We’re delighted that Edinburgh City Council unanimously supported Kevin’s motion today in praise of the police’s work to tackle motorbike crime in north west Edinburgh.

The motion also called for a new report on what more the Council can do to support the police as well as invest in education and community activities.

The horrific events from last weekend involving a motorbike hit and run, which left a 10 year old boy in Drylaw in hospital, shows why more work is needed and needed now.

Here is Kevin’s motion which all political groups in the Council supported.

“Council recognises:
a) the ongoing problems of motorbike crime and other antisocial behaviour which blights many communities in the north and north west of Edinburgh,
b) that such disorder is caused by a small number of individuals who are not reflective of the wider community,
c) the commitment, professionalism and bravery of police officers who work hard to provide a visible police presence and have often been victim to violence or attempts at violence,
d) that the success in tackling these issues will depend, not just on effective policing but also on improved education and community support.
Council commends Police Scotland for its work as part of the Stronger North campaign which was re-launched in June.

Council welcomes the additional national policing resources which were deployed in local communities to bolster this campaign, and in so doing recognises the positive impact of a visible on the street police presence in areas affected by crime.
Council notes that over the course of the campaign, there were:
i) 71 arrests with 15 stolen motorcycles and 5 stolen cars recovered,
ii) 28 vehicles seized and impounded whilst drivers were charged with corresponding offences,
iii) 9 misuse of drugs warrant executions resulting in the recovery of £9000 of drugs.
Council welcomes the cross-party support which exists for the campaign and the collaboration between local councillors, MSPs and MPs with local police, council officials and community representatives.

Council commits to continuing to support this campaign by working with the police, voluntary organisations and the wider community, providing the necessary support and resources where required.
Council commits to further tackling these issues through education in schools and community based activities which can help reduce situations which lead to antisocial behaviour.
Council therefore calls for a report to be made to the Corporate Policy & Strategy Committee within two cycles on what further action the Council can take to address the underlying issues which lead to crime and antisocial behaviour as part of a longer-term strategy on these issues.