Two people have been charged after £3,000 of the drug diamorphine was found at a flat on Ferry Road.
Police carried out an intelligence-led search of the address on Tuesday and seized diamorphine and diazepam tablets along with other various items of drug paraphernalia. Officers also found £910 at the property.
A 32-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
Police are appealing for witnesses after six men on mopeds assaulted a 19-year-old man and stole his bag and pedal cycle.
The incident took place on Sunday at around 2am on St Vincent Place at Fettes Row. The victim had been followed from Howe Street by six males who were on four mopeds.
When he fell from his bike he was assaulted and his bike and bag were taken. The victim was assisted by a female passerby after the suspects had fled and police are now appealing for her to come forward.
The bike is a Cove make mountain bike style and ‘Stiffie’ model, which is blue with yellow forks, orange pedals and green bars.
The first suspect is described as white, 16 yrs old, skinny build, 5ft 2in to 5ft 5in, long black hair, pale complexion, wearing dark grey hoodie, light grey jogging bottoms and white trainers.
The other five suspects are described as youths in grey hoodies with hoods pulled tight around their faces. Three of the scooters were a dark and the other one was red.
Detective Constable Alison Wyllie said: “We are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which began on Howe Street leading to the suspects following the victim onto Abercrombie Place towards Fettes Row and St Vincent Place.
“Anyone who may see this bike, which is quite distinctive, should contact the police.
“We are particularly appealing to a lady who was in the area at the time and who assisted the victim following the attack to come forward, along with anyone who saw this group of males on the mopeds around the time of the incident.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Partnership approach crackdown on stolen goods sales
Police in Edinburgh have launched ‘Tradewatch’, a partnership campaign with the city’s second-hand retailers to help tackle thieves’ attempts to sell on stolen goods.
As part of the new scheme, all stores in the Capital have committed to sharing information in relation to individuals attempting to sell on stolen goods.
A process has been agreed between the management from each business to alert one another as soon as anyone attempts to sell any tems, which are suspected of being stolen.
Police will also be contacted and will progress any information received to identify offenders and seize the stolen property.
Tradewatch was developed as a result of the continued engagement and dialogue between second-hand retailers and Edinburgh Division’s Search and Recovery Team.
To further assist the stores, each will be provided with a SmartWater Technology Ltd UV lamp, which can be used to examine any goods brought into the store and establish whether they have been stolen.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston said: “Those responsible for acquisitive crime will often attempt to sell on stolen goods for profit and regularly attempt to utilise second-hand retailers to dispose of valuable items.
“However, we have an excellent and long-standing relationship with these businesses in Edinburgh and staff regularly assist our Search and Recovery Team in reuniting stolen property with its rightful owner as well as helping us identify those responsible for the thefts.
“With the launch of ‘Tradewatch’, these premises will instantly and readily share information on any suspicious customers so that items that have been acquired illegally are not bought and sold within their stores.
“I would like to thank our second-hand retailer partners for their assistance and co-operation in helping to create this campaign.”
Chief Inspector Richard Horan said: “Tackling housebreaking and robbery is a priority across the city and the ‘Tradewatch’ initiative is yet another tool in our armoury to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.
“We continue to target and pursue those who steal through ongoing enforcement activity and partnership campaigns. The public also play a vital role in assisting us prevent these crimes, and making life difficult for criminals, by taking simple steps to safeguard their belongings.
“I would urge members of our communities to ensure their homes are always appropriately secured and that any items of value are stored safely out of public view. Details of the type of valuables within your property should never be disclosed to anyone you do not know or trust.
“Please remember that sheds, garages and other outbuilding are extensions of your home and should also be secured at all times.
“Our partnership with SmartWater Technology Ltd continues within the Capital and hundreds of homes have been issued with the unique chemical solutions to mark their property. However, additional home security measures such as alarms and motion-activated lighting should also be considered where possible. Your local community policing teams will be delighted to offer free crime prevention advice.”
David Patrick, CEO of Cash Converters UK, the UK’s largest second-hand retailer, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the police and a part of the new Tradewatch scheme as we are committed to tackling the issue of stolen goods in our stores.
“We have a zero tolerance policy towards stolen goods and a number of processes in place to deter criminals.
Anyone looking to sell an item to Cash Converters must present two forms of ID along with proof of address as per regulations set out by the Financial Conduct Authority. In addition they have to be photographed and sign an agreement confirming they are the legal owner of the goods.
We have a strong working relationship with Edinburgh Police and, as part of the Tradewatch scheme, are committed to sharing information with other businesses to help prevent crime and put a stop to stolen goods coming through our doors.”
Police in Edinburgh are urging members of the public to stay safe online after a number of recent reports of people being extorted for money on social media.
Over the last month Police Scotland has received reports from members of the public who have communicated with unsolicited individuals on social media platforms. These communications have then encouraged the victim to compromise themselves, leading to demands for money.
Detective Inspector Alan O’Brien said: “In the incidents that we are aware of, the victims were all young men who frequently use social media and who were contacted by someone they were led to believe was genuine to undertake sexually explicit acts.
“I would urge everyone to exercise caution whenever they engage in conversation with someone online who they do not personally know.
“Never give out any personal information or send out anything that may leave you in a vulnerable position.
“Anyone who has had a similar approach online or wishes to report falling victim to this scam is asked to contact police immediately.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police probe possible link with robbery at nearby Gregg’s
Police in Edinburgh have launched an investigation after three men robbed a supermarket in Granton on Wednesday afternoon (10 December).
The incident happened at Iceland on West Granton Road around 5.15pm, when the first suspect approached the till with an item to buy. He indicated to the two other suspects, and one of these men reached over and grabbed a three-figure sum of cash from the till.
The three suspects ran from the store in the direction of West Granton Road.
This incident comes after a similar robbery at Gregg’s Bakery on Crewe Road North on Tuesday, around 3pm, which may be linked.
All three suspects are described as white, and around 26 to 27 years old.
The first suspect is described as 5ft 10 in tall, stocky build, wearing a dark coloured hoody, black scarf over his lower face, dark joggers, and white Nike trainers.
The second suspect is described as slim build and wearing a dark hoody, with grey hoody underneath, grey joggers, blue sandshoes.
The third suspect, who took the cash from the till, is described as slim build, gaunt face, and wearing a dark coloured hoody with hood up and grey hoody underneath, dark joggers, light coloured trainers.
Detective Sergeant Lynsey Thomson said: “This robbery was distressing for those who were in the supermarket at the time, and we are keen to hear from anyone who was on West Granton Road around 5.15pm who may have information that can assist. We believe there may be a connection to the robbery at Greggs bakery in Pilton on Tuesday, and if anyone recognises the description of the suspects, they are urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Police are appealing for witnesses following two local robberies earlier this week:
Police in Edinburgh are investigating following a robbery at Greggs Bakery, on Crewe Road North, Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoon (9 December).
The incident happened around 3pm when a man entered the shop in possession of what is believed to have been a knife and stole a quantity of money from the cash register before making off in the direction of Boswall Parkway.
The suspect is described as white, 5ft 6 in tall, medium build, and wearing a sky blue hoodie with white writing, and with the hood up.
Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time to contact police on 101.
The other incident happened at Farmers Autocare in the Blackhall dip on Queensferry Road, where there was a break-in between 8.20pm on Tuesday night and 7.45am on Wednesday morning.
Entry was forced to storage containers in the forecourt and around 70 tyres were stolen from the garage, with an approximate value of £3100. Enquiries reveal a transit type van may have been involved at some point during the night.
Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen this van to come forward.
PC Grimwood said: “The suspects have used a transit type van to transport the stolen property. We are asking for anyone who was driving past Farmers Autocare between 8.20pm and 7.45am and perhaps saw tyres being loaded onto a vehicle or persons acting suspiciously to contact Police Scotland immediately on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
It may be the season of goodwill, but Police Scotland would like to remind the public that not everyone has goodness in their heart …
Over recent months, there has been an increase in adverts on social media selling sites advertising high price mobile phones.
This scheme requires the victim to forward their mobile phone and a sum of money, in return a new high value mobile phone will be dispatched to you.
The truth is that no mobile phone arrives and you have lost your original phone and a sum of money.
Whilst not trying to undermine the entrepreneurism of sellers, Police Scotland would like to remind the general public that although many use social selling sites safely, use caution in any transaction they intend becoming involved in and do not provide bank details or send any high value items or cash to sellers in advance.
If anyone has any information about the incident they are encouraged to contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Police have appealed for witnesses after a teenager was assaulted and robbed on Blackhall cycle path on Wednesday evening.
The 16 year old youth was walking home and joined the cycle path at Wester Coates Terrace when he saw three males standing at the bridge area. He was approached by the trio who then grabbed and punched him to the head and face before stealing his mobile phone and rucksack.
Officers are urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.
The first suspect is described as white, late teens, 5ft 10ins tall with a skinny build, gaunt face and a short dark hair. He was wearing a read and white ‘snood’, dark cotton tracksuit, black gloves and spoke with a local accent.
The second and third suspects are both described as white, in their late teens, around 5ft 11ins tall with slim builds and wearing dark cotton tracksuits.
All three wore their hoods up during the robbery.
Detective Constable Chris Harding said: “The young victim was not seriously injured as a result of this incident but is understandably upset at the theft of his belongings. Anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity on the cycle path on Wednesday evening is asked to contact police immediately.
“I would also ask that anyone who can help us identify the suspects or who has any other information relevant to our enquiry also gets in touch. Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with a fire at the St Paul’s RC church in Muirhouse Avenue on Sunday evening.
He will now be reported to the Children’s Reporter.
Enquiries are ongoing to trace others believed to be involved in this incident and anyone with information that can assist officers with their investigation is asked to come forward.
Police are appealing for witnesses following a hit and run incident in Davidson’s Mains last Sunday (30 November).
A thirteen-year-old boy was on a push-along scooter in Main Street at around 8.10pm when the collision occurred after the car mounted the pavement. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
The vehicle failed to stop at the scene of the incident and was last seen heading towards the Drylaw area, and anyone who can assist officers with their ongoing enquiry is asked to come forward.
The vehicle is described as a dark-coloured people carrier type similar to a Citroen C4 hatchback.
Inspector Chris Scobbie said: “Fortunately, the boy was not more seriously injured as a result of this incident, but he still required treatment at hospital. The driver failed to stop and we are conducting local enquiries to trace this individual.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the collision and who may have information relevant to this investigation. In addition, I would urge the driver to come forward as soon as possible.”
Anyone with any information regarding these incidents should contact Police Scotland immediately on 101 or through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
