IT is a policing tactic that has been used across the world for centuries, but now police in Leith have found that having bobbies on the beat really is the most effective way of clamping down on crime.
Following a week-long trial at a notorious hotspot, during which "high visibility" officers patrolled the foot of Leith Walk with a no-nonsense attitude, five people were arrested and 26 searched.
Police said not only had the pilot cleared out th
e alcoholics and drug users who frequent the public toilets there, but it also resulted in charges being brought for more serious offences.
Leith councillor Gordon Munro said he was relieved something was being done to cleanse the area of trouble makers.
"I'm sick of these people, many of whom aren't even from the area, hanging around a main entrance to shops and a swimming pool," he said.
"Why should grannies doing their shopping and mothers taking their kids to the swimming pool have to see these derelicts drink themselves into oblivion."
As a result of the crackdown reports of disorder from the area have dropped, and while politicians still acknowledge there is work to be done they are confident the problem will be addressed.
Cllr Munro added: "Some people can hardly believe how many people just stand there and drink – when it is raining they even do it under umbrellas. It's good to see that this tactic has worked and it has to be continued until they get the message and start drinking in their own homes."
Police in Leith said they had been aware of the zone around the Spey Lounge pub for some time, and after Cllr Munro contacted them decided to take the action.
DS Andy Harborow, who was part of the team overseeing the operation, said they were encouraged by the results.
He added that the Spey Lounge was only mentioned as a geographical point, rather than it having been involved in anyway.
He said: "It does seem to be working. We knew over the summer there would be an increase in children using the swimming pool and it had to be addressed.
"The public toilet in particular is a popular place for people in pursuit of drugs to meet and greet then go in to exchange them.
"I wouldn't say this (foot patrols) is an old fashioned tactic because we have always done it."
Chairman of Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council Graham Chapman said: "You can't beat good old fashioned policing, it always works. People say there aren't enough of them on the streets, but I think it's more they don't have enough powers to command respect.
"As a community we really welcome what they have done there and it has made a difference."
The full article contains 469 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
