Tag: Crime

Police launch Operation Summer City

Police have launched their summer campaign to keep people safe throughout the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe 2023.

From Tuesday, 1 August, an enhanced policing presence will be deployed throughout the Capital’s city centre as part of Operation Summer City to engage with the public and offer a range of crime prevention and personal safety advice.

In addition, the dedicated patrols will deter and detect criminal activity and provide public reassurance.

Local officers from across Edinburgh will be supported throughout Operation Summer City by colleagues from neighbouring divisions, as well as a range of national and specialist departments within Police Scotland.

Each day there we be a mobile police station in the High Street, where the public can report any crime or suspicious activity they experience, or receive in-person safety information from the officers working within.

Throughout the duration of the campaign, the Edinburgh Division social media channels will be used to provide crime prevention advice and other guidance aimed at safeguarding the public from harm.

Local residents and visitors to the city alike are asked to follow Police Scotland Edinburgh on Facebook and @PSOSEdinburgh on Twitter.

Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton from Edinburgh Division said: “The Edinburgh Festivals form the largest festival in the world and turns an international spotlight on the Capital. As such, we must ensure that the policing response is adequate and proportionate during this time.

“From 1 August we will have increased foot patrols within the city centre and officers will provide a visible and reassuring presence to all of those who live, work and visit the area over the course of the Festival and Fringe.

“We benefit greatly from our ability to call upon additional resources from across Police Scotland and I am grateful to the officers coming from other local policing divisions and specialisms who will enhance our response capability for Operation Summer City. We also work closely with event organisers to ensure the event spaces are safe and enjoyable for everyone who attends.

“Throughout the duration of the Military Tattoo, there will be an Air Restriction Zone in place around the Castle esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket and Johnstone Terrace.

“The restriction operates from 4pm until midnight between Thursday, 3 August and Saturday, 26 August. This is to ensure the safety of all of the Tattoo performers and attendees and means that unauthorised drone flying within this area is strictly prohibited.

“Despite the population of Edinburgh doubling during the coming weeks, I am confident the Capital will remain a safe place for both tourists and local residents, but nonetheless, I would ask that anyone who sees anything suspicious during their time within the area reports their concerns to police immediately.

“In addition, I’d encourage the public to follow our social media channels so they can stay up to date with all relevant crime prevention and safety information we will be publishing.”

Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton, Operation Summer City Silver Commander, has shared the following message:

https://ow.ly/c34U50PpVsk

#OpSummerCity

Police: Shed and garden security tips

What can I do to stop thieves entering and stealing from my garden?

If you have a garden, it’s the first thing an intruder will have to deal with if they want to break into your house. There are also items in your garden which a thief may wish to steal.

Take some simple steps to secure your garden, shed and garage.

Keep hedges, walls and fences low at the front of your house. Keep this to a maximum of 1.2 metres high. This will make it harder for thieves to go unseen by neighbours or people passing by.

Install locked gates so it’s hard to get into the back or sides.  Rear fences and walls should be a minimum 1.8 to 2 metres in height. Trellis topping or an intruder deterrent strip can make climbing difficult.

Grow aggressive shrubbery to make it hard for intruders to climb through. Ideal plants include berberis, blue spruce, common holly, giant rhubarb, golden bamboo, firethorn, shrub rose, pencil Christmas tree, juniper and rubus (bramble).

Security lighting around your property can act as a deterrent. Ask whether neighbours would see someone with the light. Careful use of lighting will inform you or neighbours if someone is there.

Avoid floodlighting that can cause problems to neighbouring properties.

Make sure waste / recycling bins aren’t in a place which will make them easy to use to step or climb over fences/walls or access windows.

Lock away any garden implements, furniture or tools in a shed, garage or outside store. Items such as ladders can be useful for breaking into your home.

What can I do to protect property in my shed and garage?

  • Photograph valuable items of garden furniture or tools and keep a record of the make, model, colour and serial numbers.
  • Use a UV pen or DNA Marking Kit to security mark your tools or furniture with your house number and postcode
  • Use a chain to lock garden tools and furniture together, ensure the anchor point is securely fixed to the ground or solid structure
  • Fit a good quality hasp and padlock to the door, make sure it is fitted with dome headed or non-returnable screws to prevent tampering
  • Sold Secure or Secured By Design products should be considered
  • Secure windows and don’t let intruders see inside
  • Depending on the type of window, you could consider fitting internal window grills, heavy wire mesh or reinforced glass
  • If a window opens, a window lock should be fitted
  • If you have an intruder alarm, consider extending it to cover sheds, garages and outbuildings. Ensure that there is a visible external sounder box
  • If you do not have a secure shed, don’t leave items lying out bring items inside
  • If your garage joins with your home and there is a through door, it should be to the same security standard as your front or back door, and when not being used you should keep it locked.

Spot the signs of a knock-off

Fake goods are becoming increasingly sophisticated and it’s becoming harder to tell the difference between genuine and fake items.

Some signs to spot include: low prices, poor stitching, low quality fabric, incorrect logos and spelling mistakes.

Got information about fashion dupes?

Speak up, 100% anonymously, to our charity with any information about fake goods or the criminals behind it: https://bit.ly/FakeGoodsCS

Don’t Be Fooled This Summer, warns Metro Bank

A Money Mule Conviction Could Lead to 14 Years in Prison

Metro Bank’s July Scam of the Month is Money Mules. The Bank is highlighting the heavy penalties that consumers will face if they are tempted by the idea of easy money.

“A recent Cifas report[1] highlighted that young people living in London and West Midlands are most at risk of being tempted by this type of crime,” warns Metro Bank’s Head of Fraud & Investigations, Baz Thompson.

“A money mule is someone who transfers money through their bank account on behalf of somebody else and is paid for doing so. “Compound this with the current cost of living crisis and we are anticipating a money mule explosion this summer – largely across social media where money mules are recruited.”

The biggest proponents of money mules are those aged under 25 – possibly because they are recruited via social media – one of the key platforms for this type of crime. It is also concerning that there has been an increase in young people aged 14-18 being approached to use their bank accounts for money muling.

They are offered money in exchange for sharing their legitimate bank account details so scammers can use their account to move money earned from illegal activity. Alternatively, money launderers use their account to begin the process of “cleaning money” to hide that it has come from illegal activity.

The Cifas report also revealed that four out of five people do not realise that, by being rewarded for sharing their personal financial information, they are committing a crime.

At worst, money muling carries fines and up to a 14-year prison sentence; but, even at its best, people who get involved can seriously damage their credit scores. This means they could struggle to get a phone contract, loan, mortgage and even negatively impact any future employment. 

They will also be added to the National Fraud Database, which means they can be denied access to a bank account in the future.

Some people are duped into this illegal activity, so knowing the warning signs can help you identify mule herders and avoid falling for their tricks. 

Look out for 

  • Contact from someone you do not know trying to befriend you – especially online or in a messaging app.
  • Someone you have met online offering deals that sound too good to be true. 
  • Job offers for quick and easy money with no experience necessary. 
  • Anyone who asks to transfer money to your bank account for you to pass on to someone else.
  • Someone who wants to buy a valuable item from you and insists on paying by bank transfer. 

How to help protect yourself

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Here are some tips to protect yourself:

  • Never accept money into your account if you do not know where it is from.
  • Never share your bank details, contact details, or personal details with someone you do not know.
  • If you are job hunting research all job offers and investigate the company behind the offer and stick to well-known sites for job searches – do not apply for jobs that are only advertised on social media.
  • Take a look at the Take Five campaign which focuses on Stop, Challenge and Protect `
  • If you are a parent or guardian, then please raise awareness about money muling with your children to help protect them.

If you have been contacted:

  • If you think you have been contacted by a mule herder, ensure that you stop transferring money. Contact your bank who can help you. You can also contact the police or the charity Crimestoppers online or by calling them on 0800 555 111 anonymously.
  • There is a wealth of information which UK Finance and Cifas have collated and is available at www.moneymules.co.uk

Baz Thompson concludes: “Don’t be fooled this summer and risk your financial future by making some easy money that in the long run could cost you dearly, negatively impact your future, lead to problems applying for any credit and may even curtail your freedom.”

[1] Cifas Money Mule Landscape

Lengthy jail term for Edinburgh rapist

A 23-year-old man has been jailed for nine and a half years, with a further three years extended sentence, for a series of rapes and sexual assaults against five women in Tayside and Edinburgh between 2015 and 2020.

Logan Doig was sentenced yesterday (Monday, 10 July, 2023) at the High Court in Glasgow, having been found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh last month.

Detective Inspector Gordon Patullo said: “We acknowledge the sentencing of Doig, who will now face the consequences of his deplorable behaviour.

“I hope today’s verdict will allow the victims some form of closure and enable them to move forward in their lives.

“This should also send a clear message to others that any type of sexual or violent abuse will not be tolerated. We treat all reports of sexual crime seriously, with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity, and we will thoroughly investigate in order to bring perpetrators of such crimes to justice.

“Anyone with any concerns or information can report them to police by calling 101 or calling Crimestoppers, where anonymity can be obtained, on 0800 555 111.”

Edinburgh rapist jailed for seven years

A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for raping a woman in Edinburgh in August, 2020.

Christopher Pringle was convicted in Edinburgh on Friday, 12 May, 2023 and was sentenced at the High Court yesterday .He has also been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “Pringle’s behaviour was despicable, and he will now face the consequences of his actions.

“It is my sincere hope the courage shown in this case will reassure all victims of sexual violence that they can come forward, no matter how much time has passed, and report it to police. Be assured, we will fully investigate, and you will be supported by officers and our partner agencies.

“This case was brought to conclusion by the Divisional Rape Investigation Unit, a specialist unit dedicated to robustly and sensitively investigate cases of this nature, bringing perpetrators to justice and supporting victims and their families.”

As thefts rise, charity Crimestoppers asks: ‘Who is pedalling bike theft?’

As the weather hots up and cycling becomes ever more popular, criminals are increasingly turning their attention to the lucrative profits to be made from stolen bikes and bike parts.

Whether you are hitting the trails, working, enjoying a long ride or storing your bike at home, the charity is reminding you to secure your bike and urge the public to speak up 100% anonymously about who’s behind the thefts.

In 2020/21, the number of bike thefts in Scotland rose again to 5,470 – an 18.9% increase on the previous year.

That’s why over the busy summer months, Crimestoppers’ bike theft campaign will equip the public and partners with simple information on how to secure and register your bike. The campaign will encourage those who know about those involved in bike theft to speak up 100% anonymously.

Angela Parker, National Manager for Crimestoppers Scotland, said: ‘Scotland is a fantastic country for cycling and more than ever people are hitting the trails. Sadly, the joy can be taken out of cycling with bikes stolen from gardens, sheds or left unattended.

“Our campaign in partnership with Scotland’s cycling organisations will hopefully protect more bikes from theft and decrease the criminal proceeds from the sale of often expensive stolen bikes and parts.”

You can give information 100% anonymously via our secure online form at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phone on 0800 555 111.

Superintendent Claire Dobson from Police Scotland said: “Bikes play a key part in many people’s lives whether they are using them as part of their employment, commuting to work or purely for pleasure. When these are stolen the impact can be significant.

“Police Scotland is delighted to support this campaign and I would urge the public who have information on this crime to anonymously contact charity Crimestoppers. Please do take all the necessary steps to secure your bike, a range of useful crime prevention advice is available on our website at www.scotland.police.uk. “

For more advice on how to protect your bike, visit Bike Register, where you can join the UK’s national, police-approved, bicycle marking & registration scheme:

Advice: bikeregister.com/advice/top-tips-to-protect-your-bike.

“Disgrace”: Eight in ten Edinburgh housebreakings go unsolved

Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has warned that SNP mismanagement has left policing in Edinburgh at breaking point as new figures reveal the majority of housebreakings go unsolved.

Latest recorded crime statistics show that in 2022-23 there were 1449 housebreakings recorded in the City of Edinburgh. In the same year a shocking 80 per cent of housebreakings were not cleared up.

A crime or offence is regarded as “cleared up” where there exists a sufficiency of evidence under Scots law to justify consideration of criminal proceedings – meaning the majority of housebreakings in Edinburgh have gone unsolved.

Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has said these figures expose the pressure policing in the City of Edinburgh is under, and warned the SNP-Green government against cuts in the area.


Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said: “The revelation that 8 out of 10 housebreakings in Edinburgh remain unsolved is nothing short of a disgrace.

“These shocking figures reveal the pressure police in Edinburgh are under, with years of SNP mismanagement pushing services to breaking point.

“Housebreaking can cause its victims both financial loss and serious distress, and it will add insult to injury that so many perpetrators get off scot-free.

“It is high time for our government to prioritise public safety, allocate adequate funding, and ensure that police have the resources they need to tackle crime and keep our city safe.

“The residents of Edinburgh deserve better.”

Recorded crime 2022-23 – housebreakings:

Housebreakings2022-23% Not Cleared Number /10 not cleared 
Scotland879674.57
Aberdeen City34759.46
Aberdeenshire168758
Angus16061.96
Argyll & Bute6873.57
Clackmannanshire6785.19
Dumfries & Galloway194667
Dundee City43468.77
East Ayrshire17071.27
East Dunbartonshire11369.97
East Lothian22866.77
East Renfrewshire12980.68
Edinburgh, City of144980.38
Falkirk23180.58
Fife63866.97
Glasgow City122379.78
Highland25967.27
Inverclyde14569.77
Midlothian20182.18
Moray12265.67
Na h-Eileanan Siar4253
North Ayrshire18770.17
North Lanarkshire56176.88
Orkney Islands5404
Perth & Kinross217707
Renfrewshire19178.58
Scottish Borders16683.18
Shetland Islands8758
South Ayrshire17065.97
South Lanarkshire38876.88
Stirling12477.48
West Dunbartonshire14679.58
West Lothian28379.58

SourSource:ce https://www.gov.scot/publications/recorded-crime-scotland-2022-23/

Schools face summer crime spike

Schools in Scotland are being warned to take precautions amid fears of a rise in crime over the summer holidays.

As many schools across the country prepare to close their doors for the summer holidays, specialist insurer Ecclesiastical says schools will be an attractive target for criminals over the coming months.  

Ecclesiastical is encouraging residents in Scotland who live near local schools to be vigilant this summer and report any unusual or suspicious activity they notice on school grounds.

Ecclesiastical reports schools have been targeted over the summer months including vandalism, arson, break-ins, smashed windows, theft of lead from roofs and stolen laptops.

Amid high inflation, soaring prices and more facing economic hardship, there are worries there will be a large spike in criminal activity.

Faith Kitchen, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Schools are far more vulnerable during the summer holidays when school buildings are closed and largely unoccupied, tempting opportunists.

“With high inflation and the cost of living crisis, it is more important than ever that schools take steps to protect their premises from offenders. There are a number of measures schools can take to better secure school property and assets, which would ideally be a combination of both physical and electronic protection.

“Fencing around the perimeter can often offer a good first line of defence against unwanted visitors, while CCTV can act as a visual deterrent for those not wanting to be caught on camera.

“Vigilance from the local community can be a huge help. We urge those who live near schools to be vigilant this summer and report any unusual or suspicious activity they notice on school grounds.” 

How to protect schools in Scotland this summer

  • Ensure CCTV systems have remote 24/7 monitoring services. Monitoring and alerting the police is far more effective than tracing criminals after a crime has taken place.
  • Install remotely monitored intruder alarms and change alarm security codes and passwords on a regular basis.
  • Install security lighting systems that have motion sensors to detect body movements.
  • Restrict access to school premises. Well-designed perimeter security such as walls, fences and electric security gates, and anti-climb paint help to prevent people from getting onto school sites.
  • Restrict vehicular access to the school site. Locate any designated parking as far from the school building as possible. The further thieves have to travel on foot the greater the risk of detection.
  • Use security marking systems such as SmartWater which can help with successful prosecution of thieves.
  • Ask the local community near your school to be vigilant and report any unusual or suspicious activity they notice on school grounds.
  • Inform neighbourhood watch schemes / police liaison officers of planned work over the holidays as thieves might pose as contractors.
  • Seek advice. Specialist insurers can offer advice and expertise to help schools manage security risks. Insurers can offer a combination of onsite and remote risk management services including security assessments and advice, alongside broader property protection and building valuation services.

Ecclesiastical Insurance offers a range of risk management support and guidance to help schools manage the risks they face.

For more information, visit the Hub for Education.

Meadows assault on Saturday: Police appeal for information

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was assaulted in the city.

The incident happened around 3.10pm on Saturday (17 June, 2023) on Leamington Walk in the Meadows area and involved a cyclist and another member of the public.

A 40-year-old man was taken to hospital and released after treatment.

Detective Constable Michael Campbell said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to come forward.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 2617 of 17 June, 2023. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”