Recorded crime at 39 year low

Recorded crime in Scotland is now at its lowest level since 1974. The number of crimes has fallen by 13 per cent, a drop of just over 41,000 in 2012-13 to 273,053.

Statistics published today also show violent crime fell by 21 per cent and crimes of handling offensive weapons are at a 27-year low. However, the number of sexual offences recorded by police went up by five per cent. The figures also show a slight rise in the number of offences, which include driving and minor alcohol offences, of less than one per cent.

The clear up rate for crimes increased last year and is now at its highest since 1976.

Commenting on the figures, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill (pictured above) said:

“Today’s statistics show that Scotland’s communities are becoming safer places to live, with recorded crime falling for the sixth year in a row to its lowest level for 39 years. It is particularly encouraging to see violent crime dropping by 21 per cent last year and crimes of handling an offensive weapon down by 60 per cent since 2006-07. However, make no mistake, there will be no let-up in our efforts backed by record numbers of police officers – over 1,000 extra since 2007 – who are keeping communities safe and clearing up crimes more efficiently than ever before.

“We are continuing to work tirelessly to reduce knife crime and violence in Scotland, and believe education and prevention are key to tackling the root causes of violence. That’s why we are investing in the No Knives, Better Lives initiative – now in 11 areas across Scotland – and why we work with other key partners like the Violence Reduction Unit and Medics Against Violence. Together, we are working hard to change attitudes to violence and knife crime – making it clear that it is never acceptable.

“We are also taking a robust approach to enforcement –sentences for carrying a knife in Scotland are the toughest in the UK and our prosecutors are taking a zero tolerance approach. Today’s figures show these united efforts to tackle knife crime are beginning to pay off, but there will be no complacency. “While today’s overall statistics are encouraging, it is concerning to see that the number of sexual offences recorded by police have increased by five per cent. This may be down to increased reporting but the public should be assured that the Scottish Government, police and prosecutors take the investigation and prosecution of these traumatic crimes extremely seriously and are taking action to address them.

“At a Government level, we have strengthened the law around sex crimes by bringing in the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009. We are also giving £3.6 million funding to support victims of rape from 2012-15. Just yesterday, I met with the Rape and Sexual Crime External Advisory Group which now operates across Police Scotland and works closely with police officers to help inform and improve rape investigations. Meanwhile, the Scottish Police Service has launched a new National Rape Taskforce to further improve the investigation of rape and other sexual crimes right across the country.”

Recorded crime in Scotland, 2012-13

For those too young to remember, The Rubettes were at Number One with ‘Sugar Baby Love’ in June 1974, ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘Blazing Saddles’ were the most popular films and Scotland even qualified for the World Cup finals in Germany! (We also became the first ever country to be eliminated from a World Cup Finals without having lost a match …)

Corstorphine Hill murder: do you recognise these rings?

Police Scotland detectives investigating the discovery of a woman’s remains on Corstorphine Hill in Edinburgh today released images of four rings belonging to the victim.

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie said: “Responses to previous appeals for information on this woman’s identity have been encouraging. And while we are following up calls and information from all over the UK, we have still to make a real breakthrough in identifying the victim.

“As I have previously said, distinctive rings found with the woman may provide a real clue to her identity. Today we are now in a position to release images of those rings. Two are particularly distinctive – one in the shape of a daisy and one in the shape of a heart. Both are gold and are set with precious stones. I would ask anyone who recognises these rings or, who has seen someone they know wearing rings like these, to add that detail to the other things we know about the woman.”

The woman was believed to have been aged between 32 and 60 and had had extensive cosmetic work, in the form of veneers and implants, carried out on her teeth. She was white, slim, of medium build and about 5 feet 2 inches tall.

All of the rings are old but are not thought to have significant value.

One of the items belonging to the victim is a traditional Irish claddagh ring, which police said is also popular within the travelling community – but police are not drawing any conclusions from this. The heart of the claddagh ring was facing towards the body, which traditionally means the wearer has a partner.

DCI Hardie added: “We are committed to identifying this woman. We have followed up more than 80 calls and, while we are extremely grateful for the information provided, we still await that real gateway call. We are keeping an open mind on this woman’s background and history. But I am determined to uncover the information that will enable us to identify the victim and then identify those responsible for her murder.”

Police Scotland have cast their net far and wide in their attempts to identify the victim – they have contacted Europol and have also discussed the murder with colleagues in Ireland. Ten days on from the discovery of the dismembered body, however, the woman’s identity remains a mystery and police still hope that members of the public may yet be able to assist with the investigation.

Chief Inspector Murray Dykes, of Police Scotland Edinburgh Division, said: “High visibility patrols continue on Corstorphine Hill and the surrounding area and members of the public are encouraged to approach these officers if they have any information they want to bring to our attention.”

Corstorphine Hill murder inquiry update

Detectives investigating the murder of a middle-aged woman whose remains were found in an Edinburgh nature reserve are still looking for help to identify her, ten days after the woman’s dismembered body was discovered on Corstorphine Hill.

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie, who is leading the inquiry, said: “I am really pleased with the response from the public and we have received a lot of useful information. However I am still awaiting that one elusive phone call which will provide the vital clue which will assist us to put a name to this woman.

“We are receiving calls and information from across the UK and it is all being assessed and followed up. However, as yet, we have not been given the crucial piece of information which will tell us who she is. “

The woman was believed to have been aged between 32 and 60 and had had extensive cosmetic work, in the form of veneers, carried out on her teeth. She was white, slim and of medium build and about 5ft 2ins tall.

Forensic examination of four rings belonging to the woman continues. Two of the rings stand out – one in the shape of a daisy and one in the shape of a love heart. Both are made of gold and are set with precious stones. It’s hoped that pictures of the distinctive rings worn by the victim will be made available on Monday.

DCI Hardie added: “I hope that a combination of the description of the woman, her rings and an appeal for any woman who has not been seen anytime in the past six months will strike a chord with people.”

The inquiry team has also received a lot of useful information about people seen on Corstorphine Hill with big rucksacks and carriers in which the dismembered remains may have been transported and implements which could be used for digging.

Police seek help over Corstorphine Hill murder

Detectives investigating the discovery of human remains on Corstorphine Hill in Edinburgh are appealing for help from the public in identifying the female victim. A member of the public reported finding part of the body last Thursday when cycling on Corstorphine Hill.

Since then a detailed and careful excavation of the site has been undertaken by forensic experts and a post mortem was carried out on Tuesday (11 June).

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie of the Specialist Crime Division’s Major Investigation Team said: “The victim’s body had been dismembered before it was buried on Corstorphine Hill. We believed this may have been within a time frame of a matter of a few weeks but possibly as much as six months. This is a murder investigation and our immediate focus is on identifying this woman, and establishing the circumstances around her death. We need the public’s support to achieve this.

“This is someone’s daughter, it may be someone’s mother and I am appealing today to the public to consider if there is a mother, a daughter or a friend you have not seen or heard from for the past few weeks or months, and the person fits the following description I would urge you to contact us now.

“We know the lady was white, middle aged, slim and of medium build and short in height.. She has had significant cosmetic work on her teeth. We have also recovered a number of rings and two of these are distinctive, both are gold in appearance with one in the design of a daisy and the other is heart shaped. I feel confident that someone will recognise the description of the lady’s teeth and the rings, together with the general description of a slim middle aged lady who has disappeared.”

Mr Hardie is also convinced that the body was dismembered elsewhere and later taken to Corstorphine Hill. He is asking people who use this popular nature reserve to consider if they may have seen anyone who, on reflection, could have been involved in depositing the body in the area.

“Can you recall, anytime since the end of last year, seeing a person or individuals on the hill with particularly large rucksacks/backpacks or carrying tools, If so, please get in touch with us.”

Chief Inspector Murray Dykes, of Police Scotland Edinburgh Division, said: “This is a distressing case but I want to reassure people that it is also a very unusual one. Corstorphine Hill is very popular, well used and a safe place to walk, cycle and enjoy some leisure time. While there are very few reports of crime relating to that area, I have had high visibility patrols in place since Thursday to provide reassurance and these will continue for the time being. These officers will be engaging with members of the public and people can pass on information through them if they wish or at the Police Command vehicle which is currently situated on Balgreen Road.”

Crime units crack down on city housebreakers

May was far from being a merry month for Edinburgh’s criminals, as Police Sotland report …

Several people have been arrested and charged in connection with a number of alleged housebreakings and attempted housebreakings across Edinburgh last month. Officers from the city’s Community Investigation Units (CIUs) conducted enquiries following various reports of break-ins and thefts from addresses throughout the city during May.

The CIUs were formed following the launch of Police Scotland to investigate a range of offences, which impact upon our communities and as a result of their enquiries several incidents have now been solved.

On Wednesday 8 May officers responded to an address in Drylaw Crescent, where various goods had been stolen from inside. A 16-year-old youth was subsequently identified and charged in connection with this crime.

Officers were next alerted to two attempted break-ins at newsagents in Great Junction Street and Newkirkgate, which happened on Thursday 9 May. Forensic investigation was carried out at each premises and a 34-year-old man was charged in connection with both incidents.

A Citroen C1 car was then stolen along with a laptop from a property in Wemyss Place Mews on Tuesday 28 May and the North and Central CIU carried out local enquiries to identify those responsible. As a result, two males aged 18 and 33 were arrested and charged before pleading guilty in court.

A 26-year-old man has also been charged following a break-in at a property in Lorne Street on Thursday 30th when jewellery and electronic items worth a four-figure sum were taken. All goods have since been recovered and returned to the rightful owner.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Cunningham said: “Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and recognises that crimes such as housebreakings, antisocial behaviour and drug offences have a serious impact on our communities. As such, our Community Investigation Units were formed to provide a focused and targeted approach to addressing these issues and bringing those responsible for offences of this nature to justice.

“The recent results of the unit have been good – however, we cannot be complacent and will continue to robustly investigate whenever a crime is reported. Similarly, we will maintain our commitment to community engagement and crime prevention through sustained dialogue with Edinburgh’s residents and businesses – offering advice and guidance on appropriate security measures wherever they are required.”

Four to appear in court following Waterfront drugs raid

Four men have been arrested and charged after police recovered Class A drugs on Edinburgh’s Waterfront yesterday. Officers discovered £2500 worth of crack cocaine when they carried out a search of the Waterfront property yesterday (Thursday).

The men, aged 28,28,25 and 20, are all scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday 3 June.

DI Stuart Harkness said: “Drugs can have a devastating impact on our communities and as a result of police enquiries, we were able to recover this crack cocaine before it could be distributed on our streets. Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and removing drugs from our communities.

“Anyone with information relating to drug crime in their area can contact their local policing team or alternatively, make an anonymous report via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Theft puts spokes into volunteer’s work

A volunteer who has been carrying out unpaid work in North Edinburgh has had her bike stolen.

The volunteer was conducting an interview a community activist as background research for a Pilton Community Health Project initiative when the bike was stolen from outside North Edinburgh Arts and Muirhouse Library in Pennywell Court.

The victim, who asked not to be named, said: “It was stolen between 12.30 and 2pm. I’m totally gutted – I have been volunteering my free time in the community, I only work part-time and the bike gets me around for my job. Any help to retrieve my mode of transport would be greatly appreciated.”

The bike is a black and white (mans size) specialised road bike, with P2 type overendz bar ends on the handlebars. If you have any information about the stolen bike or can help in any way please contact local police or you can contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Alcohol taskforce targets illegal sales

Almost 5,700 litres of beer, wine and spirits have been seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as alcohol taskforce officers targeted illegal sales across Scotland last Thursday (9 May). HMRC officers visited 49 retail sites across Edinburgh, checking the details of alcohol on sale.

The operation, supported by staff from Edinburgh Council Trading Standards and Environmental Health and Police Scotland, is targeting the alcohol supply chain, including producers, storage facilities, wholesalers and retailers.

Chris Brett, HMRC’s Alcohol Taskforce manager in Scotland, said: “Anyone handling or selling smuggled alcohol should be aware that HMRC teams are active across Scotland. We are committed to stopping this criminal activity which costs the taxpayer around £1.2 billion in unpaid revenue each year.

“The Edinburgh operation is not a one-off exercise and is part of ongoing work with our partner agencies to combat this crime. We are also keen to work closely with and support local businesses that have to compete against these illegal sales. If you are aware of someone who is evading their taxes you can call HMRC’s Tax Evasion Hotline on 0800 788 887.”

Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “The illegal trade of products like alcohol can be used to fund crime and can have a highly detrimental effect on the city’s honest retailers and on people’s health. I am very pleased that this initiative has been so successful and I think the amount of products seized demonstrates the need to be vigilant. We will continue to work closely with the HMRC to ensure that consumers and legitimate traders are protected from the impact of this illegal activity.”

Taskforces are specialist teams that undertake intensive bursts of activity in specific high risk trade sectors and locations in the UK. The teams visit traders to examine their records and carry out other investigations. The alcohol taskforce in Scotland is expected to bring in around £4 million. HMRC and the other agencies involved will now consider further action against offenders, including full tax and VAT investigations and a review of alcohol and other trading licenses.

Police seek gang of thugs after Crewe Path mugging

Police are seeking a gang of teenage muggers following an attack on a middle aged man in the Crewe Road area on Sunday morning. The victim was kicked in the head and body as he lay helpless on the ground before the thugs stole his wallet.

The 52-year-old victim was walking in Crewe Path, which links Crewe Road West to Crewe Road North, at around 11.15am on Sunday when he was approached by four male youths. As the man passed the group he was punched in the face. This knocked him to the ground and he was then subject to further attack, with the youths kicking the defenceless man in the head and body.

Following the assault and robbery the gan fled back along Crewe Path to Crewe Road North.

The suspects are all described as white and between 15 and 18-years-old. One is described as being around 5ft 11in tall, with a slim build, and wearing a grey top, while the others are described as being around 5ft 8in tall.

Detective Constable Rachel Robertson said: “While the victim did not suffer any serious injury, he was left extremely shaken as a result of his ordeal, and we are appealing for any information that can assist us in tracing those responsible. Anyone who witnessed the assault, or who was in the area at the time and may have noticed four male youths together, should contact police. If you have any inormation that can assist our enquiries in any way please get in touch.”

Silver surfers: steer clear of online scams

Scotland’s growing legions of ‘silver surfers’ are being warned to be vigilant as cyber criminals look to prey on unsuspecting victims with increasingly cunning online scams. With the numbers of older people using the web and discovering social media channels growing daily, fears are being raised they are becoming the prime targets for internet scammers.

The fraudsters are continually concocting scams to fool unsuspecting web users with many of the cons taking place without the victim being aware, ranging from social networking and financial scams to those relating to online employment or auctions. One smartphone/web-based App set up to highlight the explosion of online scams lists more than 600 different online cons.

The latest warning comes fromthe Scottish Business Crime Centre (SBCC), as part of a new campaign it is fronting to raise awareness of various issues that can place older people at risk of financial harm.

Gary Ritchie, Assistant Director of SBCC, said: “These con men will stop at nothing to shamelessly deceive and swindle internet users out of personal details and money. While many of us have been using the internet for some time and have grown to recognise these types of scam emails, anyone can be caught out as new scams are constantly being designed to trick unwary web surfers into parting with money or personal information.

“The increase in ‘silver surfers’ using the internet as a way of communicating now means that older people are increasingly exposed to these crimes. Older people in particular are prone to falling for emails that appear legitimate because they look like official emails which appear to be from a well known bank or unsolicited mails where the scammer tells of recent disastrous events which have left them stranded, usually in a foreign country with no money and no passport. Sadly these people are frequently conned out of huge sums of money. Crimes against people who perhaps don’t have the same capabilities or support to protect themselves as others is appalling and has no place in Scotland.”

One of the most prominent online scams is ransomware; a category of malicious software which, when run, disables the functionality of a computer in some way. The ransomware program displays a pop-up message demanding payment to restore functionality.

The malware, in effect, holds the computer ransom, the pop-up advises law enforcement has locked the computer and suggests that this is a result of the user viewing indecent images or terrorist sites.

These pop-ups use the logos of recognisedUK forces, including Action Fraud so victims are easily fooled by this con. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid this pop-up and given the number of different gangs operating ransomware scams, a conservative estimate is that over £3 million a year is being extorted from victims, however, the real figure is likely to be much higher.

Chief Inspector Ronnie Megaughin at Police Scotland, also chair of the Adults at Risk from Financial Harm Group, said: “There are a number of factors which require to be present for frauds or scams to be successful and the vulnerability of the victim is at the heart of that equation. While anyone can be duped, those who are most vulnerable within our communities are faced with the greatest risk.”

He added the Keeping People Safe campaign being managed by the Adults at Risk from Financial Harm Group aims to put in place a range of prevention measures necessary to safeguard individuals and reduce criminal opportunity.

As victims are often too embarrassed to report these various internet crimes, authoritative statistics are hard to establish. However, a recent study by Age UK found almost half of the over 60’s questioned said that they had been targeted by a scam last year.

Lindsay Scott, spokesperson for Age Scotland said: “Although today’s pensioners may be mentally sharper than ever, they still make a prime target for con artists because they generally have more disposable income and because they’re usually more trusting, having grown up at a time when things were taken at face value. It’s also true that longer life expectancy has resulted in a growing generation of people in later life who perhaps live alone, are maybe a bit forgetful or simply become confused or frightened by smooth-talking scammers. This combination of not remembering correctly and in many cases, particularly involving men, being unwilling to admit there’s a problem, can make older adults especially vulnerable to this sort of crime.”

A booklet containing information and advice on a variety of scams has been created and produced by The Metropolitan Police Service’s Operation Sterling Team and is available to download for free by visiting http://www.sbcc.org.uk/media/84031/little_book_of_big_scams.pdf

Scam Detector is a smart phone and web-based app available to download for free which exposes more than 600 of the world’s most fraudulent scams.http://scam-detector.com/

The SBCC, which aims to work in partnership with various bodies to create a saferScotland, recently held a conference to establish a blueprint forScotland’s private and public sectors and voluntary organisations to collaborate consistently and effectively to protect those who may be subjected to financial abuse by others.

The SBCC is currently forming a strategic multi agency steering group to provide further advice, guidance and protection around those who are seen as vulnerable in this way through information exchange and early intervention including the development of aScotland against Scams initiative. The group will also consider how to tackle e-related scams and postal scams as part of their ongoing work.

This steering group will consist of representatives from the Scottish Government, Social Work Department, Trading Standards, police, banks, energy and utility companies as well as a variety of other interested organisations.

More information about the Scottish Business Crime Centre and how to become a member can be found atwww.sbcc.org.uk.