Housing association get involved in Operation Cipher

Dunedin Canmore Housing is taking to the streets to help make communities cleaner, greener and safer as part of a new, innovative partnership in Edinburgh.

The social landlord has joined forces with Lothian and Borders Police, City of Edinburgh Council, Castlerock Edinvar, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue and the NHS as part of a hard hitting initiative to improve the quality of life for people in the areas of Gorgie Dalry and Fountainbridge.

Operation Cipher was formulated after a recent survey showed the top concerns among tenants were dog fouling, refuse disposal, noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour as a result of drug abuse.

The three month Operation will help to tackle these issues in the South West of the Capital by taking a more holistic approach to community safety.

Dunedin Canmore Housing is supporting residents to get involved, giving people information on how to report crime, access services and help build a brighter future for their local area.

Police officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Council’s Community Safety Team are on hand to discuss and give advice on the support services local people can call on for help with anti-social behaviour and crime.

Dunedin Canmore Housing is cooperating with police over enforcement actions for drug offences and taking the lead in a preventative approach to safer communities, with positive diversionary activities for adults and young people.

Teams from Dunedin Canmore are getting out into the community as part of an intensive programme of roadshows, door knocks, drop-in sessions, CCTV joint patrols and a host of activities delivered jointly with Operation Cipher partners.

Graeme Russell, Housing Services Director at Dunedin Canmore Housing said, “Operation Cipher is about improving quality of life for our tenants. We are going the extra mile to support residents in trying to achieve what they want for their communities.”

“We are using the powers and resources available to us, working with the police and others to take action against those responsible for anti social behaviour – whatever its form. We would encourage any resident with information or who have concerns about their community to report them to either the Police, the Council or to Dunedin Canmore Housing.”

“Working closely with our partners in Operation Cipher we are sharing resources, information and ideas to build stronger communities. We hope it will create a lasting legacy for the communities of Dalry, Gorgie and Foutainbridge.”