Lothian and Borders Police and the City of Edinburgh Council are today hailing the launch of 7 new teams dedicated to dealing with antisocial behaviour and community safety issues in Edinburgh.

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The Neighbourhood Action Units will be based in 7 Neighbourhood Areas across the city.

They will work closely with local communities to identify issues that affect the quality of life in these areas and work with them to address these problems.

This innovative example of partnership working and joint funding follows a review and refocusing of the successful, community based work of the Safer Community Units and Youth Action Teams.

There will be 84 experienced officers working in the Neighbourhood Action Units.

Their work will be intelligence led and will include high visibility, targeted patrols and initiatives with partner agencies such as City of Edinburgh Council Environmental Wardens.

Officers from the Neighbourhood Action Units will be on duty 7 days a week.

They will each be responsible for a specific local area and can be contacted by residents by phone or e-mail, details available at www.lbp.police.uk or look out for leaflets distributed locally.

Edinburgh is leading the way for partnership working and community based policing in Scotland.

From the modest beginnings of a Youth Action Team pilot scheme with 3 officers in 2003, Lothian and Borders Police and the City of Edinburgh Council now have a formidable team focussed on working with the residents of Edinburgh to make it an even safer place to live.

Chief Superintendent George Simpson said: " We have achieved a great deal in Edinburgh and the development of the Neighbourhood Action units is a key element of our commitment along with our council partners to addressing Community Safety issues and making Edinburgh an even safer City"

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Councillor Norman Work said: "The overall crime rate continues to fall significantly and the introduction of the Neighbourhood Action Units means we will build on this success. We are taking two initiatives that have been proven to work and by realigning them we stand to benefit even more, making Edinburgh a very safe place to live.

"It is important for resident's concerns to be addressed at a local level where they know they are receiving tailored attention."

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