Tag: Crime

Foodbank reports devastating break-in

We are saddened to report that, overnight between April 10th and April 11th 2025, Glasgow South West Foodbank’s Cardonald Foodbank Centre was broken into, burgled and vandalised. 

The premises that we operate our Cardonald Foodbank Centre from, Hillington Park Parish Church, was broken into. Our storage area was burgled and vandalised, leading to the loss of thousands of pounds worth of stock and materials. This is the busiest of the five Foodbank Centres we operate.

Glasgow South West Foodbank is a small, independent, local charity. We already have an Urgent Appeal running to try and raise desperately needed funds to allow us to continue operating in the current challenging climate.

We have seen an increase in people needing our support, while food costs have increased and donations have fallen, so this incident has happened at a particularly unfortunate time for us.

Development Manager, Claire McCunnie, says: “Thankfully, no one was here when the break in occurred, and no one was hurt. But clearing up all the mess left behind was very upsetting as, of course, was the loss of stock. It’s honestly devastating.

“We are a small team who work extremely hard helping people in our community who are unable to afford the essentials we all need to get by, like food, bills and toiletries. To experience a break-in like this is heartbreaking, not just for our team, but for the people we support. 

“We would be extremely grateful for any donations the community can give during this difficult time. You can donate money online to Glasgow South West food bank or food at our warehouse or drop off points in local supermarkets.”

Our team was able to open the food bank as planned on Friday despite this distressing situation, and we are determined to keep the food bank at Cardonald open for the foreseeable future.

Since opening in December 2013, we have provided over three quarters of a million meals to Glaswegians who have been unable to put food on the table. Alongside emergency food parcels, we offer a warm welcome, listening ear, and advice and support through our partner agencies.

The incident has been reported to Police Scotland and anyone with any further information can contact them to assist with their inquiries.

Easter theft alert for churches

Ecclesiastical Insurance is encouraging churches to take steps to prevent being a victim of theft as they welcome visitors over the Easter period.

With Easter considered the most important date in the Christian calendar, churches up and down the country will be hosting services and events., bringing together congregations and the wider community.

However, with the extra footfall, there is concern about opportunistic thieves potentially stealing cash and priceless items in the process.

Churches have long been targeted by thieves, often for lead and copper from church roofs, and earlier this year Ecclesiastical revealed more than £500,000 worth of silver was stolen from church premises in 2024.

In February St Andrews Church in Little Steeping, Lincolnshire had paintings removed by thieves, while police are looking for a man caught on CCTV stealing from St Gregory’s Church in Northampton in late March.

As a leading insurer of churches, specialist insurer Ecclesiastical is urging churches to take steps to protect themselves to avoid being a victim during this important time of year.

Helen Richards, church operations director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Theft from church buildings can have a heartbreaking impact, both on the volunteers and congregation who worship at the church – even more so during such an important time for Christians and the church.

“Sadly we’re seeing more incidents where churches are being targeted, with items such as silver, cash, statues, artwork, furniture and even paving stones being stolen. Thankfully there are steps churches can take to help protect themselves, including storing valuables in a high-quality modern safe in a secure area of the church when they’re not in use, or storing items off-site where suitable alternative security arrangements can be made and with the approval of church insurers.

“We want churches to be open to welcome their communities, congregations and potential visitors – especially during Easter – but we must all be aware of the risks. It is critically important that churches follow our risk management advice to protect themselves. Our team of experts is on hand to support customers and can be contacted on 0345 777 3322.”

Ecclesiastical’s risk management team has developed guidance as part of its call to review existing security arrangements and help churches protect themselves from potential break ins. The advice includes:

  • Consider installing electronic security protections in the church, such as intruder alarms or remote video surveillance systems, linked to a monitoring centre
  • Make sure any safes are high-quality and modern with a Euro rating between 0 and 7 and that they are permanently fixed to a wall or floor to make them more difficult to remove
  • Ensure items are recorded in the church inventory and security marked using a forensic marking solution, such as SmartWater, which will assist recovery if stolen
  • Keep portable valuable items in a secure area, the safe where practical, or a locked vestry or similar area when not in use
  • Where this is not possible consider keeping items at the home of a church member (which would be covered by the church’s insurance policy with Ecclesiastical)
  • Encourage the local community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity as thieves may complete reconnaissance prior to a theft

For any church customers concerned about potential theft, Ecclesiastical’s risk advice line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0345 600 7531 or they can e-mail risk.advice@ecclesiastical.com.

Extensive enquiries ongoing into series of wilful fire-raisings

Detectives investigating a series of wilful fire-raisings in Glasgow and the West have visited more than 100 properties as part of extensive door-to-door enquiries and seized almost 700 hours of CCTV footage.

Intelligence is also being gathered, with one stolen vehicle been recovered so far.

A dedicated team of officers are being supported by specialist resources as enquiries continue.

One week on from the first incident, officers are appealing for information after a house was deliberately set on fire in Cortmalaw Gardens, Glasgow on Thursday, 3 April, 2025.

Extensive enquiries are also ongoing into wilful fire-raisings at four other properties across the city.
• Premises in Milton Road, Kirkintilloch on Friday, 4 April, 2025
• Properties in Gala Street and Ashgill Road, Glasgow on Monday, 7 April, 2025
• Property in Meadow Court, Stepps, on Monday, 7 April, 2025
• Premises in Wellington Road, Bishopbriggs on Tuesday, 8 April, 2025

A team of detectives are investigating these incidents and a number of reports of discharges of firearms and fire-raising in the East of the country, which are all being treated as potentially linked at this time.

Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “It is vital that we trace whoever is responsible for these reckless acts as soon as possible.

“While we believe these to be targeted attacks, the consequences could have been far more serious and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I would urge anyone with information about any of these incidents to please get in touch.

“We would also be keen to speak to anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, from the areas where these incidents have taken place.

“Significant enquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

A number of arrests have been made in the East and a number of warrants have been executed in the city.

On Thursday, 10 April, 2025, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old male youth were arrested in connection with wilful fire-raisings in Edinburgh.

The 18-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an incident which took place in Hay Drive on Friday, 4 April, 2024, a wilful fire at a premises in Albert Street on Thursday, 6 March, 2025 and the wilful fire of a vehicle in the Parrotshot area on Sunday, 2 March, 2025.

He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, Friday, 11 April, 2025.

The 17-year-old male youth has been released pending further enquiries.

A number of items relevant to the investigation, including weapons, have been seized, along with drugs and cash during the execution of warrants in the past few weeks.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ferry added: “A number of arrests have already been made in connection with incidents in the East and arrests will continue across the country over the coming weeks.

“I want to reassure the communities in the East and West of Scotland that we have a team of detectives working on this investigation and our continued action in recent weeks demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.

“We will continue to carry out additional high-visibility patrols and disruption activity and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers, so we can take action.

“If anyone has information that can help with our enquiries then please contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Man arrested in connection with wilful fireraisings in Edinburgh

A 24-year-old man has been arrested in relation to two wilful fireraisings in Edinburgh.

The incidents which took place on Thursday, 6 March, 2025 and Sunday, 16 March, 2025 in Albert Street and Milton Road East, respectively, are linked to the recent discharge of firearms and other fireraising incidents in the city.

The man has been arrested for wilful fireraising and reset of a stolen vehicle. Enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “I want to reassure the community that we are continuing to work on this investigation and this is just one of many arrests over the coming weeks.

“If you have any information that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”

Police appeal following another deliberate fire in Niddrie

Detectives are appealing for information after a house was deliberately set on fire in Hay Drive in the early hours of this morning.

Around 1.20am on Friday, 4 April, 2025, officers were made aware of a fire, which also spread to a neighbouring property. Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished.

There were no reports of any injuries but substantial damage has been caused to both properties.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing and from our investigations so far, officers believe this incident may be linked to the recent discharge of firearms and other fire-raising incidents in the city.

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “It is vital that we trace whoever is responsible for this reckless act as soon as possible.

“While we believe this was a targeted attack, the fire has spread to a neighbouring property and the consequences could have been far more serious.

“Our enquiries suggest this incident is linked to groups who are actively targeting each other but we understand this will be concerning for the local community.

“Please be assured we are working hard to trace those involved. Our action this week demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.”

A motorbike carrying 2 individuals was seen in the area around the time of the fire and officers are keen to anyone who may have seen this vehicle.

Detective Superintendent Grainger added: “We would urge anyone with information, or anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, to review it and get in touch with officers.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who saw this motorbike in the area.

“Please think back – did you see this vehicle? Or did you see anything suspicious in the area around the time?

“If you have any information at all, please contact us.

“Plain-clothed and uniform officers will remain in the area while our investigations continue.

“Anyone with any concerns, or any information, can approach these officers.”

Two further arrests have been made after more warrants were executed this week in Edinburgh following this series of incidents.

On Thursday, 3 April, divisional officers from Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, supported by specialist resources from Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism and firearms officers, attended at five addresses across Edinburgh and Musselburgh.

A number of items relevant to the investigation, including weapons, were seized, along with drugs and cash.

Two men, aged 25 and 33, were arrested and charged with drugs offences. Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. A 38-year-old man was also reported to the Procurator Fiscal, and a 30-year-old man was given two recorded police warnings, for drugs offences.

Detectives, supported by firearms officers, also executed two additional firearms search warrants in the Leith area of Edinburgh this morning (Friday, 4 April). The activity was part of an ongoing investigation into the discharge of firearms and fire-raising incidents in the city last month.

So far officers have arrested six people in total, checked around 1600 vehicles and recovered eight which had been stolen. Around 2400 hours of CCTV footage are being examined and officers on patrol have delivered 500 leaflets in the community to reassure them.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “These incidents could have had much more serious consequences and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Significant enquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“We will continue to carry out additional high-visibility patrols and disruption activity across the city and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers, so we can take action.

“If anyone has information that can help with our enquiries then please contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Offences against retail workers: Two women face Court

The East Retail Crime Task Force has launched following increased offending against retailers.

Two women (both 42) arrested in separate incidents will appear in court facing 25 charges including theft, police assault, breach of bail and offences against retail workers.

Water of Leith sex offender jailed

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced in connection with sexual offences which happened in Edinburgh.

Noor Khan Yousafzai carried out the offences in December 2024 near the Water of Leith walkway in the city.

He has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday – Thursday, 27 March, 2025.

Detective Sergeant Jordan Kerr said: “Yousafzai caused fear and alarm to members of the public by exposing himself and sexually assaulting a woman.

“We would like to thank the public who came forward and reported these incidents to us, which has resulted in him being brought to justice.”

Major investigation into criminal incidents in Edinburgh continues

POSSIBLE LINK TO THIRD INCIDENT NOW BEING INVESTIGATED

The major investigation into the discharge of firearms and associated criminal incidents in Edinburgh is continuing. 

A team of detectives, along with specialist and divisional officers, are working on this inquiry. Significant CCTV footage has also been collected which is being scrutinised and officers continue to gather additional information via door-to-door enquiries.

On Saturday afternoon, officers conducted road and vehicle checks in the Ferry Road, Niddrie and Pennywell areas. These road checks will continue as part of the ongoing investigation.

A report of a suspicious fire in Hay Drive today – Sunday, 23 March – is now also being investigated.  

Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “We understand this will be concerning for local communities, but I want to reassure everyone that we are pursuing those involved and are using every tool and tactic at our disposal.

“We are taking strong action to disrupt this criminal activity and a lot of work, which may not always be visible, is ongoing. Additional officers are currently deployed to specifically target criminals and disrupt their activities.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing into a number of incidents in Edinburgh. From our investigations so far, we believe these are linked to groups who are actively targeting each other. 

“The local division and senior management are being provided with support from our national Specialist Crime Division and Operational Support Division.

“We are carrying out additional high-visibility patrols and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers.

“We understand the significant impact this has had on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.

“Finding those who carried out these reckless acts is paramount. If you know anything that could help, please do the right thing and speak to police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Police believe West Pilton incident was ‘targeted attack’

Detectives are appealing for information after a firearm was discharged at a property in Edinburgh.

Around 7.55am on Friday, 21 March 2025, officers received a report of a firearm possibly being discharged in West Pilton Bank.

Officers attended and there were no reports of any injuries.

From investigations carried out so far, officers believe this was a targeted attack and extensive enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Inspector Alison MacDonald said: “It is imperative that we trace whoever is responsible for this dangerous act as soon as possible. I would urgently appeal to anyone with information to please get in contact with us.

“We believe this incident may be linked to groups who are actively targeting each other and extensive enquiries are ongoing into this line of investigation.

“We have a dedicated team who are trawling CCTV footage and carrying out door-to-door enquiries.

“I would be keen to hear from anyone in area who has dash cam, private CCTV or doorbell footage from Thursday night into Friday morning.

“There will continue to be a police presence in the area while our investigation is ongoing.”

Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “Thankfully no one was injured in this incident but I understand this will be very worrying for the people living in this community.

“Officers will remain the area and I would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.

“I want to reassure the local community we are fully committed to tracing the person responsible as soon as possible.

“If you have any information or footage that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”

Anyone with any information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025 or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Detectives appeal for information after firearm discharged in Niddrie

Detectives are appealing for information after a firearm was discharged at a property in Niddrie.

Around 3.05am on Thursday, 20 March, 2025, officers received a report of a firearm possibly being discharged in Niddrie Marischal Crescent.

Officers attended and there were no reports of any injuries.

Extensive enquiries remain ongoing, including door-to-door enquiries and CCTV trawl.

Detective Inspector Martin Smith said: “We believe this was a targeted attack and are following a number of lines of enquiry.

“A dedicated team of officers are working to trace whoever is responsible for this reckless act as quickly as possible.

“From our enquiries so far, we believe this incident may be linked to groups who are actively targeting each other.

“We understand this incident will be concerning for the local community but please be assured we are working hard to trace those involved.”

A white BMW 1 series car was seen in the area around the time the firearm was discharged and officers are keen to anyone who may have seen this vehicle.

Around 4.30am on Thursday, 20 March, 2025, a vehicle was found in Main Street in the Dalmeny area of Edinburgh.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish if the vehicle is linked to the incident in Niddrie Marischal Crescent.

The vehicle has been uplifted and a forensic examination will take place in due course.

Detective Inspector Smith added: “We would urge anyone with information on this car, or anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, to review it and get in touch with officers.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who saw the car in Niddrie Marischal Crescent or the Dalmeny area.

“Please think back – did you see this car? Or did you see anything suspicious in the area around the time?

“If you have any information at all, please contact us.

“Plain-clothed and uniform officers will remain in the area while our investigations continue.

“Anyone with any concerns, or any information, can approach these officers.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 quoting incident number 0281 of Thursday, 20 March, 2025 or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.