2 -9.1 100 Consume alcohol in designated place (local bye-laws) 6.2 4 -35.5 100 Other alcohol related offences 4.0 8 100.0 100 Urinating 7.6 10 31.6 100 Page 46 of 72
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OFFICIAL 35 | P a g e OFFICIAL GROUP 7: MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES 124.0 119 -4.0 59.7 Wildlife offences 2.6 1 -61.5 Offences involved animals (not wildlife) 12.0 10 -16.7 80 Community and public order offences 87.8 98 11.6 54.1 Environmental offences 6.0 1 -83.3 100 Licensing offences 14.2 7 -50.7 100 Other misc. offences 1.4 2 42.9 100 GROUP 8: ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENCES 693.6 893 28.7 81.6 Dangerous driving offences 29.0 35 20.7 62.9 Driving carelessly 62.0 60 -3.2 86.7 Driving under the influence 60.6 74 22.1 104.1 Speeding offences 23.2 50 115.5 100 Seatbelt offences 11.4 38 233.3 100 Mobile phone offences 19.4 46 137.1 100 Unlawful use of a motor vehicle 254.8 293 15.0 95.2 Vehicle defect offences 25.6 54 110.9 100 Drivers neglect of traffic directions (NOT pedestrian crossings) 21.4 21 -1.9 95.2 Road traffic offences (involving bicycle/tricycle) 0.8 1 25.0 100 Other Group 8 offences 185.4 221 19.2 40.7 Page 47 of 72
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Midlothian Quarter 2 Performance Report 1st July – 30th September 2024 Police and Fire and Rescue Board Monday 18 November 2024 Item No 5.2 Page 49 of 72
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Midlothian Quarter 2 Performance Report Table of Contents 1 Midlothian Total Incidents Page 3 2 Deliberate Fires Page 4 3 Accidental Fires Page 5 4 Dwelling Fires Page 6 5 Non-Domestic Fires Page 7 6 Fire Casualties Page 8 7 Special Services Page 9 8 Unintentional Injury or Harm Page 9 9 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Page 10 10 Engagement & Station Activities Page 11 About the statistics within this report The activity totals and other statistics quoted within this report are published in the interests of transparency and openness. They are provisional in nature and subject to change because of ongoing quality assurance and review. Because all statistics quoted are provisional there may be a difference in the period totals quoted in our reports after local publication which result from revisions or additions to the data in our systems. The Scottish Government publishes official statistics each year which allow for comparisons to be made over longer periods of time. Page 50 of 72
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1. Midlothian: Total Incidents ▪ During the second quarter of 2024/25 SFRS responded to a total of 237 incidents in the Midlothian locality. This is a decrease from the 2023/24 Q2 total of 265 which can largely be attributed to our UFAS reduction policy. Type of Incident 2023/24 Q2 2024/25 Q2 Difference Fire 130 85 -45 Special Service 34 48 +14 False Alarms 101 104 +3 Q2 of 2024/25 saw an overall reduction of 11% in incidents attended in the Midlothian compared to last year’s Q2 total. Page 51 of 72
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▪ The figure of 57 Deliberate Fires in Q2 2024/25 shows a decrease of 31% from the same period last year. ▪ Patterns and trends are identified through our collaborative work with partner agencies and our community safety engagement activities in the area. ▪ Data is interrogated and where an increase in incidents in a particular area is identified, our Community Action Team engage with partners and local stakeholders to deliver bespoke education and engagement events. 2. Deliberate Fires Page 52 of 72
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▪ The figure of 28 accidental fires for Q2 2024/25 has seen a decrease of 19 incidents from the previous year’s figures. This is the lowest number of accidental fires attended in the preceding 5 years, during this quarter. ▪ SFRS implement a Post Domestic Incident Response (PDIR) procedure at each incident within a domestic property, where we provide Home Fire Safety Advice and if required, install linked smoke detection in eligible properties – those being owner occupied and high- risk, in compliance with the new Scottish Government Legislation. 3. Accidental Fires Page 53 of 72
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4.Dwelling Fires • There were 13 Dwelling fires in Q2 of 2024/25. This is unchanged from the same period of reporting from 23/24. • As of February 2022, it is a legislative requirement for every home to have interlinked fire alarms. This enhancement in fire detection within the home will hopefully see a downward trend over time. • A referral system through partnership working allows for Home Fire Safety Visits to be generated via local authorities, occupational therapists, NHS, energy companies etc. This further provides opportunities for crews and our dedicated Community Action Team to educate occupiers about fire safety in the home. Page 54 of 72
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5. Non-Domestic Fires • We attended 5 less incidents of this nature compared to the same quarter last year. Operational crews and Fire Safety Enforcement teams engage with stakeholders and communities where possible to reduce fire incidents within these premises. • If operational crews identify concerns in relevant premises during operational turnouts these are referred to our Fire Safety Enforcement team for further investigation. • Our Fire Safety Enforcement teams conduct regular audits in non-domestic premises covered under the Fire Scotland 2005 Act to improve fire safety in these buildings. They also conduct Post Fire Audits in relevant premises to investigate if fire safety was adhered to in line with legislative requirements. Page 55 of 72
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6. Fire Casualties • There was 1 fire casualty in total, which was a result of a dwelling fire. This casualty received treatment for burns and smoke inhalation. • Partner case studies are conducted when serious injury/fatality occurs due to fire. This provides a framework to establish each agencies involvement (if any) prior to the incident and enables shared learning moving forward. • Any moderate to serious injuries incurred at domestic fires are investigated by our Fire Investigation team. Findings that can be attributed to poor fire safety within the home are used to inform a period of community engagement where our operational crews, Community Action Team and partner agencies provide vital education and reassurance within our local communities. Page 56 of 72
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7. Special Service Incidents • During the Q2 period, SFRS attended 48 special service incidents this is an increase of 14 from the same reporting period of 23/24, with the majority involving effecting entry to properties. (24), which has also seen an increase of 9 from Q2 23/24. Page 57 of 72
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8.Unintentional Injury or Harm • There were a total of 13 Special Service Casualties for Midlothian in Q2. 7 were from incidents involving vehicles, with 4 incidents attended assisting other agencies which sadly involved 4 fatalities. • Our Operational crews and Community Action Team identify those most vulnerable during HFSV’s and trigger our social care referral policy. This aims to put in place measures to reduce risk of harm at home out with fire safety. • Our road and water safety campaigns/initiatives look to inform and educate the public about good practice on roads and in water as well as highlighting the dangers associated. Page 58 of 72
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9.Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals • The figure of 29 for Q2 2024/25 shows a small decrease of UFAS incidents from the same period last year. The changes to our Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) response from 1st July 2023 has seen a significant reduction in the number of False Alarm incidents attended by our operational crews. This allows us to focus on core activities such as training and community safety engagement. Page 59 of 72
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10. Prevention and Protection & Station Activities Youth Engagement The Community Action Team carried out the following actions in relation to youth engagement over the Q2 reporting period: • Engaged with High Schools within the locality to carry out fire setters’ interventions. • Worked alongside Rural & Urban Training Scheme (RUTS) to offer 2 x Fireskills days and safety talks, covering fire & road safety. • Delivered a 1-day Fireskills course to young people from the Y2K summer youth club. • Attended and assisted to deliver S6 Anthony Nolan Trust Donor event at Lasswade High School. • Twice attended Croft St Hub delivering Water safety, road safety & Anti-social behaviour inputs to students expelled from mainstream schools. • Liaised with primary & secondary Schools for inputs on Road safety/Bonfire & firework safety. Summer/Autumn Thematic Action Plan The Summer Thematic action plan closed, and the Autumn TAP launched during Q2 with the following aims: • Reduce Fire Related Anti-Social Behaviour • Reduce the number of Fires involving Refuse/Rubbish • Reduce Accidents & Injuries arising from outdoor fires • Reduce the number of unsafe Bonfires and support partnership working regarding refuse/rubbish/fly tipping referrals/uplifts • Support Compliance with firework legislation • Support Safety of operational personnel (reported acts of violence) • Reduce the number of outdoor fires • Reduce the number of fires in derelict buildings Engagement 107 Home Fire Safety Visits were conducted in the Midlothian in Q2, targeting high risk occupiers providing fire safety advice in the home. The Community Action Team has conducted various engagement activities such as leaflet Drops, fire skills courses, anti-social behaviour engagement, partner risk recognition courses and school engagement. Make The Call Campaign Page 60 of 72
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The Service’s Make the Call campaign is tasking families, friends, and carers to make a ten-minute phone call to book a free Home Fire Safety Visit to help save a life. Intelligence gathered from fire investigations has shown that people over the age of 50, who smoke and either have mobility issues, live alone, or use medical oxygen, are more likely to be injured or killed by a fire in the home. However, communities can put firefighters and SFRS specialists in touch with anyone they thinks is vulnerable by making a ten-minute phone call, sending a single text or by filling out an online form with the person’s consent. ▪ Our Make the Call campaign is appealing to communities across Scotland to help save a life and consider home fire safety when checking in on vulnerable neighbours, patients, friends and family members and to put them in touch with SFRS wherever possible using the free Home Fire Safety Visit phoneline. Page 61 of 72
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Licensing Protective Services - Police and Fire Board Quarter 2 report Other civic licences applied for during Q2: Liquor Licensing Applications -101 granted Public Entertainment Licences - 2 granted Window Cleaner Licences -3 granted Tattoo Licences - 4 granted Street Trader Licences - 9 granted Second Hand Car Dealer Licence - 1 granted Private Hire Car Driver Licences - 56 granted Vehicle Licences - 28 granted 122 101 106 180 106 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of Liquor Licence applications received 116 100 141 102 158 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of Civic Government Licence applications 65% 76% 92% 95% 67% Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Percentage of Civic Government Licence applications determined 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Percentage of Civic Government Act applications referred to the General Purposes Committee 95% of liquor licence applications were determined this quarter. Police and Fire and Rescue Board Monday 18 November 2024 Item No 5.3 ; Page 63 of 72
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2 1 0 0 0 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of Business Workplace Health and Safety proactive inspections 1 1 0 0 1 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of Business Workplace Health and Safety Improvement notices served 0 0 1 0 0 Q2… Q3… Q4… Q1… Q2… Number of Business Workplace Health and Safety Prohibition notices served Workplace Health and Safety 12 22 9 10 6 Q2… Q3… Q4… Q1… Q2… Number of workplace safety RIDDOR reports received No RIDDOR related visits took place to investigate business workplace health and safety incidents this quarter. Page 64 of 72
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25 8 0 2 25 1 3 1 2 9 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of Private water supplies sampled inspected 36 48 35 66 35 3 4 7 18 7 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of Abandoned Vehicles reported notices served 3 3 6 4 2 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of Abandoned Vehicles which have been removed for destruction Public Health 38 32 42 43 35 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of Planning Application consultations received 290 Public Health Service requests were received from Midlothian residents and businesses this quarter. 96% of Public Health complaints received a first response within timescales this quarter. 62 Public Health Service requests were received from internal sources this quarter. 1 Environmental Protection Abatement 1990 Notice was served this quarter. 22 short term let Licences issued this quarter. 8 short term let Applications received this quarter. Page 65 of 72
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Civil Contingencies and events Multi-agency Exercises, Training, Presentations and Work streams: Team Members Participated in the following. Where appropriate to their areas of work, invitations were extended to colleagues in other services and partners: • Debrief for the multi-agency Exercise Puma (Torness related exercise) held in June 2024. • Supporting School Business Managers in the development of their School Incident Plans, in collaboration with Police Scotland colleagues. • Familiarisation training exercise using Airwave handsets (held by Police Scotland for partner use in emergencies). These short sessions are organised by the Scottish resilience community on a regular basis throughout the year. • Several national presentations relating to Prevent (extremism). Team Members undertook/facilitated: • Monitoring and circulation of information and liaison with services regarding the Public Switched Telephone Network switch-off (in conjunction with Digital Services). • Monitoring and circulation of information on Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill). • In collaboration with the Cyber Security Information Governance and Compliance Manager and colleagues from the Scottish Government Cyber Coordination Centre, a bespoke session with strategic level officers and members of the Communications Team. This was arranged to look more closely at the communication requirements in a cyber- attack. • In collaboration with Business Services (Operational Support) working to upload an updated Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) module on our e-learning platform. Currently at the testing phase. ACT is a UK-wide product. Note: The service review for the Health, Safety and Resilience Team Service, which includes Contingency Planning, is still in progress. Progress in some areas has been delayed by the main annual leave period. Plans and Procedures: Plans and Procedures updated this quarter: • Midlothian Pipelines Emergency Plan (required under the Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996). • Emergency Contacts Directory (reflecting staff changes) • Provision of Business Continuity guidance notes to service managers. Plan updates/procedures in progress: • Midlothian Council Emergency Plan (generic). This document outlines internal emergency management arrangements and multi-agency partnership relationships. • Operation UNICORN (and associated arrangements). Scottish Government have advised that national planning arrangements are underway, and we will tie in with those. Meantime, we have the basics in place, based on previous experience. • Corporate Business Continuity (BC) Plan. An update to the Corporate Business Continuity Policy was provided to Corporate Management Team members in Q4 23/24. However, learning from a Cyber Security event facilitated by Scottish Government in June 2024 and September 2024 and the experiences of other organisations will be incorporated into an expanded document, which will also link in with the work being done by Digital Services on the technical response to a cyber-attack. • Draft action plan in relation to the revised Prevent Duty Guidance to measure our compliance. (In support of the Prevent SPOC.) • Support to the Executive PA Place with the Festive Period Service Arrangements document. Page 66 of 72
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Public events Ongoing, routine representation at/participation in: • Local Resilience Partnership meetings – core group, sub-groups and Short Life Working Groups as required. • Lothian and Borders CONTEST group meetings representing the Midlothian CONTEST and Prevent SPOC. • Internal meetings requiring a Contingency Planning input, including Care for People, Estates Management Safety Groups, internal CONTEST Group (and providing on- going support to the Midlothian SPOC), support for Business Continuity activities • Local Authority Resilience Group Scotland (LARGS) - networking meetings of resilience practitioners, general resilience support to colleagues as required. Ongoing monitoring of events and/or live incidents – disseminating information internally and liaison with external organisations as required. To note: Following attendance at meetings, seminars, presentations, training sessions, a summary of all pertinent information is forwarded to senior manager(s) and other colleagues as appropriate. Invitations are also forwarded where the subject might be of direct interest to other services/partners. 15 7 8 15 7 Q2… Q3… Q4… Q1… Q2… Number of organisations engaged with the Safety Advisory Group or similar Although over 30 event organisers received direction/advice, only 7 events were brought to Safety Advisory Group meetings during Q2, including two open air festivals at Vogrie Park and the 3 planned upcoming public Fireworks Displays. One Royal visit was facilitated in Q2, and support was also provided to Dalkeith Thistle FC (and the BBC) in relation to a recent (televised) Scottish Cup tie. Page 67 of 72
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0 0 0 0 0 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of Food Hygiene Improvement notices served 2 0 3 1 3 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of Food Law Remedial Action notices served 85 50 76 42 69 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of Food Law interventions carried out (food hygiene and food standards) Food Hygiene and Standards 86% 100% 100% 33% 82% Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Percentage of priority 1 and 2 premises receiving completed food law interventions in line with the Service Plan 23 14 33 52 8 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of Food/non-food samples taken 42 Food law service requests were received from Midlothian residents and businesses this quarter. (Includes food safety and food standards). 86% of food related service requests from Midlothian residents and businesses were responded to within the target response time of 10 working days this quarter (Includes food safety and food standards). Page 68 of 72
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56 44 50 46 48 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of consumer complaints received by Trading Standards 29 32 39 38 36 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of intelligence logs input to Intelligence Database (IDB) 0 1 2 1 1 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of cases reported to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Trading Standards 7 9 3 12 4 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of business advice requests received by Trading Standards Trading Standards Campaigns/Joint working/Initiative details: On the 9th and 30th of September, Trading Standards were to join Police in an Integrity Testing exercise. This has now been held over to the 1st of October. The plan is for an adult volunteer under the age of 25 to visit up to 41 shops to see if vapes and alcohol are sold without checking their age. The volunteer will be provided by Community Alcohol Partnerships. Traders who don’t check age will later be advised of their responsibility to verify age if customers appear under 25. 96% of Consumer complaints were responded to within 5 working days this quarter. 84% of Consumer complaints were completed within 14 days this quarter. 100% of Business advice requests were responded to within 5 working days this quarter. 100% of Business advice requests were completed within 14 days this quarter. Develop and implement a Trusted Trader Scheme: The scheme has been approved. It is anticipated it will be implemented in 2024/25. Page 69 of 72
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Trading Standards 16.5% 20.5% 11.0% 9.0% 10.0% Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Percentage of businesses registered for tobacco/vapes in Midlothian visited 0.0% 1.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Percentage of businesses registered for tobacco/vapes in Midlothian where a test purchase was carried out 23.9% 26.8% 27.5% 20.0% 16.6% Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Percentage of planned inspections achieved in line with the Service Plan (cumulative) 39 Trading Standards Primary Inspections were carried out this quarter. 8 farms and smallholdings for animal health and welfare were visited this quarter. 5 2 1 1 3 Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Number of interventions carried out regarding tobacco and nicotine containing products A total of 136 premises are believed to be registered and selling tobacco and/or vapes at 01/04/24. 2 were visited this quarter. Page 70 of 72
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Parking – Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) served Q2 23/24 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 01 - Parked in a restricted street during the prescribed hours 191 236 193 165 162 01CO - Parked in a restricted street during the prescribed hours 27 31 32 23 30 02 - Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force 137 131 117 105 103 02o - Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force 0 0 0 0 1 02q - Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force 7 0 0 0 24 07 - Parked with payment made to extend the stay beyond initial time 9 2 3 2 0 100 - Section 50 Parked on a pavement 0 0 0 238 286 101 - Section 56 Parked adjacent to a dropped kerb at a known crossing point 0 0 0 17 59 102 - Section 54 Parked where no part of the vehicle is within 50 centimetres of the carriageway edge 0 0 0 2 3 11 - Parked without payment of the parking charge 0 0 0 0 1 14 - Parked in an electric vehicles charging place during restricted hours without charging 2 3 24 23 31 23 - Parked in a parking place not designated for that class of vehicle 7 12 1 0 7 23f - Parked in a parking place not designated for that class of vehicle 0 0 0 0 1 24 - Not parked correctly within the markings of the parking bay or place 67 46 50 56 48 24p - Not parked correctly within the markings of the parking bay or place 0 0 0 0 0 25 - Parked in a loading place during restricted hours without loading 109 109 96 87 85 25CO - Parked in a loading place during restricted hours without loading 9 3 4 6 8 30 - Parked for longer than permitted 320 248 253 209 212 40 - Parked in a designated disabled person's parking place without displaying a valid disabled person's badge 152 125 196 147 193 45 - Parked on a taxi rank 11 5 8 4 6 46 - Stopped where prohibited (on a red route or clearway) 1 2 0 0 0 47 - Stopped on a restricted bus stop or stand 56 38 47 38 53 48 - Parked in a restricted area outside a School 2 0 0 0 0 71 - Parked in an electric vehicle charging place during restricted hours without charging 0 0 36 46 8 82 - Parked after the expiry of paid for time 102 78 99 95 80 83 - Parked in a car park without clearly displaying a valid pay and display ticket or voucher or parking clock 280 319 225 251 176 86 - Not parked correctly within the markings of the parking bay or place 11 27 20 25 17 87 - Parked in a designated disabled person's parking place without displaying a valid disabled person's badge 10 9 4 10 8 91 - Parked in a car park or area not designated for that class of vehicle 4 4 5 8 3 Total 1,514 1,428 1,413 1,557 1,605 Parking – Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) served Page 71 of 72
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