TWO men have been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault on a 49-year-old man on Charlotte Square on Sunday, 7 April.
The two men, aged 26 and 32 years. are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
Police would like to thank the public for their assistance with this investigation.
Six men have been charged with attempted murder following an incident at Southhouse Square, Edinburgh, in January.
Around 8.35pm on Friday, 26 January 2024, emergency services attended Southhouse Square, following reports of a disturbance involving several men.
One man, aged 25, was found seriously injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. A second man, aged 24, was also injured in the altercation and sought medical treatment.
A black BMW car was also stolen during the incident.
Extensive enquiries were carried out and six men, aged between 20 and 58, were arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “I would like to thank the members of the public who responded to our appeal for information and came forward with information.”
A blog by the Youth Justice Board’s (YJB) Business Intelligence and Insights Directorate that highlights racial disparity in the youth justice system and the ongoing work to tackle it.
Today, people across the UK remember Stephen Lawrence, who at just 18 was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack. Every year, on 22 April, Stephen Lawrence Day is an opportunity for people to come together and honour Stephen’s life and legacy and stand up against discrimination.
At the YJB, we have been highlighting the issues of over-representation and disproportionality of Black children and those with Mixed ethnicity within the youth justice system for more than a decade. And so, it seems timely to highlight the information on disparity that we have captured in our Annual Statistics.
While there have been promising reductions across different stages of the youth justice system, Black children and those with Mixed ethnicity continued to be over-represented.
Compared with the proportion of Black children in the 10-17 population, Black children are disproportionately represented across most stages of the youth justice system.
There have been some encouraging reductions across several areas in recent years, including stop and search, arrests, youth cautions, first time entrants, sentencing and children in custody.
Addressing ethnic disparities in the youth justice system is one of the YJB’s strategic priorities and will require close partnership working to achieve. We now know more about the existence and extent of ethnic disparities, and potential drivers, but less about potential solutions.
YJB commissioned analysis identifies that:
Intersectionality is also apparent when analysing the data from other government departments – for example custodial sentences have been found to be twice as common among care-experienced children with a Black or Mixed ethnicity compared with care-experienced children who were White.
YJB research identifies that the key drivers of ethnic disparity in child reoffending include:
This is consistent with findings from wider research and data which finds that Black and Mixed ethnicity children are:
In line with this, HM Inspectorate of Probation (2021) found that 60% of Black or Mixed ethnicity boys sentenced to court orders had been excluded from school, often permanently.
With the structure and safety of the school system removed (including access to heat, food, and a community of peers) it may increase the chances a child may become involved in crime.
The HM Inspectorate of Probation thematic review also reports that Black and Mixed ethnicity boys in the justice system are more likely than others to have an Education, Health and Care plan and unaddressed special educational needs and disabilities.
This creates additional vulnerability for these children for which they may be currently receiving insufficient support both before and after entry to the youth justice system.
Promising interventions to address ethnic disparity include racially sensitive interventions and training for staff to be more culturally competent, with a contextual understanding of the child/families’ personal experiences, as well as constant investment/interest in improving and understanding structural inequalities.
To try and reduce disparity, the YJB has published research on ethnic disparities in reoffending rates, and recently funded the evaluation of the Brent and Newham COVID-19 over-represented children pathfinder.
Ongoing and upcoming work to further explore and address disparity for children from ethnic minority backgrounds includes:
A range of research activity is being delivered by the sector around ethnic disparity, many of which we will keep track of through our strategic relationships, including:
Stephen Lawrence Day serves as a poignant reminder of the need to confront racial injustice and systemic discrimination.
But there is no one-solution to a systemic problem. Of course, we want fewer Black and Mixed ethnicity children entering the justice system, but to achieve this, we need to recognise the drivers for disparity and work collaboratively to achieve whole system change.
PETER Murrell has been charged with embezzlement in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party.
Mr Murrell, the former Chief Executive of the SNP and the husband of former leader Nicola Sturgeon, announced last night that he has resigned his party membership.
An SNP spokesperson said last night: “While this development will come as a shock, the police investigation remains ongoing and it would, therefore, be inappropriate to make any comment.”
POLICE SCOTLAND ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT LAST NIGHT:
‘A 59 year old man has today, Thursday, 18 April, 2024, been charged in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party.
‘The man, who was arrested at 9.13am today and had previously been arrested as a suspect on 5 April, 2023, was charged at 6.35pm after further questioning by Police Scotland detectives investigating the funding and finances of the party.
‘A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in due course.
The man is no longer in police custody.
‘As this investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.
‘The matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.
‘For this reason, Police Scotland has turned off the comments function on this post.’
Bernard Callaghan has been jailed for nine years for a series of sexual offences which took place in the Fife, Edinburgh and East Lothian areas.
The 53-year-old targeted three women over a 15-year period from 2007 to 2022.
Callaghan was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, 4 March, 2024, and returned for sentencing today, Wednesday, 17 April.
Detective Sergeant Craig Donnelly from Police Scotland’s Public Protection Unit said: “Bernard Callaghan is a very dangerous individual who is now being held accountable for his despicable behaviour towards the three victims.
“Their experiences will undoubtedly have left a lasting impact however I hope that today’s outcome provides them with some degree of closure and helps them to move on with their lives.
“Police Scotland takes all reports of sexual abuse extremely seriously and we will work with victims to thoroughly investigate and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We would encourage anyone who has, or is experiencing this type of crime, to have the confidence to come forward and make a report to Police Scotland on 101.
“There is no time limit on reporting and no matter when the abuse occurred you will be listened to, you will be supported and together we will bring the perpetrator to justice.”
Following information from the public, Police executed warrants at three addresses in the Wester Hailes and Stenhouse areas yesterday (Friday, 12 April, 2024).
Drugs with an estimated value of around £38,000, a significant amount of cash and other valuable items were recovered.
A 44-year-old man was arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.
Police would like to thank the local community for their support.
A 47-year-old man has been jailed for life in connection with the death of Paul Smith, who died following a serious assault in the Craigmillar Court area in January 2021.
Paul Smith was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, around 2.20am on Wednesday, 6 January, 2021, where he subsequently died on Sunday, 10 January, 2021.
John Blyth was found guilty of murder at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, 15 March, 2024. At the High Court in Stirling today (Friday, 12 April, 2024), he was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 13 years.
Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “This was a brutal, senseless attack and John Blyth will now face the consequences of his actions.
“Whilst this sentencing cannot change what John Blyth did to Paul, I hope that it brings some kind of closure for Paul’s family and friends.
“I would also like to thank Paul’s family for their support throughout the investigation, as well as commend them for their strength and dignity throughout this ordeal.”
The public is being urged to look out for signs of their personal information being misused as the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) finds a rise in scams fuelled by identity theft.
Reports of insurance fraud resulting from stolen identities provided to the IFB by UK insurers, police and regulators have nearly doubled in the past 12 months.[1]
Stolen identities are highly valuable to criminals as they can be used for a range of harmful scams, leaving victims in financial hardship and emotional distress.
In an urgent bid to protect more people from being targeted, the IFB has launched a campaign to encourage the public to be vigilant.
Ursula Jallow, Director at the IFB, said: “We’ve seen a worrying rise in insurance fraud made possible by identity theft. Stolen personal information can be used for every financial crime imaginable, and victims of impersonation who are often elderly or vulnerable, face devastating consequences.
“We urge everyone to be cautious when sharing personal details and to spread the word to their friends and family. If anyone thinks their information has been used in an insurance scam, they should report it to our confidential CheatLine.”
The IFB often finds that drivers who are cheaper to insure are frequently impersonated by Ghost Brokers, who take out policies in victims’ names and doctor these to sell them on at higher prices.
Misrepresented motor insurance policies are also used by fraudsters to facilitate dangerous Crash for Cash scams and to insure vehicles linked to serious crime.
In a recent IFB investigation with Hertfordshire Police, it was found that hundreds of identities had been stolen by a gang who took out fraudulent motor insurance policies to steal brand new cars from dealerships via finance deals.
In another investigation, the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) and the IFB suspected that a gang had impersonated over 200 people – from personal to commercial policyholders – to either make bogus claims in their names and divert funds to third parties, or pretend victims had caused collisions to fraudulently obtain compensation.
Cifas, a not-for-profit organisation which protects public, private and voluntary sectors from fraud, says identity fraud dominates the National Fraud Database (NFD) making up 64% of all cases. Concerningly, their records also show most victims of impersonation are now over 61 years old.[2]
Cifas believes that the cost-of-living crisis has resulted in this age group being more susceptible to social engineering tactics and enticing offers to ‘sell’ their identity. They have also seen more younger age groups sharing sensitive information on social media and messaging apps.
Campaign video:
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/932461573/8027f625eb
Stephen Dalton, Director of Intelligence at Cifas, said: “Identity fraud continues to be a favoured tactic for many criminals when exploiting innocent people to steal their identities and use personal details to fraudulently open and abuse financial products and services.
“It’s therefore vital that individuals protect their information by never divulging financial details or credentials that could be used against them. We support IFB’s campaign to bring this important issue to the public’s attention and remain committed to working with our insurance members to keep the public safe from fraud and financial crime.”
Protecting your identity
Fraudsters can attempt to impersonate someone with just a few stolen details (such as a name, date of birth or home address) and this can be used for most frauds; including insurance, banking and credit fraud.
Victims may be pursued by third parties looking to recover costs of financial arrangements made in their name, which can impact their credit score making it difficult to get loans, credit cards or even mortgages for years to come.
Simple measures can help to protect personal information:
If anyone thinks their identity has been compromised for an insurance scam, this can be reported to the IFB’s confidential CheatLine online or via its phoneline (powered by CrimeStoppers) on 0800 422 0421.
Cifas’ victim of impersonation advice has guidance to help people targeted by identity theft.
POLICE have issued data relating to the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021.
Data shows there were 7152 online hate reports received 1 April to 7 April.
During this period 240 hate crimes and 30 non-crime hate incidents were recorded.
View the data: https://orlo.uk/pXe8n
Serial or abusive shoplifters will face tougher punishments as the Prime Minister sets out tough new action to crack down on retail crime and protect UK highstreets.
Assaulting a retail worker will be made a standalone criminal offence in England, sending a clear message that there will be tough consequences for this unacceptable behaviour.
Perpetrators could be sent to prison for up to six months, receive an unlimited fine and be banned from going back to the shop where they committed their crimes, with Criminal Behaviour Orders barring them visiting specific premises.
Breaching an order is also a criminal offence and carries a five-year maximum prison sentence. For the most serious cases of assault, such as causing grievous bodily harm with intent, offenders could face a life sentence.
The move to create the new offence follows longstanding campaigning on this issue from Matt Vickers MP, and some of the biggest retailers, calling for more action to better protect their staff.
The UK government is also stepping up action to clamp down on offenders who repeatedly target the country’s high streets, with serial offenders forced to wear tags to track their movements.
These tags will be a constant and physical reminder to offenders that the Probation Service can find out where they have been and when, and that they risk being sent to prison if they refuse to obey the rules. Under an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, if an offender is found guilty of assaulting staff three times, or is sentenced for shoplifting on three separate occasions, they should be made to wear a tag as part of any community order.
Ahead of this legislation coming in, the UK government will partner with a police force to pilot a bespoke package of community sentencing measures which can be used by judges to tackle high levels of shoplifting, sending a clear message that repeat criminality will not be tolerated.
The government is also ramping up the use of facial recognition technology to help catch perpetrators and prevent shoplifting in the first place. Backed by a £55.5m investment over the next four years, the police will be able to further roll this new state of the art technology.
This will include £4m for bespoke mobile units that can be deployed to high streets across the country with live facial recognition used in crowded areas to identify people wanted by the police – including repeat shoplifters.
The mobile units will take live footage of crowds in towns and on highstreets, comparing images to specific people wanted by the police or banned from that location. Police in the area will then be alerted so they can track down these offenders.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Since 2010, violent and neighbourhood crime in England and Wales has fallen dramatically, showing our plan to keep our streets safe is working. Yet shoplifting and violence and abuse towards retail workers continues to rise.
“I am sending a message to those criminals – whether they are serious organised criminal gangs, repeat offenders or opportunistic thieves – who think they can get away with stealing from these local businesses or abusing shopworkers, enough is enough.
“Our local shops are the lifeblood of our communities, and they must be free to trade without the threat of crime or abuse.”
The action set out today builds on the successes already through the police’s Retail Crime Action Plan, which was commissioned by the Crime and Policing Minister, Chris Philp last year.
This included a range of measures, such as a police commitment to prioritise urgently attending the scene of shop theft involving violence against a shop worker, where security guards have detained an offender or where attendance is needed to secure evidence, which is showing signs of progress.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “There is quite simply no excuse for threatening behaviour or stealing – which can run other people’s livelihoods into the ground, while being traumatic for workers.
“To turn a blind eye to retail crime shakes the foundations of law and order which protect our society and that is unacceptable. We are enhancing our plan and doubling down on the zero-tolerance approach needed to fight back.
“The number of offenders being charged for these crimes is increasing and while I want to see more people face consequences for their actions, our plan is designed to help put a stop to these crimes happening in the first place.”
The government has driven forward significant efforts to tackle retail crime in the past year, bringing together policing and business to commit to smarter, more joined up working to reduce criminal behaviour and rebuild public confidence in the police response when it does occur.
Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp said: “Sadly if you speak to anyone working in retail, they will tell you of the verbal abuse and sometimes violent assaults they’ve been victims of, simply for trying to do their job.
“In no other work place would this be accepted. I have been driving forward action to improve the police response to retail crime since I became Policing Minister, because nothing less than a zero-tolerance approach will do.
“That’s why today we’re sending a clear message to criminals that enough is enough bringing forward further measures to protect retail workers and crack down on those who continuously disregard the law.”
A specialist new police team set up last year is building intelligence on organised retail crime gangs funded through ‘Pegasus’, a first-of-its-kind business and policing partnership backed by 14 of the UK’s biggest retailers, National Business Crime Solutions and the Home Office, launched to radically improve the way retailers are able to share intelligence with police to identify more offenders. The unit forms part of Opal, the national police intelligence unit for serious organised acquisitive crime.
Where CCTV or other digital images are secured, police are committed to running this through the Police National Database, as standard, to aid efforts to identify prolific offenders or potentially dangerous individuals. This builds on the pledge by police forces across England and Wales that they will follow up on all lines of enquiry, where there is a reasonable chance it could lead them to catching a perpetrator and solving a crime.
All police forces across England and Wales made another significant commitment last year to prioritise police attendance at the scene of a retail crime incident where violence has been used towards shop staff, where an offender has been detained by store security, or where evidence needs to be secured and can only be done by police personnel.
Paul Gerrard, Campaigns and Public Affairs Director of The Co-op Group, said: “The Co-op sees every day the violence and threats our colleagues, like other retail workers, face as they serve the communities they live in.
“We have long called for a standalone offence of attacking or abusing a shopworker and so we very much welcome the Government’s announcement today.
“The Co-op will redouble our work with police forces but these measures will undoubtedly, when implemented, keep our shopworkers safer, protect the shops they work in and help the communities both serve.”
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “After relentless campaigning for a specific offence for assaulting retail workers, the voices of the three million people working in retail are finally being heard.
“The impact of retail violence has steadily worsened, with people facing racial abuse, sexual harassment, threatening behaviour, physical assault and threats with weapons, often linked to organised crime. Victims are ordinary hardworking people – teenagers taking on their first job, carers looking for part-time work, parents working around childcare.
“This announcement sends a clear message that abusive behaviour will not be tolerated and it is vital the police use this new legislation to step up their response to incidents. Together, we must stamp out this scourge in crime that has been sweeping the nation and ensure retail workers are given the vital protections they deserve.
Sharon White, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “Retail crime is never victimless – it costs retailers over £1 billion every year and can have a huge impact on the shop workers involved.
“We’ve long called for violence towards retail workers to be recognised as a standalone offence so welcome this announcement, which sends a clear message that abuse will never be tolerated. It will help deter acts of aggression, and allow police to drive prosecutions should instances escalate.”
