Police step up presence with Leith crime blitz

A WEEK-long blitz on crime is set to begin as police prepare to step up their presence and boost neighbourhood morale.

In the first operation of its kind in Edinburgh – and what is believed to be the first in Scotland – officers will join with fire crews and community safety teams for a massive crackdown on criminal activity in Leith.

The operation, which has been in the pipeline for three months, will begin on Monday, targeting all types of criminal activity, as well as attempting to boost residents' attitudes towards the area.

Sergeant Andy Harborow, of Leith Neighbourhood Action Unit, said: "The work we will do during the week is not original in itself, but the intensity of it is. This is an incredibly large, logistical task."

Leith Week of Action will see an increased number of police officers in the area addressing all crimes, from housebreaking and theft, to antisocial issues including dumped cars, litter and dog fouling.

The area was chosen because of its levels of crime, but it is hoped that if successful, the operation will be stretched out across the whole of Leith.