Detectives are appealing for information following a serious assault in Edinburgh city centre.
About 3.30am on Monday, 1 January, 2024 two men were seriously assaulted in Rose Street, Edinburgh at it’s junction with Frederick Street by a group of men and women.
The men who suffered head and facial injuries were taken to hospital for treatment.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe from Edinburgh CID said “This was a brutal attack and it is imperative that we trace the people responsible and are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time.
“We know there was a pedestrian who would have witnessed this assault and may have information that can help us. I would also appeal to the people who stopped and provided first aid to the two injured men.”
Anyone with any information, or footage of the incident, should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 1142 of Monday, 1 January 2024. Alternatively, a call can be made anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
POLICE are urging bike owners to ensure their cycles are registered on a national database to help ensure they can be reunited with them if they are lost or stolen.
The Bike Register database contains the details of tens of thousands bicycles from across the UK and for the last year Police Scotland officers have had access to the database via a downloadable app on their mobile devices.
Recently, four successful bike recoveries have been made as a result of the app and bike marking.
In the first instance, a member of the public in Edinburgh found a bicycle and used the app they had on their phone to establish it had been registered as lost. The owner was found to have moved from the Capital to Woking and was reunited with the bike.
Local officers in Lancashire also came across a stolen bike being sold on Facebook Marketplace in the course of their inquiries and by utilising the app on their mobile devices, they confirmed it was registered to an address in the Currie area of Edinburgh. The bike was again, returned to its rightful owner.
In the last two weeks, police in the Wester Hailes area of Edinburgh have returned two bikes to their owners after both were found and handed into the police station. Utilising the app, the cycles were both confirmed as stolen and then handed back to those they belong to.
Any officer who locates a bike they believe may be lost or stolen can access the database via the app, and scan a visible bar code or enter property details to check to see if it has been registered. If so, they can then find out whether the status is set to lost or stolen, and who the registered owner is.
It is anticipated that hundreds of new bikes will have been purchased or received over Christmas, many worth large sums of money. Owners of bikes, both new and old, are urged to ensure their cycle’s details are logged on the database.
Inspector Jordan Low from Police Scotland’s Rural and Acquisitive Crime Team, said: “We know that for many in Scotland, bikes are not just an important recreational item, they are a vital mode of transportation or exercise and to have them lost or stolen can be devastating.
“I would ask that all bike owners ensure their bicycles’ details are logged on the Bike Register database, as this will aid us during our inquiries whenever we locate any bikes that we believe to be stolen, or that are brought into police stations as lost property.
“The recent successful recoveries highlight just how important the database is in order to reunite bikes with their rightful owners and the app available to officers on their mobile device is another useful tool in helping us tackle bike theft across the country.”
Householders across Scotland are being reminded not to let their festive clear outs add to waste crime by inadvertently giving their waste to criminals.
From unregistered individuals with a van advertising on social media, to serious and organised crime gangs, criminals see waste as a money-making enterprise and Scots could be unknowingly adding to the problem.
The landfill tax for household waste is currently £102.10 per tonne (for standard rate), and legitimate operators need to pay for permits and infrastructure, amongst other overheads, to operate environmentally sound sites that are compliant with regulations.
Waste dumped illegally in laybys, rural locations or holes in the ground instead of being recycled or disposed of in the correct manner means criminals are avoiding having to pay the costs a legal operator has to. Instead, the cost to clean-up abandoned waste is usually left to local authorities or landowners.
Additionally, waste dumped or burned means the opportunity for recycling or re-use of valuable materials could be lost.
Out of sight not out of mind
Criminals are resourceful, inventive and will find new ways to break the law – especially with a cash incentive. This includes amongst others – flytipping, burying waste in fields, burning of waste, cramming it into warehouses and even 40ft old HGV trailers.
Jennifer Shearer, SEPA’s Head of Enforcement said: “Illegal operators often hide what they plan to do with waste they collect, which can lead to fly-tipping in communities or large-scale disposal on private land. The first line of defence is stopping criminals getting their hands on waste in the first place.
“Services that sound too good to be true often are – and could lead to your waste being illegally fly-tipped. If you’re planning a clear out, you can help tackle waste crime by refusing to engage the services of people that are not authorised.
“Remember, if they dispose of it illegally and we can trace the waste back to you – you can be held to account and prosecuted or fined as well. A legitimate operator should be able to tell you their SEPA waste carrier licence number and the exact location your waste will be taken to. If they won’t provide those two pieces of information don’t give them your waste.”
Don’t support waste crime
Top four Dos and Don’ts of Household Waste Disposal
DO use common sense. If you are approached out of the blue with an offer to dispose of your waste so quickly and cheaply it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
DON’T entrust your waste to someone if they are unable to tell you basic information like their waste carrier registration number and the named site they are taking the waste to.
DO take responsibility for who you give waste to – if illegally disposed of waste is traced back to you then you could face enforcement action too.
DO check that the company you are thinking of hiring to remove your waste is registered with SEPA
Landowners must be alert to the risk of their land or premises being used for illegal waste deposits and trailer or vehicle owners should also be aware of the risk of theft for use in illegal waste disposal activities.
Report suspicious sites and behaviours to SEPA 24 hours a day, seven days a week through our pollution hotline online or by calling 0800 80 70 60.
A summit on fireworks between the Council, partner agencies, community representatives, local MPs, MSPs and councillors took place yesterday (December 18) at Castlebrae Community Campus in Niddrie.
This follows the significant level of disorder seen in the city on Bonfire Night (November 5), particularly in the Niddrie area, where emergency services were attacked with fireworks, petrol bombs, masonry, and other missiles.
The summit, hosted by Council Leader Cammy Day, discussed the events of this year, and looked ahead to how we address Bonfire Night and fireworks use in the future. This included our preventative community work alongside partners, the future implementation of Firework Control Zones (FCZs) and other strategies. Work is already well underway in these areas.
There will be a further summit in March 2024.
Council Leader Cammy Day said:It was really useful to come together and discuss our collective approach to Bonfire Night and broader fireworks use.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, Bonfire Night has become something of a focal point for potentially life-threatening disorder and violence. This year had the distinction of clear planning and premeditation on the part of those attacking police in Niddrie, which is a deeply disturbing development. I fear that unless we take decisive action now it is only a matter of time before we see serious injuries or even deaths on a future Bonfire Night.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our fantastic emergency services colleagues who do an excellent job in keeping us all safe.
“I believe that we need to go further and ban the public sale of fireworks, such is the unprecedented risk to public safety and order. Whilst this may seem unfair to the majority of people who celebrate and use fireworks responsibly, what we have seen this year necessitates such a response. I’ll also be looking into whether we can help provide organised displays in the city, so our residents can enjoy fireworks in a safe and secure way.
“We need to face these challenges head on, and I look forward to further summits in the New Year.”
Twenty-six people have now been charged with a total of 51 offences following bonfire night disorder seen in Edinburgh on Sunday, 5 November, 2023.
A further individual will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with two charges, meaning a total number of 27 people have been identified for 53 offences.
The ages of those range between 12 and 34 years of age, with the majority aged in their mid to late teens.
A total of 31 charges against 15 individuals relates specifically to the significant disorder seen in the Niddrie area.
Within this, two men, aged 29 and 27 have been charged in connection with inciting violence. They are alleged to have filmed the events on mobile phones while encouraging youths to be violent towards police.
A 31-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were also charged in connection with supplying fireworks to youths.
The charges are a result of an extensive investigation which has been ongoing since bonfire night by a dedicated team of officers.
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “The events of bonfire night, especially in the East of the city, were wholly unacceptable.
“The scenes experienced are not reflective of the Niddrie community as a whole and were acts carried out by a minority.”
Police Scotland is urging anyone targeted by sextortion to report it – so they can get the support they deserve.
Sextortion is sexual extortion and involves the threat of having sexual information, photos or videos shared with others. It is carried out to extort money or force a victim to do something against their will, control behaviour or obtain further images.
Figures published today, Friday, 1 December 2023, in Police Scotland’s 2023-24 Quarter 2 Performance Report, show an increase in reported crimes of threats and extortion compared to last year and since changes in crime recording introduced in April 2020.
Between April and September 2023 there were 1,430 crimes of threats and extortion compared to 819 in the same period last year (74%) and the five year mean of 443 or 223%. Analysis shows much of this relates to sextortion style crimes.
Assistant Chief Constable David Duncan said: “Sextortion is blackmail and those targeted should not pay, nor should they be embarrassed or scared to report it to police.
“We are experiencing an increase in the number of sextortion incidents being reported and although we are encouraged that victims appear more confident in coming forward, we know from our partners that it is still likely to be an under-reported offence.
“Criminals use the internet, social media, dating apps, web cams or pornography sites and fake identities to befriend people online and then threaten to send images to their family and friends.
“People shouldn’t panic, there is support available from policing and from third party organisations. We want people to know they will be treated with respect and dignity and the circumstances investigated professionally.
“There is information available on the Police Scotland website on ways you can stay safe online – such as not sharing intimate images.”
Sextortion can be committed by individuals however, organised crime gangs based overseas are also believed to be responsible.
The inclusion of threats and extortion, such as online sextortion, contributed to a rise in overall violent crime reported between April and September 2023.
Homicides, attempted murders and serious assaults remain at similar levels compared to last year and lower than the five year average, while our world leading detection rate for homicides continues.
The report provides insight into the depth and breadth of police work undertaken by committed and professional officers and staff and how the outcome of that work relates to our strategic outcomes.
Police in Edinburgh have launched Operation Winter City 2023 to keep everyone visiting, living and working in the city safe over the festive period.
Running between 17 November 2023 and 6 January 2024, dedicated officers will carry out high visibility patrols throughout the city centre to engage with the public and offer reassurance, deter criminal activity and respond to any incidents arising.
In addition to foot and mobile patrols, a “pop up” stall within Waverley Market will be in operation, with officers providing crime prevention and security advice.
Superintendent Sam Ainslie, Gold Commander for Operation Winter City, said: “As always we remain committed to keeping the public in Edinburgh safe and our presence within the city centre is enhanced over the festive period.
“We want locals and visitors alike to enjoy the various attractions safely, whether that be our green and cultural spaces, entertainment venues, or retail premises.
“In addition to our dedicated patrols, officers will also be at our police stall within the Waverley Mall and will be delighted to offer a range of crime prevention and security advice. I highly recommend that people come and speak to us”
“The public have a vital role to play in helping us to ensure that their and everyone’s visit is safe and enjoyable.
“Please help us to prevent crime by reporting anything they believe to be suspicious to us, and whilst it may seem overly simple, being mindful of the whereabouts of your personal belongings, planning your transportation for nights out in advance, making sure your mobile phone is charged, drinking responsibly and looking out for those you are out with, can all help.
“We want everyone to have an enjoyable night out, and I would ask that people remain aware of their limits when drinking, so as not to ruin their or someone else’s night out through over-consumption of alcohol.
“You will undoubtedly see our officers out on patrol, engaging with licensed premises staff and keeping Edinburgh’s communities safe
“Violent or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and on a cautionary note, should you become involved in a crime linked to alcohol, we can impose ‘Think Twice’ bail conditions, which will mean that you won’t be permitted to visit another pub, club or shop that sells alcohol in the city centre until the conclusion of your trial. Please don’t take the risk.
“We will be sharing crime prevention and personal safety advice and updates on our activities, so please follow Edinburgh Police Division on Facebook or Twitter @Edinburgh Police.
“On behalf of everyone here in Edinburgh Division, I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Wildlife officers are appealing after a protected bird of prey was found dead in a trap near Balerno, Edinburgh.
The dead peregrine falcon was found around 100 yards from a public path on the edge of a small woodland south of Wester Bavelaw on Thursday, 23 November, 2023.
Wildlife Crime Officer, Detective Constable Daniel Crilley, said: “This protected bird was found in a baited pole trap that is illegal.
“Peregrine falcons are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and forensic tests are being done as part of our ongoing enquiries to establish the full circumstances.
“We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or who has information that could help pour investigation to get in touch.
“If you can help please contact us via 101, quoting incident number 1376 of Friday, 24 November, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
More information on wildlife crime can be found on the Police Scotland website:
The Home Affairs Committee is inviting members of the public to take part in a survey to inform its inquiry into fraud.
The cross-party committee of MPs wants to find out more about the different types of fraud that people are experiencing in the UK. They also want to hear about the impact this has had and what support people have received.
Fraud is the most common form of crime in England and Wales, accounting for 40% of reported offences and costing UK households over £1 billion every year. It can take many forms including phishing scams, identity theft and romance fraud. Fraud increasing takes place using digital technologies and online platforms; and perpetrators can often be based outside the UK making detection and protection more difficult.
The quick-to-complete survey consists of multiple choice questions, with the option for people to provide more information if they would like to. Everyone is welcome to take part, but they should note that the Committee is unable to take action on individual cases.
Launching the survey, Dame Diana Johnson said: “Fraud is the most common form of crime in this country with over 3 million cases recorded every year, and probably millions more going unreported.
“But behind these figures are individual victims of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom will have suffered h long-lasting financial and emotional consequences.
“We have launched this survey to find out what types of fraud people experience in the UK. The information you give us will help us understand how well current fraud strategies are working.
“It will also help us to learn what gaps there may be in the support that victims of fraud receive, and to identify where improvements can be made.”
Where to get help
We understand that the issues raised in this work may be sensitive or upsetting. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this inquiry, you may wish to contact your GP, local MP or the following organisations:
Police Scotland – call 101
Reporting fraud and cyber crime | Action Fraud Call 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm. Action Fraud will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened and their advisors are available twenty four hours to give you help and advice if you need it.
Eight further people have been charged in connection with bonfire night disorder seen in Edinburgh on Sunday, 5 November.
Two male youths, both aged 15, have been charged in connection with preparing petrol bombs and firing fireworks at police in the Niddrie area.
Six other male youths, all aged between 14 and 16, have been charged in connection with possession of fireworks and associated disorder in the Southhouse/Gracemount areas.
Work remains ongoing to establish the identities of others involved and a number of others have been identified.
Officers continue to appeal to the public to provide any information that can help with ongoing enquiries.
There is a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) that allows members of the public to send information directly to the police that can be accessed as follows: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S38-PO1
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “The disorder seen in the capital on bonfire night was completely unacceptable and these charges show our continued commitment to identifying and tracing those involved in the incidents.
“Our investigation continues and I would urge the public to continue to help us with that by reporting any information to 101, or send it to the portal link. Alternatively you can call Crimstoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”
