Clubs tune in to crime scheme

Nightspots are taking part in the scheme

Pubs and nightclubs in Edinburgh have joined police in a new radio alert scheme to tackle drunken disorder.

The Safeguard scheme, which is geared towards cutting violence in the city centre, also has the support of the city council.

The scheme will use new communication links between bar staff and police to work as an early warning system when trouble arises.

Police want to cut disorder in the city

More than 20 pubs and clubs in central Edinburgh already have the new radio communications system.

When trouble arises, bar staff can call out over the airwaves for help or warn other premises about problems.

The police said the scheme proved its worth when a student was assaulted recently.

Police issued descriptions of two suspects over the radio and bouncers at two pubs recognised the men as they went past.

They alerted closed circuit television operators and the police were able to arrest the men.

'Secure environment

On another evening, when a group of men was thrown out a Grassmarket pub, bar staff used the radio link to warn other premises and the group was refused entry to all other pubs and clubs in the area.

Project co-ordinator, Constable Graeme Nisbet, said: "The police cannot solve these issues alone and the only way to achieve a safer and more secure environment is to work together.

"Through the initiative, we are fostering better relationships with pub licensees and club management and are now working together to prevent and deal more effectively with unacceptable behaviour.

"A number of practical measures are already in place including communication links between licensed premises and CCTV operators and increased high profile police presence at peak times."