Break the Cycle: Scottish Government promises support tackling motorbike joyriding
Officials will offer support to police and locals as efforts continue to stop motorbike crime in north Edinburgh.
Last updated 5th Sep 2017
The Scottish Government has agreed to take more action to tackle motorbike crime in north Edinburgh after our Break The Cycle campaign.
Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP Ben MacPherson wrote to Justice Secretary Michael Matheson to find out what more can be done.
The Scottish Government has agreed officials will join regular meetings with community groups and police to offer advice.
Edinburgh Council has previously agreed to put together an action plan while police have dedicated more resources to the area through their Stronger North initiative.
Despite all the promises of more focus on the persistent joyriding, locals have told Forth News they are still plagued by youths speeding through their streets on stolen motorbikes.
Mr MacPherson said: "It is about the police, local politicians like myself, local youth work organisations, community groups and the council - everyone pulling together.
"Now the fact we are going to have Scottish Government representation just adds that extra dimension.
"It is a real frustration that such a small group of people are negatively affecting the reputation of the community and the well-being of those who are living there.
"We all need to work together on this to support the police and the criminal justice system to tackle it effectively."