POLICE are appealing for information following a high-value house breaking in the Liberton area on Thursday, 2 February 2023.
Between 5pm and 5.30pm a house on Greenpark was broken into and a five-figure sum of cash and a four-figure sum of jewellery stolen.
There was no one in the house at the time of the break-in and officers are keen to trace two men seen at the time. They left on foot in the direction of Burdiehouse Burn.
The first suspect is described as white, aged in his 40s, with grey hair. He was wearing glasses, a dark coloured jacket, blue jeans and dark trainers.
The second is described as white, aged in his 20s. He was wearing a baseball cap, black Puffa style jacket, black jeans, black trainers and was carrying a dark coloured rucksack.
Detective Constable Scott Lynas, of Corstorphine CID, said: “Officers have been carrying out extensive enquiries, including checking CCTV.
“We believe the property was targeted and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen these men, or anyone else acting suspiciously before and after the break-in. It is near an area popular with dog walkers so anyone with information is asked to get in touch.
“In addition, if you have private CCTV or dash-cam footage that could assist with our investigation then please also contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101, quoting reference number 3009 of Thursday, 2 February 2023. Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Enquiries are continuing following a housebreaking in Silverknowes on Monday evening (7 February, 2022).
Around 8pm, police received a report of a house in Silverknowes Gardens being broken into. Officers attended and the rear door to the property had been smashed. No-one was within the house at the time and an assessment of what has been taken is under way.
Enquiries carried out so far have revealed that following the break-in the suspect(s) got into a beige or gold coloured Nissan Note car. The registration of the car is GF60 XZH but it is possible the registration plate has been changed.
The Nissan Note was stolen from the Davidson Mains area last month and officers are appealing to anyone who may have seen it to contact them.
Door-to-door enquiries are being carried out and officers are gathering and reviewing relevant CCTV footage for any further information on the suspect(s) and the Nissan Note.
Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “It appears the Nissan Note is being used by the suspect(s) to leave the scene and transport any stolen items.
“We should all feel protected in our homes, and know that our personal items and objects are safe from thieves. I am asking for the public’s help in trying to locate this vehicle. If anyone has seen it or noticed it parked up somewhere then please do get in touch with us.
“Your information could help us trace whoever is responsible and allow us to return any stolen items to their rightful owners.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3026 of 7 February, 2022. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
Thieves operate all year round. That’s why this summer Crimestoppers is launching their new seasonal acquisitive crime campaign, ‘Safer Communities’:
We’ll be raising awareness of our anonymous service and sharing prevention advice from our partners Mitie and Neighbourhood Watch to help protect you, your home and car from opportunistic thieves.
As lockdown eases and we leave our homes this summer, we need to protect ourselves and possessions from crime. The pandemic has brought neighbours together, and we don’t want that to stop – you can still be neighbourly by looking out for each other’s homes when you go on holiday.
With your help we’ve helped reunite people with stolen goods, made communities safer and brought people to justice.
Theft
Lockdown easing is likely to result in a rise in interpersonal crimes like snatch-theft and assault, as people go out more in the evening and have a few drinks with friends.
When we’ve all been used to not going out as much as usual, it’s easy to forget to keep an eye on your handbag, wallet, mobile phone or purse – and thieves are always on the lookout for new opportunities.
Domestic burglary may be perceived as a victimless crime; however, 84% of victims feel emotionally affected after a burglary, with 35% feeling vulnerable, resulting in a lack of confidence.
Burglars keep an eye out for empty and unprotected properties and, now that we’re starting to go out more, they are likely to step up their surveillance – but, by speaking up, together we can all help to combat this.
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, said: “Now that we’re all starting to ease out of Covid-19 restrictions, we need to make sure that as well as keeping ourselves safe, we’re keeping our homes and neighbourhoods safe.
“More people out and about means homes will be left unattended, and burglary may rise, which is why we’re supporting Crimestoppers’ Safer Communities campaign.”
Did you know? In the UK, a car is stolen on average every ten minutes, and catalytic converter theft is on the rise.
Catalytic converter theft doesn’t just happen outside residential properties, it can happen in car parks too. Earlier this year OPAL, a national intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime, reported a national increase in these types of offences across both locations.
Barrie Millett, Director of Assurance, Security and Business Services, Mitie, said: “Our business crime unit at Mitie is tackling catalytic converter theft for our clients. Last year they saw an increase in this activity between July and October, when lockdown restrictions eased, in line with national trends.
“As Covid restrictions get lifted once more, we urge our customers, clients and staff to stay vigilant, follow prevention advice, and tell Crimestoppers what you know if you have information about the criminals carrying out these crimes.”
Whilst you’re out and about this summer, stay alert and follow Neighbourhood Watch’s simple protection advice – to keep your car locked, lit and empty.
Thieves operate all year round. That’s why this summer Crimestoppers are launching a new seasonal acquisitive crime campaign, ‘Safer Communities’:
We’ll be raising awareness of our anonymous service and sharing prevention advice from our partners Mitie and Neighbourhood Watch to help protect you, your home and car from opportunistic thieves.
As lockdown eases and we leave our homes this summer, we need to protect ourselves and possessions from crime. The pandemic has brought neighbours together, and we don’t want that to stop – you can still be neighbourly by looking out for each other’s homes when you go on holiday.
With your help we’ve helped reunite people with stolen goods, made communities safer and brought people to justice.
THEFT
Lockdown easing is likely to result in a rise in interpersonal crimes like snatch-theft and assault, as people go out more in the evening and have a few drinks with friends.
When we’ve all been used to not going out as much as usual, it’s easy to forget to keep an eye on your handbag, wallet, mobile phone or purse – and thieves are always on the lookout for new opportunities.
Domestic burglary may be perceived as a victimless crime; however, 84% of victims feel emotionally affected after a burglary, with 35% feeling vulnerable, resulting in a lack of confidence.
Burglars keep an eye out for empty and unprotected properties and, now that we’re starting to go out more, they are likely to step up their surveillance – but, by speaking up, together we can all help to combat this.
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, said: “Now that we’re all starting to ease out of Covid-19 restrictions, we need to make sure that as well as keeping ourselves safe, we’re keeping our homes and neighbourhoods safe.
“More people out and about means homes will be left unattended, and burglary may rise, which is why we’re supporting Crimestoppers’ Safer Communities campaign.”
Did you know? In the UK, a car is stolen on average every ten minutes, and catalytic converter theft is on the rise.
Catalytic converter theft doesn’t just happen outside residential properties, it can happen in car parks too. Earlier this year OPAL, a national intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime, reported a national increase in these types of offences across both locations.
Barrie Millett, Mitie Director of Assurance, Security and Business Services, said: “Our business crime unit at Mitie is tackling catalytic converter theft for our clients. Last year they saw an increase in this activity between July and October, when lockdown restrictions eased, in line with national trends.
“As Covid restrictions get lifted once more, we urge our customers, clients and staff to stay vigilant, follow prevention advice, and tell Crimestoppers what you know if you have information about the criminals carrying out these crimes.”
Whilst you’re out and about this summer, stay alert and follow Neighbourhood Watch’s simple protection advice – to keep your car locked, lit and empty.
Over 4/5 of Scotland at risk of burglary this summer
As the UK flocks to full capacity pubs and newly opened clubs, home security must rise to the top of homeowners agendas.
New data from Quotezone.co.uk, insurance comparison website, shows that over 80% of people in Scotland do not have a burglar alarm system in their homes.
More worrying still is that the findings, which are based on a sample size of more than 350,000 home insurance policies collated over three years, shows that 79% of neighbourhoods in Scotland do not currently have a neighbourhood watch in operation.
It’s clear that home security has fallen down the priority list for many and now couldn’t be a better time to rectify this. Burglaries reduced by 28% as a result of lockdown as more people stayed at home, suggesting that without the right measures in place a rebound post-lockdown is very likely.
What’s more, this coincides with studies which show that during the months of June-August home burglaries are the highest with a spike of 10% compared with the rest of the year.
Therefore, a surge of people spending more time outside of their homes as well as abroad on holiday, alongside a seasonal spike in crime means that now is most definitely the time to be thinking about simple steps to keep you home protected this Summer.
Do invest in light timers to switch on your lights as it approaches dusk for an hour or two to give the appearance that someone is home. The light sensors that switch on when someone approaches the property illuminates intruders and act as a deterrent.
Do not broadcast your plans on social media and if you do want to post holiday snaps, make sure your settings are set to private to avoid alerting strangers to your location.
Do make any security or alarm systems you do have noticeable to potential burglars with key positioning at the front or back of the house. If you do not have a system then you can pick up CCTV signs from your local police station.
Do check your insurance policy before you travel, look out for limits on leaving your property unoccupied and how long you can be away and still make a claim.
Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk comments: “It does seem as if we could be heading towards a perfect storm in which more people spend time outside for the first time in 18 months, alongside a seasonal spike in crime, leading to a wave of burglaries throughout July and August.
“It is surprising that so few people across the UK have alarm systems or are involved in neighbourhood watch groups. Now is a good time to rethink the way they households are protecting their homes.
“Even if an alarm system is not something people can invest in right now, there are many other tips and tricks to secure your home and leave you feeling safer this Summer.”
Police officers executed three warrants across North Edinburgh during searches for stolen property yesterday.
Three males, aged 15, 18 and 19-year-old were arrested in connection with house-breakings which took place over the past week in Kirkliston, Pathhead, Penicuik and Musselburgh.
Property including jewellery and electrical goods was recovered at addresses in Clermiston Park, Colonsay View and Granton Mill March.
These latest arrests are a result of the renewed commitment by officers under Operation Soteria and the Stronger North 2017 initiative to gather intelligence and tackle housebreaking, vehicle theft and related disorder in the North West of Edinburgh.
Chief Inspector Jimmy Jones, North West Area Commander said: “Our communities have told us that anti-social behaviour and youth disorder is a priority and we have renewed our commitment to tackling it in North West Edinburgh.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their assistance so far. Support from our communities is vital in tackling such offences and I can assure them we will act on the information we receive.
“Anyone with concerns can speak to a local officer, contact Police Scotland on 101 or report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Mackenzies serves up support for school hit by robbery
The Forthview Primary School community was devastated when their storage shed was broken into over a holiday weekend in May. Thieves stole bikes which had been borrowed to help teach pupils cycling proficiency, leaving the school facing a potential bill of one thousand pounds it could ill-afford to pay.
Forthview’s Tracey Berry said at the time: “Bikes that we had borrowed, so that Bill Stobie could teach bike ability to P6, have been stolen, along with footballs and gardening equipment. We are responsible for the bikes: it will cost us about £1000 to replace the them!
“Our fundraising is meant to be for outings and activities for Forthview children, not replacing things that thoughtless people have stolen. If you find one please hand it to the school – the more we find, the less money we have to pay out from the school funds.”
An appeal went out to trace the stolen bikes (see NEN blog ‘Forthview break-in: can you help trace bikes?, 11 May) – and the community response has been nothing short of remarkable!
Forthview head teacher Eileen Littlewood said: “Not only have parents, grandparents and their friends rallied to make donations for us, but a fairly new restaurant in Davidson’s Mains contacted us when they heard about the theft. They are very eager to support the community in any way they can and they offered to hold a fundraising night where staff and other people could come and enjoy a taster menu with wine for £30 a head.
“Staff who went along had a wonderful evening and the food was delicious. We enjoyed 8 courses and half a bottle of wine each. The cuisine was superb and at the end of the evening, Grant and Jamie who are the partners in the business gave us every penny back – £550!
“They did not even want to cover the costs of the food. We have been overwhelmed by their generosity. As one staff member said: ‘what a fundraiser – we made a lot of money, had a brilliant meal and wine as well!’The business in question is Mackenzies Restaurant and Bar in Davidson’s Mains, which opened under new management at the end of April. Mine hosts Grant and Jamie are local lads- from Granton and Wardieburn – and together with Grant’s partner Trisha pledged to help a local school in need.
The Mackenzies team’s tremendous support is greatly appreciated by all at Forthview – and they may just find that their generosity is reciprocated by a grateful community. Well done, Mackenzies!
PS: And the icing on the cake – a number of the missing bikes have been recovered too!
Sixteen males – some as young as 13 – have been charged with housebreaking offences following another week of Operation RAC enforcement activity in Edinburgh.
Officers investigating various break-ins, thefts and attempted break-ins across the city identified the individuals – aged between 13-36 – over the past seven days and reported them for over 200 ‘acquisitive’ crimes.
As a result of this activity housebreaking detection in Edinburgh has risen to 61 per cent between 11 and 18 February, with the average detection rate for the city now at over 51 per cent since the beginning of 2014.
Each of those arrested has either appeared in court during this week or is currently subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.
Detective Inspector John Kavanagh said: “This has been another excellent week of housebreaking detections across Edinburgh, with 16 people now subject to legal proceedings as part of Operation RAC.
“The public can rest assured that we will continue to purse all lines of enquiry to bring acquisitive crime offenders to justice and would urge anyone who witnesses a housebreaking, or with information relating to those involved in crimes of this nature to contact police immediately.
“Police Scotland is also committed to crime prevention and is currently involved in a partnership scheme with SmartWater that aims to deter and reduce break-ins in the Grange and Greenbank areas of the cities.
“Other communities across Edinburgh can also play a vital part in preventing acquisitive crime from occurring by taking the necessary security measures to safeguard their homes, businesses and outbuildings.
“Anyone wishing information on keeping their property and belongings safe can speak with their local policing team.”
