Police Scotland has released images of a man officers believe may be able to assist with their investigation into an assault in Edinburgh city centre.
The incident took place on George Street around 1.20am on Sunday, 29 September, 2024.
The man is described as of average build, around 5ft 10ins, in his mid-20’s with medium length dark hair and a moustache. He was wearing a black hooded jacket, blue jeans and dark trainers with a brown over-the-shoulder bag.
Detective Sergeant Rob Finch, of Gayfield CID, said: “I would urge the man pictured, or anyone who has information relating to him, to contact the police.
“If you have any information that can assist with our investigation then please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0294 of 29 September 2024. Alternatively, make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man and a woman were assaulted and robbed in the city centre.
A 50-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were at the pedestrian crossing at Leith Street and Princes Street junction around 10pm on Monday, 28 October, 2024 when they were assaulted and robbed by a group of people.
They were both taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.
The suspects ran off towards St James Quarter and Multrees Walk.
Detective Sergeant Steven Gray of CID said: “This appears to have been a shockingly unprovoked and random attack, which left the victims requiring medical treatment.We are keen to trace three males and a female.
“The first male youth is described as aged between 14 and 16 years of age, tanned complexion, of medium build, with light curly hair which was short on top. He was wearing a black snood, a blue zipped jacket with white down the side.
“The second male is aged between 16 and 20 years of age, with dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing and white trainers.
“The third male is aged between 16-20 years of age, with dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing with white writing across the chest.
“The female is aged between 16 and 20 years of age, five-foot one inch tall, with blonde hair. She was wearing a white jacket.
“As part of our enquiries, we are reviewing CCTV to identify those responsible. We would ask if any has footage of the incident to please come forward.
“If you believe you could help our investigation, please call 101 quoting reference 4015 of 28 October, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”
Police have released an image of a man they wish to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault which occurred between 12.30pm and 1pm on Wednesday, 31 July 2024 near Lochend Butterfly Way and Albion Road in Leith.
Officers are appealing for the man in the picture to contact them as he could have vital information which could assist their enquiries.
They are also asking anyone who recognises the man in the image to get in touch with any information they may have.
Anyone with information can contact 101, quoting incident number 1684 of the 31 July. Alternatively, an anonymous call can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police Scotland has released images of a man they believe may be able to assist their enquiries into an assault which occurred outside the Ann Rowling building at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on Thursday, 16 May 2024 at around 1.35pm.
Officers believe that the man shown in the images may have information that could assist them and would urge the man or any members of the public who recognise him to contact police.
The man is described as being of Asian appearance, 5ft 9ins in height and of large build with short, black hair and a beard. He was wearing a black top, black padded jacket, green cargo trousers with black and yellow trainers.
Constable Hazel Longworth said “I’m appealing to the man pictured or anyone who has information relating to him to contact police.
“Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 2042 of 16 May 2024.
“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”
Police have released an image of a man who may be able to assist officers with their investigation into a serious assault in Edinburgh on Sunday, 19 May 2024.
The incident happened around 3am on Princes Street, near to South Charlotte Street.
A 38-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.
The man is described as white, around twenty to thirty-years-old, of slim build, with light hair. He was wearing a navy-blue polo neck, blue jeans, and black trainers with white soles.
He was carrying a maroon jumper around his shoulders.
DC Calum Turnbull of Gayfield Square CID, said: “We encourage this man, anyone who may recognise him, or anyone with information about this incident to get in touch.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0665 of 19 May 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
POLICE have released an image of a man officers wish to speak to who may be able to assist enquiries into an assault which took place in Edinburgh city centre.
The incident happened on West Preston Street around 8:40pm on Saturday, 24 February, 2024 after the Scotland v England rugby match.
The man (pictured) is described as a white with short dark hair, clean shaven and is of average build. He was wearing a black puffer jacket, black hoody, red t-shirt, khaki green trousers and black trainers.
Detective Constable Greer said: “I would urge the man pictured or anyone who may recognise him or has information about this incident to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3704 of 24 February, 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
BRC survey shows a 50% increase in levels of retail violence and abuse, to 1,300 incidents a day
Cost of theft doubled to £1.8 billion in 2022/23 with over 45,000 incidents a day
60% of respondents say police response is “poor” or “very poor”
Violence and abuse against retail workers soared last year, with the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) crime survey revealing that the number of incidents rose to 1,300 per day in 2022/23 from almost 870 per day the year before.
This rise comes despite retailers investing heavily in crime prevention, spending £1.2bn on measures such as CCTV, increased security personnel, and body worn cameras, up from £722m the previous year. The cost of theft to retailers went up to £1.8bn from £953m the previous year, meaning the total cost of crime to retailers stood at £3.3bn – double the previous year.
The BRC’s annual crime survey highlights the scale of violence and abuse faced by people working in retail. Incidents, which include racial abuse, sexual harassment, physical assault, and threats with weapons, are now on a par with the levels seen during the pandemic, when staff bore the brunt of some people’s frustration with Covid safety measures.
While the total number of incidents climbed, dissatisfaction with the police increased, with 60% of respondents describing the police response to incidents as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.
Retailers are calling on the Government to introduce a standalone offence of assaulting, threatening, or abusing a retail worker. This would send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated, making retail workers feel safer in the workplace.
It would also mean the police have data that allows them to understand the scale of the issue, and to allocate sufficient resources to deal with it.
This would ensure that retail workers have the same protection under the law as they do in Scotland, where a similar offence was introduced in 2021.
Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Despite retailers investing huge sums in crime prevention, violence and abuse against retail workers is climbing.
“With over 1,300 incidents every day, government can no longer ignore the plight of ordinary, hardworking retail colleagues. Teenagers taking on their first job, carers looking for part-time work, parents working around childcare.
“And while the violence can be over in a moment, the victims carry these experiences with them for a lifetime. And we all know the impact does not stop there – it affects their colleagues, friends, and the family our colleagues go home to. This is a crisis that demands action now.
“Criminals are being given a free pass to steal goods and to abuse and assault retail colleagues. No one should have to go to work fearing for their safety.
“The Protection of Workers Act in Scotland already provides additional protection to retail workers, so why should our hardworking colleagues south of the border be offered less protection?
“It is vital that government takes action – introducing a new standalone offence for assaulting or abusing a retail worker.”
Katy Bourne OBE, Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner and APCC Lead for Business Crime, said:“The levels of retail crime described in this report reveal an unprecedented level of selfish lawlessness.
“Every day, retail staff are facing the consequences of shoplifters’ brazen behaviour and that’s why I have supported the call for a specific offence of assault on a shopworker.
“Our courts need to work more efficiently, and shoplifters need to be deterred from re-offending. That’s why I’m calling for my fellow Police & Crime Commissioners to focus their police forces on tackling shoplifting by making it a priority in their local Police & Crime Plans.”
POLICE have released images of two men who may be able to assist with enquiries into an assault and robbery which occurred around 9.30pm on Saturday, 20 January, at the Inchmickery Court area in Muirhouse.
Both men are thought to be Eastern European.
The first man is described as white and 20- 30 years of age. He was wearing a black and red jacket, black trousers and a white baseball cap.The second man is described as white and 30-40 years of age. He was wearing a black jacket, jeans and black shoes.
Detective Constable William Doughty said: “I urge the men or anyone who may recognise them to contact us.
“If you have any information about this incident, please contact us through 101 quoting incident number 1095 of 21 January 2024. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”
Officers in Edinburgh have released images of a man they would like to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into an incident that involved vandalism within St Andrew Square.
The incident happened at about 4.50pm last Saturday (9 December, 2023).
The man in the images is described as white and aged between 20 – 30 years old with short brown hair. He was wearing a flat cap, knee-length coat, blue jeans and carrying a backpack.
Anyone who can help in identifying and tracing the man should report this to Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2618 of 9 December, 2023.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
Detectives in Edinburgh have released images of a man that they believe may have information that can assist with an ongoing investigation into a serious assault which took place at around 10.30pm on Saturday 18th November 2023 at George Street near to North Castle Street, Edinburgh.
The man police believe may be able to assist is described as white and in his 30s with dark-coloured hair. He was wearing a blue and white tie dye t-shirt, with jeans, and black and white trainers.
Detective Constable Christina Yeoman of Gayfield CID said: “This was an unprovoked attack at a busy time of night in the city centre.
“Violent crime such as this is of the utmost concern to police in Edinburgh so I would urge the male or anyone who recognises him to contact us as soon as possible through 101 quoting incident number 743 of 20 November.
“Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
