Has Leith armed robber struck again?

‘May be link’ to nearby petrol station robbery

Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted armed robbery at a bookmakers in Ferry Road last night. The incident occurred at around 6.30pm at a Scotbet bookmakers.

The male suspect approached the counter with a handgun. He handed the member of staff a note, demanding they hand over money. The member of staff refused to hand over any money and the suspect ran out of the shop empty-handed.

The suspect is described as a white man in his mid 40’s, around 5ft 5″ with a slender build. He was wearing a black hat, which peaks at the top, waterproof black gloves, a khaki green jacket, dark jeans with faded patches and notable turn ups and brown ankle boots.

Police believe the incident may be linked to a previous armed robbery, which occurred at a petrol station on Ferry Road on Sunday 18 January. That robbery was successful, with a three-figure sum stolen.

Detective Sergeant Lynsey Thomson said: “While this robbery was unsuccessful, this incident was very distressing for the member of staff and we are keen to trace the suspect as soon as possible.

“We also believe that this incident may be linked to a previous incident the happened at a petrol station last week, also on Ferry Road (see below). Any witnesses who may have seen the suspect, or who recognise the description of him, are asked to come forward.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Witness appeal following Leith assault and robbery

Police are appealing for witnesses following the assault and robbery of a 32-year-old man in North Junction Street.

The incident occurred last Saturday (24 January) at around 7.30pm. The man was walking home towards Ocean Terminal he was struck to the head from behind.

He was temporarily lost consciousness and awoke to find his property was scattered around him. He realised he had been attacked and sought help from a local shop, who called the Scottish Ambulance Service and he was later treated at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Officers are especially keen to speak to any witnesses as the victim has very little memory of the attack.

Several items were taken from the victim, including his mobile phone and his black Nike jacket. He also suffered significant facial injuries, which may require further surgery.

Detective Constable Carole Sneddon said: “This was a vicious attack, which has left the victim with significant injuries.

“Due to the nature of the assault, the victim has very little knowledge of the incident, however it took place in a busy thoroughfare and several people may have seen the incident take place.

“We are eager to speak to anyone who may have information. Any witnesses can contact Police Scotland on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

BP petrol station robbery: do you recognise this man?

Police Scotland have released images of a male they wish to identify in connection with a recent armed robbery at the Leith end of Ferry Road.

The incident happened at 10pm on Sunday 18 January when a male threatened the lone member of staff at the BP petrol station on Ferry Road near Leith Library. He was armed with a handgun.

The man pictured is described as being white and aged between 35 and 45 years old. He has a slim build and a ginger/greying goatee and moustache. He was wearing a black hooded top, blue jeans, a brown three-quarter-length jacket and tab ankle boots.

He was also possibly wearing a grey checked scarf and black gloves and carrying a brown leather bag.

Police are now looking to speak to the male, and anyone who recognises him is asked to contact police immediately.

Detective Constable Mark Seymour said: “We are keen to speak to this man. Despite extensive enquiries to find him, we have still to identify him. I am sure that someone knows who he is, and I would ask them to come forward to assist us. Similarly I would appeal to the male himself to get in touch with us.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, or the charity Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Two face Court following Pennywell drugs haul

Two men have been arrested and charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act after police in North Edinburgh recovered a large quantity of Class C drugs.

As part of Operation Quarterlight, officers conducted a search of a vehicle in Pennywell Road at around 2pm yesterday (Friday). Around 30,000 diazepam tablets were recovered and two men aged 25 and 20 were detained.

A further 400 diazepam tablets, a half kilo of cannabis and a quantity of other suspected stolen items were later recovered following a search of two addresses by police. The recovered drugs are valued at over £35,000.

Both men are scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday (26 January).

Inspector David Happs said: “This was a significant recovery of potentially harmful drugs, which have been seized before they could cause harm to our communities.

“Operation Quarterlight action continues across Edinburgh and in addition to identifying those responsible for vehicle crime, this initiative will assist us in targeting criminals using their vehicles for committing other crimes, such as the transportation of illegal drugs.

“Police Scotland is committed to tackling drug crime within our communities and will always act on information we receive from the public.

“Anyone wishing to report crimes of this nature in their local area can do so by calling on 101 or by making an anonymous report via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Report reveals the dangers of ‘legal highs’

Plans on how to tackle New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) – so-called ‘legal highs’ – and the health and social problems associated with them will be presented to city councillors next week.

In a report to the City of Edinburgh Council’s Health, Social Care and Housing Committee on Tuesday (January 27), elected members will learn about the multi-agency work going on to deal with the dangers linked to so-called “legal highs” in the capital.

The Council is working closely with Police Scotland, NHS Lothian, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Edinburgh Alcohol and Drugs Partnership and the Community Safety Partnership to raise awareness.

The city-wide Community Improvement Partnership has drawn up a draft framework to monitor the use of NPS and how to respond to the developing situation.

One difficulty is the fact that while these substances are known to be harmful, they are often not illegal. Talks are ongoing with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal to agree how Trading Standards can best use legislation to tackle the problem.

The report highlights an increase in the substances being injected by existing drug users along with illegal drugs. This has been linked to a rise in wound infections, physical and mental health issues, violence and anti-social behaviour. Community safety wardens have also reported a rise in the number of discarded needles being found.

Councillor Ricky Henderson said: “There is a lot of concern about the availability of these substances, which have similar properties to illegal drugs and can be very dangerous to the people who take them. As well as harming their own health, they can also have a knock-on effect on communities because they are believed to cause anti-social behaviour, and users are leaving used needles in public places.

“Unfortunately, as they are sometimes not illegal, it is very difficult to stop shops from selling them. We’re talking to the Procurator Fiscal’s office about what we can do to change that.

“The Community Improvement Partnership will continue to raise awareness of the dangerous side effects of using New Psychoactive Substances so that people won’t use them. We’re committed to protecting people’s health and ensuring that communities are safe places to live in.”

Superintendent Matt Richards of Police Scotland said: “Frontline officers are trained to deal with cases where people have become aggressive and are acting in a chaotic and out of character way, but we are seeing an increasing link between this behaviour and NPS – and people being very unwell.

“We are also genuinely concerned about the information that Council and NHS colleagues have shared with us. Our message is simple: don’t take NPS and if you have and see any signs of infection, speak to a healthcare professional immediately.”

Road rage!

A section of busy Pilton Drive will be closed for four weeks from Monday – but the local community council wasn’t even informed!

Pilton Drive will be closed to through traffic between Morrison’s and Ferryfield House from Monday morning to allow work to start on utility connections to the development site on the former City Park. Work is expected to last until 20 February.

Granton and District Community Council secretary Dave Macnab said last night: “I have just heard that Pilton Drive between Morrisons and Ferryfield House is closed. I did not know about this and we were certainly not advised.

“This is for four weeks – this during the period of course when Spartans have their cup match! There is also the issue of traffic from The Strada having to use local routes with the inherent dangers to pedestrians. Where was the communication with the community?”

Granton and District Community Council
http://grantonanddistrictcommunitycouncil.com/
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Kitchen fires: take care and pay attention!

The kitchen can be the most dangerous place in the home

Two separate kitchen fires in Edinburgh last weekend have prompted a reminder from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service: take care and pay attention when you’re cooking.

A man was treated in hospital for burns to his arms and face following a small kitchen fire at Adams Well on Saturday night, and crews were also called to a grill pan fire at Lady Menzies Place on Sunday evening. Two casualties were led to safety by firefighters, one of whom needed treatment from the Scottish Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation.

Group Manager for Prevention and Protection in Edinburgh, Steve Gourlay said: “The kitchen can be the most dangerous place in the home. Fire can cause damage not just to your property, but more seriously can put family at risk.

“Many kitchen fires happen when people are not paying attention, leave things unattended or from the careless use of electrical appliances but there are several things you can do to prevent fires in the kitchen.

“Don’t leave pans unattended. Take them off the heat if you have to leave the room. Fire starts when your attention stops. When you have finished cooking, make sure the cooker or oven is turned off. Don’t clutter your work surfaces with combustible materials.

“SFRS crews routinely conduct free home fire safety visits to help householders identify risks and take the simple steps needed to reduce the chance of fires. If you or someone you know could benefit from our free home fire safety visit then get in touch.”

Anyone can join Scotland’s fight against fire and register for a free home fire safety visit by calling 0800 0731 999, texting ‘check’ to 61611, filling out a form at www.firescotland.gov.uk or by contacting their local fire station.

For more information on keeping safe in the kitchen visit /your-safety/for-householders/kitchen-safety.aspx

Balancing Act

Council strategy aims to balance safe drinking with economic development

A report that highlights the need to reduce alcohol-related harm in Edinburgh while supporting economic development will be presented to councillors next week.

The report to the City of Edinburgh Council’s Health, Social Care and Housing Committee on January 27 2015 will state that in the capital:

• the cost of alcohol-related harm to the Council’s social care services is £29 million;
• the impact on economic productivity is an estimated £85m;
• alcohol-related deaths doubled between 1991 and 2004;
• 47% of adults drink more than recommended guidelines;
• 26% of serious assaults committed in public places are aggravated by alcohol;
• Edinburgh’s alcohol-related hospital admission rate is higher than the Scottish average.

The report highlights a proposal to develop a local strategy on alcohol that reduces related harmful impacts while, at the same time, supports the capital’s aspiration for continued economic development. If approved, it will be developed through the Edinburgh Partnership.

It will also highlight ongoing work to deal with these issues by officers from the public and third sectors within planning, economic development, social work, licensing, public health, the police and the fire service.

Committee members will be asked to note the harm caused across the city, note that effective interventions need to focus on reducing harm across the population, and support further talks between Council services, Police Scotland, NHS Lothian and the third sector to develop the strategy.

A presentation on alcohol-related harm within the city will be made to Committee members by the Edinburgh Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, the NHS and the police.

Councillor Ricky Henderson, Health, Social Care and Housing Convener, said: “The negative effects of the misuse of alcohol, on the city as well as on individuals is laid bare in this report. It is clear that these issues have a far-reaching effect on people of all ages and social backgrounds.

“The Council has a duty to promote citizens’ health and well-being, but at the same time, a desire to encourage business development and to support financial growth of the city as a whole.

“Talks are at the early stages between services within the Council about how we reduce alcohol-related harm and support the economic development of our city at the same time.”

Police seek smash and grab thieves

£18,000 Rolex taken in raid

Two thieves who smashed a pawn shop window to steal an £18,000 watch from its display are being sought by police.

The raid on Duncanson & Edwards pawnbrokers and jewellers, on the corner of Queen Street and Frederick Street, happened at 4.45pm on Monday afternoon.

Staff were inside the shop when the window was smashed but no-one was injured during the incident.

The stolen watch was a Rolex yacht master II 18ct, in white gold.

The two men, thought to be in their 20s, ran off in the direction of Queen Street Gardens West.

The first thief is described as white, of slim build and between 5ft 10ins and 6ft 2ins tall. He was wearing dark/navy cotton tracksuit bottoms, a dark waist-length jacket and a dark beanie hat with a white horizontal line/motif.

The second thief was white, of slim build, about 5ft 10ins to 6ft 2ins tall, with short dark hair, dark beard with thin dark eyebrows, brown eyes and a round face.

If you think you may have witnesses the robbery or have any information call Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Operation Quarterlight: Police target car criminals

Police Scotland launches Operation Quarterlight in Edinburgh

Police Scotland has launched Operation Quarterlight, a national campaign to tackle car crime and vehicle theft. The campaign will be implemented throughout Scotland to identify and target those responsible for vehicle break-ins and thefts.

Since November last year more than 70 vehicles have been stolen every week. In addition, each week, more than 230 vehicles have either been broken into or had items stolen from them having been left insecure.

Officers will focus on the prevention of vehicle crime by engaging with partners, key stakeholders and members of the public. By changing habits, and working in partnership, vehicle crime can be prevented.

Assistant Chief Constable Campbell Thomson said: “Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe. Local policing is at the heart of all we do, and officers right across Scotland will be targeting criminals who commit car crime.

“Operation Quarterlight is about preventing vehicle crime, and targeting those responsible. I would say this directly to those intent on committing vehicle crime in Scotland – if you engage in such activity, we will use every resource at our disposal to trace you, arrest you and bring you to justice.”

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Edinburgh Divisional Commander said: “Car crime is a blight on local communities and we won’t tolerate it. Officers in the capital will be targeting those responsible and today’s activities are evidence of our commitment to tackling local issues.

“I would appeal to the public to work with us. Don’t make your car a target for crime; remove all your valuables and don’t leave them in sight; always secure your vehicle, never leave it unattended or with the keys still in the ignition.

“Don’t leave your keys anywhere they can be easily stolen – leaving them by a house door or hallway is a gift to criminals. Take some simple steps to change your habits and together we can better prevent crime.”

Detective Superintendent Yvonne Scott, deputy for Operation Quarterlight said: “Vehicle crime is not a new phenomenon, the community has for years experienced this type of crime. It is important as police officers that we continue to recognise the impact it has on people’s perception and fear of crime.

“It is also important to recognise that organised crime groups often focus their activity around the theft of high value vehicles often involving housebreakings.

“It is crucial that all intelligence in relation to perpetrators of vehicle crime is submitted onto the Scottish Intelligence database in order that we can build up a better intelligence picture throughout Scotland.”

Car crime has become an increasing problem once again across North Edinburgh over recent months and residents and community organisations have welcomed news of the initiative. The local Quarterlight team is made up of Sergeant and four officers covering the Drylaw, Pilton and Muirhouse areas.

To report car crime or vehicle theft, contact Police Scotland on 101, or where a crime is ongoing, call 999.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you have information regarding those involved in theft and vehicle crime.