Sex offender protests diverting officers from emergencies, police warn

Police have warned that protests outside the homes of suspected or known sex offenders are impacting their ability to respond to emergencies.

Police Scotland issued a statement following protests outside two homes in Musselburgh, which descended into criminal behaviour.

Two youths, aged 14 and 15, have been arrested and charged in connection with a disturbance at Stoneybank Avenue on Friday.

Investigations are ongoing into other incidents, including vandalism to cars and properties.

The force has warned that ‘outing’ registered sex offenders on social media or physically confronting them “significantly affects the ability of police and partners to manage risk effectively”.

Chief inspector Benjamin Leathes said: “It also undermines the measures already in place to protect the public.

“It also requires additional policing resources, reducing our ability to respond quickly and effectively to other calls for assistance from local communities.

“We recognise the concern and distress these incidents have caused to residents in Musselburgh. Our role is to ensure public safety, responding proportionally to any incidents that happen and minimising disruption.

“Recent protests have focused on registered sex offenders and people perceived to be sex offenders.

“Our approach to policing these events remains unchanged. Campaigning and peaceful protests are legitimate in a democratic society. We recognise and uphold the right of individuals to express their views lawfully and to protest peacefully,

“However, there is a clear distinction between lawful protest and criminal behaviour. We are not opposed to peaceful protest; we are committed to preventing crime.

“Violence, disorder, hate crime, and threatening and abusive behaviour that places others at risk are not forms of protest. Anyone engaging in this type of behaviour should be aware that they could face arrest.

“Registered sex offenders are managed robustly and effectively through Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements, known as MAPPA. These arrangements provide a comprehensive response to a complex issue, using professional assessment and risk management.”

Additional police patrols are expected to remain in the area in the coming days to respond to any criminal behaviour associated with the protests.

Anyone with information is asked to speak to officers or call 101.