Two teenagers, aged 14 and 17, have been charged following an alleged disturbance outside a home on Pavilion Court, Penicuik, on Monday. Protesters reportedly gathered to oppose the placement of a sex offender in the area.
Police attended and engaged with those gathered before they left. Footage from Monday showed officers struggling with a protester and restraining them against a police van.
Police Warn Against Criminal Behaviour
The force said that over the past week, protests in Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg and Penicuik have been associated with varying levels of criminal behaviour. Retrospective enquiries are ongoing into other incidents including vandalism to cars and properties.
Chief Inspector Gordon Couper stressed that although peaceful protests are legitimate in a democratic society, there is a clear distinction between lawful protest and criminal behaviour. He said registered sex offenders are managed robustly and effectively through Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).
Outing Offenders Can Jeopardise Management
Couper warned that outing registered sex offenders on social media or physically confronting them can jeopardise that management and requires additional policing resources. He recognised the concern and distress caused to residents.
He said: "We recognise the concern and distress these incidents have caused to residents in Midlothian. Our role is to ensure public safety, responding proportionally to any incidents that happen and minimise disruption."
"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 and will be dealt with appropriately."
"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."
"Outing registered sex offenders on social media or physically confronting them significantly affects the ability of police and partners to manage risk effectively. 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. Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our communities."
