Crime – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Get Help or Get Caught: tackling online child sexual abuse and exploitation

Reports of online child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland have increased by 21 per cent, according to new data from Police Scotland.

Between 1 April, 2023 and 31 March, 2024, 2,055 cyber-enabled sexual crimes against children were recorded, an increase of 364 on the previous year. Three offence types accounted for two thirds of this total:

Cause or coerce to see/hear sexual images/content
Communicating indecently with a child
Possession/distribution of indecent images of children.

The scale of online child sexual abuse and exploitation (OCSAE) was highlighted in a recent study by University of Edinburgh’s Childlight initiative. It estimated that 300 million children a year worldwide were victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation.

And the National Crime Agency estimates that 1.3% – 1.6% of adults in the UK pose varying degrees of risk to children.

The scale of the threat is a recognised national risk.

Police Scotland yesterday (1 July) launched its latest #GethelpOrGetCaught campaign to prevent OCSAE, targeting individuals who may already have offended or be at risk of offending.

It signposts them to the Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland’s Stop It Now service which offers advice and support to prevent offending.

Detective Chief Superintendent Sam Faulds, head of Public Protection for Police Scotland, which leads on child protection, said: “More of us live our lives online and that is particularly true for children and young people. Cyber-enabled crime is on the rise, and increasingly our investigations are focused online identifying offenders and bringing them to justice.

“During the school summer holidays, many more children will be at home and online.

“We want to reduce risk, to stop young people becoming victims of online child abuse and exploitation.

“Many of our key partners provide advice to young people and their parents about keeping safe online.

“Our role is to target offenders.

“Our prevention campaigns offer them a way to stop, a route out before they offend, before a child becomes their victim, before other lives are damaged.

“We want to prevent children becoming victims of online predators and we will use all means at our disposal to identify offenders.

“Think about it – it might not be a child you are grooming or speaking to online. It might be the police. Take your chance to Get Help or you will Get Caught.”

Stuart Allardyce, director of Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland, said: “We have worked with hundreds of individuals who have either been arrested for online offences against children or are concerned about their thoughts or behaviours towards children.

“Through our work, we understand how difficult it is to reach out for help. We also know that those who engage in these behaviours often need support with their mental health and compulsive behaviours, feeling trapped in a cycle of harmful actions.

“The reasons for viewing sexual images of children or online grooming are complex, and many individuals recognise that what they are doing is wrong. Seeking individualised, anonymous, and non-judgmental support is absolutely the right step to take. This can help individuals stop viewing illegal images or engaging in illegal conversations online.

“By making the right choice and getting the support you need, you can move on from offending or potential criminal behaviour and help protect and keep children safe.”

The Police Scotland campaign will run for six weeks across various social media platforms including Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, and Spotify.

Last month, 61-year-old Ian Heddle, was convicted of the serious sexual assault of a child and possession of indecent images of children. Heddle was arrested and charged in Scotland in connection with possessing indecent images of children.

Following enquiries, it was established he had also sexually assaulted a young girl in Thailand. He was subsequently arrested and charged for this offence. The arrest was made under legislation which protects children anywhere in the world from sexual abuse by British nationals.

Earlier this year, serial predator, Benjamin Young, 42, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and has been given an Order of Lifelong Restriction (OLR). Young created and shared images and videos of the sexual abuse of children.

He was identified and investigated by the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit working with international law enforcement partners.

The majority of perpetrators of online sexual abuse are male (90%). Most victims are female (54%).

Rani Govender, NSPCC Regulatory Policy Manager, said: “Online sexual abuse can have a devastating impact on children and young people. This abuse can be prevented, but tech firms have not done enough to build platforms which are safe by design for children.

“These figures demonstrate the increasing scale of the problem in Scotland. We need strong implementation of the Online Safety Act by Ofcom to protect children and young people. It is vital that platforms are held accountable for tackling all forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

“Tech firms need to use best practice approaches to prevent, detect and disrupt abuse, including in private messaging.

“It is important that tech companies do not delay action any longer and that they make children and young people’s safety a priority.”

Sexual assaults at Silverknowes Beach: Police appeal for witnesses

POLICE are appealing for information after two teenage girls, aged 14 and 15, were sexually assaulted in the Cramond Beach area on Saturday evening (29 June).

The incident, which is understood to have involved two male youths, took place on a bench near Silverknowes Beach Car Park between 7.30pm and 7.45pm.

Enquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Detective Sergeant Craig Donnelly said: “The Cramond Beach area would have been busy around the time the incident is reported to have taken place and we are appealing for anyone with information which could help our investigation to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who noticed two male youths in the company of two teenage girls at a bench near to Silverknowes Beach Car Park, or anything else which could be of significance.

“Incidents of this nature can understandably cause concern in the local community, and we will have additional patrols in the area to provide reassurance.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3438 of Saturday, 29 June, 2024.”

Catch Up with a Cop at Stockbridge Market today

The next Catch Up with a Cop at Stockbridge Market will be held today – Sunday 30th June, from 1100 hours.

This 3 -weekly surgery is a chance to speak to your beat officer, report crimes/issues/intel, or obtain advice. People are also welcome to bring children along to meet a police officer and ask us questions.

It’s been a useful resource so far this year for many people, and the North West Community Policing Team would like to thank Stockbridge Market for hosting them.

Man sentenced to eight years for violent and sexual offence

A 34-year-old man has been jailed for multiple violent offences against women and girls.

John McKechnie was sentenced to a total of 8 years at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 27 June, 2024. His sentencing includes two years already served in prison.

The offences included rape, domestic offending, and possession of incident images of children.

His offending took place between 2015 and 2022 and took place in the West Lothian area. He had previously been convicted of the offences following a trial on Wednesday, 22 May, 2024.

Detective Inspector Adrian Ure, National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “John McKechnie is a violent and predatory individual who will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“I commend the strength of the victims for coming forward and hope the sentence will bring some comfort as they try to move forward.

“Sexual abuse of any kind has no place in our society and any reports made to Police Scotland will be robustly investigated.

“We encourage anyone with concerns about a child at risk of abuse, or a potential victim, to contact police immediately.”

An NSPCC Scotland spokesperson said: “By downloading indecent images and videos of children, offenders such as McKechnie help fuel the demand for this devastating material.

“The trauma suffered by children who have been sexually abused can profoundly impact their lives long into adulthood if they do not receive the support they need.

“Any adult concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or on 0808 800 5000. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via childline.org.uk.”

Assault at Royal Infirmary: Police release CCTV images

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.”

Multi-million £ Edinburgh fraudster jailed for seven years

A 54-year-old man has been jailed for seven years following a multi-million pound scam in Edinburgh. Aasim Johar was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Monday, 24 June, 2024.

He was previously found guilty on Friday, 24 May, 2024.

Johar defrauded the University of Edinburgh of over £3.3million between 2005 and 2015 through his role as a salesperson. The fraudulent scheme saw him earn commission through false and over-inflated invoices for cleaning products that were either not delivered or not required.

Detective Sergeant Gary Dalgleish, of the Financial Investigation Unit, said: “The sentence is the result of a long and complex investigation carried out by our officers. We have worked closely with the University and COPFS throughout the investigation and thank them greatly for their assistance.

“We recognise the significant and devastating impact that financial fraud can have on those that fall victim, which makes us all the more determined to identify and prosecute those responsible

“I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage the public to report fraud to us. We are committed to investigating all reports thoroughly and will bring those responsible to justice.”

You can find out more information and advice about fraud on our website here: https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/

Shocking levels of uninsured vehicle on UK roads

Data released by MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) shows that there is an average of 300,000 uninsured vehicles on UK roads every day. As vehicles may be uninsured for months at a time, the total number uninsured across the year is over 1 million.

According to a YouGov study commissioned by MIB, 10% of the British public are not aware that motor insurance is compulsory for any vehicle used on a public road. Uninsured driving remains a huge problem to society, causing devastation to innocent victims and their families, and has strong links to secondary offences from speeding and drink / drug driving to money laundering or drug running.

However, with motor insurance premiums consistently rising since the start of 2022 and a cost-of-living crisis putting pressure of household finances, there are concerns that uninsured levels may rise as otherwise law-abiding drivers struggle to make insurance payments.

MIB, the not-for-profit entity that exists to protect people from the devastation of uninsured and hit-and-run drivers, are raising awareness of the need for continuous and appropriate insurance to be in place for all vehicles. As part of MIB’s mission to make roads safer, they have recently invested a further £5million to update and expand their enforcement initiatives that remove uninsured vehicles from the road. They are also increasing focus on prevention through education.

MIB are also encouraging all motorists to explore legal ways in which they can minimise any premium increases during their policy renewal. This may include:

Renewing early – Research suggests that premiums are likely to be at their lowest 20-26 days before your renewal is due. This alone could save you a considerable amount of money.
Black Box – consider a policy with a black box, as this reduces the risk to the insurer.
Shop around – use comparison sites, insurers own websites, or see if a BIBA-registered Broker can secure you a deal. You can also contact your current insurer too to see if they can reduce the cost.
Combine policies – consider one provider for multiple insurance policies, such as multi-car or car and home insurance, as some offer discounts.
Smaller vehicles – in some instances, a smaller, less powerful vehicle may be cheaper to insure.
Electoral roll – being on the electoral role can be part of the ID check to reduce fraud, lowering the risk to the insurer.

Martin Saunders, Head of Enforcement for MIB, said: “It’s really important to us to reduce the level of uninsured driving on the road. We know that times are tough for many people right now and increased cost-of-living pressures may cause more people to make the wrong decision to drive uninsured, but this is not the right way to save money.

“We are encouraging people to ensure their motor insurance is adequate and appropriate for their needs, whilst reminding them that they can look at ways to legally reduce their premiums. While we understand the challenges many are facing, our message is that driving uninsured is never worth the risk.”

Two arrested and charged following Wester Drylaw drugs raid

Class A drugs with a potential street value of over £37,000 have been recovered in North Edinburgh.

Today – Friday, 14 June, 2024 – police searched a premises under warrant on Wester Drylaw Drive, after intelligence was recieved that the property was involved in the supply of Class A drugs.

A substantial quantity of cocaine was sezied and a six figure sum of cash was also recovered from the property.

A 27-year-old man and a 28-year-old were arrested and charged in connection with drug offences. They were released on an undertaking to appear at court at a later date.

Police Scotland is committed to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy, and will continue to remove illegal substances from communities.

Anyone with concerns about drugs in their community can contact us via 101, or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Trust in politicians at an all-time low

Change of public mood creates challenge for the next government

The results of the latest British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey, published yesterday by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), reveal that there have been significant changes in the public mood since the last election in 2019.

As a result, the next government, whatever its partisan colour, will find itself with many policy and political challenges ahead.

Much of the change in the public mood has been occasioned by the fallout from the pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war, including the impact on inequality, the health service, Brexit, and immigration.

At the same time, the experience of the last few years has served to undermine confidence in the country’s system of government.

Inequality, cost of living, and housing

Debates about inequality during the pandemic have seemingly created a public that is now more concerned about the level of poverty. At the same time, more people say they are ‘struggling’ on their current income.

73% now believe there is ‘a great deal’ of poverty in Britain, up from 68% in 2019.
70% say that their income has failed to keep up with prices over the last twelve months.
26% say they are ‘struggling’ on their current income, compared with 17% in 2020.
However, the experience of living at home more during lockdown may explain why fewer people now support more houses being built in their neighbourhood, despite the difficulty that many currently have in finding affordable accommodation.
41% support more houses being built in their local area, down from 57% in 2018.

The NHS and tax and spend

The post-pandemic growth in NHS waiting times have resulted in record levels of dissatisfaction with the health service. The same is true of social care, which also came under great pressure during the pandemic.

The proportion dissatisfied with the NHS is, at 52%, slightly more than double what it was in 2019 (25%).
As many as 57% are dissatisfied with the provision of social care, up 20 points on 2019 (37%).
Even though taxation is now at a record high, at present, at least, many people still seem to regard the state of the NHS as a more pressing problem than the level of taxes.
46% say that, if forced to choose, the government should increase taxes and spend more on ‘health, education and social benefits’.
This is down somewhat on the 53% who expressed that view in 2019, but is still well above the 31% figure recorded in 2010 at the end of the last period of Labour government.

Brexit and immigration

Record levels of immigration since the pandemic have reversed a previous trend towards more liberal attitudes towards immigration. Together with doubts about the economic benefits of Brexit, they have also resulted in a change of attitudes to the EU.

In 2019, 47% said that migrants who come to Britain are good for the economy. This edged up further to 50% in 2021 but, in the most recent reading, this has fallen back to 39%.
45% said in 2019 that migrants enrich Britain’s cultural life, while 48% did so in 2021. Now the figure is 38%.
In 2019, 51% thought that the economy would be worse off as a result of leaving the EU. Now 71% believe the economy is worse off as a result of Brexit.
Faced with a range of options for Britain’s relationship with the EU, in 2016, 41% said that Britain should be outside the EU, as did 36% in 2019. Now the figure stands at 24%.
Supporters and opponents of Brexit continue to have different political preferences. 45% of supporters think of themselves as a Conservative, while 49% of opponents identify as a Labour supporter.

Trust and confidence in government

Between them, these policy concerns, together with the political instability of the last couple of years, have undermined levels of trust and confidence in how Britain is governed, a change that has occasioned increased support for constitutional reform.

As many as 45% ‘almost never trust governments of any particular party to place the needs of the nation above the interests of their own political party’, up from 34% in 2019 and a record high.
After falling from 79% in 2019 to 61% the following year, once again 79% believe the present system of governing Britain is in need of ‘quite a lot’ or ‘a great deal’ of improvement.
A record high of 53% now say we should change the Commons voting system ‘to allow smaller parties to get a fairer share of MPs’. 60% of Labour supporters take this view, whereas 73% of Conservative supporters believe we should keep the current system ‘to produce effective government’.
A record low of 45% believe that England should be governed as now from Westminster rather than have regional assemblies (26%) or an English Parliament (23%).

Gillian Prior, Interim Chief Executive at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), says: “The last four years of parliament have left their imprint on public opinion.

“From the NHS to immigration, from inequality to tax and spend, people’s attitudes have been affected by the experience of a pandemic, a cost of living crisis, and political turmoil.

“The period has left them asking themselves just how well they are being governed. Irrespective of its partisan colour, the next government will have much to do if it is to meet people’s concerns about the many difficulties they feel the country has been facing.”

Police Scotland: Is your motorcycle a target for thieves?

Consider the following security tips to keep you motorcycle safe and secure:

• Fit a combined alarm and immobiliser.

• Fit a tracker.

• Use chains and disc locks. The more security on your bike the longer it takes to overcome them and so the less attractive it is to a thief.

• When using chains and locks, ensure they are secured to a solid anchor point. Keep them off the ground where possible as this makes them more difficult to cut off.

• Cover your motorcycle and ensure the cover is attached to the security device.

• Use industry tested products. Thatcham, Sold Secure and Secured By Design are recommended security testing schemes in the UK. Always activate the steering lock.

• Do not leave your helmet or other possessions on the motorcycle or in luggage space or panniers.

• Where possible use Parkmark accredited parking, as these areas should be more secure. See https://orlo.uk/Rcf4T for a list of accredited car parks. Alternatively, park in well-lit areas, ideally where there is CCTV.

• Ensure you have a note of your vehicle identification number.

• When travelling abroad you may wish to enquire about secure parking facilities at your destination.

For further Crime Prevention Information visit https://orlo.uk/usorG or contact your local Community Officer by calling 101

If you have any Information in relation to stolen motorcycles, please contact Police Scotland telephone numbers on 101 or 999 in an emergency or report crime anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111