Trouble in Porty

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 12 Mar 2007, 09:47

babba-licious wrote:I am so furious!!! Just driving along Porty High Street and as i was getting to the lights at the corner of the high street i see a boy beeting a man up with lots of people watching...now i understand that people are scared to get involved but when the boy walked away no one even asked the man if he was ok or tried to help him!!! ...................
I feel so upset after having seen this... what is wrong with people!!!
Really hope the man is alright... he was in severe shock when i spoke to him just before the police came.

Epykat wrote:On Saturday afternoon (4.30ish) a grown man was doing a Number Two right in the middle of the High Street (outside RS McColl) . He then proceeded to chuck boxes about, have a skirmish with a teenager who was walking past and then was arrested.

Wonder if this was the same incident? If so, it explains why no-one was going to the man's aid babba-licious!

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 12 Mar 2007, 09:51

Epykat wrote: On Saturday afternoon (4.30ish) a grown man was doing a Number Two right in the middle of the High Street (outside RS McColl)

Sounds like a job for the new Environmental Wardens.

babba-licious · Post by **babba-licious** » 12 Mar 2007, 10:45

Hi,

I dont know for sure but when i asked the people that were standing around and people in the shops (Greggs and a charity shop) what had happened they said that the boy had just starting hitting him for no reason!!!

As i say i do not know for sure though!!!

paulw · Post by **paulw** » 12 Mar 2007, 10:45

I unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, had a front row seat for the Friday night violence. I was the one standing in the cold for half an hour giving a statement after it all calmed down.

It started with the youths kicking the wing mirrors off some cars at the end of Straiton Place. The owners (four older guys) of one of the cars confronted the youths. This is when it got nasty. It looked like it was going to calm down until the few girls in the group decided to start on the owners of the car. This in turn fuelled the rest of the mob.

The real violence started when one of the girls ran at the owner with a stick and smacked him across the face with it. Everything went nuts after that.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 12 Mar 2007, 10:59

paulw wrote:The real violence started when one of the girls ran at the owner with a stick and smacked him across the face with it. Everything went nuts after that.

I know a few folk have posted that things haven't really changed that much in Porty since they were kids, but I'd be interested to hear if they think the behaviour of teenage girls has altered since then.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 12 Mar 2007, 13:24

I also remember the gangs in Porty and some of the members. Indeed I happened to be in A&E last week and one of the main "dudes" was in attendance, guttered at 3pm. I recall an incident in the Royal Hotel where someone was stabbed with a pool cue and his life was saved by a skilful surgeon. (not at the Royal)

One thing that I think has changed is youngsters and alchohol, I beleive the kids who participate are younger and drink more. I agree with Tom that it is by no means youths that cause all of the problems but the Police don't have a dedicated Youth Action Tean for nothing and they are kept very busy. We do have fewer pubs now in Porty and from my experience they are almost all well run establishments that have little trouble. The Galleon is the only one I don't know much about.

Sorry to hear about the trouble Rapunzell you could sure do without it.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 12 Mar 2007, 14:32

There certainly weren't any alcopops around when I was a teenager. It was a real struggle then to find a drink you could actually stomach.

I also feel that the rise of the 'ladette' much lauded by sections of the media is more of a step backwards rather than a move towards equality. Girls, it seems, are encouraged to emulate many of the worst aspects of young male behaviour, such as driving dangerously, extreme drunkenness and displays of physical violence.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 12 Mar 2007, 14:45

Marya wrote:
babba-licious wrote:I am so furious!!! Just driving along Porty High Street and as i was getting to the lights at the corner of the high street i see a boy beeting a man up with lots of people watching...now i understand that people are scared to get involved but when the boy walked away no one even asked the man if he was ok or tried to help him!!! ...................
I feel so upset after having seen this... what is wrong with people!!!
Really hope the man is alright... he was in severe shock when i spoke to him just before the police came.

Epykat wrote:On Saturday afternoon (4.30ish) a grown man was doing a Number Two right in the middle of the High Street (outside RS McColl) . He then proceeded to chuck boxes about, have a skirmish with a teenager who was walking past and then was arrested.

Wonder if this was the same incident? If so, it explains why no-one was going to the man's aid babba-licious!

If it was the same incident then it's interesting that somebody thought it was the boy beating up the man! By all accounts, the man attacked the boy first. It's always assumed that it's the other way about.

Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » 12 Mar 2007, 18:15

we had been contemplating a move anyway, but friday night has cemented this. Fed up with out of control teens owning the streets of Portobello. Will hopefully somewhere nice and quiet to move to - I sound really old! I am only 30 (ish)....

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 12 Mar 2007, 21:17

I don't know if it's just because I'm getting older (

) but I do think things have got worse. Even 5 years ago I would have had no qualms about walking along the Prom late at night with the dog but now I would probably avoid it. On the whole I'm not afraid of teenagers because I work with the little blighters every day, but I have been intimidated in recent years by the sheer numbers. I think mobile phones and msn have a lot to do with it. In the olden days you arranged to meet your pal at the top of the road at 7.30 and then hung about waiting for something to happen and hoping you might bump into another couple of mates - and all this was done face to face before you went home for your tea because there was no other way to communicate. Now, if a fight starts you can have dozens of your pals as back up in minutes or pre arrange a rammy with half of Edinburgh on msn.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 12 Mar 2007, 21:36

Broken windows, violence in the street, vandalised and stolen cars - it all makes very depressing reading. My sympathy goes out to everyone who has been a victim of the weekend's events.

So, are you going to throw in the towel like Gizmo and move out? Or are you going to do something about it? Your instincts may well be to confront the perpertators of this anti-social behaviour but, realistically, against a gang of drunken youths you are either going to be badly beaten up or arrested for assault yourself. And what can you possibly do when a teenage girl attacks you with a stick?

Your strength lies in co-operation. If you believe that what happened at the weekend is unacceptable then you need to get together and make that point loudly and forcibly to the police and to your local councillor (Lawrence Marshall). Don't wait for it to happen again, act now. Form a neighourhood watch, put together a petition, make a huge fuss. If you do then suddenly, magically, resources will be re-directed your way.

The next Community Council meeting takes place on Monday 26 March. Here is what will happen. The meeting will open with the Police Report. PC Kenny Owen will recite a list of meaningless monthly stats. The Chair will then ask if anyone has any questions. There will be no questions and PC Kenny Owen will leave. These meetings are open to the public. Nothing will change unless YOU do something about it.

ifstar · Post by **ifstar** » 13 Mar 2007, 10:09

Can't the police now move on groups of people? Presumably either nobody phoned them before anything happened or they just took time to arrive.

tom nimmo · Post by **tom nimmo** » 13 Mar 2007, 13:42

Nice one Bob. You have given everyone the opportunity to stop just complaining and to take action. I hope the next CC meeting is overflowing with disgruntled residents putting their complaints to the sheriff. In response to a previous question, yes, the behaviour of girls is much worse now than when I was a boy. Drink plays such a major part in it and the values of the society we live in combined with rather dubious 'reality' tv and 'soap star' role models are important too. I hope you find the sanctuary you are looking for Gizmo, but I doubt you will find it in Britain. I recommend the countryside of France where teenagers and young people exist alongside adults due to the mutual respect for culture, family and property that both groups have. It's a much cheaper place to live, the roads are quiet, the weather is good and the people are very welcoming, even if they do speak a bit funny. In my favourite village in France the teenagers gather at night to talk and drink. They do not vandalised the place, terrorise the locals or make a racket. They even put their empty cans and bottles in the recycle bins before they all go home!!!! Will that ever happen here?

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 14 Mar 2007, 15:34

My motorbike was stolen and written off. mr Soupy's car was boken into and stolen ( didnt get far as flat battery meant they had to push it), rival gangs clashed on the Prom and beach, teenagers rampaged up Stanley St and surrounds, police baton charged down Bath St, weekend fights spilling put of High St night club and down Marlborough St, patrons of pub stepping over unconcious druggies, a child abducted and murdered.

All happened here in the 80s.

I was shocked by Fridays violence as it's not that common around here. Yes the teenagers gathering in groups are intimidating, yes "something should be done".
But at least we don't accept this as the norm and never will.

Grump

Where's the CC Meeting held , Bob?
I'd like to know if the police feel they should respond to reports of large groups gathering, I know in certain areas you get a ticking off for "wasting police time" if you phone to report teenagers shouting , kicking doors and intimidating residents.

aileenandfearghal · Post by **aileenandfearghal** » 14 Mar 2007, 21:29

This thread makes scary reading for us relative new comers to Porty. Not seen any sign of any of this since we moved in last November and we very much hope that we never do.

Eek.

paulw · Post by **paulw** » 15 Mar 2007, 10:54

I've lived in Porty for a few years now and have noticed that this sort of thing appears to be cyclical, and always around this time of year. It dies away after a month and particularly towards the summer. Maybe has something to do with the groups of kids reaching the end of school and letting their hair down a bit.

This theory could of course be complete nonsense.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 15 Mar 2007, 11:17

I agree with your theory Paul

. It definitely comes in waves and then it's quiet for ages until the 'next generation' start to flex their muscles. About three years ago things were particularly bad round about the Daisy Park. Once the lighter nights come in it mostly seems to settle down a bit for whatever reason. I've lived here my whole life and off and on there have been bad times with crime and disorder but mostly it's okay. I remember watching fights in Bath Street from my bedroom window most weekends - and that wasn't yesterday

Izzie · Post by **Izzie** » 15 Mar 2007, 13:42

Found this on the BBC News site

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edi ... 453587.stm

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 15 Mar 2007, 14:09

scary

Jamesie · Post by **Jamesie** » 15 Mar 2007, 14:21

What is the board's general view on the suggestion of an under 16 "evening" curfew in Portobello?

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 15 Mar 2007, 14:31

The words sledgehammer and nut come to mind.

It's grossly unfair on the well-behaved majority.

The badly-behaved will move to another area.

Do badly-behaved children suddenly become well-behaved adults on their 16th birthday??!!

Nelson Hatstand · Post by **Nelson Hatstand** » 15 Mar 2007, 14:32

Jamesie wrote:What is the board's general view on the suggestion of an under 16 "evening" curfew in Portobello?

Priceless!

Jamesie · Post by **Jamesie** » 15 Mar 2007, 14:38

Nelson Hatstand wrote:
Jamesie wrote:What is the board's general view on the suggestion of an under 16 "evening" curfew in Portobello?

Priceless!

Couldn't resist - got to stay true to form - would hate to disappoint

For what its worth I remember this was vaguely mooted when I was about 15/16 and my opposition then still remains

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 15 Mar 2007, 15:00

With Poppy on this one.

I'd have put the ages of those on Friday as 16 or above perhaps some younger so wouldn't do much good to have an under 16s curfew.

Agree with Epykat that it seems to be cyclic
(Perhaps we should tell them to get on their bikes!

)

ali · Post by **ali** » 15 Mar 2007, 15:03

Jamesie wrote:What is the board's general view on the suggestion of an under 16 "evening" curfew in Portobello?

that is a ridiculous idea.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 15 Mar 2007, 15:05

From the BBC:

Leisure workers attacked by gang

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 15 Mar 2007, 15:08

Think that may be the same one Izzie pointed out, Bob

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 15 Mar 2007, 17:59

So it is - silly me!

Jamesie · Post by **Jamesie** » 15 Mar 2007, 18:12

ali wrote:
Jamesie wrote:What is the board's general view on the suggestion of an under 16 "evening" curfew in Portobello?
that is a ridiculous idea.

on reflection you're right - maybe tagging on reaching school age would be more effective

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 15 Mar 2007, 20:49

ali wrote:
Jamesie wrote:What is the board's general view on the suggestion of an under 16 "evening" curfew in Portobello?
that is a ridiculous idea.

I don't think it's such a ridiculous idea. It seemed to work in, em, er, that other place that they tried it (the village that was overrun every weekend). It was a temporary solution but it seemed to do the trick. As for the fact that it only makes them go somewhere else - good! As long as they're not on my doorstep I'm not really bothered where they are. Short of killing every last one of them (which I really wouldn't condone even if it was done humanely) they have to go "somewhere else". (braces herself for the tirade of NIMBY accusations

). Maybe we should try the other weapon which was to play classical music through loudspeakers at the spots you don't want them to gather. Apparently they hate it and move on.

bearcub · Post by **bearcub** » 15 Mar 2007, 20:54

Jamesie wrote:
ali wrote:
Jamesie wrote:What is the board's general view on the suggestion of an under 16 "evening" curfew in Portobello?
that is a ridiculous idea.
on reflection you're right - maybe tagging on reaching school age would be more effective

I've heard good things about castration too....could be worth giving it go for a trial period??

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 15 Mar 2007, 20:58

bearcub wrote:I've heard good things about castration too....could be worth giving it go for a trial period??

That really only works on certain teenagers....

babba-licious · Post by **babba-licious** » 16 Mar 2007, 00:32

ASSAULT APPEAL, EDINBURGH

Two members of staff from leisure complex assaulted on Portobello Promenade

0950 hours 15/03/07
Press Office Fettes

A group of around 15 youths repeatedly assaulted two members of staff at an Edinburgh leisure complex.

The violent assault happened at one of the venues on Portobello Promenade on Friday night (March 9) at 9.50pm.

The staff, aged 22 and 27, had refused entry to the group who then set upon the two men repeatedly kicking, punching and spitting at them. They then damaged the front doors of the complex smashing glass panes before making off in the direction of Joppa.

The only description for the youths is some of them were wearing dark tops and jeans and some wearing light-coloured clothing. The majority were male.

A police spokesman said: "This was a particularly violent assault as the youths repeatedly attacked the two victims.

"It is a very isolated incident however we are concerned at the level of violence used as it was fortunate the two victims were not more seriously hurt.

"We would urge anyone who may know what happened to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0131-311-3131 or 0131-652-4147

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 16 Mar 2007, 00:52

Terrible, saw Izzie's post earlier

babba-licious · Post by **babba-licious** » 16 Mar 2007, 02:43

Sorry didn't realise this was already posted!!!

Talk Porty ~ Portobello

Trouble in Porty

Assault Appeal-Portobello Promenade-from police website