Crime – Page 128 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Local car crime alert

An email we received yesterday:

Hi there

I am just emailing you to make you aware of the recent series of car break ins that have been occurring in the West Pilton Avenue area. I was a victim of a car break in and theft last night and I know of at least two more people that have had their cars broken into ( one tonight and one a couple of nights ago). It seems to be the work of a gang of teenage boys from that area.

They stole my bag from my car, a woman’s purse and a mans wallet and do the by smashing in the passenger front window or the drivers window. They seem to carry their thefts out from between 9-12 pm.

I am just informing you of this occurrence of car break ins so that awareness can be raised , so that people take care not to leave any valuables in their car on show or non valuables such as a bag. My bag was not of value but contained my uni work which is of value to me as makes up a large percentage of my coursework marks and its something i can never replace now . They will steal anything that they may suspect to contain anything of value.

I hope that you can raise awareness with this information.

Kind Regards

Diane Baird (by email)

Pilton race attack: four in court

Four youths have been arrested and charged following a racist attack in West Pilton on Tuesday. A 17-year old, two 16-year-olds and a 15-year-old will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today in connection with the incident which took place in West Pilton Terrace.

Inspector David Happs said: “In addition to these arrests, we are continuing with our investigation to trace others believed to be involved. Anyone with information that can assist with these enquiries is asked to come forward immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Witnesses sought to Pilton assault

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault on a man on Crewe Road North last week.

The incident happened on Sunday 2 February between 2.30 – 2.50pm. The 23 year old victim, who is Polish, boarded a number 19 Lothian bus on Queensferry Street and got off at the stop after the Crewe Toll roundabout on Crewe Road Gardens leading to West Pilton Place. It was here that he was assaulted by the suspect, who is believed to have also been on the bus and got off at the same stop.

The victim was wearing a black anorak and black jogging bottoms and the suspect was wearing a light grey top and light blue jeans.

Detective Sergeant Lynsey Thomson from Police Scotland said: “This was an unprovoked attack which left the victim with a broken jaw. Following new information, we believe that passengers onboard the no. 19 and who left the bus at the same time may have witnessed this assault. Anyone with information that may assist with out inquiries is asked to contact police immediately.”

Police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist their inquiries to contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Police seek witnesses to Pilton racist attack

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after two men were subjected to a racist attack in West Pilton Terrace last night (Monday).

Two 18-year-old men, of Arabian and Pakistani ethnicity, were walking home at around 9pm when they reached the junction with West Granton Road. A group of male youths began to shout racial abuse at the pair before throwing rocks and stones at them.

The suspects then chased both victims into their home address before continuing to throw objects at the house, breaking a front window.

Officers are following a positive line of enquiry to identify a number of those believed to be involved in this attack but are urging anyone who can assist with their investigation to come forward.

Inspector David Happs said: “As a result of being struck by rocks, one of the victims suffered an injury to his arm. In addition the property both men share was also damaged and we are undertaking a thorough enquiry to bring those responsible to justice.

“This incident is being treated as racially motivated and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the West Pilton Terrace area on Monday evening and witnessed the disturbance or who saw anything suspicious.

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

“Police Scotland is committed to tackling hate crime in all its forms and the local community can rest assured we are devoting appropriate resources to this investigation and offering all the necessary support to both victims.”

Those with information can contact

Police Scotland on 101

or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Mikaeel: mother charged

The mother of three-year-old Mikaeel Kular has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of her son following the discovery of a body in Kirkcaldy, police said late last night.

Rosdeep Kular, who is 33, was detained on Friday night and has now been charged. She is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow (Monday).

Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham told press that formal identification of a body found late on Friday night had now taken place and that the investigation continued.

Mikaeel’s disappearance from his Ferry Gait Crescent home was reported to police on Thursday morning and sparked off the biggest missing person search ever seen in the city. Hundreds of local volunteers joined the search for the wee boy, and many of them joined together again to attend a packed memorial service at Muirhouse St Andrew’s church.

ACC Graham said late last night: “During the course of today the investigation into the disappearance of Mikaeel Kular has continued at pace.

Following formal identification, I can now confirm that a 33-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with Mikaeel’s death.

“The woman is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.”

He again thanked rescue teams and the public for their help in the search for Mikaeel.

“I would like to again recognise the overwhelming public assistance that Police Scotland have received during the course of this very complex investigation. This includes his family and friends, with whom our thoughts remain,” he said.

ACC Graham said inquiries were continuing, and went on: “I ask that anybody who has any information that they feel would assist the investigation contacts the police.”

A steady stream of people – including many children – continue to leave tributes in the park close to the wee boy’s home:

Trinity housebreaker snared during Operation RAC

Police in Edinburgh have arrested 20 people in the past week in connection with over 50 acquisitive crime offences, including housebreaking as part of the ongoing Operation RAC.

Since Tuesday 7 January 37 housebreaking offences, which took place in the Trinity, Murrayfield, Kirkliston , Grange and city centre areas have been solved and those responsible have been charged or reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

These arrests equate to a 52 per cent solvency rate for all reported housebreakings in Edinburgh over the course of that week.

One of the detected offences relates to the arrest of a 47-year-old man, who was apprehended on Friday 10 January in connection with three break-ins and thefts from addresses in Trinity. A large quantity of jewellery worth £10,000 was recovered and has been returned to its rightful owners.

The man was scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.

Detective Inspector John Kavanagh said: “Officers across Edinburgh have been carrying out various lines of enquiry of the past week to identify those responsible for housebreaking and acquisitive crime throughout the Capital.

“As a result, 20 people have since been subject to police action and we continue to investigate further to bring more offenders to justice as part of Operation RAC.

“While we are delighted with the number of arrests being made in relation to housebreaking, we are committed to stopping the public falling victim in the first instance and we have taken a proactive approach to providing our communities with crime prevention advice if and when it is required.

“Since Operation RAC began, officers in Edinburgh have issued three times as many crime prevention surveys, which help us identify potentially vulnerable areas and in turn provide those within these areas with information and guidance on safeguarding their homes, businesses and possessions.

“Anyone wishing to complete a crime prevention survey, or who would like more information on crime prevention can contact their local policing team.”

Witnesses appeal following Granton Ladbrokes robbery

A police investigation is ongoing following a robbery at a Ladbrokes bookmakers on West Granton Road on Thursday evening.

The incident took place just before 9.30pm when two men walked into the bookmakers and demanded that staff hand over money. A three-figure sum was taken during the incident.

A third suspect is believed to have been in the vicinity at the time of the robbery.

The first suspect is described as white, male, 5ft 9in tall, skinny build, late teens to early 20s, local accent, wearing a dark hooded top, dark scarf covering his face, dark tracksuit bottoms.

The second suspect is described as white, male, 5ft 9in, skinny build, late teens to early 20s, dark clothing with his face covered.

The third suspect is described as white male, 5ft 9in, medium build, wearing a black hooded top with the hood up and grey joggers.

Detective Constable Alison Wyllie said: “This was a terrifying incident for the staff member who was working alone in the premises, and we are keen for anyone who was in the area at the time, or who recognises the description of the suspects to get in touch with police immediately.”

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Witnesses sought to Ferry Road assault

Local police are investigating an assault and robbery which took place on Ferry Road near the Ferry Road Drive junction at around 11.25pm last Friday (20 December).

Detective Constable Sam Gillies, from Edinburgh CID, said: “A 39-year-old man got off a number 37 bus at Ferry Road and crossed towards Ferry Road Drive, where two men were loitering.

“As he approached to pass them one of them demanded his wallet before punching him on the face knocking him to the ground. They both then kicked and punched him on the head and body before stealing money from his pocket.

“The man was left very shaken by the assault but fortunately was not seriously hurt.

“The two suspects are described as white men with Scottish accents aged in their late twenties. One of them was of large build with short hair and the other was of skinny build wearing a grey woollen hat.”

Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time or who saw anyone matching these descriptions loitering there earlier in the night.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101

or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Police launch national campaign to target housebreaking

Police Scotland has today launched a national campaign to tackle housebreaking across the country. Operation RAC will be implemented in various areas throughout Scotland to identify those responsible for break-ins and thefts and bring them to justice.

Since 1 April Police Scotland has provided dedicated resources to communities to tackle crimes of violence, sexual assaults and domestic abuse and as a result, greater numbers of these offences are being reported and solved. During this time, the Force has observed an overall increase of around 4% in housebreaking, with a number of areas reporting greater levels of crime than the national average.

As part of Police Scotland’s commitment to community engagement, housebreaking has been identified as a local priority for certain regions and these divisions will now be provided with additional resources and support to address the issue.

The operation will initially run within Edinburgh, Forth Valley, the Lothians and Scottish Borders, Fife, Highlands and Islands, Aberdeenshire and Moray, Aberdeen city and Lanarkshire. In each location, dedicated policing teams have been created to exclusively investigate housebreakings within homes, outbuildings and businesses and apprehend the individuals responsible.

Housebreaking offences will continue to be monitored throughout Scotland and extra support can be provided to any area requiring a more robust response to tackle this issue.

Throughout Operation RAC, Police Scotland will work closely with partners at COPFS to ensure housebreakers are being appropriately dealt with and removed from communities where possible.

Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson said: “Police Scotland remains committed to keeping people safe and I am delighted with the professionalism and dedication our officers have shown as part of our continued focus towards violence reduction.

“We recently launched our local policing campaign, which provides us with the opportunity to speak with individual communities and identify the issues or concerns specifically affecting their area. As a result, housebreaking has been highlighted as a priority for a number of our divisions and officers in these areas will be taking targeted action to detect anyone involved and deter further offences from occurring.

“We are keen to work not only with our partner agencies, but with our communities to address the issue of housebreaking and crime prevention advice for safeguarding your home, shed, outbuildings and businesses can be found on our website – www.scotland.police.uk

“I say this message directly to those intent on committing housebreakings in Scotland – if you engage in this invasive and distressing form of crime, we will use every resource at our disposal to remove you from our communities and ensure you spend time behind bars.”

Bogus workmen alert

Police in North Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following two bogus caller incidents in the area this week.

An 84-year-old woman was within her home on Bellevue Road on Monday (9 December) at around 10am when two men called at the door offering to carry out maintenance on the property.

After agreeing a fee with the occupants, one of the men left to get equipment while the other man followed the lady into her back garden to retrieve an item.

On going back into the house the victim stopped to lock the backdoor while the man went out into the front. She realised at that time that her purse had been stolen and both men had disappeared.

Both men are described as white, Scottish, with a local accent, around 50 years old, with an average build and 6ft tall. One of the men had a full beard.

In the second incident, an 85-year-old woman was at her home in Davidson Mains on Tuesday (10 December) at around 3.30pm when a man arrived at her door asking if she needed any gardening done. When she refused, the suspect asked if he could come in while waiting for someone. She agreed and whilst in the kitchen area the suspect is believed to have taken her handbag and gone back outside.

The suspect is described as having a tanned complexion, aged late 20’s to early 30’s, possibly sporting a moustache or facial stubble and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a dark winter hat, dark jacket and dark trousers.

Detective Inspector Stuart Harkness from Police Scotland said: “The elderly occupants have been left very upset after having their belongings stolen from within their house. Anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in the Belleview or Davidson Mains area of the city is asked to contact police immediately.

“Bogus workmen normally prey on the most vulnerable members of the community, particular the elderly and our communities are asked to be vigilant for people calling at the doors of neighbours, friends and loved ones.

“Similarly, all members of the public are advised to check the identification of anyone attending at their address seeking to carry out work. If they are not happy with the callers they should refuse them entry and phone the police”.

Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland 101, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.