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Police urge neighbours to twitch the curtains



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RESIDENTS of Leith have been urged to take more of an interest in their neighbours' homes in a bid to tighten security.
Local police say that in areas which have a lot of new build homes it is crucial that a community spirit is created.

In a note to residents, community beat officer PC John Pennycook said they should not be worried about being tagged as curtain twitchers in the interests of spotting would-be burglars and thieves.

Speaking after reports of four break-ins in the area, he said: "It is only through information from vigilant members of the community that we are able to identify and trace those responsible.

"There is nothing like alert and observant neighbours to add to your home security. Not through nosiness, rather, it's a common concern for others – community spirit can go a long way towards making an area safer and more pleasant to live in.

"If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your locality try to keep watching them and contact us."





The full article contains 177 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 10 March 2008 9:49 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

belzebub,

edinburgh 10/03/2008 11:52:43
So when you call to report a burglary at 10pm they will tell you that someone is on the way.
At 1.30AM when you call them again they will say they are very busy but will be round in the morning.
When you call the next morning they will still be very busy but will agree that if you come into the station they will take a statement.
When you go to the station they will tell you they can only take a statement from you at your house.
two days later they will arrive unnanounced at 7AM to take a statement and tell you they are under resourced.
When you ask them why then did they spent £124,000.00 on a new logo they become very upset and confrontational demanding to know why you have a problem with this.
The police are an overpaid, third rate collection of prima donnas and the ones in Leith are the worst of the lot.
2

A Leither,

10/03/2008 12:45:43
Sadly, any time I've ever tried to report anything suspicious going on I've been fobbed off by Leith police, and on one occasion threatened with arrest for theft if I didn't hand back a plastic bag of school books left in the stairs when I chased a group of kids out after they came in looking for stuff to steal. Doesn't inspire any confidence in them, really...
3

Alternative (High Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 10/03/2008 12:53:54
Isn't it strange that if you get flashed by a speed scamera or videoed by a talivan, you can expect prompt action to relieve you of £60, yet if your house gets broken into it can take days to even get a police officer to attend?

The priorites are all wrong. They are supposed to have "community safety wardens" to augment the police. So far, the only time I've seen them is in the local paper, posing for photos. Either that or driving down Rose Street glaring at anyone who has the audacity to sit outside a pub with a fag and a pint, enjoying themselves. Of course, if they see you drop said fag end on the ground, you can expect to receive a penalty notice within seconds.

If these "wardens" were to actually augment the police rather than act as glorified tax collectors, then we might see an improvement in the situation.
4

Dave101,

Leith 10/03/2008 13:32:28
Someone tried to get in our new build living room window at some point last night. They did not manage to do any damage as the windows are pretty secure and sturdy. Only noticed as it was sitting slightly off the frame and was causing a draft. Don't think I will bother reporting it after reading this.
5

Alberto.,

10/03/2008 13:53:30
#1 Memory slip or what?

You've forgotten to mention the latest - and probably the best yet!

Remember the one about some person, of 'alleged' note, who committed a crime, Publicly admitted doing so, with evidence in writing to prove the admission, yet the ‘Legal System - and the Police, seemed to be 'guided' by some higher / lower (?) authority than themselves, in the Law control business (what a wonderful display of 'authority' when it suits!) and it was decided not to prosecute the 'offender' as it was considered 'not in the interest of the Public' - or something on these lines!

I think it was filed (presumably to be forgotten) under the nowadays well known, and well displayed - almost daily, Political Pantomime Farce versus the Law! (perhaps this is the real meaning of the PPF title - or is it something even more mis-leading?

No prizes for guessing the 'self admitted’ offender - who got away with it - or so it seems currently!

It does seem to give the impression the Scottish Justice / Political system is in strong competition with America for the well known title of astonishing things of - 'Only in! - 'with a very good strong chance of winning, and seemingly, very good at it!

If you want to know the time 'Ask a policemen' - but beware of anything else you say nowadays - you could easily be creating a law breaking offence, probably unwittingly, but good enough for starters - as they say

This situation in a Country where it still seems to be openly declared we are 'Democratic!' (no don't laugh) and as it is also said (see the billboards!) - 'It could be you!'
6

Spiderdog,

Sunny Leith 10/03/2008 14:09:03
Does anyone else remember the story about the guy who tried to phone Leith nick to complain about gangs of "mutant neds" in his street. Unable to get through, he fired off a sarcastic email instead. That email was then leaked by Leith police station and it later found its way on to the internet and became a front page story in the Evening News. Apart from raising concerns about the average IQ of the Leith constabulary, it made the writer of the email a target for the neds.

And who was that email sent to? PC John Pennycook, thats who.

So if you do manage to get hold of Leith's elusive community beat officer (a feat in itself) be warned. He's far more likely to make a bad situation worse. Leith police are nothing more than a punchline to a bad joke.
7

Richard Head,

10/03/2008 14:12:13
The polis are as much use as a chocolate teapot.
Only good for nabbing speeders and motorists with baldy tyres.
8

Hold Fast,

Edinburgh 10/03/2008 16:18:35
I certainly agree with this, but it is nothing new, as it was a way of life years ago.
Who remembers the public information films on TV, that encouraged members of the public to phone the police if they seen anything suspicious.
Then the Police shot themselves in the foot by discouraging people to phone them and it wasn't that long ago, that they threatened to Charge people for wasting their time.
Also as #1 has rightly pointed out, a phone call to report a crime, can be a complete waste of time, as the criminal escapes the "arm of the law".

I just wonder if PC John Pennycook, would like the "curtain twitchers" to phone 999 like they used to do years ago?
9

The Genuine Mario Antoinette,

10/03/2008 16:54:16
I know this PC guy. Better than he realises.

 

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