Agenda Document Pack - Police and Fire and Rescue Board - 08/05/2025
Midlothian Council · 8 May 2025
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Board — 8 May 2025 and its agenda
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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: Thursday, 08 May 2025 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 114
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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 for Police and Fire and Rescue Board 18 November 2024 submitted for approval 3 - 8 4.2 Action Log 9 - 10 5 Public Reports 5.1 Police Scotland Q3 Performance Report 2024/2025 11 - 44 5.2 Police Scotland Q4 Performance Report 2024/2025 45 - 78 5.3 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Q3 and Q4 Performance Report 2024/2025 79 - 94 5.4 Protective Services Q3 Report 2024/2025 95 - 104 5.5 Protective Services Q4 Report 2024/2025 105 - 114 6 Private Reports No items for discussion 7 Date of Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Monday 22 September 2025 at 11am. Page 2 of 114
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Minute of Meeting Police and Fire and Rescue Board Thursday 8 May 2025 Item No 4.1 Police and Fire and Rescue Board Date Time Venue Monday 18 November 2024 11.00am Council Chambers/Hybrid Present: Councillor McKenzie (Chair) Councillor Alexander (virtual) Councillor McEwan Councillor Smaill (virtual) In Attendance: Midlothian Council Derek Oliver, Chief Officer Place Iina Jaara, Democratic Services Team Leader Nicola Thorburn, Democratic Services Officer Police Scotland Greg Banks, Superintendent Jim Robertson, Chief Inspector Scottish Fire and Rescue Service David Girrity, Group Commander Marc Pincombe, Area Commander 1. Welcome, Introductions and Apologies The Chair 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 received from Councillor Curran, David Morrison, Fire Scotland and Mark Landels, Fire Scotland. Page 3 of 114
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2. Order of Business The order of business was as set out in the agenda previously circulated. 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 Previous Meeting The minute of the meeting on the 26th of August 2024 was submitted for approval. The Chief Officer Place requested an amendment to the minute in section 4.5, paragraph 3, which should state that if the fixed penalty goes to court this would be in the public domain. The Chair also noted an incorrect abbreviation within section 5.1 & 5.2 and asked for this to be updated to Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). Democratic Services to amend the minute of 26 August 2024 accordingly. Following these amendments, the minute was moved as the correct record by Councillor McEwan and seconded by Councillor Smail. 4.2 Action Log Item 1 – The Chief Inspector, Police Scotland confirmed that the information was sent to Elected Members on 12 November 2024 and the item is therefore recommended for closure. Item 2 – The Area Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the information was sent to Elected Members on 13 November 2024 and the item is therefore recommended for closure. Item 3 – The Chief Officer Place confirmed that, as per the amendment to the previous minute noted above, if a person is in receipt of Fixed Penalty Notice this would not be in the public domain. It would only be in the public domain if it is contested in court and therefore it would appear on the court roll. The item was recommended for closure. 5. Public Reports Agenda No. Report Title Presented by: 5.1 Police Scotland Q2 Performance Report 2024/25 Chief Inspector Police Scotland Outline of report and summary of discussion The Chief Inspector Police Scotland presented the Quarter 2 Police Scotland Performance Report for 2024/2025 and highlighted the salient points within. Page 4 of 114
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The Chair thanked the Chief Inspector Police Scotland and opened the item for questions. Following discussion regarding speed gun checks on rural roads, the Chief Inspector Police Scotland confirmed that there will be a continued focus on road safety in December 2024 which includes driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The Chief Inspector Police Scotland also confirmed that data on blue light incidents at school and attempted residential and non-residential break-ins can be included in future reports. The Board asked Police Scotland to provide clarity on the law regarding the use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) in private properties. The Chief Inspector Police Scotland advised that area CCTV should be kept within a person’s property boundary and noted that the Community Police Teams can assist in resolving disputes with neighbours. The Board noted that parking continues to be an issue at Gladhouse Reservoir, which has continued since Covid. The Chief Inspector Police Scotland added that there has been good engagement with the local community recently and nothing had been highlighted, however Midlothian Community Action Team (MCAT) resources are being deployed in this area so this can be monitored. The Chair referred to the Sexual Crimes data on page 12 of the Police Scotland report and asked whether historical cases were recorded at the date it was reported. The Superintendent confirmed that historical cases are recorded in the current figures and that while this may skew the data, it is encouraging that people feel supported to come forward. The Board asked Police Scotland if Midlothian Council was engaging and providing the support needed. The Superintendent confirmed that there is good engagement with Midlothian Council, services and other external agencies, which they are grateful for. Following on from the update advising the ‘THAT GUY’ campaign will now include a podcast series, the Chair offered support with promoting the campaign within Education, so this message can be reinforced in schools, and that this would also apply for the Project Fearless campaign in relation to Sextortion. The Chair asked for an update on Bonfire Night. The Chief Inspector Police Scotland advised that a formal report would be presented at the next meeting, but noted that there were 14 incidents between 1-14 November, including one adult male charged for using fireworks while under the influence of alcohol. The Chief Inspector Police Scotland added that the Mayfield Fireworks annual event, organised by Robert Hogg and Mayfield & Easthouses Community Council, was a safe and successful event and thanked the organisers. The Superintendent added thanks to Elected Members for their support and guidance during the community engagement in the run up to Bonfire Night and that work has already started for 2025. The Group Commander, Fire Scotland added that their formal report will be submitted as part of the Quater 3 Performance Report but highlighted that there were 13 secondary fires between 31 of October and 8 of November. Operation Page 5 of 114
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Moonbeam had been effective, and Midlothian was quiet. The Group Commander, Fire Scotland also reported that there were no incidents of physical or verbal abuse to fire crews this year. The Board noted the positive news, and the Chair expressed their thanks on behalf of Midlothian Council to the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, Police Scotland and the community groups. The Chief Officer Place reported that the amnesty on furniture and large goods was well received in the community and bookings were full. The Board recognised that this is one of the most polluting nights of the year due to chemicals from fireworks and various items being burned in unauthorised bonfires. The Board highlighted the effect of fireworks on animals and pets, and agreed it is a matter of respect and civility to inform neighbours if there are plans to set off fireworks in gardens. The Chief Officer Place added that animal welfare is a concern and hopes that the promotion of safe public events will reduce the number of private displays. The Chief Officer Place also noted the increase in events where fireworks are displayed, such as Hogmanay and Diwali although events where there is no prior warning that appear to have the greatest impact. Decision The Board noted the update. Agenda No. Report Title Presented by: 5.2 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Q2 Performance Report 2024/25 Group Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Outline of report and summary of discussion The Area Commander explained that David Girritty as had taken over from Mark Landells as Group Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and would be presenting the report. The Group Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) introduced the report which provides information on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s prevention, protection and operational response activities within Midlothian for Quarter 2 of 2024-25 (1 July 2024 – 30 September 20204) and highlighted the salient points. The Group Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) provided an overview of the total number of incidents in Midlothian. Quarter 2 of 2024/25 saw an overall reduction of 11% in incidents in the Midlothian compared to last year’s Quarter 2 total. The Group Commander also provided a brief update on each of the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) as detailed in the report. The Board thanked the Group Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) for the report and welcomed them to the meeting. The Board asked for Page 6 of 114
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details on the outcome of the water incidents that were reported as part of Action Log Item 2. The Group Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that of the 7 water incidents reported, 4 resulted in casualties and there were 0 fatalities. In responding to a question regarding a new contract with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Motorola, the Area Commander advised that these funds would be used for internal communications, equipping firefighters with handheld radios and improving the operation centres across Scotland. In terms of high risk and vulnerable persons in Midlothian, the Chair asked the Group Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) if they were working with Midlothian Council and external agencies on referrals and lists. The Group Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that there is a good working partnership between the services, but work is ongoing to improve this further. The Board asked if a Scotland-wide podcast would be possible, including live examples on how to prevent further fires. The Group Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) advised that in a bid to enhance awareness, social media is being used to support direct engagement. Their webpage includes extensive information, and the Group Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) will take the podcast idea back to the Communication Team. Decision The Board noted the update. Agenda No. Report Title Presented by: 5.3 Protective Services Quarter 2 2024/25 Report Chief Officer Place Outline of report and summary of discussion The Chief Officer Place introduced the Protective Services Quarter 2 report for 2024/25 and provided an update on the Protective Services functions, highlighting the main sections contained within the report. The Chief Officer Place advised that the report in relation to Bonfire Night will be brought to the next meeting but added that the work done in advance with retailers was well received and that there is no intelligence to suggest that illegal fireworks are being offered in Midlothian. The Board noted an update in the number of Fixed Penalty Notices issued for Section 50 Parked on Pavement and asked if communities are embracing this. The Board also added that pavement parking continues to be an issue in Pathhead due to some homeowners owning the pavement. The Chief Office Place confirmed that there are currently no exceptions and the ban on pavement parking covers all of Midlothian. The Chief Office Place added that a report may go to Council in the future to consider exemptions. Page 7 of 114
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The Board asked if there had been a reduction in speeding convictions in Midlothian. The Chief Inspector Police Scotland replied that they will review the statistics and advise the Board after the meeting. The Chair thanked Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Chief Officer Place and colleagues in Communities Lifelong Learning and Employability for their efforts and teamwork to ensure a safe and successful November. Decision The Board noted the contents of the report. 6. Private Reports No private items for discussion 7. Date of Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 4 February 2025 at 14.00. The meeting terminated at 12.31. Page 8 of 114
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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 No Open Items Police and Fire and Rescue Board Thursday 8 May 2025 Item No 4.2 Page 9 of 114
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1 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian Area Command The Lothians and Scottish Borders Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel Quarter 3 – 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 Thursday 8 May 2025 Item 5.1 Page 11 of 114
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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 12 of 114
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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 Drugs supply, Production & Cultivation 13 Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour Crimes of Violence (Group 1) 14 Reducing Anti-Social Behaviour 15-16 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 – Q3 Update 23-28 Appendix Lothian and Scottish Borders Divisional Crime Overview 29-31 Midlothian Crime Overview 32-34 Page 13 of 114
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4 | P a g e OFFICIAL Lothian and Scottish Borders Division Policing Priorities Page 14 of 114
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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 December 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 15 of 114
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6 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian Performance Summary Page 16 of 114
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7 | P a g e OFFICIAL Executive Summary Missing Person During Q3 2024/25 26 Adults, 0 Cared for Adults, 24 Children and 8 Care Experienced Young Persons were reported as missing. Domestic Abuse By the end of Q3 2024/25 there were 892 incidents reported, an increase of 2.6% on the 5 Year Average. The number of reported Domestic Abuse crimes recoded (358 reports) is 2.5% more than the 5 year average of 349 reports. The percentage of domestic incidents that resulted in a crime report being submitted is 40.1% reflecting the 5 year average. Hate Crime The 18 Hate Incidents recorded during Q3 2024/25 represent a 83% increase compared to the 5 year average. During same period there have been 79 Hate Crimes recorded representing a 33.8% increase on the 5 year average. The Detection Rate for Hate Crimes at the end of Q3 2024/25 is 49%. Sexual Crimes During Q3 2024/25, reports of rape / attempted rape rose by 146% compared to the 5 year average. The Q3 2024/25 Detection Rate for Rape / Attempt Rape is 46.7%. Reports of Sexual Assault during Q3 2024/25 are - 12.5% below the 5 year average, and the detection rate is 59.2%. By the end of Q3 2024/25 reports of all other Group 2 Sexual Crime within Midlothian had increased by 36.3% to 202 reports against a 5 year average of 148.2 reports. Drugs Supply, Production and Cultivation During Q3 2024/25 there were 24 Supply of Drugs offences recorded, with a detection rate of 100%. During Q3 2024/25 there were 155 Possession of Drugs offences recorded with a detection rate of 104%, representing a -28.6% reduction on the 5 year average. Crimes Of Violence During Q3 2024/25 there were 35 serious assaults within Midlothian, representing a 15% increase on the 5 year average. The detection rate is 80%. There were 14 reported Robberies and the detection rate is 64.3%, There were 578 recorded Common Assaults in Midlothian and a detection rate of 63.3%. There were 45 assaults on Emergency Workers. Reducing Anti-Social Behaviour There were 462 ASB incidents reported to Police, reflecting a -9.8% reduction in this crime type within Midlothian compared to the five year average. A total of 409 Vandalism type offences were recorded, representing a -9.1% reduction compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate is 28.6%. A total of 402 Breach of Peace type offences were recorded, representing a -13.3% reduction compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate is 75.6%. A total of 42 Fire-raising type offences were recorded, representing a 24.3% increase compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate is 35.7%. Dishonesty A total of 1325 overall Group 3 crimes (including housebreaking crimes) have been recorded within Midlothian. This figure represents 171.4 more or 14.9% increase compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate is 33.6%. Page 17 of 114
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8 | P a g e OFFICIAL Housebreaking A total of 50 reports of Theft Housebreaking (including attempts to commit this offence) were recorded with a detection rate of 46%. A total of 376 reports of Theft Housebreaking to Non Dwellings (including attempts to commit this offence) were recorded with a detection rate is 21.6%. A total of 19 reports of Theft Housebreaking to Businesses (including attempts to commit this offence) were recorded. This figure represents a significant -47.5% reduction on the 5 year average. The Midlothian detection rate is 68.4%. Road Safety There have been 9 fewer casualties (Fatal, Serious, and Minor) recorded within Midlothian than the previous Q3 2023/24 return, representing a -11.5% reduction in the total number of casualties on Midlothian roads. There have been zero fatalities within Midlothian during the 2024/25 FY. There have been 21 people Seriously Injured, reflecting a -28% decrease (8 fewer incidents) on same period last year. The number of Children Seriously Injured was 3, representing a 50% increase (1 more) than the previous year. Tackling Serious Organised Crime Continued efforts to disrupt organised crime groups by targeting drugs supply offences, gathering intelligence and generating enforcement opportunities. Page 18 of 114
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9 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Missing Persons During Q3 2024/25 26 Adults, 0 Cared for Adults, 24 Children and 8 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 58 reports made to police during Q3. 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 ‘missing’ varies on a report by report basis and according to any Threat, Risk or Harm 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. Adult Cared For Adult Child Care Experienced Child Q3 2023/24 21 2 18 9 Q3 2024/25 26 0 24 8 Change +5 -2 +6 -1 Page 19 of 114
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10 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Domestic Abuse Incidents 5 year average Q3 2024/25 % Change from 5 year average Number of Domestic Abuse Incidents 869.4 892 2.6% Total Crimes and offences in domestic abuse incidents 349 358 2.5% Percentage of Domestic Incidents that result in a crime 40.1 40.1 - Total crimes and offences detection rate 67.7 62.7 -7.3% Total Detections for Domestic Bail Offences 47.8 54 12.9% Domestic Abuse is a priority for Police Scotland and for all Midlothian Officers. By the end of Q3 2024/25 there were 892 incidents reported, an increase of 2.6% on the 5 Year Average. The number of reported Domestic Abuse crimes recoded (358 reports) is 2.5% more than the 5 year average of 349 reports. The percentage of domestic incidents that resulted in a crime report being submitted is 40.1% reflecting the 5 year average. This statistic reflects a confidence to contact Police at an early stage in disagreements which ultimately do not result in criminality, and seek support from both police and third-party services. Midlothian Police remain committed to targeting violence against women and girls. Page 20 of 114
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11 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Hate Crime Midlothian 5 year average Q3 2024/25 % change from 5 year average Hate Incidents 9.8 18 83% Hate Crimes 59 79 33.8% Hate Crime Detection Rate 41.6 49 17.8% 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 18 Hate Incidents recorded during Q3 2024/25 represent a 83% increase compared to the 5 year average. • During same period there have been 79 Hate Crimes recorded representing a 33.8% increase on the 5 year average. These increases can be attributed to the implementation of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act that was introduced on the 1st April 2024. • The Detection Rate for Hate Crimes at the end of Q3 2024/25 is 49%, which represents a 17.8% improvement on the 5 Year Average. 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 21 of 114
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12 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Sexual Crimes (Group 2) Crime Type 5 year average Q3 2024/25 % Change from 5 yr average % Detection Group 2 148.2 202 36.3 49.5% Rape / Attempted Rape 24.4 60 145.9 46.7% Sexual Assault 56 49 -12.5 59.2% Other Group 2 crimes 11.2 22 96.4 36.4% Tackling serious criminality is a top priority for Midlothian officers. We focus on rape and sexual crime to build public confidence in reporting During Q3 2024/25, reports of rape / attempted rape rose by 146% 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. This significant increase in historical reports reflects increased victim 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 Q3 2024/25 Detection Rate for Rape / Attempt Rape is 46.7%. Reports of Sexual Assault during Q3 2024/25 are -12.5% below the 5 year average, and the detection rate is 59.2%. By the end of Q3 2024/25 reports of all other Group 2 Sexual Crime within Midlothian had increased by 36.3% to 202 reports against a 5 year average of 148.2 reports. Page 22 of 114
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13 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Drug Supply, Production & Cultivation Drugs Supply 5 year average Q3 2024/25 % Change from 5 yr average % Detection Drugs Supply (including possession with intent) 26.4 24 -9.1 100 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 Q3 2024/25 there were 24 Supply of Drugs offences recorded, with a detection rate of 100%. During Q3 2024/25 there were 155 Possession of Drugs offences recorded with a detection rate of 104%, representing a -28.6% reduction on the 5 year average. Throughout Q3 2024/25, a number of successful house searches have been completed recovering drugs, cash and weapons. These enquiries rely on a continued flow of information from local Midlothian’s communities, as well as proactivity by the MCAT’s and wider policing teams. MCAT officers continue to utilise stop and search powers where appropriate to conduct searches on individuals regarding controlled substances, weapons, and stolen property. During Q3 MCAT enquiries resulted in significant seizures of Class A and B Controlled substances, including Cannabis, Cocaine, Ecstasy and Amphetamine. The overall value of drugs recovered during Q3 totalled £13,790; Class A: £8,900 Class B: £4,840 A further £8,638 in cash was seized by officers as being linked to profits from Concern in the Supply of Controlled Substances offences. 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 23 of 114
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14 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour Crimes of Violence (Group 1) Crime Type 5 year average Q3 2024/25 % Change from 5 yr average Q3 2024/25 Detection Rate Group 1 689.8 746 8.1 65.7 Serious Assault 30.2 35 15.9 80 Robbery 13.2 14 6.1 64.3 Common Assault 534.6 578 8.1 63.3 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 its impact on our local 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 detection rates for these offences remain high throughout Midlothian. During Q3 2024/25 there were 35 serious assaults within Midlothian, representing a 15% increase on the 5 year average. The detection rate is 80%, which remains above the wider Divisional detection rate of 76.2%. During Q3 2024/25 there were 14 reported Robberies in Midlothian, this is a 0.8% increase on the 5 year average. The detection rate is 64.3%, which is a 2.4% decrease on the Q2 detection rate. During Q3 2024/25 there were 578 recorded Common Assaults in Midlothian presenting an 8.1% increase on the 5 Year average (43.4 more). The detection rate is 63.3% and remains well above the wider Divisional detection rate of 57.9%. There were 45 assaults on Emergency Workers during Q3 2024/25 reflecting a -5.9% decrease 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 24 of 114
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15 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour Reducing Antisocial Behaviour Indicator 5 year average Q3 2024/25 % Change from 5 year average Q3 2024/25 Detection Rate Antisocial Behaviour Incidents 512.2 462 -9.8 Vandalism (Including Malicious Mischief) 450 409 -9.1 28.6 Fire-raising 33.8 42 24.3 35.7 S38 CJ&L(S) A 2010 463.8 402 -13.3 75.6 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 Q3 2024/25, there were 462 ASB incidents reported to Police, reflecting a -9.8% reduction in this crime type within Midlothian compared to the five year average. During Q3 2024/25 a total of 409 Vandalism type offences were recorded, representing a -9.1% reduction compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate is 28.6%. During Q3 2023/24 a total of 402 Breach of Peace type offences were recorded, representing a -13.3% reduction compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate is 75.6%. During Q3 2024/25 a total of 42 Fire-raising type offences were recorded, representing a 24.3% increase compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate is 35.7%, and remains considerably above the wider Divisional detection rate of 22.6%. This Q3 period includes Bonfire Night statistics, which like previous years passed without issue within Midlothian . There were 4 bonfire or firework related incidents recorded in the days leading up to the 05/11/24, with an additional 4 bonfire related incidents reported on Bonfire Night itself. All incidents were attended in partnership with the Scottish Fire Rescue Service who extinguished these fires without further incident. Similarly, during this period 1 adult was arrested and reported to the Procurator Fiscal after being identified responsible for setting off fireworks whilst intoxicated. All other firework related reports made to police turned out to be false alarm with good intent, with no criminality being detected by officers. As previously stated, Midlothian has a robust and well practiced Bonfire Night strategy, reflecting strong partnership collaboration between Police Scotland, Scottish Fire Rescue Services and Midlothian Council’s Trading Standards. As Midlothian Local Area Commander I would seek to offer my thanks to these strategic partners ensuring another safe and successful Bonfire Night to communities throughout Midlothian. Page 25 of 114
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16 | P a g e OFFICIAL In October Community Policing officers attended a partnership event at McDonalds, Dalkeith along with SFRS, Lothian Buses, Y2K and CAP. The purpose of the event was to engage, educate and divert local youths from ASB. During the event, the attending youths were made aware of a list of activities that our partners had planned. Similarly Police, SFRS and Lothian buses provided an educational input to divert youths away from ASB whilst highlighting pathways to local clubs and activities within the Community. Page 26 of 114
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17 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Acquisitive Crime Dishonesty (group 3) Crime Type 5 year average Q3 2024/25 % Change from 5 year average Q3 2024/25 Detection Rate Total Group 3 1153.6 1325 14.9 33.6 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 Q3 2024/25, a total of 1325 overall Group 3 crimes (including housebreaking crimes) have been recorded within Midlothian. This figure represents 171.4 more or 14.9% increase compared to the 5 year average. During Q3 2024/25 the detection rate was 33.6% and remains above the wider Divisional detection rate of 30.3%. Common Theft and Theft by Shoplifting remain the volume crimes under the Dishonesty heading, accounting for 268 out of the 543 crimes of dishonesty for Q3. Throughout the festive period, Community Policing and MCAT officers completed pro-active patrols within shoplifting hotspot locations under the banner of Operation Frankincense, seeking to detect and deter persons involved in these crimes. This initiative proved highly successful, resulting in the detection of several offences, including 2 recidivist offenders responsible for a total of 36 separate offences. Page 27 of 114
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18 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Acquisitive Crime Housebreaking Crime Type* 5 year average Q3 2024/25 % Change from 5 year average Q3 2024/25 Detection Rate Dwelling HB 50.8 50 -1.6 46 Non Dwelling (Sheds, garages) HB 52 37 -28.8 21.6 Other (Business) HB 36.2 19 -47.5 68.4 *All crime types include attempt thefts. During Q3 2024/25, a total of 50 reports of Theft Housebreaking (including attempts to commit this offence) were recorded. This figure represents a continued 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. Throughout Q3 2024/25 I have maintained a dedicated Midlothian Housebreaking Investigation Team with a detection rate of 46%, which compares favourably to the wider Divisional detection rate of 37%. During Q3 2024/25, a total of 376 reports of Theft Housebreaking to Non Dwellings (including attempts to commit this offence) were recorded. This figure represents a -28.8% reduction on the 5 year average. The detection rate is 21.6% compared to the wider Divisional detection rate of 12.6%. During Q3 2024/25, a total of 19 reports of Theft Housebreaking to Businesses (including attempts to commit this offence) were recorded. This figure represents a significant -47.5% reduction on the 5 year average. The Midlothian detection rate is 68.4% compared to the wider Divisional detection rate of 29.5%. MCAT officers continue to Prevent / Deter / Disrupt further Serious & Organised Crime activity with daily bail checks, tasked patrolling and dedicated operations at weekends and during hours of darkness. Page 28 of 114
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19 | P a g e OFFICIAL Improving road safety Road Casualties Throughout Q3 2024/25 there have been 9 fewer casualties (Fatal, Serious, and Minor) recorded within Midlothian than the previous Q3 2023/24 return, representing a -11.5% reduction in the total number of casualties on Midlothian roads. I am pleased to report that there have been zero fatalities within Midlothian during the 2024/25 FY, representing a 100% improvement on last year’s Q2 report. Q3 2023/24 Q3 2024/25 % Change Fatal 3 0 -100% Serious 29 21 -28% Slight 45 47 4% Total 77 68 11.69% Children (aged<16) Killed 0 0 - Children (aged<16) Seriously Injured 2 3 50% Road Traffic Offences 5 year average Q3 2024/25 % Change from 5 year average Dangerous driving offences 38.6 48 24.4 Driving carelessly 86.4 81 -6.3 Speeding offences 33.6 56 66.7 Unlawful use of a motor vehicle 345.2 395 14.4 Seat Belt offences 14.8 40 170.3 Mobile Phone offences 26.6 51 91.7 Driving under the influence 84.6 104 22.9 Page 29 of 114
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20 | P a g e OFFICIAL During Q3 2024/25, there have been 21 people Seriously Injured, reflecting a -28% decrease (8 fewer incidents) on same period last year. During Q3 2024/25 the number of Children Seriously Injured was 3, representing a 50% increase (1 more) than the previous year. Throughout Q3 2024/25, MCAT officers have increased the number of static speed check deployments throughout Midlothian reflected by a 66% increase on the detection rate for Speeding offences compared with the 5 year average, as well as high visibility patrols targeting ASB involving off-road motorbikes resulting in a 14% increase in detection rate compared to the 5 year average. Where operational demand permitted pro-active vehicle stop type deployments resulted in a further: 3 arrests for Drink Driving offences 2 arrests for Drug Driving offences 6 vehicles seized for being driven without valid insurance 2 vehicle ASBOs were issued for antisocial and careless driving. Page 30 of 114
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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 work closely with partner agencies to actively target “County Lines” nominals that use Midlothian as a base to distribute drugs throughout our community. Throughout Q3 2024/25, officers from the Divisional Prevention, Interventions & Partnerships Unit have delivered drug prevention inputs alongside Educational partners to Midlothian based S2 and S4 pupils. During Q3 2024/25, Community Policing and MCAT officers targeted Serious & Organised Crime Groups responsible for volume shoplifting offences. As part of these deployments 5 individuals have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal and issued bail conditions preventing them from entering Nike or Boots retail stores located within the UK. During Q3 2024/25, as part of the Midlothian Partnership Against Rural Crime, officers supported national Rural Crime partners participating a Hare Coursing prevention initiative. Hare coursing is the deliberate hunting of hares with dogs. The principle legislation applied to Hhare Coursing crimes in Scotland is S1. The Hunting With Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023. Within Midlothian, the areas most targeted are the Whitburgh Estate, Falla, Peaston, Costerton, Oxenford, Prestonhall, Dodridge Farm, Southside farm, Ravensneuk and Crighton Mains. There have been 5 reported Hare Coursings reported in 2024, however figures are believed to be under reported due to the rural nature of these crimes. Future deployments are planned for throughout 2025 to Detect, Divert, Deter and Disrupt this crime type in Midlothian. Page 31 of 114
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22 | P a g e OFFICIAL Complaints Executive Summary Total Complaint Cases Received Total Number of Allegations Received YTD LYTD % CHANGE YTD LYTD % CHANGE 78 76 2.6 121 149 -18.8% The breakdown above details the total number of Complaints about the Police, received in relation to the Midlothian area command as at 31st December. The breakdown below provides further detail on the Allegation Category and Type. As can be seen there has been a 2.6% increase in the overall number of Complaints about the Police when comparing LYTD and YTD. Area Allegation Category and Type LYTD YTD % change Allegation Category and Type YTD PYTD % change from PYTD On Duty - TOTAL 78 80 -2.5% Assault 11 3 266.7% Discriminatory Behaviour 1 2 -50.0% Excessive Force 6 4 50.0% Incivility 13 17 -23.5% Irregularity in Procedure 33 50 -34.0% Neglect of Duty 5 0 x Oppressive Conduct/Harassment 1 0 x Other - Criminal 3 1 200.0% Other - Non Criminal 1 1 0.0% Traffic Irregularity/Offence 1 2 -50.0% Unlawful/Unnecessary Arrest or Detention 3 0 x Quality Of Service - TOTAL 43 69 -37.7% Policy/Procedure 10 9 11.1% Midlothian Council Service Delivery 13 23 -43.5% Service Outcome 20 37 -45.9% Grand Total 121 149 -18.8% Page 32 of 114
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23 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian CAT team – Q3 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. During Q3 MCAT officers maintained a focus on high visibility proactive policing, conducting mobile and foot patrols throughout the county. Particular focus was given to areas identified as having a higher density of incidents, namely Dalkeith Town Centre and Straiton Retail park, with MCAT officers deployed on Operation Frankincense throughout the month of December in these areas. Numerous antisocial behaviour and acquisitive offences were identified and reported throughout this deployment. Quad bike patrols were conducted in the Pentlands with a focus on rural and livestock crime awareness. Positive engagement was conducted with visitors and dog walkers in this area to provide crime deterrence and community reassurance. MCAT continued to provide reassurance to minority communities within Midlothian, regularly visiting and completing high visibility patrols to local mosques and refugee accommodation. Following a high-profile incident in Dalkeith, MCAT officers deployed for two weeks to provide high visibility reassurance to the local community. As part of this tasking MCAT officers completed patrols on foot, within marked police vehicles and on also utilising quad bikes. 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 Q3 MCAT officers completed evidential search warrants at 8 addresses throughout the county. This resulted in seizure of Class A and B Controlled substances, including cannabis, Cocaine, Ecstasy and Amphetamine. In addition £8,638 in cash was seized as being linked to crime. Proactive stop and search activities yielded 4 further positive drug recoveries of Class A and B substances. The overall value of drugs recovered throughout Q3 totaled: Class A: £8,900 Class B: £4,840 however the uncut nature of a portion of the Cocaine recovered indicates that the potential value once readied for distribution would be significantly higher. MCAT officers retained their focus on individuals wanted on warrant, resulting in 37 arrests within Q3. Page 33 of 114
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24 | P a g e OFFICIAL A number of Midlothian based nominals remain on the ‘G4’s monitored electronic tag scheme’. MCAT officers routinely liaise with G4S in the monitoring of these individuals and submit reports in relation to any breaches identified. Bail checks remained a focus for MCAT officers with a total of 80 compliant checks made and 27 failures resulting in the offenders being reported accordingly for breaching bail curfew. 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 Q3, MCAT attended 61 youth incidents across Midlothian. This number is similar to that attended in Q2 and incorporated the Halloween, Bonfire Night and the Festive periods, which all traditionally result in a higher volume of reports to police and strategic partners. Throughout October, MCAT attended an increased amount of youth related calls. This was expected due to the darker nights setting in and youths congregating in local hot spots. This also saw the beginning of Halloween/Bonfire/Fireworks events, which often bring an increase in Anti-Social Behaviour. MCAT deployed in varying different ways, including plain clothes as a way of tackling specific problem areas and dispersal of youths from hot spots continues. Bonfire night saw MCAT police the evening under a planned operation, which was deemed highly successful as Midlothian faced significantly less anti-social behaviour type calls compared to neighbouring local Bail Curfew Check COMPLIANT 80 Bail Curfew Check FAILED 27 Arrest on warrant 37 Search Person MDA Positive 2 Search Person MDA Negative 2 Search Property MDA Positive 8 Search Property MDA Negative 0 Search Weapons Positive 0 Search Weapons Negative 0 Search Stolen Property Positive 0 Search Stolen Property Negative 0 Page 34 of 114
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25 | P a g e OFFICIAL authority areas. Most calls continue to relate to the same groups of individuals, and because of the previous positive engagement MCAT are aware of the problem groups. November saw the implementation of an MCAT “Warning Letter” strategy, whereby the parents of youths identified involved in ASB receive a letter informing them of their child’s behaviour. This is in its infancy with plans to evolve it and collaborate with strategic partners regarding correspondence to the addresses of those involved. The aim being to involve the parents of the repeat youth offenders, in the hope to encourage a change in patterns of behaviour. MCAT also continue to liaise with school link officers to educate and assist with combating youth ASB. Throughout the month of December, MCAT attended a total of 4 youth related calls. This is a major improvement on previous months, reflecting the success of the recent MCAT focus on youth ASB and the new “warning letter” system implemented in November. This new approach seems to have had the desired effect and will remain in place should the problem arise again. MCAT continue to stop and engage with groups of youths and have a positive relationship with most they encounter. On the occasion where crime is identified VPD’s have been submitted as appropriate Youth Calls Attended 61 Alcohol Seizures 0 Children At Risk VPDs Submitted 6 Licensed Premises: monitor licensed premises activity and act as first responders to antisocial behavior related incidents whenever possible. During early Q3 MCAT carried out an operation to combat football related ASB which included liaising with local pubs and off licenses. This forged good relations but also reaffirmed our stance on selling to minors and those not considered suitable. Most checks took place at weekends, with licensees being spoken with and the ensuring of appropriate staffing and measures being taken to run without issue. November also saw MCAT carry out an initiative called “It’ll Cost You” which saw MCAT officers attend every pub in Midlothian as well as most of its licensed premises to engage with and hand out flyers and posters around the selling of alcohol to underage youths. This initiative was supported by CAP (Community Alcohol Partnership) who provided the appropriate material. This was hugely successful and saw positive engagement from all involved. As part of this initiative, MCAT also utilised social media which garnered lots of support online. Page 35 of 114
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26 | P a g e OFFICIAL All of Midlothian Licensed premises continue to be monitored by MCAT officers with random visits conducted regularly. Very few issues have been identified. LP Visit Public House 34 LP Visit Off Sales 36 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. The value of the work completed by MCAT officers is at times difficult to measure given the pro-active nature of the work completed, often preventing incidents from developing into more significant or serious problems. Because MCAT officers know who/when/where problems are likely to occur, they are often placed perfectly when issues develop and stop them at source. This approach alleviates pressure on frontline response officers, prevents calls to SFRS / SAS and Midlothian council call-out services to assist. November saw MCAT deploy across the county for all Remembrance Day Parades, with officers involved in both policing the events and representing Midlothian Police. All events passed without issue. November also saw Bonfire nights take place in most towns and MCAT spearheaded all police activity around this issue. All planned events were policed safely and without issue, with any unauthorised fires resolved swiftly in partnership with SFRS. December saw Christmas festivities begin across the county in a number of different ways. These include licensed premises putting on entertainment, and organised events by Midlothian Council. MCAT policed all of these without issue, giving passing attention as events took place. MCAT also carried out an initiative with LRT to tackle ASB on buses, providing support to our partner agencies and maintaining positive engagement with those encountered. Joint Activity NHS/SAS 0 Joint Activity Local Council 10 Joint Activity SFRS 7 Joint Activity Public Event 13 Page 36 of 114
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27 | P a g e OFFICIAL 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. Static road checks remain a core function of MCAT officers, who continue to deploy throughout Midlothian to maximise road safety. MCAT officers continued to carry out high visibility patrols regarding anti-social behaviour involving off-road motorbikes. In total throughout Q3, 3 individuals were arrested by MCAT officers for drink driving and 2 for drug driving. Reports were submitted in relation to these offences. 6 vehicles were seized by MCAT officers for driving without insurance and 2 vehicle ASBOs were issued for antisocial and careless driving. Speed Safety initiatives were completed by MCAT officers in response to concerns raised by local communities and direct tasking from Elected Members resulting in a multitude of vehicles being stopped and drivers provided with corrective advice regarding their driving style. MCAT continue to maintain a presence at Shawfair Park and Ride each weekend, engaging with and checking vehicles which congregate in a boy racer fashion. This has had the desired effect with the crowds dispersing and on some weekends no vehicles congregating at all. All wards of Midlothian benefitted from MCAT carrying out static road checks in relation to the festive drink drive campaign. This was highly effective and saw positive engagement with motorists and member of the public. Warnings were also issued to numerous drivers about the state/safety of their vehicles moving towards worsening weather conditions and conditional offers issued for minor offences where appropriate. Static Road Checks 16 Fixed Penalty Tickets (RTA only) 4 Section 165 Seizures 6 Breath Tests Negative (pass) 15 Breath Tests Positive (fail) 3 S5A Drug Wipe Negative (pass) 1 S5A Drug Wipe Positive (fail) 2 ASBO Warnings 2 Page 37 of 114
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28 | P a g e OFFICIAL ASBO Seizures 0 Other Incidents and Arrests of Note Operation Rac has been continued to tackle acquisitive crime. MCAT saw significant arrests made with recidivist offenders being charged with over 30 crimes of dishonesty. MCAT officers always provide support to frontline policing across the county and have been involved in the search for and tracing of several high risk missing persons, relieving pressure on frontline whilst providing community reassurance. MCAT continues to assist in the search for high risk domestic offenders and have made multiple arrests throughout Q3. MCAT investigated a concerning incident involving a group of youths targeting a young person in the Dalkeith area, resulting in one male committing a sexual assault. Following exhaustive MCAT investigation the male suspect was identified and a report was submitted to SCRA and further engagement completed with all other youths present and their families. Planned Activity Looking ahead to Q4, MCAT officers 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 new RPA / drone technology, dog handlers and uniformed/non-uniformed officers. Further static road checks and speed gun checks are planned for the winter months to tackle issues raised in the local community. This will also form part of the winter drink drive campaign. During January 2025 MCAT officers will be involved with Plain Clothes patrols, targeting anti-social behavior and drug misuse throughout Midlothian. Following extensive positive feedback received from the community outreach initiative with local nurseries completed in Q1, MCAT officers are developing plans to repeat and expand this model into local primary schools in 2025. The intention is to carry out engagement visits utilising police quad bikes and deliver inputs to primaries 1-3 regarding the role of police and road safety, developing positive engagement with the county’s youth at an early stage. The “it’ll cost you” initiative run in Q3 will be repeated in conjunction with our partners in late Q4/early Q1 with a view to continuing this as an ongoing initiative throughout the year. Continuing on from MCAT’s excellent results in Q3 an initiative is planned focusing specifically on apprehending those individuals who are wanted on warrant in the county with a view to reducing the number outstanding and securing the prosecution of recidivist offenders. Page 38 of 114
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29 | P a g e OFFICIAL Appendix Lothian and Scottish Borders Divisional Crime Overview Lothian and Scottish Borders Division 5 Year Average Q3 2024/25 % Change against 5 year average Detection Rates 2024/25 GROUP 1: NON SEXUAL CRIMES OF VIOLENCE 3913.4 4163 6.4 61.5 Murder (excluding culpable homicide at common law) 1.8 2 11.1 100 Culpable homicide (at common law) 0.0 Culpable Homicide (other) 2.6 9 246.2 100 Attempted Murder 13.2 10 -24.2 120 Serious Assault (of an emergency worker) 1 0.0 100 Serious Assault (Incl. FGM, culpable & reckless conduct – causing injury) 180.6 164 -9.2 76.2 Common Assault (of an emergency worker) 298.2 291 -2.4 99 Common Assault 3,025.2 3,185 5.3 57.9 Robbery (including assault with intent to rob) 66.6 75 12.6 68 Domestic Abuse (of male) 3.2 7 118.8 42.9 Domestic Abuse (of female) 85.4 151 76.8 65.6 Stalking 65.8 69 4.9 72.5 Cruel & Unnatural treatment of children 46.2 58 25.5 100 Threats and extortion 94.0 107 13.8 7.5 Other group 1 crimes 30.6 34 11.1 32.4 GROUP 2: SEXUAL CRIMES 826 945 14.4 55 Rape 150.2 217 44.5 43.8 Attempted Rape 6.2 18 190.3 16.7 Sexual assault 307.4 281 -8.6 61.2 Crimes associated with prostitution 1.2 1 -16.7 100 Indecent photos of children 42.4 76 79.2 90.8 Communicating indecently 76.2 65 -14.7 70.8 Causing to view sexual activity or images 121.2 139 14.7 48.9 Threatening or Disclosure of intimate image 53.2 58 9.0 41.4 Other Group 2 crimes 68.0 90 32.4 46.7 GROUP 3: CRIMES OF DISHONESTY 5593.6 5975 6.8 30.3 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - dwelling house 247.2 224 -9.4 37.1 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - non dwelling 161.2 103 -36.1 12.6 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - other premises 183.4 173 -5.7 29.5 Opening Lockfast Places - Motor Vehicle 123.6 120 -2.9 22.5 Theft of a motor vehicle 284.6 309 8.6 37.2 Theft from a Motor Vehicle (Insecure etc.) 265.8 208 -21.7 18.3 Attempt theft of motor vehicle 22.2 35 57.7 20 Opening Lockfast Places - NOT Motor Vehicle 88.2 92 4.3 13 Page 39 of 114
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30 | P a g e OFFICIAL Common theft 1,575.2 1,314 -16.6 18.6 Theft by shoplifting 1,456.2 2,286 57.0 42.3 Fraud 813.0 823 1.2 16.4 Other Group 3 Crimes 373.0 288 -22.8 40.3 GROUP 4: DAMAGE AND RECKLESS BEHAVIOUR 2739.6 2540 -7.3 28.5 Fireraising 172.8 199 15.2 22.6 Vandalism (including reckless damage etc) 2,384.0 2,175 -8.8 26.5 Reckless conduct (with firearms) 3.0 1 -66.7 100 Culpable and reckless conduct (not with firearms) 170.8 156 -8.7 63.5 Other Group 4 Crimes 9.0 9 0.0 22.2 GROUP 5: CRIMES AGAINST SOCIETY 2809.2 2793 -0.6 94.1 Possession firearm/offensive weapon/knife in prison (not used in crime) 13.6 15 10.3 66.7 Possession offensive weapon/knife in school (not used in crime) 7.0 6 -14.3 83.3 Possession offensive weapon/knife in a private place (not used in crime) 4.6 29 530.4 106.9 Possession of a corrosive substance (not used in crime) 0.0 - Other possession of offensive weapon/knife (not used in crime) 199.2 159 -20.2 88.1 Possession firearm/offensive weapon/knife in prison (used in criminal activity) 3.4 7 105.9 71.4 Possession offensive weapon/knife in school (used in criminal activity) 2.6 3 15.4 66.7 Possession offensive weapon/knife in a private place (used in criminal activity) 1.4 3 114.3 166.7 Possession of corrosive substance (used in criminal activity) 0.2 -100.0 - Other possession of offensive weapon/knife NEC (used in criminal activity) 167.0 266 59.3 66.9 Production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs 36.6 26 -29.0 84.6 Supply of drugs (incl possession with intent) 122.8 148 20.5 91.9 Bringing drugs into prison 15.0 50 233.3 26 Other drugs offences (incl. importation) 8.2 14 70.7 100 Possession of drugs 1,071.6 792 -26.1 105.7 Offences relating to serious and organised crime 3.6 11 205.6 100 Bail offences (other than absconding) 643.2 667 3.7 96.7 Other crimes against public justice 498.8 576 15.5 96.5 Other crimes against society 10.4 21 101.9 85.7 GROUP 6: ANTISOCIAL OFFENCES 2738.4 2691 -1.7 74.1 Breach of the Peace 75.6 111 46.8 92.8 Threatening & abusive behaviour 2,443.0 2,368 -3.1 71.5 Hate aggravated conduct (incl stirring up hatred) 83.2 100 20.2 87 Drunk and incapable 20.6 15 -27.2 100 Page 40 of 114
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31 | P a g e OFFICIAL Consume alcohol in designated place (local bye-laws) 20.4 23 12.7 100 Other alcohol related offences 24.4 25 2.5 100 Urinating 71.2 49 -31.2 93.9 GROUP 7: MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES 871.8 900 3.2 57.8 Wildlife offences 31.0 20 -35.5 35 Offences involved animals (not wildlife) 85.8 71 -17.2 56.3 Community and public order offences 584.0 690 18.2 53.3 Environmental offences 22.6 17 -24.8 70.6 Licensing offences 86.2 59 -31.6 93.2 Other misc. offences 62.2 43 -30.9 88.4 GROUP 8: ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENCES 4987.2 5029 0.8 81.9 Dangerous driving offences 182.0 179 -1.6 77.1 Driving carelessly 448.0 419 -6.5 86.2 Driving under the influence 371.0 420 13.2 101.7 Speeding offences 343.0 130 -62.1 100 Seatbelt offences 92.4 99 7.1 100 Mobile phone offences 118.2 116 -1.9 99.1 Unlawful use of a motor vehicle 1,879.4 1,663 -11.5 99.2 Vehicle defect offences 148.4 305 105.5 98.4 Drivers neglect of traffic directions (NOT pedestrian crossings) 252.8 368 45.6 91 Road traffic offences (involving bicycle/tricycle) 5.8 4 -31.0 75 Other Group 8 offences 1,146.2 1,326 15.7 42.5 Page 41 of 114
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32 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian Recorded Crime Overview Midlothian 5 Year Average Q3 2024/25 % change against 5 year average Detection Rates 2024/25 GROUP 1: NON SEXUAL CRIMES OF VIOLENCE 689.8 746 8.1 65.7 Murder (excluding culpable homicide at common law) 0.2 -100.0 - Culpable homicide (at common law) 0.0 Culpable Homicide (other) 0.2 1 400.0 Attempted Murder 1.4 2 42.9 50 Serious Assault (of an emergency worker) 0.0 - Serious Assault (Incl. FGM, culpable & reckless conduct – causing injury) 30.2 35 15.9 80 Common Assault (of an emergency worker) 47.8 45 -5.9 100 Common Assault 534.6 578 8.1 63.3 Robbery (including assault with intent to rob) 13.2 14 6.1 64.3 Domestic Abuse (of male) 1.0 1 0.0 100 Domestic Abuse (of female) 13.4 29 116.4 75.9 Stalking 10.0 13 30.0 61.5 Cruel & Unnatural treatment of children 15.0 6 -60.0 83.3 Threats and extortion 17.2 16 -7.0 - Other group 1 crimes 5.6 6 7.1 65.7 GROUP 2: SEXUAL CRIMES 148.2 202 36.3 49.5 Rape 24.4 60 145.9 46.7 Attempted Rape 0.2 3 1400.0 - Sexual assault 56.0 49 -12.5 59.2 Crimes associated with prostitution 0.2 -100.0 - Indecent photos of children 9.2 15 63.0 86.7 Communicating indecently 16.2 12 -25.9 33.3 Causing to view sexual activity or images 20.2 29 43.6 41.4 Threatening or Disclosure of intimate image 10.6 12 13.2 50 Other Group 2 crimes 11.2 22 96.4 36.4 GROUP 3: CRIMES OF DISHONESTY 1153.6 1325 14.9 33.6 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - dwelling house 50.8 50 -1.6 46 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - non dwelling 52.0 37 -28.8 21.6 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - other premises 36.2 19 -47.5 68.4 Opening Lockfast Places - Motor Vehicle 17.6 21 19.3 33.3 Theft of a motor vehicle 57.4 61 6.3 37.7 Theft from a Motor Vehicle (Insecure etc.) 41.2 52 26.2 25 Attempt theft of motor vehicle 3.2 8 150.0 12.5 Opening Lockfast Places - NOT Motor Vehicle 16.6 8 -51.8 37.5 Common theft 273.0 268 -1.8 21.3 Page 42 of 114
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33 | P a g e OFFICIAL Theft by shoplifting 383.6 543 41.6 42.4 Fraud 147.0 175 19.0 19.4 Other Group 3 Crimes 75.0 83 10.7 39.8 GROUP 4: DAMAGE AND RECKLESS BEHAVIOUR 521.4 480 -7.9 31 Fireraising 33.8 42 24.3 35.7 Vandalism (including reckless damage etc) 450.0 409 -9.1 28.6 Reckless conduct (with firearms) 0.0 - Culpable and reckless conduct (not with firearms) 35.2 27 -23.3 63 Other Group 4 Crimes 2.4 2 -16.7 - GROUP 5: CRIMES AGAINST SOCIETY 556.6 535 -3.9 95.1 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) 2.2 4 81.8 75 Possession offensive weapon/knife in a private place (not used in crime) 1.4 7 400.0 85.7 Possession of a corrosive substance (not used in crime) 0.0 - Other possession of offensive weapon/knife (not used in crime) 34.6 21 -39.3 90.5 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) 0.2 2 900.0 100 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) 26.4 49 85.6 71.4 Production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs 6.2 2 -67.7 50 Supply of drugs (incl possession with intent) 26.4 24 -9.1 100 Bringing drugs into prison 0.0 - Other drugs offences (incl. importation) 0.4 6 1400.0 116.7 Possession of drugs 217.2 155 -28.6 104.5 Offences relating to serious and organised crime 0.8 4 400.0 100 Bail offences (other than absconding) 143.2 144 0.6 97.2 Other crimes against public justice 96.4 109 13.1 90.8 Other crimes against society 0.4 8 1900.0 87.5 GROUP 6: ANTISOCIAL OFFENCES 512.2 462 -9.8 78.4 Breach of the Peace 14.8 18 21.6 94.4 Threatening & abusive behaviour 463.8 402 -13.3 75.6 Hate aggravated conduct (incl stirring up hatred) 9.0 14 55.6 92.9 Drunk and incapable 2.6 3 15.4 100 Consume alcohol in designated place (local bye-laws) 7.0 4 -42.9 100 Page 43 of 114
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34 | P a g e OFFICIAL Other alcohol related offences 6.2 10 61.3 100 Urinating 8.8 11 25.0 100 GROUP 7: MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES 162.4 158 -2.7 59.5 Wildlife offences 3.4 1 -70.6 - Offences involved animals (not wildlife) 15.6 15 -3.8 86.7 Community and public order offences 115.4 130 12.7 52.3 Environmental offences 7.4 1 -86.5 100 Licensing offences 19.0 8 -57.9 112.5 Other misc. offences 1.6 3 87.5 100 GROUP 8: ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENCES 955.8 1178 23.2 82.9 Dangerous driving offences 38.6 48 24.4 70.8 Driving carelessly 86.4 81 -6.3 84 Driving under the influence 84.6 104 22.9 104.8 Speeding offences 33.6 56 66.7 100 Seatbelt offences 14.8 40 170.3 100 Mobile phone offences 26.6 51 91.7 100 Unlawful use of a motor vehicle 345.2 395 14.4 98.2 Vehicle defect offences 36.2 89 145.9 100 Drivers neglect of traffic directions (NOT pedestrian crossings) 42.0 23 -45.2 95.7 Road traffic offences (involving bicycle/tricycle) 1.0 1 0.0 100 Other Group 8 offences 246.8 290 17.5 40.7 Page 44 of 114
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1 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian Area Command The Lothians and Scottish Borders Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel Quarter 4 – 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 Thursday 8 May 2025 Item No 5.2 Page 45 of 114
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2 | P a g e OFFICIAL 2030 Vision Safer communities, less crime, supported victims and a thriving workforce. Our Purpose To improve the safety and wellbeing of people, places and communities in Scotland. Our Values Integrity, Fairness and Respect. Page 46 of 114
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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 Protecting the most vulnerable people Missing Persons 8 Domestic Abuse Incidents 10 Racially Aggravated Conduct 11 Crime (Group 2) 12 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 Tackling Serious & Organised Crime Tackling Serious & Organised Crime 21 Complaints About the Police 22 Midlothian CAT team – Q4 Update Appendix Lothian and Scottish Borders Divisional Crime Overview 29-31 Midlothian Crime Overview 32-34 Page 47 of 114
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4 | P a g e OFFICIAL Lothian and Scottish Borders Division Policing Priorities Page 48 of 114
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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 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 March 2025 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 49 of 114
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6 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian Performance Summary Page 50 of 114
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7 | P a g e OFFICIAL Executive Summary My name is Kirsty McArthur-Kerr and have replaced Chief Inspector Jim Robertson as the new Temporary Local Area Commander for Midlothian. I have had the privilege of meeting some of you before. I wanted to take the opportunity to give you a bit about my background. For the last couple of years, I have been the Community Inspector and Deputy Area Commander in North East Edinburgh. Prior to this for 18 months I was a response Inspector. I have lived and previously worked in Midlothian, so I have built up knowledge around the area. It is an area that is close to my heart from residing here previously and I still frequent many of the local businesses with my young son. I have a background in community policing. I strongly believe that having close relationships with elected representatives is essential for my team and I to understand the issues affecting the community and to ensure we are providing the best service possible to the public. For me partnership working is fundamental to my role, and I aim to build on and continue the relationships Jim had within the Midlothian area. During my previous roles I was able to work with various partners and introduce operations, change practices, and take multi-agency approaches to domestic abuse, drugs issues, hate crimes, road safety, acquisitive crime and anti-social behaviour. Something I aim to continue in this role. I was previously a Detective Inspector in the public protection unit looking at child/adult protection, sexual offences, HBA and domestic abuse so I carry a broad spectrum of experience. As I said I am keen to build upon the work of my predecessor and a large part of that, to me, means that I am accessible and able to assist with any queries you have. I am delighted to be here and look forward to working with you. Missing Persons During Q4 2024/25 18 Adults, 0 Cared for Adults, 13 Children and 3 Care Experienced Young Persons were reported as missing. Domestic Abuse By the end of Q4 2024/25 there were 1278 incidents reported, an increase of 12.2% on the 5 Year Average. The number of reported Domestic Abuse crimes recoded (434 reports) is -4.9% less than the 5-year average of 456.4 reports. The percentage of domestic incidents that resulted in a crime report being submitted is 34%, which represents a -6.1% reduction on the 5-year average of 40.1%. The Q4 detection rate for Domestic crimes is 17.3% above the 5-year average. Hate Crime The 15 Hate Incidents recorded during Q4 2024/25 represent a 4.2% increase compared to the 5-year average. During same period there have been 102 Hate Crimes recorded representing a 30.1% increase on the 5-year Page 51 of 114
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8 | P a g e OFFICIAL average. The Detection Rate for Hate Crimes at the end of Q4 2024/25 is 67%, which represents a 25.5% improvement on the 5 Year Average. Sexual Crimes During Q4 2024/25, reports of rape / attempted rape rose by 127% compared to the 5-year average. The Q4 2024/25 Detection Rate for Rape / Attempt Rape is 54.4%. Reports of Sexual Assault during Q4 54.4 2024/25 are 20% above the 5-year average, and the detection rate is 61.5%. By end of Q4 2024/25 reports of all other Group 2 Sexual Crime within Midlothian had increased by 41.3% to 303 reports against a 5-year average of 214.4 reports. Drugs Supply, Production and Cultivation During Q4 2024/25 there were 33 Supply of Drugs offences recorded, with a detection rate of 100%. During 4 2024/25 there were 230 Possession of Drugs offences recorded with a detection rate of 102%, representing a - 26.7% reduction on the 5-year average. Crimes Of Violence During Q4 2024/25 there were 45 serious assaults within Midlothian, representing a -1.3% reduction on the 5- year average. The detection rate is 82.2%. There were 25 reported Robberies, and the detection rate is 72%, There were 857 recorded Common Assaults in Midlothian and a detection rate of 61.8%. There were 63 assaults on Emergency Workers. Reducing Anti-Social Behaviour During Q4 2024/25, there were 682 ASB incidents reported to Police, reflecting a -6.2% reduction in this crime type within Midlothian compared to the five-year average. A total of 593 Vandalism type offences were recorded, representing a -8 % reduction compared to the 5-year average. The detection rate is 26.5%. A total of 610 Breach of Peace type offences were recorded, representing a -7.3% reduction compared to the 5-year average. The detection rate is 74.9%. A total of 55 Fire-raising type offences were recorded, representing a 34% increase compared to the 5-year average. The detection rate is 34%. Dishonesty A total of 2031 overall Group 3 crimes (including housebreaking crimes) have been recorded within Midlothian. This figure represents 310 more or 18% increase compared to the 5-year average. The detection rate is 30.5%. Housebreaking A total of 72 reports of Theft Housebreaking (including attempts to commit this offence) were recorded with a detection rate of 38.9%. A total of 52 reports of Theft Housebreaking to Non-Dwellings (including attempts to commit this offence) were recorded with a detection rate is 17.3%. A total of 32 reports of Theft Housebreaking to Businesses (including attempts to commit this offence) were recorded. This figure represents a significant -39.7% reduction on the 5-year average. The Midlothian detection rate is 50%. Road Safety There have been 19 fewer casualties (Fatal, Serious, and Minor) recorded within Midlothian than the previous Q4 2023/24 return, representing a -17.76% reduction in the total number of casualties on Midlothian roads. There were zero fatalities within Midlothian during the 2024/25 FY. There have been 28 people Seriously Injured, reflecting a -35% decrease (15 fewer incidents) on same period last year. The number of Children Seriously Injured was 5, representing a 25% increase (1 more) than the previous year. Tackling Serious Organised Crime Continued efforts to disrupt organised crime groups by targeting drugs supply offences, gathering intelligence and generating enforcement opportunities. Page 52 of 114
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10 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Missing Persons Adult Cared For Adult Child Care Experienced Child 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 2023/24 2024/25 Midothian Missing Persons During Q4 2024/25 18 Adults, 0 Cared for Adults, 13 Children and 3 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 34 reports made to police during Q4. 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 ‘missing’ varies on a report-by-report basis and according to any Threat, Risk or Harm 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. Adult Cared For Adult Child Care Experienced Child Q4 2023/24 28 Nil 26 9 Q4 2024/25 18 Nil 13 3 Change -10 Nil -13 -6 Page 54 of 114
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11 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Domestic Abuse Incidents 5-year average Q4 2024/25 % Change from 5 year average Number of Domestic Abuse Incidents 1139.2 1278 12.2% Total Crimes and offences in domestic abuse incidents 456.4 434 -4.9% Percentage of Domestic Incidents that result in a crime 40.1% 34% -6.1% Total crimes and offences detection rate 410.8 482 17.3% Total Detections for Domestic Bail Offences 63 52 -26.8% Domestic Abuse is a priority for Police Scotland and for all Midlothian Officers. By the end of Q4 2024/25 there were 1278 incidents reported, an increase of 12.2% on the 5 Year Average. The number of reported Domestic Abuse crimes recoded (434 reports) is -4.9% less than the 5-year average of 456.4 reports. The percentage of domestic incidents that resulted in a crime report being submitted is 34%, which represents a -6.1% reduction on the 5-year average of 40.1%. This statistic reflects a confidence to contact Police at an early stage in disagreements which ultimately do not result in criminality and seek support from both police and third-party services. The Q4 detection rate for Domestic crimes is 17.3% above the 5-year average. Midlothian Police remain committed to targeting violence against women and girls. Page 55 of 114
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12 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Hate Crime Midlothian 5-year average Q4 2024/25 % change from 5- year average Hate Incidents 14.4 15 4.2% Hate Crimes 78.4 102 30.1% Hate Crime Detection Rate 53.4% 67% 25.5% 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. • The 15 Hate Incidents recorded during Q4 2024/25 represent a 4.2% increase compared to the 5-year average. • During same period there have been 102 Hate Crimes recorded representing a 30.1% increase on the 5-year average. These increases are anticipated and can be attributed to the implementation of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act that was introduced on the 1st of April 2024. • The Detection Rate for Hate Crimes at the end of Q4 2024/25 is 67%, which represents a 25.5% improvement on the 5 Year Average. 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 56 of 114
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13 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Sexual Crimes (Group 2) Crime Type 5-year average Q4 2024/25 % Change from 5 yr average % Detection Group 2 214.4 303 41.3 56.8 Rape 34.8 79 127 54.4 Attempt rape 0.4 4 900 50.0 Sexual Assault 80 96 20 61.5 Other Group 2 crimes 16.4 30 82.9 46.7 Tackling serious criminality is a top priority for Midlothian officers. We focus on rape and sexual crime to build public confidence in reporting During Q4 2024/25, reports of rape / attempted rape rose by 127% 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, most reports in Midlothian are ‘historical’ in nature ranging back to 1994. This significant increase in historical reports reflects increased victim 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 Q4 2024/25 Detection Rate for Rape / Attempt Rape is 54.4%, reflecting a 7.7% increase on the Q3 detection rate. Reports of Sexual Assault during Q4 2024/25 are 16 incidents above the 5-year average, and the detection rate is 61.5%, reflecting a 2.3% increase on the Q3 detection rate. By end of Q4 2024/25 reports of all other Group 2 Sexual Crime within Midlothian had increased by 41.3% to 303 reports against a 5-year average of 214.4 reports. Protecting the most vulnerable people. Drug Supply, Production & Cultivation Page 57 of 114
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14 | P a g e OFFICIAL Drugs Supply 5-year average Q4 2024/25 % Change from 5 yr average % Detection Drugs Supply (including possession with intent) 38.4 35 -8.9 100.0 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 Q4 2024/25 there were 35 Supply of Drugs offences recorded, with a detection rate of 100%. During Q4 2024/25 there were 230 Possession of Drugs offences recorded with a detection rate of 102%, representing a -26.7% reduction on the 5-year average. Throughout Q4 2024/25, several successful house searches have been completed recovering drugs, cash and weapons. These enquiries rely on a continued flow of information from local Midlothian’s communities, as well as proactivity by the MCAT’s and wider policing teams. During Q4 MDA and GE search warrants were executed at 10 addresses throughout the county. This resulted in seizure of Class A and B Controlled substances, including cannabis, Cocaine, and Amphetamine. In addition, over £9,000 in cash was seized as being linked to crime. These warrant executions resulted in supply and possession charges libelled and disruption of drugs supply in the area. Q4 saw MCAT officers continuing to develop and progress intelligence, both through analysis of incoming intelligence and proactive gathering of information. This intelligence analysis and progression remains a key focus of MCATs activities with a view to craving and executing warrants to combat criminal activity in the county. 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). Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour Crimes of Violence (Group 1) Page 58 of 114
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15 | P a g e OFFICIAL Crime Type 5-year average Q4 2024/25 % Change from 5 yr average Q4 2024/25 Detection Rate Group 1 1019.8 1115 9.3 63.9 Serious Assault 45.6 45 -1.3 82.2 Robbery 18.8 25 33 72.0 Common Assault 784.4 857 9.3 61.8 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 its impact on our local 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 detection rates for these offences remain high throughout Midlothian. By end of Q4 2024/25 there were 45 serious assaults within Midlothian, representing a -1.3% reduction on the 5 -year average. The detection rate is 82.2%, which remains above the wider Divisional detection rate of 77%. By end of Q4 2024/25 there were 25 reported Robberies in Midlothian, this is a 6.5% increase on the 5-year average. The detection rate is 72%, which is a 7.7% increase on the Q3 detection rate. By end of Q4 2024/25 there were 857 recorded Common Assaults in Midlothian presenting an 9.3% increase on the 5 Year average (72.6 more). The detection rate is 61.8% and remains well above the wider Divisional detection rate of 56.9%. There were 63 assaults on Emergency Workers during the 2024/25 FYE, reflecting a -14.9% decrease on the 5- year average. Whilst this is positive progress, I remind that any assault on an Emergency Worker is simply unacceptable. Aggressive or threatening behaviour or verbal abuse against Police Scotland or other Emergency Services personnel is not part of their duties and will be investigated robustly. Page 59 of 114
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16 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour Reducing Antisocial Behaviour Indicator 5-year average Q4 2024/25 % Change from 5-year average Q4 2024/25 Detection Rate Antisocial Behaviour Incidents 726.8 682 -6.2 Vandalism (Including Malicious Mischief) 644.6 593 -8.0 26.5 Fire-raising 45.8 53 15.7 34.0 S38 CJ&L(S) A 2010 657.8 610 -7.3 74.9 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 Q4 2024/25, there were 682 ASB incidents reported to Police, reflecting a -6.2% reduction in this crime type within Midlothian compared to the five-year average. During Q4 2024/25 a total of 593 Vandalism type offences were recorded, representing a -8.0% reduction compared to the 5-year average. The detection rate is 26.5%. During Q4 2024/25 a total of 610 Breach of Peace type offences were recorded, representing a -7.3% reduction compared to the 5-year average. The detection rate is 74.9%. During Q4 2024/25 a total of 55 Fire-raising type offences were recorded, representing a 15.7% increase compared to the 5-year average. The detection rate is 34.0% and remains considerably above the wider Divisional detection rate of 23.0%. Page 60 of 114
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17 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Acquisitive Crime Dishonesty (group 3) Crime Type 5-year average Q4 2024/25 % Change from 5-year average Q4 2024/25 Detection Rate Total Group 3 1721.8 2031 18.0 34.0 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 Q4 2024/25, a total of 2031 overall Group 3 crimes (including housebreaking crimes) have been recorded within Midlothian. This figure represents 310 more or 18.0% increase compared to the 5-year average. During Q4 2024/25 the detection rate was 34.0% and remains above the wider Divisional detection rate of 30.5%. Common Thefts are 2.9% down on the five-year average and the detection rate is 17.5%. Theft by Shoplifting we are 875 which is an 57.7% increase. On the five years average the solvency sits at 47.2%. The divisional solvency for Theft by Shoplifting is 44.0%. Page 61 of 114
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18 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Acquisitive Crime Housebreaking Crime Type* 5-year average Q4 2024/25 % Change from 5-year average Q4 2024/25 Detection Rate Dwelling HB 82.2 72 -12.4 38.9 Non-Dwelling (Sheds, garages) HB 86.2 52 -39.7 17.3 Other (Business) HB 50.8 32 -37.0 50.0 *All crime types include attempt thefts. During Q4 2024/25, a total of 72 reports of Theft Housebreaking (including attempts to commit this offence) were recorded. This figure represents a 12.4% 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. Throughout Q4 2024/25 I have maintained a dedicated Midlothian Housebreaking Investigation Team with a detection rate of 38.9%, which compares favourably to the wider Divisional detection rate of 30.0%. During Q4 2024/25, a total of 52 reports of Theft Housebreaking to Non-Dwellings (including attempts to commit this offence) were recorded. This figure represents a -39.7% reduction on the 5-year average. The detection rate is 17.3% compared to the wider Divisional detection rate of 10.5%. During Q4 2024/25, a total of 32 reports of Theft Housebreaking to Businesses (including attempts to commit this offence) were recorded. This figure represents a significant -37.0% reduction on the 5-year average. The Midlothian detection rate is 50.0% compared to the wider Divisional detection rate of 28.0%. Midlothian officers continue to Prevent / Deter / Disrupt further Serious & Organised Crime activity with daily bail checks, tasked patrolling and dedicated operations at weekends and during hours of darkness. Page 62 of 114
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19 | P a g e OFFICIAL Improving road safety Road Casualties Q4 2023/24 Q4 2024/25 % Change Fatal 3 0 -100% Serious 43 28 -35% Slight 61 60 -2% Total 107 88 -17.76% Children (aged<16) Killed 0 0 - Children (aged<16) Seriously Injured 4 5 25% Road Traffic Offences 5-year average Q4 2024/25 % Change from 5 year average Dangerous driving offences 57.6 69 19.8 Driving carelessly 136 131 -3.7 Speeding offences 45 78 73.3 Unlawful use of a motor vehicle 512.2 617 20.5 Seat Belt offences 22.8 46 101.8 Mobile Phone offences 37.6 85 126.1 Driving under the influence 125.8 152 20.8 Throughout Q4 2024/25 there have been 19 fewer casualties (Fatal, Serious, and Minor) recorded within Midlothian than the previous Q4 2023/24 return, representing a -17.76% reduction in the total number of casualties on Midlothian roads. I am pleased to report that there have been zero fatalities within Midlothian during the 2024/25 FY. During Q4 2024/25, there have been 28 people Seriously Injured, reflecting a -35% decrease (15 fewer incidents) on same period last year. During Q4 2024/25 the number of Children Seriously Injured was 5, representing a 25% increase (1 more) than the previous year. Page 63 of 114
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20 | P a g e OFFICIAL Throughout Q4 2024/25, Midlothian officers have increased the number of static speed check deployments throughout Midlothian reflected by a 73.3% increase on the detection rate for Speeding offences compared with the 5-year average, as well as high visibility patrols targeting ASB involving off-road motorbikes resulting in a 14% increase in detection rate compared to the 5-year average. Where operational demand permitted pro-active vehicle stop type deployments resulted in a further: 2 arrests for Drink Driving offences 2 vehicles seized for being driven without valid insurance Page 64 of 114
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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 work closely with partner agencies to actively target “County 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 65 of 114
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22 | P a g e OFFICIAL Complaints Executive Summary Total Complaint Cases Received Total Number of Allegations Received YTD LYTD % CHANGE YTD LYTD % CHANGE 98 103 -4.9% 161 193 -16.6% The breakdown above details the total number of Complaints about the Police, received in relation to the Midlothian area command as at 31st March. The breakdown below provides further detail on the Allegation Category and Type. As can be seen there has been a 4.9% decrease in the overall number of Complaints about the Police when comparing LYTD and YTD. Area Allegation Category and Type LYTD YTD % change On Duty - TOTAL 106 115 +8.5 Assault 5 11 +120 Discriminatory Behaviour 2 2 x Excessive Force 8 8 x Incivility 23 20 -13.0 Irregularity in Procedure 64 57 -10.9 Neglect of Duty 0 5 x Oppressive Conduct/Harassment 0 1 x Other – Criminal 1 3 +200.0% Other - Non Criminal 1 1 x Traffic Irregularity/Offence 2 1 -50.0% Unlawful/Unnecessary Arrest or Detention 0 4 x Quality Of Service - TOTAL 87 46 -47.1% Policy/Procedure 15 11 -26.7% Service Delivery 33 14 -57.6% Midlothian Council Service Outcome 39 21 -46.2% Page 66 of 114
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23 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian CAT team – Q4 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. During Q4 MCAT officers maintained their focus on high visibility proactive policing, conducting mobile and foot patrols throughout the county. Focus was given to areas identified as having a higher density of incidents, namely Dalkeith Town Centre and Straiton Retail Park. Numerous antisocial behaviour and acquisitive offences were identified and reported throughout this deployment. Quad bike patrols were conducted in the Pentlands and divisional farms with a focus on rural and livestock crime awareness. Positive engagement was conducted with farmers, visitors and dog walkers in these areas to provide crime prevention advice and community reassurance. MCAT continue to provide reassurance to our minority groups in the area also, regularly visiting and conducting hi vis patrols of local mosques and refugee accommodation. 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 Q4 MDA and GE search warrants were executed at 10 addresses throughout the county. This resulted in seizure of Class A and B Controlled substances, including cannabis, Cocaine, and Amphetamine. In addition, over £9,000 in cash was seized as being linked to crime. These warrant executions resulted in supply and possession charges libelled and disruption of drugs supply in the area. Q4 saw MCAT officers continuing to develop and progress intelligence, both through analysis of incoming intelligence and proactive gathering of information. This intelligence analysis and progression remains a key focus of MCATs activities with a view to craving and executing warrants to combat criminal activity in the county. MCAT retains their focus on those individuals wanted on warrant with forty-one total warrant arrests enforced throughout Q4. Several nominals remain on G4s monitored electronic tag. MCAT consults with G4S in the monitoring of these individuals and submits reports in relation to any breaches identified. Page 67 of 114
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24 | P a g e OFFICIAL Bail checks continued with a total of 128 compliant checks made and twenty-nine occasions when breaches of bail where detected, resulting in the offenders being reported accordingly for breaching bail curfews. Bail Curfew Check - Complaint 128 Bail Curfew Check – Bail Breached 29 Arrest on warrant 41 Search Person MDA Positive 3 Search Person MDA Negative 0 Search Property MDA Positive 10 Search Property MDA Negative 1 Search Weapons Positive 0 Search Weapons Negative 0 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. Function 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 Q4, MCAT attended thirty-six youth incidents across Midlothian. This number is a significant drop from Q3 however this is expected due to time of year/season. MCAT deployed in varying diverse ways throughout Q4, including plain clothes as a way of tackling specific problem areas and dispersal of youths from hot spots. Most calls continue to relate to the same groups of individuals, and because of the previous positive engagement MCAT are aware of the problem groups. MCAT also continues to consult with school link officers to educate and assist with combatting youth ASB. Page 68 of 114
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25 | P a g e OFFICIAL The new “warning letter” system implemented in Q2/3 is deemed to be successful with the innovative approach having the desired effect on calls received and will remain in place should the problem arise again. MCAT continues to stop and engage with groups of youths and have a positive relationship with most they encounter. On the occasion where crime is identified VPD’s have been submitted as appropriate Youth Calls Attended 36 Alcohol Seizures 0 Children At Risk VPDs Submitted 4 Licensed Premises: monitor licensed premises activity and function as first responders to antisocial behavior related incidents whenever possible. Most licensed premise checks took place at weekends in Q4, with licensees being spoken to and the ensuring of appropriate staffing and measures being taken to run without issue. MCAT continues to work closely with CAP (Community Alcohol Partnership) and are again looking to implement future initiatives with them to tackle underage drinking and licensing offences. All Midlothian Licensed premises continue to be monitored by MCAT officers with random visits conducted regularly. Very few issues have been identified. LP Visit Public House 16 LP Visit Off Sales 8 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 occur in real time whenever possible. Instigate and contribute to operations and initiatives linked to the core vision. The clever work conducted by MCAT is at times difficult to measure given the pro-active approach taken by officers. Often stopping incidents before they happen or preventing them from developing into something worse. Because MCAT officers know who/when/where problems occur, they are often placed perfectly when issues develop and stop them at source. Page 69 of 114
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26 | P a g e OFFICIAL This approach alleviates pressure on frontline response officers, prevents calls to SFRS / SAS and Midlothian council call-out services. MCAT deploys for any local events, including football matches, and in Q4 no issues were identified because of their attendance. MCAT continues to support LRT to tackle ASB on buses and provide support to our partner agencies and maintain positive engagement with those encountered. Joint Activity NHS/SAS 0 Joint Activity Local Council 8 Joint Activity SFRS 0 Joint Activity Public Event 9 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. Static road checks are a staple in MCATs diary - we continue to run these as often as is practical and will continue to do so as we enter the summer months. All wards of Midlothian benefit from this action. During Q4 12 static road checks were conducted with corrective advice given and several vehicles seized through driving with no insurance. MCAT officers continued to conduct high visibility patrols regarding off-road motorbikes under Op Julep, as well as carrying out proactive vehicle stops on a regular basis. In total throughout Q4 3 individuals were arrested by MCAT officers for drink driving and two for drug driving. Reports were submitted in relation to these offences. Due to complaints from locals and direct requests from council officials, Speed Gun Checks were conducted in several wards. A multitude of vehicles were stopped and provided with corrective advice regarding their driving with further checks planned. MCAT continues to maintain a presence at various locations across the county known to attract boy racers each weekend. This provides an opportunity for positive engagement and the checking of vehicles to ensure legality and road worthiness. Static Road Checks 12 Fixed Penalty Tickets (RTA only) 3 Page 70 of 114
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27 | P a g e OFFICIAL Section 165 Seizures 2 Breath Tests Negative (pass) 9 Breath Tests Positive (fail) 2 S5A Drug Wipe Negative (pass) 1 S5A Drug Wipe Positive (fail) 0 ASBO Warnings 0 ASBO Seizures 0 Other Incidents and Arrests of Note Operation RAC has been continued to tackle acquisitive crime. MCAT saw significant arrests made with recidivist offenders being charged with over 27 crimes of dishonesty. MCAT officers always provide support to frontline policing across the county and have been involved in the search for and tracing of several high-risk missing persons, relieving pressure on frontline and reducing community impact. MCAT also continues to assist in the search for high-risk domestic offenders and have made multiple arrests and reports as a result. MCAT also investigated several incidents of intercepted packages containing Class B drugs being imported into the UK which were due for delivery to Midlothian. Search warrants for these addresses have been executed and the offenders reported to the procurator fiscal. MCAT investigated an incident investigated an allegation of sexual assault from an older male against a young female. The suspect was identified and charged with the offence and through the utilisation of special legislation, the suspect was charged with x2 similar other offences against other young victims. MCAT also investigated an incident involving drugs and stolen property being circulated around Midlothian. This resulted in extensive enquiries being carried out across the whole country and through their perseverance, the suspect was identified, traced and given a prison sentence for his involvement in criminality. Planned Activity 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. Further static road checks and speed gun checks are planned for the summer months to tackle issues raised in the local community. This will also form part of the winter drink drive campaign. Page 71 of 114
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28 | P a g e OFFICIAL During January 2025 MCAT officers will continue to operate in a Plain Clothes capacity, targeting anti-social behavior and drug misuse throughout Midlothian. Following the success of Q1 2024s community outreach initiative with local nurseries MCAT is developing plans to repeat and expand this by contacting local primary schools. The intention is to conduct engagement visits again utilising the police quad bikes and deliver inputs to primaries 1-3 in each location about the police and road safety to positively engage with the county’s youth at an early stage. Meetings will be arranged with each potential site to discuss requirements and planning with a view to conducting the initiative in Q1 2025. The “it’ll cost you” initiative run in Q3 will be repeated in conjunction with our partners in late early Q1 with a view to continuing this as an ongoing initiative throughout the year. Q4 also saw MCAT deliver “Make Your House Safe” information to all new homeowners buying new builds in Midlothian. This saw MCAT collaborate with builders/sellers and have them issue the information at point of sale. Continuing from MCAT’s excellent results in Q3 an initiative is planned to focus specifically on apprehending those individuals who are wanted on warrant, reducing the number outstanding and securing the prosecution of recidivist offenders. Page 72 of 114
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29 | P a g e OFFICIAL Lothian and Scottish Borders Divisional Crime Overview Lothian and Scottish Borders Division 5 Year Average Q4 2024/25 % Change against 5-year average Detection Rates 2024/25 GROUP 1: NON-SEXUAL CRIMES OF VIOLENCE 5,732.4 6,080 6.1% 60.4% Murder (excluding culpable homicide at common law) 3.0 5 66.7% 100.0% Culpable homicide (at common law) 0.6 1 66.7% 100.0% Culpable Homicide (other) 4.2 10 138.1% 100.0% Attempted Murder 18.6 18 -3.2% 100.0% Serious Assault (of an emergency worker) - 1 - 100.0% Serious Assault (Incl. FGM, culpable & reckless conduct – causing injury) 261.6 235 -10.2% 77.0% Common Assault (of an emergency worker) 430.0 430 - 99.1% Common Assault 4,433.6 4,621 4.2% 56.9% Robbery (including assault with intent to rob) 98.6 116 17.6% 65.5% Domestic Abuse (of male) 4.4 14 218.2% 64.3% Domestic Abuse (of female) 133.0 225 69.2% 64.0% Stalking 93.4 106 13.5% 72.6% Cruel & Unnatural treatment of children 66.4 78 17.5% 92.3% Threats and extortion 144.4 175 21.2% 5.1% Other group 1 crimes 40.6 45 10.8% 37.8% GROUP 2: SEXUAL CRIMES 1,193.2 1,376 15.3% 54.1% Rape 209.8 309 47.3% 45.6% Attempted Rape 8.4 31 269.0% 19.4% Sexual assault 437.4 443 1.3% 55.3% Crimes associated with prostitution 1.2 1 -16.7% 100.0% Indecent photos of children 64.8 97 49.7% 88.7% Communicating indecently 111.4 83 -25.5% 72.3% Causing to view sexual activity or images 172.0 199 15.7% 53.3% Threatening or Disclosure of intimate image 83.6 90 7.7% 43.3% Other Group 2 crimes 104.6 123 17.6% 49.6% GROUP 3: CRIMES OF DISHONESTY 8,268.8 8,867 7.2% 30.5% Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - dwelling house 386.6 350 -9.5% 30.0% Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - non dwelling 250.2 162 -35.3% 10.5% Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - other premises 283.4 232 -18.1% 28.0% Opening Lockfast Places - Motor Vehicle 173.0 160 -7.5% 18.1% Theft of a motor vehicle 431.2 465 7.8% 35.7% Theft from a Motor Vehicle (Insecure etc.) 375.4 270 -28.1% 18.5% Attempt theft of motor vehicle 34.2 55 60.8% 23.6% Opening Lockfast Places - NOT Motor Vehicle 138.8 152 9.5% 16.4% Common theft 2,298.4 1,903 -17.2% 17.7% Theft by shoplifting 2,138.6 3,477 62.6% 44.4% Fraud 1,2440.0 1,228 -1.3% 15.0% Page 73 of 114
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30 | P a g e OFFICIAL Other Group 3 Crimes 516.0 413 -20.0% 42.4% GROUP 4: DAMAGE AND RECKLESS BEHAVIOUR 3,972.8 3,635 -8.5% 27.4% Fire-raising 243.0 274 12.8% 23.0% Vandalism (including reckless damage etc) 3,447.2 3,128 -9.3% 25.4% Reckless conduct (with firearms) 4.2 2 -52.4% 100.0% Culpable and reckless conduct (not with firearms) 261.6 211 -19.3% 64.9% Other Group 4 Crimes 16.8 20 19.0% 10.0% GROUP 5: CRIMES AGAINST SOCIETY 4,124.6 4,336 5.1% 93.0% Possession firearm/offensive weapon/knife in prison (not used in crime) 24.0 17 -29.2% 82.4% Possession offensive weapon/knife in school (not used in crime) 11.4 11 -3.5% 90.9% Possession offensive weapon/knife in a private place (not used in crime) 7.6 39 413.2% 110.3% Possession of a corrosive substance (not used in crime) - - - - Other possession of offensive weapon/knife (not used in crime) 277.2 260 -6.2% 87.3% Possession firearm/offensive weapon/knife in prison (used in criminal activity) 5.2 15 188.5% 73.3% Possession offensive weapon/knife in school (used in criminal activity) 3.8 7 84.2% 85.7% Possession offensive weapon/knife in a private place (used in criminal activity) 3.8 6 57.9% 100.0% Possession of corrosive substance (used in criminal activity) 0.4 - - - Other possession of offensive weapon/knife NEC (used in criminal activity) 241.2 401 66.3% 65.3% Production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs 51.8 34 -34.4% 102.9% Supply of drugs (incl possession with intent) 178.0 236 32.6% 95.3% Bringing drugs into prison 21.0 59 181.0% 33.9% Other drugs offences (incl. importation) 10.0 20 100.0% 80.0% Possession of drugs 1,562.4 1,234 -21.0% 100.3% Offences relating to serious and organised crime 4.0 17 325.0% 82.4% Bail offences (other than absconding) 957.2 1,065 11.3% 96.5% Other crimes against public justice 750.2 891 18.8% 96.2% Other crimes against society 15.4 24 55.8% 87.5% GROUP 6: ANTISOCIAL OFFENCES 3,892.8 3,732 -4.1% 74.1% Breach of the Peace 102.2 133 30.1% 92.5% Threatening & abusive behaviour 3,485.6 3,345 -4.0% 72.1% Hate aggravated conduct (incl stirring up hatred) 118.0 141 19.5% 86.5% Drunk and incapable 29.8 16 -46.3% 100.0% Consume alcohol in designated place (local byelaws) 24.8 23 -7.3% 100.0% Other alcohol related offences 34.2 27 -21.1% 100.0% Urinating 98.2 47 -52.1% 91.5% GROUP 7: MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES 1,296.8 1,394 7.5% 56.7% Page 74 of 114
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31 | P a g e OFFICIAL Wildlife offences 41.4 28 -32.4% 28.6% Offences involved animals (not wildlife) 119.4 118 -1.2% 55.9% Community and public order offences 897.8 1,070 19.2% 52.7% Environmental offences 31.0 23 -25.8% 82.6% Licensing offences 116.2 85 -26.9% 85.9% Other misc. offences 91.0 70 -23.1% 87.1% GROUP 8: ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENCES 7,409.0 7,326 -1.1% 81.5% Dangerous driving offences 255.2 268 5.0% 76.1% Driving carelessly 659.6 643 -2.5% 85.5% Driving under the influence 554.8 598 7.8% 102.5% Speeding offences 433.2 187 -56.8% 100.0% Seatbelt offences 128.4 114 -11.2% 100.0% Mobile phone offences 157.2 184 17.0% 98.9% Unlawful use of a motor vehicle 2,787.2 2,545 -8.7% 99.3% Vehicle defect offences 224.4 372 67.3% 99.5% Driver’s neglect of traffic directions (NOT pedestrian crossings) 447.4 374 -16.4% 90.9% Road traffic offences (involving bicycle/tricycle) 9.0 4 -55.6% 75.0% Other Group 8 offences 1,754.6 2,037 16.1% 43.3% Page 75 of 114
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32 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian Recorded Crime Overview Midlothian 5 Year Average Q4 2024/25 % change against 5-year average Detection Rates 2024/25 GROUP 1: NON-SEXUAL CRIMES OF VIOLENCE 1019.8 1115 9.3% 63.9% Murder (excluding culpable homicide at common law) 0.6 - -100.0 - Culpable homicide (at common law) 0.0 Culpable Homicide (other) 0.4 1 150.0% 100.0% Attempted Murder 2.4 5 108.3% 40.0% Serious Assault (Incl. FGM, culpable & reckless conduct – causing injury) 45.6 45 -1.3% 82.2% Common Assault (of an emergency worker) 74.0 63 -14.9% 100.0% Common Assault 784.4 857 9.3% 61.8% Robbery (including assault with intent to rob) 18.8 25 33.0% 72.0% Domestic Abuse (of male) 1.0 3 200.0% 66.7% Domestic Abuse (of female) 23.0 48 108.7% 68.8% Stalking 14.2 22 54.9% 63.6% Cruel & Unnatural treatment of children 22.2 13 -41.4% 69.2% Threats and extortion 25.4 28 10.2% - Other group 1 crimes 7.8 5 -35.9% 80.0% GROUP 2: SEXUAL CRIMES 214.4 303 41.3% 56.8% Rape 34.8 79 127.0% 54.4% Attempted Rape 0.4 4 900.0% 50.0% Sexual assault 80.0 96 20.0% 61.5% Crimes associated with prostitution 0.2 -100.0% - Indecent photos of children 11.8 18 52.5% 83.3% Communicating indecently 23.6 17 -28.0% 41.2% Causing to view sexual activity or images 30.0 36 20.0% 58.3% Threatening or Disclosure of intimate image 17.2 23 33.7% 47.8% Other Group 2 crimes 16.4 30 82.9% 46.7% GROUP 3: CRIMES OF DISHONESTY 1721.8 2031 18% 34% Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - dwelling house 82.2 72 -12.4% 38.9% Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - non dwelling 86.2 52 -39.7% 17.3% Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - other premises 50.8 32 -37.0% 50.0% Opening Lockfast Places - Motor Vehicle 29.6 35 18.2% 22.9% Theft of a motor vehicle 92.6 101 9.1% 33.7% Theft from a Motor Vehicle (Insecure etc.) 61.0 61 0.0 27.9% Attempt theft of motor vehicle 6.2 11 77.4% 27.3% Opening Lockfast Places - NOT Motor Vehicle 28.0 20 -28.6% 25.0% Common theft 400.6 389 -2.9% 17.5% Theft by shoplifting 555.0 875 57.7% 47.2% Fraud 221.0 266 20.4% 17.3% Other Group 3 Crimes 108.6 117 7.7% 37.6% Page 76 of 114
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33 | P a g e OFFICIAL GROUP 4: DAMAGE AND RECKLESS BEHAVIOUR 757 688 -9.1% 29.1% Fire-raising 45.8 53 15.7% 34.0% Vandalism (including reckless damage etc) 644.6 593 -8.0% 26.5% Reckless conduct (with firearms) 0.4 1 150.0% 100.0% Culpable and reckless conduct (not with firearms) 61.2 36 -41.2% 66.7% Other Group 4 Crimes 5.0 5 0.0 - GROUP 5: CRIMES AGAINST SOCIETY 827.8 816 -1.4% 93.1% 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) 3.6 5 38.9% 80.0% Possession offensive weapon/knife in a private place (not used in crime) 2.0 9 350.0% 88.9% Possession of a corrosive substance (not used in crime) 0.0 - Other possession of offensive weapon/knife (not used in crime) 49.4 39 -21.1% 76.9% 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) 0.4 3 650.0% 100.0% Possession offensive weapon/knife in a private place (used in criminal activity) 0.6 -100.0 - Possession of corrosive substance (used in criminal activity) 0.2 -100.0 - Other possession of offensive weapon/knife NEC (used in criminal activity) 39.6 77 94.4% 64.9% Production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs 9.6 4 -58.3% 50.0% Supply of drugs (incl possession with intent) 38.4 35 -8.9% 100.0% Bringing drugs into prison 0.0 - Other drugs offences (incl. importation) 1.2 7 483.3% 100.0% Possession of drugs 313.6 230 -26.7% 102.6% Offences relating to serious and organised crime 0.8 4 400.0% 100.0% Bail offences (other than absconding) 217.4 226 4.0% 95.6% Other crimes against public justice 149.8 171 14.2% 93.6% Other crimes against society 0.8 6 650.0% 83.3% GROUP 6: ANTISOCIAL OFFENCES 726.8 682 -6.2% 76.5% Breach of the Peace 19.8 28 41.4% 96.4% Threatening & abusive behaviour 657.8 610 -7.3% 74.9% Hate aggravated conduct (incl stirring up hatred) 14.4 20 38.9% 80.0% Drunk and incapable 4.4 3 -31.8% 100.0% Consume alcohol in designated place (local byelaws) 8.0 3 -62.5% 100.0% Other alcohol related offences 9.0 8 -11.1% 100.0% Urinating 13.4 10 -25.4% 80.0% GROUP 7: MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES 242.8 262 7.9% 54.2% Wildlife offences 4.6 1 -78.3% - Page 77 of 114
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34 | P a g e OFFICIAL Offences involved animals (not wildlife) 23.2 23 -0.9% 65.2% Community and public order offences 178.8 222 24.2% 50.0% Environmental offences 9.4 2 -78.7% 100.0% Licensing offences 25.0 11 -56.0% 100.0% Other misc. offences 1.8 3 66.7% 100.0% GROUP 8: ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENCES 1427.6 1764 23.6% 82.9% Dangerous driving offences 57.6 69 19.8% 66.7% Driving carelessly 136.0 131 -3.7% 82.4% Driving under the influence 125.8 152 20.8% 103.3% Speeding offences 45.0 78 73.3% 100.0% Seatbelt offences 22.8 46 101.8% 100.0% Mobile phone offences 37.6 85 126.1% 98.8% Unlawful use of a motor vehicle 512.2 617 20.5% 98.5% Vehicle defect offences 56.2 121 115.3% 99.2% Driver’s neglect of traffic directions (NOT pedestrian crossings) 60.2 34 -43.5% 97.1% Road traffic offences (involving bicycle/tricycle) 1.4 1 -28.6% 100.0% Other Group 8 offences 372.8 430 15.3% 42.3% Page 78 of 114
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Multiple selections Midlothian Safer Communities Board Midlothian Scrutiny Report 2024-25 Q3 & Q4 Midlothian Safer Communities Board Midlothian Police and Fire and Rescue Board Thursday 8 May 2025 Item No 5.3 Page 79 of 114
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Summary Trends Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADFs) Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Special Service Casualties Deliberate Fires Non-Domestic Fires Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) Fire Safety Enforcement Community Safety & Engagement Glossary of Terms Contents Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 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 as a result 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. 202516/04/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Scrutiny Report 2024-25 Q3 & Q4 Midlothian Safer Communities Board Midlothian Page 80 of 114
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1. Summary 160 Fires 119 206 False Alarms 488 16 3 0 Fire Fatalities 18 3 57 UFAS 202516/04/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Non-Fire Incidents People Rescued by Firefighters People Receiving First Aid or Hospital Treatment (Non-Fire) People Receiving First Aid or Hospital Treatment (Fires) Non-Fire Fatalities Top 10 Incident Types Fire (Outdoor) False Alarm (Due to Apparatus) False Alarm (Good Intent) Inter-Agency False Alarm (UFAS) Fire (Building) Fire (Vehicle) Vehicle (Non-fire) Humanitarian Securing Scene 101 74 71 67 57 34 25 20 10 10 2024-25 Q3 & Q4 70 Fire Safety Audits 142 Home Fire Safety Visits Total Incidents (Incl. Incompletes) As can be seen within page 3 of the report, the data highlights that over the 2 quarters, SFRS attended 488 incidents within the Midlothian boundary area, this can be broken down as 160 fires, 206 false alarms & 119 non-fire incidents, as the bar chart above indicates, the most common incident type is outdoor fires, this can be broken down further into quarters, with 50 occurrences in Q3 (46 deliberate) and 51 in Q4 (34 deliberate). We continue to utilise data mapping to identify areas and times that these incidents commonly occur, and our community action team continue to work alongside operational crews and partner agencies to attempt to mitigate these instances of deliberate fire setting. We also continue to attend a large proportion of false alarms, 57 of which are unwanted, and our Fire Safety enforcement teams continue to liaise with Duty Holders to inform and educate them through Fire Safety audits of relevant Premises. Page 81 of 114
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2. Trends 202516/04/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Accidental Dwelling Fires 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 13 8 19 89 8 12 1111 9 1313 13 9910 Deliberate Fires 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 70 42 117 39 39 83 50 57 50 56 51 60 76 49 111 71 Non-Domestic Fires 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 5 2 13 2 4 12 3 9 5 67 66 66 9 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 91 33 139 24 32 101 82 45 87 80 34 99 29 106 85 34 Road Traffic Collisions 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 7 9 18 45 12 6 5 11 998 10 7 7 9 Previous 16 quarters (4 years) Page 82 of 114
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3. Accidental Dwelling Fires Extent of Damage Incidents Limited to item 1st ignited 9 Not applicable 6 Limited to floor of origin (not whole building) 2 Limited to room of origin 2 202516/04/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Source of Ignition (Top 10) Cooking appliance Not known Electricity supply Other domestic style appliance Heating equipment Smoking Related 8 4 3 2 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 10 15 20 19 Accidental Dwelling Fires in this period 2024-25 Q3 & Q4 Incidents by Ward Dalkeith Midlothian East Penicuik Bonnyrigg Midlothian South Midlothian West 4 4 4 3 3 1 As indicated within section 2 of the report, there are no discernible trends within the area, however Q4 has saw a small decrease in accidental dwelling fires from Q3, while we have also seen a small reduction in overall deliberate fires. Our incidents in non domestic premises are also at a 4 year low. UFAS incidents have seen a small rise, however this is still considerably lower than our incidents attended prior to the implementation of the new UFAS procedure as can be seen within the chart pre Q2 23/24. SFRS attendance at RTCS’s has also saw a rise from Q2, as the data suggests over a 4 year period, Quarters 3 & 4 tend to see an increase in RTC’s due to weather and road conditions. Page 83 of 114
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4. Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Non-Fatal Casualties 2 Fatal Casualties 0 Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties Burns - slight 1 Overcome by gas, smoke or toxic fumes; asphyxiation 1 202516/04/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Casualties by Ward Midlothian East Penicuik 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 1 2 0 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 2 0 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 0 Hospital Serious Injuries 2024-25 Q3 & Q4 Over Quarters 3 & 4, SFRS attended 19 dwelling fires, 11 in Q3 & 8 in Q4, while on 9 occasions this was contained to the first item ignited, on 6 occasion this has resulted in property loss to the householders. Again, as highlighted within the bar chart, the most common cause of Accidental dwelling fires is cooking appliances and we continue to inform and educate the community on fire safety matters around this through our post domestic Incident response and HFSV programme. Page 84 of 114
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5. Non-Fire Casualties 202516/04/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Casualties by Ward Midlothian East Dalkeith Midlothian South Midlothian West Penicuik Bonnyrigg 7 6 3 2 2 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 5 10 15 20 Non-Fatal Casualties 18 Fatal Casualties 3 15 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 1 8 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 9 Hospital Serious Injuries Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties Other 5 Chest pain / Heart condition / Cardiac arrest 3 Back / Neck injury (spinal) 2 Fracture 2 Not known 2 Other medical condition 2 Other physical injury 2 Chest / Abdominal injury 1 Cuts/Lacerations 1 Head injury 1 2024-25 Q3 & Q4 Over the 2 Quarters SFRS attended incidents alongside partner agencies to assist with 21 casualties, with 15 incidents in Q3 and 6 in Q4. These incidents were attended by operational crews responding to road traffic collisions, specialist rescue or at the request of other agencies, this sadly included 3 fatalities. The detailed chart highlights the nature of injury across the range of incidents. Page 85 of 114
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6. Deliberate Fires Property Type Incident Grassland, woodland and crops 34 Refuse 30 Other outdoors (including land) 12 Road Vehicle 6 Non Residential 3 Outdoor structures 3 Dwelling 2 Outdoor equipment and machinery 1 Hour of Day 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 202516/04/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Midlothian East Midlothian South Bonnyrigg Dalkeith Midlothian West Penicuik 26 19 16 16 8 6 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 50 100 91 Deliberate Fires in this period 2024-25 Q3 & Q4 This section highlights a downward trend in deliberate fires since Q2, within Q3 SFRS attended 49 incidents and 42 within Q4. The incident type indicates the vast majority of these incidents are either involving grassland or refuse occurring predominantly in the early evening. We are once again using this data to inform our targeted approach and are working with partner agencies to reduce anti-social behaviour across the area. Page 86 of 114
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7. Non-Domestic Fires Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Food and Drink 2 Offices and call centres 1 Residential Home 1 (50.0%)(50.0%) 22 Accidental Deliberate 202516/04/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Bonnyrigg Dalkeith Midlothian West Penicuik 1 1 1 1 Extent of Damage Limited to item 1st ignited Limited to room of origin 3 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 5 10 4 Non-Domestic Fires in this period 2024-25 Q3 & Q4 Section 7 of the Report illustrates that SFRS attended 4 incidents within non-domestic premises over the reporting period, this can be broken down as 2 incidents within Q’s 3 & 4 respectively. As the data suggests, 3 of these incidents were limited to the initial item ignited and one was contained to the room of origin, this was a deliberate fire at a premises classed as a food and drink establishment within the Midlothian West Ward. Page 87 of 114
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8. Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Hostel (e.g. for homeless people) 13 Sheltered Housing - not self contained 11 Hospitals and medical care 8 Hotel/motel 7 Residential Home 7 Youth hostel 4 Boarding House/B&B for homeless/asylum seekers 3 Education 1 Entertainment and culture 1 Industrial Processing 1 Other holiday residence (cottage, flat, chalet) 1 202516/04/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Dalkeith Penicuik Midlothian West Midlothian East Bonnyrigg Midlothian South 22 18 7 5 3 2 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 50 100 57 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals in this period 2024-25 Q3 & Q4 UFAS occurrences attended by SFRS accounted for 57 incidents within Midlothian over the reportable period, this is broken down as follows: Q3 24 & Q4 33. We will continue to work with duty holders to reduce this figure further to prevent unnecessary blue light drives and ensure crews remain available for operational response and training. Page 88 of 114
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9. Road Traffic Collisions 202516/04/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Midlothian East Dalkeith Midlothian South Penicuik Midlothian West Bonnyrigg 6 4 4 3 2 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 10 15 20 Road Traffic Collisions in this period Non-Fatal Casualties 10 Fatal Casualties 0 3 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 0 6 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 4 Hospital Serious Injuries Property Type Incidents Car 13 Multiple Vehicles 3 Bus/coach 2 Motorcycle 1 Van 1 2024-25 Q3 & Q4 Incident Type Incidents Vehicle (Non-fire) 20 SFRS attended 20 RTC’s across the reporting period, 11 in Q3 and 9 in Q4 Respectively, as can be seen from the data, the vast majority of incidents attended were in cars. This resulted in 10 non-fire casualties and 3 people rescued by firefighters from within their vehicles. Again, we continue to work with our colleagues in Police Scotland and other agencies through our community action teams, who have engaged with various age demographics to raise awareness of driving safely. Page 89 of 114
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10. Home Fire Safety Visits 202516/04/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 11. Fire Safety Enforcement Job Type Count Audit 70 Specific Visit 8 Consultation 2 Audits by Ward Midlothian West Dalkeith Midlothian East Bonnyrigg Penicuik Midlothian South 16 14 14 9 9 8 2024-25 Q3 & Q4 HFSVs by Ward Dalkeith Midlothian East Midlothian South Penicuik Midlothian West Bonnyrigg 33 33 30 18 15 13 Home Fire Safety Visits 142 High Risk HFSVs 50 Partner Referral HFSVs 36 During the reporting period SFRS completed 142 Home fire safety visits within Midlothian, including 50 to high-risk households, during Q4 SFRS also amended their HFSV policy, whereas previously both Low & Medium risk households would also be offered a HFSV, we will now only offer this service to those deemed high risk through our selected criteria based on historical data. All householders that enquire through our website or freephone number will be considered, based on their answers they will either receive a personalised safety booklet with fire safety guidance or will receive a HFSV. Also highlighted within section is the audit figures for Quarters 3 & 4, this can be broken down further into 47 within Q3 & 33 in Q4, these figures include core audit work as set out within our Local enforcement delivery plan 2024-25. Page 90 of 114
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13. Community Safety & Engagement 202516/04/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 2024-25 Q3 & Q4 Over the two reporting periods our community action team and operational watches completed the following community safety engagement work: Quarter 3 Focus: Reduce bonfire related ASB activity & Road Safety Delivered a Road Safety event at Glencorse Barracks vehicle extrication demonstration with Dalkeith Red Watch, engaging with around 180 young soldiers. Coordinated a Road Safety Event at Edinburgh College in partnership with Edinburgh College, Police Scotland and RoSPA carrying out Drive to Arrive presentations with a vehicle extrication demonstration by Dalkeith Blue Watch to around 200 mechanical and engineering students at the College. Attended and was part of the Midlothian Bonfire Diversionary Project tackling ASB and deliberate fire setting over the Bonfire/Firework period 2024. Attended an Older Drivers Road Safety event at Tesco, Dalkeith in partnership with Police Scotland, Lothian Buses and City of Edinburgh CAT engaging with over 50 members of the public. Community Action Team (CAT) and Dalkeith operational watches carried out Bonfire patrols in the lead up to the Bonfire/Firework period in partnership with Midlothian Council. CAT also delivered 1 mini Fireskills session to 6 youths from Y2K Youth club holiday group along with Dalkeith White Watch focusing on Bonfire/Firework Safety & ASB. CAT delivered 1 visit for 5 youths from Y2K Youth club holiday group to the Museum of Fire & MacDonald Road Fire Station. CAT delivered 2 separate mini Fireskills sessions to 10 youths from Croft Street Hub (CLL) along with Dalkeith White Watch & Green Watch focusing on Bonfire/Firework Safety & ASB. Quarter 4 Focus: Water Safety & Lithium Ion Across the quarter, CAT delivered a Water Safety presentations to 600 S1/2/3 pupils at Lasswade High School, 80 S3 pupils at Penicuik High school & 120 pupils at Newbattle High school in partnership with Police Scotland & Scottish Water Gladhouse Rangers. CAT along with Dalkeith and Penicuik crews are delivering a Lithium-Ion Battery safety campaign liaising with all Primary & High Schools in Midlothian, Supermarkets, Shops, Local Business and advertising through the Midlothian CLLE Padlet as well as social media. CAT met with East Ayrshire Council to discuss a potential Battery Disposal campaign for Midlothian to reduce fires in Recycling Centre’s and Vehicles through improper disposal. CAT continues to liaise with Y2K to establish a plan for the year ahead through monthly “Drop ins” from Dalkeith operational personnel, 2-day Fireskills session and various other school holiday engagement opportunities. CAT continues to liaise with Croft Street Hub (CLLE) to establish a plan for the year ahead through “Mini Fireskills” station visits, a 2- day Fireskills session and various other safety presentations to young people attending the setting. Page 91 of 114
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14. Glossary of Terms Term - What it means ADF Accidental Dwelling Fire. HFSV Home Fire Safety Visit. PDIR Post Domestic Incident Response, a term used to indicate actions taken following attendance at a fire or other incident in the home. PDIRs include amongst things the offer of a free follow up home fire safety visit. RTC Road Traffic Collision. Special Service Calls to incidents which are not fires or false alarms such as RTCs, rescues, flooding, incidents involving hazardous materials or the provision of assistance to other agencies. UFAS Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals. When an automatic fire detection and alarm system is activated as a result of anything other than an actual fire the activation is classed as a false alarm. If an attendance is made to such an event by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, then the event is recorded as an UFAS incident. UFAS Policy Change In response to COVID, on the 6th May 2020, the SFRS decided to send 1 pump to UFAS premises that did not have their own Predetermined attendance (PDA). As of 1st July 2023, the COVID interim 1 pump response was ended and a new UFAS policy was implemented. The new policy is to call challenge all UFAS incidents with the intention of non-attendance. Hospitals, care homes, and sleeping risk premises are all exempt and receive either 2 pumps or their premise specific PDA. 202516/04/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Page 92 of 114
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Design, figures and charts by the Business Intelligence team. Page 93 of 114
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Licensing Protective Services - Police and Fire Board Quarter 3 report Other civic licences applied for during Q3: Late Hours Catering Licence - 1 granted Public Charitable Collections - 3 granted Public Processions - 13 granted Second Hand Car Dealer Licences - 3 granted Street Trader (Roving) - 1 granted Street Trader (Static) - 4 granted Tattoo - 1 granted Window Cleaner - 1 granted Public Entertainment - 1 granted Temporary Public Entertainment - 1 granted Taxi - 8 granted Taxi Driver - 8 granted Private Hire Car - 38 granted Private Hire Car Driver - 30 granted Liquor Licences - 109 granted 101.00 106.00 180.00 106.00 109.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of Liquor Licence applications received 100.00 141.00 102.00 158.00 90.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of Civic Government Licence applications 76% 92% 95% 67% 78% Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Percentage of Civic Government Licence applications determined 100% of liquor licence applications were determined this quarter. There were no Civic Government Act applications referred to the General Purposes Committee in Q3 Police and Fire and Rescue Board Thursday 8 May 2025 Item 5.4 Page 95 of 114
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1.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 1.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of Business Workplace Health and Safety Improvement notices served 0.00 1.00 0.00 0.00 2.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of Business Workplace Health and Safety Prohibition notices served Workplace Health and Safety 22.00 9.00 10.00 6.00 10.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of workplace safety RIDDOR reports received 1 RIDDOR related visit took place to investigate business workplace health and safety incidents this quarter. There were no business workplace health and safety proactive inspections this quarter. Page 96 of 114
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8.00 3.00 0.001.00 2.002.00 25.00 9.00 23.00 14.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 sampled inspected Number of Private water supplies 48.00 4.00 35.00 7.00 66.00 18.00 35.00 7.00 58.00 5.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 reported notices served Number of Abandoned Vehicles 3.00 6.00 4.00 2.00 2.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of Abandoned Vehicles which have been removed for destruction Public Health 32.00 42.00 43.00 35.00 33.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of Planning Application consultations received 313 Public Health Service requests were received from Midlothian residents and businesses this quarter. 98% of Public Health complaints received a first response within timescales this quarter. 83 Public Health Service requests were received from internal sources this quarter. 5 Environmental Protection Abatement 1990 Notice was served this quarter. 7 short term let Licences issued this quarter.6 short term let Applications received this quarter. Page 97 of 114
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Civil Contingencies and events Multi-agency Exercises, Training, Presentations and Work streams: Participated in a Cyber Security training exercise organised by Digital Services in liaison with an external partner. This is a further example of collaborative working with Digital Services in order to improve Business Continuity Planning across the organisation. Supporting School Business Managers in the development of their School Incident Plans, in collaboration with Police Scotland colleagues. Team Members undertook/facilitated: Ongoing monitoring and circulation of information and liaison with services regarding the Public Switched Telephone Network switch-off (in conjunction with Digital Services). Ongoing monitoring and circulation of information on Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill). Collaborated with Business Services (Operational Support) to have updated Prevent and Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) modules available on our e-learning platform. These are both national products. Next steps will be discussed at the forthcoming Midlothian CONTEST meeting in January 2025. Liaised with contacts at Torness Nuclear Power Station and colleagues in Protective Services to submit nominations for a visit to the facility. Liaised with Scottish Government to secure places for five colleagues on Crisis Management courses. Unfortunately, one course was cancelled and four colleagues had to withdraw from the last scheduled course for 2024 due to budget discussions. Note: The service review for the Health, Safety and Resilience Team Service, which includes Contingency Planning, has not yet concluded. This means ongoing challenges continue, preventing notable progress. Plans and Procedures: Plans and Procedures updated this quarter: Midlothian Council Severe Weather Plan Emergency Contacts Directory (reflecting staff changes) Support to the Executive PA Place with the Festive Period Service Arrangements document. 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 where relevant to Midlothian, will be incorporated in the Midlothian Council guidance document. Corporate Business Continuity (BC) Plan. A draft has been completed and feedback has been requested. rt of the Prevent SPOC.) Page 98 of 114
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Public events Ongoing, routine representation at/participation in: Local Resilience Partnership meetings 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 Safety and Management Groups, internal CONTEST Group (and providing on-going support to the Midlothian SPOC), support to services for Business Continuity activities as required Torness Emergency Planning Consultative Group meetings Local Authority Resilience Group Scotland (LARGS) - networking meetings of resilience practitioners General resilience support to colleagues 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. 7.00 8.00 15.00 7.00 9.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of organisations engaged with the Safety Advisory Group or similar 9 event organisers attended SAG meetings during Q3. Those related to 4 Remembrance events with an altered route, 4 larger Christmas Lights Switch- On events, and a new Festive Charity “Tractor Run”. Work has commenced to engage the 2025 event organisers, with a view to establishing a review of Licences and set the calendar of SAG attendance for spring and early summer. Page 99 of 114
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0.00 3.00 1.00 3.00 2.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of Food Law Remedial Action notices served 50.00 76.00 42.00 69.00 63.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of Food Law interventions carried out (food hygiene and food standards) Food Hygiene and Standards 100% 100% 33% 82% 0% Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Percentage of priority 1 and 2 premises receiving completed food law interventions in line with the Service Plan 14.00 33.00 52.00 8.00 12.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of Food/non-food samples taken 35 Food law service requests were received from Midlothian residents and businesses this quarter. (Includes food safety and food standards). 94% 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 100 of 114
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44.00 50.00 46.00 48.00 28.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of consumer complaints received by Trading Standards 32.00 39.00 38.00 36.00 37.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of intelligence logs input to Intelligence Database (IDB) 1.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of cases reported to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Trading Standards 9.00 3.00 12.00 4.00 11.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Number of business advice requests received by Trading Standards Trading Standards Campaigns/Joint working/Initiative details: On 1st October, Trading Standards joined Police Scotland to conduct an Integrity Testing exercise. An adult volunteer under the age of 25, provided by a charity, Community Alcohol Partnerships, was sent into small shops alone to check if they were asked to provide proof of age when buying vapes and/or alcohol. 33 shops were visited and 20 sold either or both products without asking for proof of age. On 6 November, 9 visits were made to supermarkets this time without Police Scotland and using a member of staff; 2 sold vapes. Return visits were made to each of the 22 traders reminding them of their responsibility to verify age if customers appear under 25. 100% of Consumer complaints were responded to within 5 working days this quarter. 96% of Consumer complaints were completed within 14 days this quarter. 100% of Business advice requests were responded to within 5 working days this quarter. 89% of Business advice requests were completed within 14 days this quarter. Develop and implement a Trusted Trader Scheme: The scheme has been approved. There is no resource within the team at present to implement the scheme within year 24/25. Page 101 of 114
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Trading Standards 20.5% 11.0% 9.0% 10.0% 14.7% Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Percentage of businesses registered for tobacco/vapes in Midlothian visited 26.8% 27.5% 20.0% 16.6% 31.0% Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Percentage of planned inspections achieved in line with the Service Plan (cumulative) 51 Trading Standards Primary Inspections were carried out this quarter. Of the 145 premises to inspect this year, which includes 8 farms, 8 have ceased trading leaving 137 to inspect. 98 of these have been inspected. 2.00 1.00 1.00 3.00 48.00 Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 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. 20 were visited this quarter. Page 102 of 114
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Parking – Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) served Q3 23/24 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 01 - Parked in a restricted street during the prescribed hours 236 193 165 162 121 01CO - Parked in a restricted street during the prescribed hours 31 32 23 30 24 02 - Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force 131 117 105 103 101 02o - Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force 0 0 0 1 0 02q - Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force 0 0 0 24 0 07 - Parked with payment made to extend the stay beyond initial time 2 3 2 0 0 100 - Section 50 Parked on a pavement 0 0 238 286 143 101 - Section 56 Parked adjacent to a dropped kerb at a known crossing point 0 0 17 59 51 102 - Section 54 Parked where no part of the vehicle is within 50 centimetres of the carriageway edge 0 0 2 3 3 11 - Parked without payment of the parking charge 0 0 0 1 0 14 - Parked in an electric vehicles charging place during restricted hours without charging 3 24 23 31 24 23 - Parked in a parking place not designated for that class of vehicle 12 1 0 7 2 23f - Parked in a parking place not designated for that class of vehicle 0 0 0 1 0 24 - Not parked correctly within the markings of the parking bay or place 46 50 56 48 45 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 96 87 85 76 25CO - Parked in a loading place during restricted hours without loading 3 4 6 8 6 30 - Parked for longer than permitted 248 253 209 212 170 40 - Parked in a designated disabled person's parking place without displaying a valid disabled person's badge 125 196 147 193 138 45 - Parked on a taxi rank 5 8 4 6 3 46 - Stopped where prohibited (on a red route or clearway) 2 0 0 0 0 47 - Stopped on a restricted bus stop or stand 38 47 38 53 39 48 - Parked in a restricted area outside a School 0 0 0 0 0 71 - Parked in an electric vehicle charging place during restricted hours without charging 0 36 46 8 29 81 - Parked in a restricted area in a car park 1 82 - Parked after the expiry of paid for time 78 99 95 80 48 83 - Parked in a car park without clearly displaying a valid pay and display ticket or voucher or parking clock 319 225 251 176 173 86 - Not parked correctly within the markings of the parking bay or place 27 20 25 17 15 87 - Parked in a designated disabled person's parking place without displaying a valid disabled person's badge 9 4 10 8 19 91 - Parked in a car park or area not designated for that class of vehicle 4 5 8 3 2 Total 1,428 1,413 1,557 1,605 1,233 Parking – Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) served Page 103 of 114
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Licensing Protective Services - Police and Fire Board Quarter 4 report Other civic licences applied for during Q4: Liquor Licensing Applications - 105 granted Knife Dealer - 1 granted Metal Dealer - 1 granted Public Charitable Collections - 1 granted Public Processions - 2 granted Second Hand Dealer – 1 granted Street Trader – Roving -1 granted Street Trader – Static – 1 granted Street Trader – Wheelie Bin - 1 granted Window Cleaner - 1 granted Temporary Public Entertainment Licence - 1 granted Taxi Licence - 2 granted Taxi Driver’s Licence - 4 granted Private Hire Car - 22 granted Private Hire Car Driver - 26 granted 106.00 180.00 106.00 109.00 118.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of Liquor Licence applications received 141.00 102.00 158.00 90.00 142.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of Civic Government Licence applications 92% 95% 67% 78% 45% Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Percentage of Civic Government Licence applications determined 96% of liquor licence applications were determined this year. There were no Civic Government Act applications referred to the General Purposes Committee this year Police and Fire and Rescue Board Thursday 8 May 2025 Item No 5.5 Page 105 of 114
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0.00 0.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of Business Workplace Health and Safety Improvement notices served 1.00 0.00 0.00 2.00 3.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of Business Workplace Health and Safety Prohibition notices served Workplace Health and Safety 9.00 10.00 6.00 10.00 14.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of workplace safety RIDDOR reports received 2 RIDDOR related visit took place to investigate business workplace health and safety incidents this year. There were no business workplace health and safety proactive inspections this year. Page 106 of 114
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0.001.00 2.002.00 25.00 9.00 23.00 14.00 4.002.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 sampled inspected Number of Private water supplies 35.00 7.00 66.00 18.00 35.00 7.00 58.00 5.00 65.00 9.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 reported notices served Number of Abandoned Vehicles 6.00 4.00 2.00 2.00 6.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of Abandoned Vehicles which have been removed for destruction Public Health 42.00 43.00 35.00 33.00 44.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of Planning Application consultations received 1,252 Public Health Service requests were received from Midlothian residents and businesses this year. 97% of Public Health complaints received a first response within timescales this year. 381 Public Health Service requests were received from internal sources this year. 20 Environmental Protection Abatement 1990 Notice was served this year. 69 short term let Licences issued this year.42 short term let Applications received this year. Page 107 of 114
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Civil Contingencies and events Other Plans/Procedures: As well as the need to focus on the outcome of the BC Audit, generic “emergency planning” activities require to be undertaken as resources permit, including reviewing and updating existing procedures. Work is also ongoing regarding learning from Storm Éowyn. As well as considering our own procedures, liaison is taking place with neighbouring local authorities and Scottish Power Energy Networks to better understand their responsibilities towards customers and to improve communications across the piece. The results of these discussions will be reflected in documentation in due course. CONTEST/Prevent: Support is offered to the CONTEST and Prevent SPOC on an ongoing basis. This includes attending relevant briefing sessions, multi-agency CONTEST Groups (internal and external) and training events as applicable. Assistance has also been given this quarter in the preparation of Midlothian Council’s submission to the Prevent Assurance process carried out by the Home Office. Ongoing monitoring and circulation of information on Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill). Collaborated with Business Services (Operational Support) to have updated Prevent and Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) modules available on our e-learning platform. These are both national products. Next steps were discussed at the January CONTEST meeting and are to be introduced in Q1 of 25/26. Undertook/facilitated: Ongoing monitoring and circulation of information and liaison with services regarding the Public Switched Telephone Network switch-off (in conjunction with Digital Services) and assistance in securing a local briefing session for the public in Loanhead (in conjunction with the Customer Engagement Manager). Acted in a liaison and support role during Storm Éowyn. Plans and Procedures: Plans and Procedures updated this quarter: Emergency Contacts Directory (reflecting staff changes) Business Continuity Planning: The Internal Audit Team conducted an audit of Business Continuity (BC) across the organisation. There were specific recommendations for the Health, Safety and Resilience Team. Some of these actions were already in progress prior to the Audit, following a series of activities raising awareness of Business Continuity in 2024. In summary, these are to: Revise the Corporate BC Policy Revise the word BC template for completion by services Explore the viability of rolling out a BC software system. The main factors for consideration are: The current system now has a limited lifespan so an alternative would need to be sourced Resourcing of a system – cost and staffing resource Provide training for nominated BC leads (nominations to be done by services). This is to include an e-learning module Establish a forum for BC leads to share good practice and ensure consistency of approach Establish a system to monitor service compliance with BC requirements. There are target dates associated with the Audit recommendations. The report does note that in order to meet the recommendations, additional resource may be required - as identified by the service review. As at the end of this Q4 24/25 reporting period, the outcome of the service review is still awaited. Furthermore, one of the team members will be reducing hours by 20% during Q1 of 25/26. Page 108 of 114
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Public events Ongoing, routine representation at/participation in: Local Resilience Partnership meetings Internal meetings requiring a Contingency Planning input, including Care for People, Estates Safety and Management Groups Support to services for Business Continuity activities as required Torness Emergency Planning Consultative Group meetings and the Annual Meeting of the Torness Local Liaison Committee Local Authority Resilience Group Scotland (LARGS) - networking meetings of resilience practitioners General resilience support to colleagues 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. 8.00 15.00 7.00 9.00 6.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of organisations engaged with the Safety Advisory Group or similar Planning for events through Spring and Summer 2025 continues. The team continue to work with event organisers and in Q4 saw 6 events at structured SAG meetings. There were 106 Public Events in Midlothian during 2024/25, including several with additional activity days/elements. The team continue to take a proportionate, risk-based approach to attendance at formal SAG meetings. Page 109 of 114
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3.00 1.00 3.00 2.00 6.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of Food Law Remedial Action notices served 76.00 42.00 69.00 63.00 113.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of Food Law interventions carried out (food hygiene and food standards) Food Hygiene and Standards 100% 33% 82% 0% 85% Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Percentage of priority 1 and 2 premises receiving completed food law interventions in line with the Service Plan 33.00 52.00 8.00 12.00 62.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of Food/non-food samples taken 208 Food law service requests were received from Midlothian residents and businesses this year. (Includes food safety and food standards). 90% of food related service requests from Midlothian residents and businesses were responded to within the target response time of 10 working days this year. (Includes food safety and food standards). Page 110 of 114
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50.00 46.00 48.00 28.00 31.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of consumer complaints received by Trading Standards 39.00 38.00 36.00 37.00 21.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of intelligence logs input to Intelligence Database (IDB) 2.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 0.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of cases reported to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Trading Standards 3.00 12.00 4.00 11.00 5.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Number of business advice requests received by Trading Standards Trading Standards Campaigns/Joint working/Initiative details: Police accompanied Trading Standards when seizing 9,580 cigarettes and 19 tobacco pouches, found by a detector dog, on two visits to a shop in Dalkeith. On both occasions, the premises was served with a Sanctions Notice on behalf of HMRC. We have worked with Police in “integrity tests” where an adult volunteer under the age of 25 went into 33 shops to buy vapes and alcohol. 20 sold either or both products without asking for proof of age. 100% of Consumer complaints were responded to within 5 working days this quarter. 88.5% 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: Plans to implement this scheme are on hold due to resourcing. It is anticipated the scheme will be implemented next year. Page 111 of 114
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Trading Standards 11.0% 9.0% 1.4% 14.7% 4.4% Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Percentage of businesses registered for tobacco/vapes in Midlothian visited 28% 23% 19% 34% 24% Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 Percentage of planned inspections achieved in line with the Service Plan (cumulative) 154 Trading Standards Primary Inspections were carried out this year. Of the 145 premises to inspect this year, including 8 farms, 15 had ceased trading leaving 130 for the year. These were all inspected and in addition another 26 premises, mostly weighbridge sites. 1.00 1.00 3.00 48.00 0.00 Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 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. 40 were visited this year. Page 112 of 114
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Parking – Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) served Q4 23/24 Q1 24/25 Q2 24/25 Q3 24/25 Q4 24/25 01 - Parked in a restricted street during the prescribed hours 193 165 162 121 139 01CO - Parked in a restricted street during the prescribed hours 32 23 30 24 22 02 - Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force 117 105 103 101 88 02o - Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force 0 0 1 0 0 02q - Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force 0 0 24 0 0 07 - Parked with payment made to extend the stay beyond initial time 3 2 0 0 1 100 - Section 50 Parked on a pavement 0 238 286 143 165 101 - Section 56 Parked adjacent to a dropped kerb at a known crossing point 0 17 59 51 38 102 - Section 54 Parked where no part of the vehicle is within 50 centimetres of the carriageway edge 0 2 3 3 7 11 - Parked without payment of the parking charge 0 0 1 0 0 14 - Parked in an electric vehicles charging place during restricted hours without charging 24 23 31 24 0 23 - Parked in a parking place not designated for that class of vehicle 1 0 7 2 2 23f - Parked in a parking place not designated for that class of vehicle 0 0 1 0 0 24 - Not parked correctly within the markings of the parking bay or place 50 56 48 45 36 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 96 87 85 76 62 25CO - Parked in a loading place during restricted hours without loading 4 6 8 6 8 30 - Parked for longer than permitted 253 209 212 170 133 40 - Parked in a designated disabled person's parking place without displaying a valid disabled person's badge 196 147 193 138 119 45 - Parked on a taxi rank 8 4 6 3 2 46 - Stopped where prohibited (on a red route or clearway) 0 0 0 0 0 47 - Stopped on a restricted bus stop or stand 47 38 53 39 22 48 - Parked in a restricted area outside a School 0 0 0 0 0 71 - Parked in an electric vehicle charging place during restricted hours without charging 36 46 8 29 43 81 - Parked in a restricted area in a car park 1 1 82 - Parked after the expiry of paid for time 99 95 80 48 57 83 - Parked in a car park without clearly displaying a valid pay and display ticket or voucher or parking clock 225 251 176 173 158 86 - Not parked correctly within the markings of the parking bay or place 20 25 17 15 16 87 - Parked in a designated disabled person's parking place without displaying a valid disabled person's badge 4 10 8 19 7 91 - Parked in a car park or area not designated for that class of vehicle 5 8 3 2 2 Total 1,413 1,557 1,605 1,233 1,161 Parking – Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) served Page 113 of 114
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