Merchiston Community Council
6 February 2012 
Speaking up for the people of Merchiston  
Police

Following the introduction of multi-member wards and Neighbourhood Partnerships we now have three Community Beat Officers

From Polwarth Terrace South it is
PC Alan Hopper,and PC Vikki Shaw who can be contacted at St Leonard’s Police Station 662 5022; or by e-mail

From Polwarth Terrace North it is the CBO for Fountainbridge beat
PC Julie Cochrane, who can be contacted at the West End Station or by e-mail 


From Harrison Road through Shandon it is
PC Paul Scott, who can be contacted at the Wester Hailes Station or by e-mail

Each has their own beat and supplies reports accordingly. Julie Cochrane and Vikki Shaw usually attend meetings. 

Our area comes under the jurisdiction of Inspectors Richard Horan and Bruce Johnstone.

Not wishing to tempt fate we do enjoy a low crime rate in Merchiston CC area.
You will find reports on

http://www.lbp.police.uk/freedom-of-information/pl_performance.asp

.

Also look at the Merchiston and Polwarth Neighbourhood Watch website
http://www.neighbourwatch.org.uk/


EMERGENCY: - Fire, Police, Ambulance - dial 999
[They try to answer 999 calls within 10 seconds, and even faster if possible. However, only one in every six 999 calls is a real emergency]
Non-Emergency: - and connection to all parts of the Lothian and Borders Police Force - 0131 311 3131
If you try your local station and they cannot take the call it will be diverted to this centre.
Crimestoppers: - if you wish to give information anonymously - 0800 555 111

Anti-Terrorist hotline - If you suspect it report it - 0800-789-321

The Lothian and Borders Police website gives lots of information about the local Police force

Top Tips To Avoid Identity Theft

Fraudsters who target people to assume their identity find any piece of information relating to their victim useful. Even the most mundane of documents or details can help the fraudster assume an innocent person’s identity:
  • Treat your personal details as ‘confidential’ - don’t give them away or store them in a place where they can be compromised.
  • If you are contacted by telephone, fax, post, email, or in person and asked for details such as your date of birth, mother’s maiden name, PIN number or security password. Your bank will never contact you to verify your details in this way.
  • Avoid using your mother’s maiden name as a security password - it may be easily discovered. Where possible, try not to use the same password for different accounts.
  • Destroy documents showing your name, address or other details especially bank statements, utility bills, credit and debit card receipts, pre-filled application forms and junk mail.
  • When paying by plastic card, don’t let your card go out of sight. Your account details could be copied (or ‘skimmed’) from the magnetic strip on the card and re-used without your permission.
  • Check your bank/credit card statements promptly and report any transactions you don’t recognise to your card issuer.
  • Make sure you formally close any accounts you no longer require. A fraudster could reactivate mail order or credit card account you’ve not used for a while, especially if they are registered at an old address.
  • Keep identity documents such as your driving licence, pass-port, birth & marriage certificates in a safe place.

    • Some Useful Numbers

    City of Edinburgh help and advice Lothian and Borders Police
    Non emergency: 0131 311 3131

    Crimestoppers: 0800 5551111  www.crimestoppers-uk.org

    Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart Safer Neighbourhood Team 

    Phone 0131 311 3131  email: adivsntfountainbridgecraiglockhart@lbp.pnn. police.uk

    Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service
    (freephone)
    Fire safety advice:      0800 169 0320  Email: enquiries@lbfi re.org.uk

    Lothian Gay and  Lesbian Switchboard: 0131 556 4049  0131 557 0751 (lesbian)

    Samaritans - For emotional advice if you are feeling depressed or suicidal:0131 221 9999 (Edinburgh)
    08457 90 90 90 (National)

    Shakti Women’s Aid Support and information for black minority ethnic women experiencing domestic abuse 0131 475 2399

    Update - Signposts people with disability to a wide range of services: 0131 669 1600

    Victim Support: 01896 751 212

    Women’s Aid: 0131 3158 110

    [N.B.  National freephone  helplines (calls may not be free from mobile phones)]

    Breathing Space: For emotional advice if you are feeling depressed: 0800 838 587

    Childline: Help for people aged 18 or under: 0800 11 11

    Know the Score: Free confidential drugs information and advice: 0800 587 587 9

    Message Home
    Get a message home for free if you have run away: 0800 700 740

    National Debtline 0808 808 4000

    National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247

    National Missing Persons Helpline; 0500 700 700

    Runaway Helpline: 0808 800 7070

    Scottish Domestic Abuse Line; 0800 027 1234

    Shelter’s Free Housing Advice Helpline: 0808 800 4444

    Stonewall Lesbian, gay and bisexual charity: 08000 50 20 20

    Women's Aid: 0808 2000 247