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, who can be contacted at St Leonard’s Police Station0131 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. We used to get there very regularly but in recent months they have rather dried up. Alan comes most regularly to our public 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 their reports below.

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 pass-word - 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.