Neighbourhood crime “eroding community safety” as Crimestoppers urges public to speak up anonymously
Crimestoppers is launching a new campaign to highlight the growing impact of neighbourhood crime across the UK and empower people to share information anonymously to help protect communities.
From burglary and robbery to shoplifting and phone theft, neighbourhood crime is reshaping everyday life, affecting people’s sense of safety at home, their confidence on their streets and trust in local high streets and public spaces.
Latest figures show the scale of the issue with more than 509,000 shoplifting offences, 224,000 burglaries, and 129,000 thefts from the person recorded across the UK.
In addition, there were an estimated 590,000 incidents of retail violence and abuse, alongside 950,000 cases of verbal abuse in convenience stores*.
These are not just statistics, they represent real people experiencing fear, disruption, and lasting emotional impact.
Neighbourhood crime can have long-term consequences. Burglaries can damage a person’s sense of security in their own home. Robberies and phone theft can change how people travel, socialise and go about daily life. Retail crime continues to affect local businesses, workers and the overall confidence of many communities.
Despite this, many incidents go unreported. People may fear retaliation, not want direct involvement with police, or feel that speaking up will not make a difference. This silence can leave the door open for organised crime and criminal activity to continue, leaving communities feeling unsafe.
Crimestoppers is encouraging people to break this cycle by sharing what they know safely and anonymously.
Mick Duthie, Director of Operations from the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Neighbourhood crimes have the effect of eroding community safety which is why information we receive anonymously and pass on can help to keep us safe.
“We know that many people want to speak up but feel unable to. That’s why our charity exists. We provide a safe, trusted way for anyone to share information about crime completely anonymously.
“You don’t need proof, and you don’t need to give your name. Even a small piece of information can make a big difference in helping to protect others.”
Crimestoppers guarantees 100% anonymity. No information provided can be traced back to the individual to makes contact.
Edinburgh’s last all-boys school is removing phones overnight in a drive to put sleep back at the centre of school life.
As debate continues following Westminster’s recent decision to ban mobile phones in schools, Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh is taking its own approach to managing screen use.
The independent school has their younger boarders hand in their phones and tablets each evening before bed, removing the temptation to scroll, message or game late into the night.
For Sixth Form pupils, phones remain with them but the school’s Wi-Fi switches off at 11pm, marking the end of the digital day. The policy forms part of a wider effort to encourage healthier digital habits and better sleep routines.
As a boarding school, staff also oversee evening routines and bedtime in the houses, giving them a unique view of how screen habits affect sleep.
The move comes amid growing concern about the impact smartphones are having on teenagers’ sleep and attention. Recent research by the National Literacy Trust found that fewer than one in ten boys aged 14-16 now read daily for pleasure, with screens and digital distractions increasingly dominating evenings.
Staff say reclaiming some of that evening time has become an important part of boarding life at Merchiston.
The school has also introduced The Bothy, a deliberately screen-free social space where pupils can spend time together without devices, playing board games, reading, listening to music or simply talking.
Staff say the aim is not to ban technology but to help boys develop healthier routines around sleep and downtime.
Boarding staff say the biggest change is visible in evening routines once devices are removed.
Richard Glover, house parent for the school’s middle-year boarders, where phones are handed in overnight, said: “Before we introduced clearer routines around phones, it wasn’t unusual to see boys scattered around the house late in the evening, each absorbed in their own screen messaging, gaming or scrolling.
“Once the phones are handed in, the atmosphere changes quite quickly. You start to see the more traditional side of boarding life come back with boys chatting in the common room, reading, playing pool, helping each other with homework or even cooking together in the kitchen.
“We have noticed that the boys even recognise their sleep quality improving with the school’s routine. Within a short time the house becomes much calmer and bedtime happens far more naturally.”
For older pupils, the emphasis shifts towards independence.
Nick Lieberman, house parent for the school’s Sixth Form boarders, where pupils keep their phones but Wi-Fi switches off at 11pm, said: “With Sixth Form pupils the focus is much more on independence and learning self-management of their screen time.
“They’re only a year or two away from university, so part of boarding life is helping them learn how to manage their own routines and helping them build habits they’ll carry with them beyond school.
“The evening routine in Sixth form is sacred and forms invaluable structure for the boys while in school. The boys must then be in their rooms and settling for bed from 10pm onwards.
“When the Wi-Fi switches off at 11pm it creates a natural end point in the evening and a digital switch off, limiting the opportunity for endless scrolling and also the temptation to do a bit more work because rest is so important as a part of academic study.”
Carole Crawford, whose son flexi-boards at Merchiston and spends part of the week boarding and part at home, said the school’s approach to evening phone use has helped reinforce positive sleep habits and support the routines already encouraged at home.
She said: “Like most teenagers, my son would happily stay on his phone late into the evening if he could. We have always encouraged sensible phone habits at home, and the structure at school really helps reinforce that message.
“It gives him a clear point in the evening to switch off, settle down and get a proper night’s sleep. When he comes home, that pattern carries through, and he is more conscious of putting the phone down at the right time.”
Headmaster of Merchiston Castle School, Huw Jones, said: “Sleep is fundamental to how young people learn, concentrate and manage their wellbeing. Rather than focusing on restricting or banning phones, our priority is to nurture the skills and habits that support a healthy, sustainable relationship with technology.
“In a boarding environment, we have a duty to ensure pupils have the time and space to switch off properly at night. When young people are well rested, everything improves, from focus in the classroom to how they engage with friends, sport and school life more broadly.
“I try to model good habits by locking away my own phone during the working day. It’s a simple way of showing that how we use technology has a direct impact on our attention, productivity and wellbeing.”
To learn more about Merchiston Castle School, please visit:
Are you an unpaid carer looking for community, a new hobby or a moment of respite?
Join us next Monday for a collection of inspiring walks around the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Stockbridge followed by a gentle session of writing, facilitated by Catherine Muir.
These classes are completely free thanks to funding from Shared Care Scotland, short breaks fund.
Meeting places are a mix between LifeCare and The Cottage in the Botanics:
Edinburgh gardeners and David Beckham fans can now get their hands on the newly launched Sir David Beckham rose (Ausa34b16) at Dobbies Edinburgh, following its unveiling at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The new white English Shrub Rose, created by renowned breeder David Austin Roses in honour of one of Britain’s most celebrated figures, has arrived in limited numbers at the Edinburgh and is expected to prove popular with local shoppers looking to embrace the cottage garden trend this summer.
Originally gifted to Beckham from his daughter for his 50th birthday, the David Austin ® rose is a lasting symbol of love and admiration that will continue to bloom year after year.
Dobbies is also sharing expert advice on achieving a classic Cotswolds-inspired planting style, combining soft florals, layered textures and natural materials.
Nigel Lawton, Plant Buyer at Dobbies, commented, “The Sir David Beckham rose is a brilliant addition for gardeners looking to create a timeless English country garden feel at home.
“Roses continue to be hugely popular as more people embrace relaxed, naturalistic planting styles inspired by countryside gardens and outdoor living trends.
“This variety works beautifully alongside classic cottage garden favourites like lavender, salvia and foxgloves to create that soft, romantic look people associate with Cotswolds-style gardens.”
Dobbies’ top tips for creating the Cotswolds garden look at home:
1. Layer soft cottage garden planting Combine roses with lavender, delphiniums, foxgloves and salvia to create fullness, softness and seasonal colour. Mixing heights and textures helps achieve a relaxed, natural look.
2. Add natural materials and rustic textures Terracotta pots, weathered stone, gravel pathways and wooden planters all help create the understated countryside feel seen in traditional Cotswolds gardens.
3. Keep planting generous and informal Avoid rigid lines and structured displays. Instead, allow flowers and greenery to spill naturally through borders for a more romantic, lived-in garden style.
With limited quantities available in each participating store , customers are encouraged to shop early as demand is expected to be high.
£2.50 from the sale of every rose will be donated to The King’s Foundation, for which David Beckham serves as an ambassador.
More than a third (35%) of people in Edinburgh are ‘investment curious’ but yet to take their first step
Almost three-quarters (67%) of Edinburgh locals grew up in households where investing wasn’t talked about
NatWest launches new confidence building campaign with consumer finance champion Angellica Bell to help would-be first time investors take their first step
A study of 5,000 UK adults from NatWest has found that 67% of Edinburgh locals grew up in households where investing was never talked about.
However, despite this, more than a third (35%) of people in Edinburgh are ‘investment curious’ but are yet to take their first step, with hesitation to invest driven by fear of making a mistake (33%) and a desire for better understanding of investing (20%). The research also shows that locals feels they need to hit certain milestones before getting started as over a quarter (30%) say they wouldn’t consider investing until they had at least £10,000 in savings.
This “readiness barrier” is preventing many people from taking that first step, with almost three quarters (67%) of Edinburgh residents are not currently investing outside of workplace pensions*.
Practical support could help close the gap. One in five (20%) of residents state that having a better understanding would have helped them to feel more ready to invest, the most commonly listed response. Locally, more than one in three (37%) of residents would be the first in their family to invest if they were to take their first step.
NatWest commissioned the research to support a new campaign aimed at helping people tackle the confidence barriers that can make investing feel out of reach. Developed in partnership with TV presenter and consumer finance expert Angellica Bell, it launches amid a developing national conversation around how to encourage more people to invest.
This includes the recent launch of the government backed “Invest for the Future” initiative which aims to make investing feel more accessible to everyday savers and the introduction of Targeted Support, designed to help banks give customers more meaningful guidance on investing.
Aroma Khan, NatWest Investment Expert, said: “At a time when many people are carefully managing their money and thinking hard about their financial priorities, we understand that investing may not feel like the right step for everyone.
“But for those who are in a position to save, investing can still feel out of reach, either because it was never talked about growing up or because it seems like you need a certain level of knowledge or money to get started.
“That’s why we’ve launched this campaign: to help break down those perceptions and support people in understanding whether investing is right for them, at a pace that works for them.
“We want to help more people feel confident enough to explore that first step, if and when they’re ready. In reality, it’s often about starting small, for example through something like a Stocks and Shares ISA, building understanding over time and recognising that you don’t have to have everything figured out from day one.
“By making investing feel more accessible and achievable, we hope to support people in turning that initial curiosity into informed action.”
To help people take that first step, NatWest has partnered with TV presenter, consumer finance expert and NatWest customer Angellica Bell to challenge common misconceptions about investing for the first time.
Angellica Bell said: “People often assume investing is something you need to have all figured out before you start, that you need the right salary, the right amount saved, or the right moment. But that’s rarely how anything in life actually works.
“I’ve learned that in plenty of situations myself. Whether it was moving into a new role or picking up new skills later in life, the confidence came from doing it, not from waiting until everything felt perfectly in place. Investing doesn’t have to be different. A small step is still a meaningful step, and you build from there.”
Angellica Bell’s advice for those considering investing for the first time:
Accept that nerves are natural – If it feels daunting, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing, it’s just what doing something new feels like. Confidence usually follows the first step, not the other way around.
Stop waiting for the perfect moment – There’s always another milestone to hit, but the research shows that regret about not starting sooner is highest among people in their 30s and 40s. Start when you can, even a small step, and build from there.
Focus on the ‘why’ – Make it real: what are you investing for? A clear goal turns a scary step into a purposeful one. Keep it practical, start with an amount you’re comfortable with, and learn as you go.
Challenge the ‘not for me’ narrative – Everyone starts as a beginner. Investing isn’t for a certain type of person, it’s simply a way to build long‑term security and open up more choices later.
Start smaller than you think you need to – Most people overestimate what it takes to begin. A small first step is still a first step, and it’s one more than you’ve taken before.
Find out more about investing with NatWest and how to get started with a Stocks & Shares ISA:
Olivia Baird hopes Chef Gate could be used to train kitchen staff
A striking set of kitchen knives developed by an Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) student aims to cut the misogyny faced by female chefs.
Olivia Baird drew on her experience of working in commercial kitchens to develop the uniquely uncomfortable utensils as part of her project, Chef Gate.
The 21-year-old from Kirkcaldy hopes they could be used to deliver training exercises for chefs to help them understand the difficulties women face in kitchens. Her project takes on pervasive issues such as sexual harassment and dismissive behaviour.
Chef Gate is on show alongside the work of other students at ENU’s 2026 Degree Show, which opened to the public on Friday (29 May 2026].
It features six knives which impair a chef’s movement or force them into awkward positions – and even one which brands them.
Olivia said: “I’ve been working as a chef since my first year, so it has been a big part of my university experience.
“I’d never done any work in hospitality before. It’s been great, but also an eye-opening experience. In one kitchen, I was the only female for around six months.
“It’s a difficult subject to broach, and there isn’t an easy way to solve it. I had a bunch of ideas to start with, but I thought the knives were a good way of trying to talk about it.
“The knives themselves are all quite different as I wanted each of them to convey the various challenges you can face.
“I spoke to other female chefs to ask whether they’d had similar experiences, and they often said yes.”
“I would love to see it go further”
As well as the knives, Olivia’s final display for the Degree Show includes an eye-catching set of graphics describing their purpose and highlighting the challenges faced by women in commercial kitchens.
She hopes the concept could replace online programmes as a way of delivering staff training in the hospitality industry.
Olivia added: “Instead of clicking through a course which is exactly the same every year – and is clearly not working – this would make it an experience that you don’t forget.
“Chefs are often used to more interactive learning, or may have English as a second language, so if you make it a physical experience it could work better.
“It would be good to get the opinions of bigger companies in the industry and see if it is something they would be interested in. I would love to see it go further.”
For Olivia, this project marks the conclusion of her BDes Product Design degree.
She said: “I’ve always been quite creative. I liked the idea of physically making things, rather than just designing them.
“One of my teachers at school actually did the course and was very encouraging. Thankfully that advice has paid off!
“The friendships we’ve made on the course have been great and the lecturers have been really good – so supportive.”
Chef Gate is on display alongside work from Olivia’s School of Arts & Creative Industries colleagues as part of the Degree Show, which runs between 29 May and 5 June at ENU’s Merchiston campus.
You can find out more about attending the 2026 Edinburgh Napier University Degree Show here.
As we mark Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June 2026), I wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding volunteers whose dedication and commitment are vital to the work of RNID.
Their time, skills and compassion make a real difference to the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
Through our community activities across the UK, around 600 incredible RNID volunteers take part in a diverse range of activities, helping us make life fully inclusive for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Our dedicated volunteers not only provide hearing aid maintenance, information on hearing loss and tinnitus at our RNID Near You drop-in sessions across the country, they also act as ambassadors by giving talks to local groups and organisations, helping to raise awareness of our work.
Over the past year alone, RNID volunteers have given more than 18,000 hours of their time, helping us to reach more than 47,000 people across the UK – which is a truly remarkable achievement, and we sincerely thank them for their invaluable contribution.
This Volunteers’ Week, we’re inviting anyone who wants to make a valuable difference to the lives of people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus to sign up to volunteer with us by visiting rnid.org.uk/volunteer.
More than one in five UK cat owners (22%) say they were influenced by a celebrity or social media influencer when choosing their cat, according to new research from Cats Protection – as welfare experts warn that “trendy” breeds can suffer from painful lifelong health conditions.
The survey of 2,000 cat owners found the impact of celebrity culture is particularly strong among pedigree cat owners. Over half (55%) of those with Scottish Fold, Persian and Burmese cats said a celebrity or influencer influenced their choice, compared to just 7% of owners of non-pedigree cats.
The findings come as pedigree cats now account for 36% of the UK cat population – a sharp rise from 23% in 2021 – with ownership growing fastest among affluent 18–34-year-olds, the age group most active on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Cats Protection warns that the growing popularity of certain “aesthetic” breeds – often promoted online for their distinctive looks – carries serious welfare risks.
Selective breeding for features such as folded ears, flat faces, shortened legs or hairless bodies can lead to chronic health problems, including joint disorders, breathing difficulties and mobility issues.
Scottish Folds, for example, are bred for their distinctive folded ears but suffer from a genetic condition called osteochondrodysplasia, which can cause severe pain, stiffness and early-onset arthritis.
The research also suggests celebrity influence is shaping how people interact with their cats.
Owners influenced by celebrities were more likely to:
Walk their cats on leads (27% vs 21% overall)
Use transparent “bubble” pet carriers (38% vs 17%)
Cat behaviour experts warn that these trends may expose cats to stressful or unnatural situations, as many are uncomfortable being restrained or placed in unfamiliar environments.
Adele Cullum, 29, from Southend, bought a Scottish Fold kitten after seeing the breed on social media posts by Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague.
“I first saw Scottish Folds on Molly-Mae’s social channels and it made me more interested in the breed,” she said.
“They looked so cute, so I decided to buy one online. For the first few months, Bella seemed fine – but then she stopped putting weight on her back legs and would cry in pain.”
A vet later confirmed Bella likely has breed-related health issues affecting her joints.
“Now she’s on anti-inflammatories and doesn’t walk the same way,” Adele said. “I worry she’ll live a life of pain. I wish I had known more before buying her.”
Adele is urging prospective owners to research thoroughly and consider adopting rather than buying pedigree cats online.
Sarah Merrett, Head of Cat Welfare Engagement at Cats Protection, said: “Celebrities and influencers can have a powerful impact – particularly on younger audiences – by shaping what’s seen as desirable or ‘on trend’.
“But they aren’t necessarily cat welfare experts, and may themselves be following trends.
“We’re concerned that increasing demand for certain breeds is contributing to serious welfare issues, especially where cats are bred for exaggerated physical traits.
“Before choosing a cat, it’s vital to seek advice from a reputable charity, vet or qualified behaviourist and consider what’s best for the animal – not what’s popular online.”
Cats Protection is calling on the UK Government to strengthen protections for cats by introducing tighter regulation of breeding and banning the breeding of cats with extreme physical traits linked to poor welfare.
Photos and video of Adele Cullum and Bella are available here ,
Viral internet sensation The Amazing Digital Circus is coming to the big screen this June at Vue Edinburgh.
Created by Gooseworx and produced by Glitch Productions, the popular animated series has become a global phenomenon since debuting online in 2023, captivating audiences with its surreal humour, emotional storytelling and unique visual style.
The global spectacle comes to its long-awaited conclusion in The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act, which arrives at Vue cinemas from Thursday 4 June.
The feature-length release combines episode eight with an all-new extended ninth episode finale, giving fans the chance to experience the conclusion of the story on the big screen before its wider release.
Set within a bizarre virtual circus controlled by the unpredictable AI ringmaster Caine, The Amazing Digital Circus follows a group of humans trapped inside a digital world with no way to escape. As the circus falls into darkness and long-hidden truths begin to surface, the group confront their past traumas and uncover the secrets behind The Digital Circus itself.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “We always endeavour to bring unique and innovative cinematic experiences to Vue audiences, and we know that fans of the series are excited to watch the finale on the big screen, with the best seat, screen and sound experience.
“A trip to Vue means switching off from everything else and switching on to something bigger – bigger emotions, deeper connections, moments that stay with you and you feel forever. The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act will certainly deliver that experience, for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.”
Elevating Vue’s big screen experience further, the menu includes delicious hot mains and sides including signature hot dogs, stone baked pizza slices, chicken tenders and popcorn chicken, as well as mouthwatering mini doughnuts and mini pancakes desserts.
LEITH FESTIVAL PROGRAMMES ARE LANDING ACROSS LEITH!
Get your hands on this year’s brand new A5 Leith Festival 2026 Programme — packed with everything happening across Gala Day, Festival Week & the Pageant & Tattoo.
This year’s theme:
EAT. SLEEP. LEITH. REPEAT.
We’ll be out and about across Leith handing out programmes at the following locations:
Tues 2nd June | 2–4pm | Utilita – Kirkgate shopping centre
Fri 5th June | 12–1pm | Utilita – Kirkgate shopping centre
Fri 5th June | 2–4pm | Leith Walk Police Box
Fri 5th June | 5–11pm | Night Market – The Biscuit Factory
Wed 10th June | 2–4pm | Utilita – Kirkgate shopping centre
Fri 12th June | 2–4pm | Utilita – Kirkgate shopping centre
