Crackdown by police at skatepark

POLICE have held a crackdown against antisocial behaviour at a skatepark following complaints by residents.

Officers mounted the operation after being alerted to problems at Saughton Skatepark in Balgreen Road. The force conducted high-visibility patrols at the facility, with plain-clothed officers also on the beat.

Eight people were reported to the procurator-fiscal over antisocial behaviour. Officers carried out 26 stop and searches at the skatepark with 35 per cent of the checks proving “positive” for alcohol or drugs.

The force also tackled antisocial behaviour at Westside Plaza Shopping Centre in Wester Hailes. Officers visited local licensed premises to educate staff on the effects of patrons over-consuming alcohol. Police spoke with those regularly in the area to make them aware of how they can often be “intimidating” to shoppers and staff.