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.”

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.

Police seek witnesses to Ferry Road petrol station robbery

Police are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery at a petrol station on Ferry Road last night.

The incident occurred at around 10pm when a man entered the premises brandishing a handgun. He threatened the lone member of staff and left with three-figure amount of cash.

The man left on foot, travelling towards Ferry Road. However it unknown what direction he traveled along Ferry Road. The member of staff was not injured as a result of the robbery. Police are now eager to trace the male suspect who was responsible for the incident.

He is described as a white man, 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 ¾ length jacket and tab ankle boots. He may have possibly been wearing a grey checked scarf and black gloves and have been carrying a brown leather bag.

Detective Inspector Grant Johnston said:”Thankfully the member of staff was uninjured during this incident, however this was an we are keen to trace the suspect as soon as possible.

“We would ask members of the public to get in touch if they remember seeing anything they believe was connected to the incident in or around the Ferry Road area last night.

“Anyone who can help us identify the man responsible for this robbery is also asked to contact police immediately.”

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

Police seek witnesses to Easter Road assault

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault on Easter Road on Thursday. The incident took place at around 11am near the Londis convenience store.

A 57-year-old man was walking his dog, when a male walked passed him before punching him to the face. During an ensuing violent struggle between the two men the victim was bitten on the cheek.

Eventually, the victim was assisted by the driver of a white minibus who drove him away from the area. Officers are now urging anyone who can assist with their enquiry to come forward.

The suspect is described as white, 25 to 30 years old and between 5 ft’ 5 and 5 ft’10 inches tall with short bright ginger hair. He was wearing a grey zip-up hooded top, with a Hibs crest on the left chest, black top underneath and dark trousers and trainers.

Constable Andrew McMath said: “This incident quickly escalated from a verbal altercation into quite a serious attack, which left the victim with a painful facial injury.

“I would urge anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in Easter Road on Thursday morning to contact police immediately. Similarly, if anyone can help us to identify and trace the man responsible for this assault, they should also get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

#StrongerNorth campaign goes on display in Community Shop

Community Shop supports #StrongerNorth initiative

Information about the #StrongerNorth community safety initiative will go on display in Muirhouse Community Shop on Pennywell Road tomorrow and will be backed up by #StrongerNorth Monday sessions at the shop from next week.

Volunteers at Muirhouse Community Shop have created striking window displays to highlight a variety of different campaigns over recent months – Domestic Abuse, Environmental Services and the Independence Referendum have all been featured – and now #StrongerNorth will be in the spotlight.

Tenants organisation TRIM and Muirhouse Community shop is working closely with the #StrongerNorth team and will be welcoming key members of the team to the shop on Mondays from 19 January. Visitors can expect to meet local police officers, Total Craigroyston staff, the Stronger North Project Officer and members of North’s Community Safety team over the coming weeks.

A spokesperson for the community shop said: “We decide what we put in our shop window. We always feel it’s important that we keep it current and what a better way than to start with this? Stronger North was brought about after the residents told police and council we are fed up, things need to change and we want change now. A gold team was set up and meet often to discuss serious issues and a multiagency approach is being worked at. Things will not change overnight – Stronger North is still very new and with support from everyone we are confident it will make a big difference long term.”

For further information about #StrongerNorth call Fraser Sinclair on 529 5023, email stronger.north@edinburgh.gov.uk or visit the #StrongerNorth Facebook page.

Police seek information on Muirhouse assault

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault that took place in Muirhouse last weekend – details have only now come to light.

A 39-year-old man attended at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on Monday (5 January) having sustained serious injuries to his face in the Muirhouse area during the early hours of that morning.

After being released from hospital on Thursday the victim contacted police to confirm he had been assaulted, but had little recollection of events. Officers are now urging anyone who can assist in establishing the full circumstances surrounding this incident to come forward.

Detective Constable Iain Wallace said: “At this time, we do not know exactly what has happened to result in the man sustaining his injuries, but we believe he may have been involved in an altercation with three men, who are described only as being white and in their thirties.

“As such, we are keen to speak with anyone who believes they saw anything suspicious in the Muirhouse Grove area from 3am on Monday 5th January.

“Similarly, anyone with any further information relevant to this investigation is also asked to contact police immediately.”

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

Horrific attack on family pets in Drylaw

Police seek information following sickening attack on chickens

Intruders have killed a family pet, seriously injured another and traumatised a third during a break-in in Drylaw earlier this week. A young family has been left ‘shocked and very distressed’ after the malicious attack on their pet chickens in Wester Drylaw Place.

The incident occurred overnight on Wednesday/Thursday when intruders first tried to break into a garden shed. They were unsuccessful but then turned their attentions to the family’s chicken coop, which they opened and killed one of the chickens.

A second chicken was also badly injured in the attack and a third was later found – fortunately unharmed – in a neighbour’s garden.

Police Scotland is conducting a joint investigation with the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA), who plan to carry out a post mortem.

Police Sergeant Stuart Mitchell said: “This was a horrifying crime, which has left the family, and their children, in a state of shock. We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen people loitering in the Wester Drylaw area last night to contact us. This type of incident is completely unacceptable and we are conducting active enquiries in the area.”

Scottish SPCA Inspector June Chalcroft said: “This appears to have been a malicious attack, resulting in the death of one of the chickens and the injury of another. Hopefully the results of the post-mortem will explain the cause of death.

“Thankfully a third chicken, which was missing, has been found safe and well. We believe someone may have heard something as the chickens would have made a lot of noise during the incident.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Police Scotland immediately on 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The public can also contact SSPCA on 03000 999 999.

Success for festive drink drive campaign

‘Don’t risk it’ message hits home over festive holiday period

Police Scotland statistics have today revealed that the ‘don’t drink and drive’ message has been driven home to motorists across the country.

The new lower drink drive limit of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood came into force on 5 December 2014, bringing Scotland into line with much of the rest of Europe.

During a four week festive Drink Drive campaign from Road Safety Scotland (part of Transport Scotland) and the Scottish Government, Police Scotland tested 17,504 drivers for alcohol – an average of 625 drivers each day.

A total of 351 drivers were caught under the influence this year compared to 434 in the same period last year – a 19% reduction.

Police detected one drink driver for every 50 (351 from 17,504) tests carried out compared to one drink driver for every 47 (434 from 20,646) tests carried out in the same campaign period last year. Those caught now face the New Year without a licence, a minimum 20-year criminal record and a fine.

Of those caught drink driving, 20 drivers were detected between the new 50mg limit and the previous limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

And over the period a total of 27 drivers were detected between 6am – 10am, six of whom were between the old and the new limit.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson, said: “These latest statistics show a 19 per cent decrease in the number of drink drive detections over the festive period, and are testament to the immediate effect that the new lower limit has helped to make our roads safer.

“Scotland is leading the way across the UK with the introduction of a lower drink drive limit, which has backing from experts, road safety campaigners and the majority of the public north and south of the border, as well as bringing Scotland into line with almost every other country in Europe.

“We will continue in our efforts to change driver behaviour in order to make our roads safer, and our advice for the year ahead is simple – drink driving is completely unacceptable and puts lives at risk, therefore the best approach is to avoid alcohol altogether if you intend to get behind the wheel.”

With the Christmas and New Year festivities now over, motorists are being reminded that the message not to drink any alcohol at all before driving and to plan journeys the next morning, remains relevant all year round.

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins of Police Scotland, said: “The initial campaign may be over, but our work continues and the message remains the same – don’t risk it, don’t take any alcohol before you get behind the wheel and it will help you help us keep people safe.

“The new limit is proving a good deterrent in stopping people from drinking and driving, but it is still unacceptable that 351 people chose to ignore all the advice and warnings and get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. They are not just risking their lives but also those of other road users and pedestrians.

“Make it your New Year’s resolution to never drink and drive and help us keep Scotland’s roads safe.”

The introduction of the new lower limit was supported by a public awareness campaign ahead of the legislation taking effect. This was followed by a high profile social marketing campaign over the festive period across TV, radio, video-on-demand, digital, PR, field activity and partnership working.

The campaign urged members of the public not to drink and drive and advised festive revellers to plan ahead when it came to their travel home from a night out and any journeys in the morning.

The campaign also sought to remind drivers of the tough legal and personal consequences of a drink drive conviction, which include a loss of licence with an automatic 12 month driving ban and a minimum 20 year criminal record.

Although the festive period is now over, Police vigilance will remain at the same level throughout 2015 and the same consequences apply if motorists chose to drink and drive.

Find out more by visiting www.dontriskit.info or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook page or follow@RoadSafetyScot on Twitter.