Five men have been charged with football-related disorder offences as part of a new policing operation in Edinburgh.
Operation Wolf, which launched today, will see uniformed and plain-clothes officers across the Capital take part in various enforcement days during May to tackle the crimes that are most adversely affecting our communities.
These officers will be assisted by colleagues from Police Scotland’s Operational Support Unit as well as the Specialist Crime Division and will target those involved in violent crime, antisocial behaviour, drugs, theft and hate crime.
In the coming month, local policing teams throughout the city will undertake ‘days of action’ to address the issues, which have been identified as policing priorities by the local community.
Today’s Operation Wolf activity was carried out following a large-scale disturbance at the International Bar in Brougham Place on Sunday 27th April.
Two men were left injured as a result of this incident and police have been carrying out enquiries to trace a group of people believed to be involved.
In total, seven addresses in Craigmillar, Leith, South Queensferry, Telford, Dalry and Braids were visited and men aged 19, 22, 22, 24 and 30 are all due to appear in court tomorrow (Friday). A number of others will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the disturbance.
Superintendent Matt Richards, who is leading on Operation Wolf, said: “Operation Wolf has been launched following engagement with our various communities, who have highlighted a number of local issues that require a police response.
“Crimes such as violence, antisocial behaviour, drugs and hate crime can have a significant impact on public confidence and through this initiative we are demonstrating our commitment to tackling these offences and bringing those responsible to justice.
“The disorder that took place outside the International Bar was not only distressing for the local residents in the area, but it left two men injured and violent offences like this will not be tolerated in Edinburgh.
“Operation Wolf enforcement will continue throughout this month to target those involved in all sorts of criminal activities and I would urge the public to continue to engage with us to report crime and identify the issues affecting their area.
“Where crimes like those at the International Bar are committed, the full resources of Op Wolf will be used to hunt offenders down.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
