Police identify core group of young people over Morningside incidents
Police say anti-social behaviour in Morningside has worsened in the past week, with further incidents including a child being hit by an egg. But officers say they have identified up to 20 young people responsible, are close to completing their investigations and hope to charge individuals soon.
Morningside Tory councillor Marie-Clair Munro spoke earlier this week about a spate of thefts and anti-social behaviour in the area, prompting her to report 10 incidents in a three-week period to police. This followed a previous outbreak of anti-social behaviour late last year.
Now police local area commander Community Inspector Scott Casey has given Cllr Munro an update, highlighting a number of new incidents.
He told her: “My officers have been conducting investigations and so far they have managed to identify a core group of around 10-20 young people.
“The offences committed include vandalism to cars, graffiti, theft by shoplifting, assaults and breach of the peace. One of the assaults involved a young child being struck with an egg. Incidents such as these are completely unacceptable, and I fully understand the concern this will cause in the community.
“I hope to conclude most of the investigation in the coming days, after which officers will be tracing those involved and charging them at their home addresses in the presence of parents.
“I will be utilising bail undertaking conditions for those identified to be responsible for the most serious offences and this will give police the power to arrest and charge them should they breach these conditions. I will request that a condition is attached that prevents them from entering the Morningside/ Bruntsfield areas.”
Cllr Munro said the egg incident was “disturbing”. And she said the issue of antisocial behaviour had been discussed at a Morningside community council meeting.
She said: “There were not only local residents, but businesses in attendance who were deeply worried about the situation.
“They were … concerned it not only makes it difficult for businesses who are trying to keep going in the difficult economic climate, but also walking around the area they are not feeling safe at certain times of the day.
“However, the police have been very proactive and those at the meeting were very pleased to hear the police are not only tracing and tracking the individuals but are going to be going to their houses and doing what is necessary in front of their parents, which hopefully will put them off doing it again.
“People at the meeting have seen for themselves damage to cars … I would urge all residents to contact the police if they witness any such behaviour.”
She added: “I would add that the vast majority of young people in my ward are responsible and respectful citizens.”
Officers will be tracing those involved and charging them at their home addresses in the presence of parents