Two men who were involved in significant disorder during Halloween and Bonfire Night 2024 have been sentenced.
On the 31 October, Jamie Hogg was part of a group of individuals who caused significant damage to the outside of Moredun House, Marytee House, Little France House and Castleview House, Craigour Green, Edinburgh by smashing 45 windows, causing approximately £50,000 worth of damage.
This group were also involved in setting off fireworks towards members of the public.
On the 5 November, Jamie Hogg and Kevin Lankiewicz smashed windows of a convenience store on Moredun Park Road, Edinburgh and set off fireworks towards members of the public and vehicles causing significant disruption to the community.
As a result of inquiries conducted by Edinburgh officers as part of Operation Crackle, the pair were subsequently arrested and charged in November 2024 and thereafter sentenced on 15 September 2026.
Jamie Hogg, who is now 19, was given an 18-month custodial sentence, while 22-year-old Kevin Lankiewicz was given a Restriction of Liberty Order that prohibits him leaving his home address between 7pm and 5am each day.
Supt Neil Wilson from Edinburgh Division said: “In 2024 we saw various incidents of unacceptable disorder and violence across the city during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period and both Hogg and Lankiewicz played a significant role in the offences experienced within the Moredun area.
“Extensive evidence was gathered prior to their arrests, and this subsequently resulted in their conviction and sentencing, which is a timely reminder ahead of Bonfire Night 2026 that we will utilise all resources at our disposal to bring those responsible for such offences to justice.”
Eight people were arrested following disorder in Edinburgh city centre over the weekend.
Officers policing the FLY Festival music event at Princes Street Gardens on Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 September, 2026, were faced with a large number of youths attempting to breach the perimeter fencing, involved in anti-social behaviour, vandalism and assaults.
On Saturday, four males, aged 15, 17, 18 and 27, were arrested and charged in connection with offences including assault, breach of the peace and misuse of drugs.
On Sunday, males, aged 12, 18, 18 and 20, were also arrested in connection with similar offences.
Reports will be submitted to the relevant authorities and enquiries remain ongoing into the disorder.
Superintendent Neil Wilson said: “While the majority of people came along to the event in good spirits and without incident, there were others intent on gaining entry without tickets, involved in disorder and violence, and trespassing on the railway line. Bus transport was also disrupted as officers dealt with various incidents.
“This type of behaviour is unacceptable, dangerous and will not be tolerated. Everyone should be able to attend the city centre without fear of intimidation or harm at the hands of those who cannot conduct themselves in an appropriate manner.
“While there have been eight arrests, further enquiries are ongoing to trace others involved in the disorder. I’d appeal to anyone who has information or footage which could assist us to come forward.”
If you can help, please call 101 quoting reference 1161 of Saturday, 12 September, 2026. Alternatively, you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A POLICE officer has spoken about the lasting impact of a horror attack which left him fighting for his life in hospital.
Constable Mark Smith, 35, was on duty on Friday, 30 August, 2024 when he approached Douglas Mills Jnr and Douglas Mills Snr in a stationary vehicle on Low Waters Road, Hamilton.
When he attempted to engage with them the vehicle drove off at speed, dragging PC Smith along the road, before leaving him lying seriously injured on the ground.
He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where he received treatment for extensive injuries including a fractured skull and a significant traumatic brain injury.
Two years on, he is still waiting on reconstructive surgery to his ankle.
Douglas Mills Jnr, 32, and Douglas Mills Snr, 58, were both jailed for 17 years when they returned for sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow today (Monday, 14 September).
As part of our ongoing work around the Knife Angel, South West officers have been carrying out targeted enforcement activity:
– We executed an MDA warrant which resulted in positive findings for cocaine and cannabis. The occupiers were linked to crimes of violence, including stabbings;
– One individual was arrested on a warrant in relation to a violent crime;
– We traced a missing person, who, when located and searched, was found in possession of a large kitchen knife and heroin. He was arrested and conveyed to custody;
– Proactive patrols led to the arrest of an individual following a theft by shoplifting in the city centre, with further action taken in relation to knife carrying;
– Our Oxgangs CPT officers and SW LIT team were involved in a foot chase with a nominal riding a Sur-Ron bike. They apprehended and identified the rider, with further enquiries ongoing following the arrest.
This incredible work demonstrates our continued commitment to identifying those involved in violence, drug supply and weapon carrying, and taking positive action to protect our communities.
POLICE in Edinburgh have released images of two men they believe can assist with their investigation after a 24 year-old man was seriously assaulted on Princes Street around 2.35am on Saturday, 1 August, 2026.
The first man is described as white, 5ft 10in and in his late teens to early 20’s. He had blonde hair and was wearing a white t-shirt with grey jeans.
The second man is described as white, 6ft and in his late teens to early 20’s with short dark-coloured hair and glasses. He was wearing a black top with grey shorts and had a tattoo on the back of his left hand.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe of Gayfield CID said: “I would urge the men pictured or anyone who recognises them to contact us.
“This area was extremely busy at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone with information to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 0473 of 1 August, 2026. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
POLICE have recovered drugs with an estimated street value of over £1.4 million in Edinburgh and Uphall.
On Tuesday, 1 September, 2026, officers executed warrants at addresses in the Leith, Granton and the Uphall areas where cannabis, cocaine and a six-figure sum of cash were seized.
Two men aged 37 and 62 were arrested and charged in connection with this recovery. They are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
A 52-year-old man was arrested and released pending further investigation.
Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This significant recovery highlights our commitment to tackling dangerous and illegal drugs in our communities.
“We are determined to protect the public from this harmful criminality by disrupting the drugs trade and preventing them being circulated on the streets of Scotland.
“This operation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“Information from the public is crucial. Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
MUM LISA MARKS FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF SON JOHN’S MURDER
The Knife Angel arrived in Edinburgh yesterday and will be on display at Kirkgate, at the bottom of Leith Walk, until Sunday 27 September.
Created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre, the Knife Angel is made from around 100,000 knives and blades surrendered through police forces across the country.
The sculpture stands as a powerful reminder of the impact violence can have on individuals, families and communities, while acting as a catalyst for social change.
An opening ceremony marked the official launch, with Council Leader Jane Meagher, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and community representatives including Lisa Petrie in attendance.
Lisa’s son John was killed in a knife attack in Leith one year ago today. She said on social media: “A whole year since my son was murdered and I still don’t know how that can be true.
‘Some days it feels like it was only yesterday. I can still feel the shock, the disbelief, the moment my whole world changed forever.
‘And then there are days when it feels like you’ve been gone for far too long. Too long since I’ve heard your voice, seen your face, hugged you, called you my son, heard you shout “ mumzie or “mother!! “
‘I hate that a year has passed without you. I hate that the world has carried on when mine stopped the day you were taken from me.
‘You weren’t meant to leave. You weren’t meant to be a memory. You were meant to be here.
‘I miss you every single day. I’m angry. I’m broken. I’m still trying to understand how I’m supposed to live with the fact that someone chose to take your life.
POLICE have released CCTV images of a woman they wish to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into a serious assault which occurred within The Pitt, West Shore Road, at around 1am on Saturday, 27 June, 2026.
The female pictured is between 25-35 years old, white, with long blonde hair, tattooed arms and legs. She was wearing a white vest top, dark coloured shorts, white trainers and white socks pulled up.
Detective Constable Lindsay Johnston said: “Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2259 of 26 June, 2026. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”
Less than one in five people in Scotland (18%) are confident that young people in their local area would share information with the police if they knew someone was carrying a knife, according to new UK-wide research from YouGov commissioned by charity Crimestoppers.
The research also found people in Scotland are more than twice as confident young people locally would share that information with an anonymous service (43%).
The findings raise concerns that vital information about knife crime could be going unreported, despite the devastating impact serious violence has on victims, families and communities.
While the YouGov research found confidence in young people sharing information about knife crime with police is low across Scotland, the research suggests anonymity could make a significant difference.
More than 2 in 5 (43%) of people in Scotland said they were confident young people locally would share information with an anonymous service, highlighting the important role anonymous reporting can play in helping young people share information safely.
Fear of retaliation also remains a significant barrier. More than four in ten (44%) people in Scotland cite fear of retaliation if they report crime as a reason they might not report information about crime to the police, among a range of options.
The regional findings come as Crimestoppers launches a new campaign through its youth service, Fearless.org, after the research also revealed a significant reporting gap among young people.
UK-wide, just 31% of UK 16 to 25-year-olds say they would be very likely to report information about knife crime directly to the police, compared with 45% of adults*.
The findings challenge the perception that young people are unwilling to help tackle knife crime. Instead, they suggest fear, mistrust and uncertainty are preventing many from speaking up, even when they may have information that could help prevent serious violence – for example, 41% of 16-25s say fear of retaliation is a barrier that could stop them sharing information about knife crime with the police, while 28% say lack of trust in the police could stop them.
The campaign features the story of Charlie Cosser, who was tragically murdered in 2023 after being stabbed while trying to protect a friend.
Charlie’s father, Martin Cosser, is now working with Fearless to encourage young people to understand that anonymously sharing information about knife crime could help prevent future tragedies and save lives.
Martin Cosser, Charlie’s father and co-founder of Charlie’s Promise, said:“No family should have to experience the heartbreak ours has endured. We know fear can stop people speaking up, but one piece of information can make all the difference. I hope this campaign helps young people understand they can share what they know anonymously and potentially save someone’s life.”
Fearless is Crimestoppers’ dedicated youth service, providing young people with trusted information about crime, personal safety and the law, alongside a safe and completely anonymous way to pass on information about crime.
Independent of the police, Fearless.org never ask for a name or any details that could identify the person making the report.
The research also found that only 32% of people in Scotland are aware that Crimestoppers reporting service is completely anonymous. Furthermore, only 34% realise they are independent from the police.
Through this campaign, the charity hopes more young people will understand there is a safe, anonymous way to share information that could help prevent knife crime and protect others.
Anyone with information about knife crime or other serious criminal activity can contact Fearless anonymously by visiting Fearless.org.
and I still don’t know how that can be true.
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