Tag: arrests

Three youths charged following tram stop incidents

Three youths have been charged in relation to recent antisocial behaviour and damage on and around buses and trams in Edinburgh.

A 12-year-old boy and two 13-year-old boys were identified and traced by officers in the South West of the city and have been charged with a number of offences including smashing a bus window, throwing excrement at a member of staff and an offence under the Edinburgh Tram Act 2006.

These incidents took place between 5 February and 15 February in the Westside Plaza and between Edinburgh Park and Balgreen Tram Stops.

Sergeant Scott Walker from Wester Hailes Community Policing Team said: “During the past few weeks we’ve received a number of reports of antisocial behaviour at bus and tram stops as well as damage being caused to buses and trams.

“A dedicated team of officers carried out enquiries to identify those who were responsible, during which they spoke to numerous witnesses and viewed CCTV footage.

“We’re pleased to report that three youths have been charged with five offences, and so far in an effort to prevent an escalation in unacceptable and dangerous behaviour, fifteen other youths have been spoken to in the presence of a parent or carer.

“I’d like to thank the public for their help in these enquiries and continued support, and would also like to reassure the residents of Edinburgh and those who use public transport that we will continue to tackle this kind of behaviour.

“This is a city wide issue that we face and our work continues across the division with similar initiatives. Local Community Policing Teams are working hard to identify those responsible in order to educate them on the potentially dangerous consequences of their actions when targeting public transport.”

Anyone wishing to report a crime should contact officers via 101, or in an emergency and when a crime is in progress, always call 999. Alternatively a report can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Three arrested for drug offences

Three men were arrested in Edinburgh on Wednesday for drug related offences following proactive patrols in the city.

A 27-year-old man was found to be in possession of crack cocaine valued at £220 on Leith Street. He was arrested and charged with drug related offences and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

In an unrelated incident, a vehicle was stopped by officers on mobile patrol on Ferry Road on Wednesday evening.

A 22-year-old man was arrested and a 21-year-old man made off on foot and was arrested a short time later. Crack cocaine and cannabis with a collective value of £1,400 was recovered.

The 22-year-old man was charged with drug related offences and possession of an offensive weapon.

The 21-year-old man was charged with drug related offences, numerous road traffic offences, an obstruction offence and possession of an offensive weapon.

Both will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date for the offences committed on 17/02/21.

Police comment on weekend arrests

Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr has issued a statement on arrests during the weekend after the easing of some restrictions:

DCC Kerr said: “The increase in people out and about following the relaxing of some of the restrictions has seen a rise in crime levels, reflected in the number of arrests over the weekend.

“The efforts of officers and staff throughout this challenging pandemic has been extraordinary and policing continues in all our communities as we face increasing demands on the service.

“The figures from the last 72 hours – high numbers of dispersals and no arrests relating to coronavirus– show how we are continuing to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance. We will only use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation, and our overall approach will continue to be one based on common sense and discretion.

“The Regulations remain that people should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, for exercise or recreation, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done from home.

“The Chief Constable has also made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.  This is a responsibility on us all, and one that we all have a civic duty to take seriously.

“We absolutely recognise that people have made significant sacrifices until now and, while the temptation may be to head straight for one of our beauty spots, please use your best judgement and avoid going to places which are normally busy during the good weather.

“Complying with the legislation about meeting only one other household outdoors at any one time and following the Scottish Government’s guidance about avoiding travelling long distances will stop our parks, beaches, lochs and hills from becoming over-crowded.

“We all want to enjoy our outdoor spaces safely and, whilst our officers will continue to robustly tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, please take reasonable steps to keep yourself safe and act responsibly.”

Three youths arrested in connection with bike thefts

Police in Edinburgh have arrested three youths in connection with bike thefts in the city.

In the last few weeks, a number of bike thefts were reported to police, including three from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where NHS staff have been using bicycles to travel to and from work during the coronavirus pandemic.

To address these issues, officers teamed up with NHS Lothian to help support staff with appropriate crime prevention measures and have carried out bike marking events for staff at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, along with securing funding from NHS Lothian to implement permanent prevention systems.

George Curley, Director of Operations in NHS Lothian, said: “NHS Lothian would like to say a big thank you to police in Edinburgh for their hard work and liaising with us in this matter. We hope this helps to prevent further issues like this so our staff can cycle to and from work without concerns.”

Two of the youths, aged 17 and 19, will be subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal and a 16-year-old youth will be reported to the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration.

Through enquiry, officers have recovered three bikes, with a combined worth of approximately £4,000.

Inspector Norman Towler at Howdenhall Police Station said: “The theft of a bicycle at any time is depriving the owner of their property and potentially their method of exercise and commute.

“During these unprecedented times, the theft of bikes from staff working at the frontline of this crisis within the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary is beyond comprehension.

“Along with partners within NHS Lothian, we have worked together to take a long term prevention approach whilst also supporting them with bike marking events, which is something we will continue to do.

“A thorough investigation has led to three youths being identified, arrested and charged in connection with thefts and they will be reported in due course.”

Nine arrests in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night

Public thanked after Edinburgh Bonfire Night policing operation

Police in Edinburgh have praised the support of the public and partner organisations following a successful Halloween and Bonfire Night policing operation. Continue reading Nine arrests in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night