Edinburgh beauty spot to get regular police patrols after bike yobs wreak havoc

A beauty spot in Edinburgh will see regular police patrols after locals raised their concerns.

Residents have highlighted concerns over recent criminality in the area along with dirt e-bikes and 'associated dangerous riding.'

Police officers will be patrolling The Meadows and the surrounding areas in response.

READ NEXT-Tragedy as pensioner dies in East Lothian crash as road closed for five hours

READ NEXT-Edinburgh train passengers face chaos after vehicle strikes bridge and closes line

Uniformed and plain clothes officers will be in the popular beauty spot to provide reassurance and to identify those responsible. Police say this will include education and enforcement where necessary.

Unregistered e-motorcycles, e-scooters and non-compliant e-bikes can only be used on private land with the owner’s permission. They are subject to the same legal requirements as many other motor vehicles, meaning that they must be insured and drivers must have a valid driving licence.

Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

Sergeant Mark Barry of the St Leonard’s Community Policing Team, said: “We are aware of concerns and complaints relating to the anti-social driving of dirt e-bikes which are often not road legal.

“Road safety is a priority for Police Scotland and all road-users need to take responsibility and make sure their vehicles are roadworthy and legal. Illegal vehicles are a major hazard for riders and the general public.

“Anyone purchasing an e-motorcycle, e-scooter or an e-bike should be aware of the law and the implications of using one in a public place. When it comes to anti-social behaviour involving these type of vehicles we will not hesitate to take action.

“I would encourage anyone with information or concerns about potentially illegal e-bikes of all types or e-scooters to speak to officers on patrol, contact Police Scotland on 101, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Taking to X, Police Scotland Edinburgh added: "Patrols are taking place in the Meadows and surrounding areas due to community concerns about dirt e-bikes, associated dangerous riding, anti-social behaviour and criminality. Officers are carrying out enforcement & education. Any info - call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

Edinburgh Live previously reported how groups of youths had been spotted in the area 'scaring children' and riding e-bikes through the Meadows.

This comes as one man was arrested on Wednesday for riding an electric motorbike in a dangerous manner within the Meadows. He was charged with a variety of road traffic offences.

Additionally, two bikes were seized and a further two males have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for a variety of Road Traffic Offences.

Sergeant Jen Macgregor said: 'We do take these incidents very seriously, even if we aren't able to trace the rider at the time, we have means and ways to identify them at a later time so please do report any incidents or information to 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111'.