Police launch Operation Wolf to target crime in capital

Police in Edinburgh today publicly launched, a new operation aimed at tackling the specific crimes affecting the city’s various communities.

Operation Wolf, which is supported by City of Edinburgh Council, will see uniformed and plain-clothes officers across the Capital take part in various enforcement days during May to target those involved in violent crime, antisocial behaviour, drugs, hate crime and domestic abuse.

Police Scotland’s Operational Support Unit will also provide vital assistance to local policing teams throughout the city in the coming month to undertake these ‘days of action’ in areas where the public have identified the need for a robust police response.

Today’s Operation Wolf activity was carried out in the Leith area where local residents and businesses have previously raised concerns over alcohol and drug-related crime.

Local officers were deployed throughout the region to provide a high-visibility presence and engage with the public to offer reassurance and address any problems brought to their attention.

A number of arrests were made on Thursday 1st May as part of covert activities undertaken during Operation Wolf. Six men were charged with football-related disorder offences following the recent Edinburgh, derby, while a woman and two men were also arrested as part of efforts to disrupt serious and organised crime in the Capital.

Further covert enforcement was carried out in the Drylaw area yesterday resulting in the arrest of six males aged 26, 21,20, 15, 14 and 14 for two break-ins to garages in the Ravelston area.

In addition, a number of stop and searches were conducted yesterday and 12 people were arrested for crimes including warrant offences, breach of bail, hate crime and acquisitive crime. Four traffic offences were also detected and a drugs warrant was executed as part of Operation Wolf’s commitment to tackle the variety of issues affecting the Capital’s communities.

Superintendent Matt Richards, who is leading on Operation Wolf, said: “Today we publicly launched Operation Wolf and so our communities can expect to see lots of police activity as we carry out various enforcement days throughout the month of May.

“Each area of the city has identified different issues, which they want their local policing teams to prioritise and the activity undertaken in your area is a reflection of our commitment to addressing the concerns of our communities.

“We would encourage Edinburgh’s residents and businesses to continue and engage with us so we can develop the appropriate local response and tackle the crimes most adversely affecting your area.”

Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day said: “Operation Wolf is an excellent way to show the community that the police and the council are listening to their concerns and are serious about tackling the issues that they are worried about.

“This initiative supports the coalition’s ongoing plans to make Edinburgh as safe as possible for residents and visitors.”