Police warn against ‘outing’ sex offenders after Musselburgh protests
Police have warned that “outing” registered sex offenders on social media or physically confronting them “significantly” affects their ability to manage risks effectively.
The warning comes as two teenage boys, aged 14 and 15, were arrested and charged on Friday in connection with a disturbance at Stoneybank Avenue in the Musselburgh area of East Lothian last Friday.
Police said there have been a number of protests targeting two properties in the Musselburgh area which have involved varying levels of criminal behaviour.
Inquiries are ongoing into other incidents, including vandalism to cars and properties.
Chief Inspector Benjamin Leathes said the recent protests have focused on “registered sex offenders and people perceived to be sex offenders”.
“‘Outing’ registered sex offenders on social media or physically confronting them significantly affects the ability of police and partners to manage risk effectively,” Mr 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.”
He added: “We will have additional patrols in the area over the coming days to provide reassurance and respond to any criminal behaviour associated with these protests.”
Officers recognise the “concern and distress” these incidents have caused to residents in Musselburgh and Mr Leathes said the role of police is to ensure public safety, responding proportionally to any incidents that happen and minimising disruption.
“Our approach to policing these events remains unchanged,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Leathes said “violence, disorder, hate crime and threatening and abusive behaviour that places others at risk are not forms of protest”.
He added: “Anyone engaging in this type of behaviour should be aware that they could face arrest,” Mr Leathes warned.
“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.”
Police have encouraged anyone with concerns or information to speak directly to officers or contact police on 101.