Tag: Crime

UK Government finds another £100 million for new crackdown on people smuggling gangs

SMALL BOAT CROSSINGS AT RECORD LEVELS

Dangerous criminal gangs profiting from deadly small boats crossings will face a major new crackdown following a £100 million investment in border security.

The funding will pay for up to 300 extra National Crime Agency officers (NCA), state-of-the art detection technology and new equipment to smash the networks putting lives at risk in the Channel.

The investment will see the Border Security Command, the NCA, the police and other law enforcement agency partners receive a significant cash injection to strengthen investigations targeting smuggling kingpins and disrupt their operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and beyond.

The package of up to £100 million will boost existing law enforcement operations and allow more intelligence to be gathered on organised immigration crime gang members, support upstream capacity building, purchase sophisticated technology and equipment to strengthen UK border security and disrupt the people-smuggling gangs.   

The investment will build on the recent successes under existing funding, including the arrest and prosecution of major smuggling gang kingpins, the seizure of over 600 small boats and engines, and the disruption of a further 351 criminal gangs through the work of the NCA.

It comes as the NCA announced their biggest people-smuggling raid and seizure of boat engines in Bulgaria last week – showing the impact increased international law enforcement operations can have.

The comprehensive funding package will include:

  • Funding to support the new pilot of the ‘one-in, one-out’ returns agreement between the UK and France, which for the first time will see migrants who arrive illegally on small boats returned to France.
  • An uplift in NCA staff of up to 300 personnel focused on intelligence targeting crime gang members.
  • New state-of-the-art technology and equipment for the detection and disruption of organised immigration crime, including hi-tech surveillance capabilities, and AI-assisted intelligence and data analysis tools.
  • Funding to support the implementation of extended police powers to seize and download digital devices to gather evidence and intelligence, announced under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.
  • Funding for the recently-established Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce, which is driving law enforcement operations targeting the elements of organised immigration crime activity operating out of the UK, from the facilitation of boat crossings to the running of modern slavery networks.
  • Funding to intensify illegal working enforcement by increasing overtime for ICE teams, enabling more premium-time deployments, funding redeployment of officers to high-risk regions, boosting intelligence generation, and supporting sanctions teams to target non-compliant employers—delivering rapid operational uplift without requiring new permanent staff.
  • And funding to support a series of interventions upstream as well as intensified efforts in transit countries across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia to target organised immigration crime, disrupt human trafficking and the supply of dangerous small boat equipment, while also continuing to correct the lies peddled by criminal gangs to would-be migrants.

The investment will also support the new powers that will be introduced when the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill becomes law, which will include the introduction of a UK-wide offence to criminalise the creation and publication of online material that promotes a breach of immigration law, such as the advertisement of small boat crossings on social media. 

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “For six years, the small boat smuggling gangs were allowed to embed their criminal trade along our coast, and have shown a ruthless ability to adapt their tactics and maximise their profits, no matter how many lives they put at risk. They must not be allowed to get away with this vile crime.

“That is why this government has developed a serious and comprehensive plan to dismantle their business model, from disrupting their supply chains across the European continent to clamping down on their illegal working operations here in the UK.

“In the last twelve months, we have set the foundations for this new and much stronger law enforcement approach – establishing the new Border Security Command, strengthening the National Crime Agency and UK police operations, increasing Immigration Enforcement, introducing new counter terror style powers in our Border Security Bill, and establishing cooperation agreements with Europol and other countries.

“Now this additional funding will strengthen every aspect of our plan, and will turbo-charge the ability of our law enforcement agencies to track the gangs and bring them down, working with our partners overseas, and using state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

“Alongside our new agreements with France, this will help us drive forward our Plan for Change commitments to protect the UK’s border security and restore order to our immigration system.”

National Crime Agency Director General of Operations Rob Jones said: “The NCA focuses on making the biggest impact on organised crime groups behind these lethal crossings.

“We currently have 91 investigations ongoing into the most dangerous people smuggling networks impacting the UK, and are working with partners at home and abroad to target, disrupt and dismantle them.

“This additional funding will help boost our capacity and capability, enabling us to target more offenders.”

The NCA has reported that, in the 2024/25 financial year, it achieved 351 NCA-led disruptions of organised immigration crime networks and activity – its highest level on record – and a 40 percent increase on the previous financial year.

That included 56 high-impact NCA-led disruptions, which meant that those particular investigations led to the prosecution and disruption of those directly responsible for committing the crimes, and resulted in a significant and/or long term impact on the capability of the organised crime group involved.

These new measures fall within government’s Plan for Change.

The government says it is ”restoring order to the immigration system, including the introduction of new legislation under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, tougher enforcement powers, ramping up returns to their highest levels for more than half a decade and a major crackdown on illegal working to end the false promise of jobs used by gangs to sell spaces on boats’. 

‘It builds on the work this government has already undertaken to restore order to the immigration system, surging enforcement action against illegal migration, with a 50% increase in arrests of those caught working illegally, returning 35,000 people with no right to be in the UK, and imposing tougher sanctions against gang ring leaders, key intermediaries and suppliers of people-smuggling equipment.‘

Six years for ‘terrorist’ teenager who planned to attack Edinburgh school

Felix Winter, aged 18 years, has been sentenced to six years in prison for Terrorism offences, at the High Court in Glasgow.

The court heard Winter committed the offences between June 2022 and July 2023, when he was aged between 15 and 16. Winter had made known to others ‘desire and plans to carry out acts of violence involving firearms, explosive devices and poison against pupils and teachers at the school’.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said: “This was an extremely complex and fast-moving investigation, and I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the diligence and hard work of the officers who worked tirelessly to gather the evidence and bring the perpetrator to justice.

“The inquiry also underlines the advantages of working closely in partnership as part of the Prevent programme, which promotes early intervention through tailored, diversionary support to individuals who may be susceptible to supporting or committing terrorism to help keep our communities safe.”

Councillor convicted of sexual offences against a teenage girl

David Graham, a former Labour Party councillor, was found guilty yesterday (23 July, 2025), following a trial at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

The offences took place at various locations in Fife and Edinburgh between February and August, 2023.

The Fife councillor, who was suspended by the Labour Party two years ago, will be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Inspector Graham Watson said: “Graham is a manipulative individual who groomed and sexually abused his teenage victim.

“He was well-known and in a position of power when the offending took place.

“I would like to thank the female for her assistance in bringing him to justice.

“We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual crime and would encourage anyone affected to report it.

“Every report is taken seriously and will be fully investigated, no matter how much time has passed, with support from our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”

UK Drivers Warned Over ‘Crash-for-Cash’ Scams

LEGAL EXPERT REVEALS THE TACTICS

Motorists across the UK are being urged to stay vigilant as “crash-for-cash” scams continue to rise – with fraudsters deliberately causing rear-end collisions to cash in on bogus insurance claims.

According to the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), over 170,000 claims linked to suspected crash-for-cash incidents have been made in recent years – costing the UK industry hundreds of millions and pushing up premiums for honest drivers.

Legal expert Adam Jones from HD Claims warns that these staged accidents are often designed to make innocent drivers look responsible, particularly by slamming on brakes in congested traffic or at roundabouts.

“Many of these scams are carefully choreographed to leave you thinking you were at fault,” says Jones. “You may feel you were too close or distracted, but in reality, the collision was intentional. It’s financial exploitation – and in some cases, extremely dangerous.”

Telltale signs you’re being set up for a rear-end scam:

  • The other car’s brake lights are faulty or deliberately disabled
  • The driver is erratic, braking sharply or hesitating at junctions
  • The car is full of passengers – who all later claim whiplash
  • The other driver tries to talk you out of calling the police
  • They provide pre-written insurance details or urge you to use their “preferred” repair garage.

Other roadside scams to watch out for in 2025:

  • False damage claims: Fraudsters may claim you scraped their car in a car park, showing fake dents or photos from a previous incident.
  • Staged pedestrian accidents: A person may jump in front of your slow-moving car to fake injury.
  • Vehicle obstruction thefts: Drivers are blocked in by a second car while someone tries to steal valuables from the passenger side.
  • Fake breakdown helpers: In remote areas, con artists may offer help then demand cash or card payment on the spot.

What to do if you suspect a scam:

  • Stay calm and don’t admit fault at the scene
  • Photograph everything – car positions, damage, number plates, road signs, passengers
  • Call the police if anything feels suspicious
  • Never accept cash offers or sign anything without checking it first
  • Report it to your insurer and the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) Cheatline

“Crash-for-cash fraud doesn’t just cost drivers money – it can cause injury, anxiety, and serious legal consequences,” Adam Jones adds.

“If something feels off, document everything and get legal advice immediately.”

Clifton Terrace assault: Police release CCTV image

Police have released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation into a serious assault in Edinburgh that took place on Clifton Terrace around 12am on Sunday, 2 February 2025.

Serious assault on Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh

The man in the image is described as white, in his late 20s to mid-30s and of slim build. He was wearing a dark blue jacket, black jogging bottoms, white trainers, a black Adidas rucksack and a dark coloured baseball cap.

Detective Sergeant Mark Asquith said: “We would encourage this man, anyone who may recognise him, or anyone with information about this incident to get in touch.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0034 of 2 February 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Man arrested and charged following Calder Road drugs recovery

A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged following the recovery of drugs with an estimated street value in excess of £347,760, in South West Edinburgh.

Around 12pm on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, officers acting on information received searched a flat in Calder Road where they found a cannabis cultivation.

The man was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

UK and France agree ‘major deal’ to crack down on illegal Channel crossings

The Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to take forward a groundbreaking partnership to address illegal Channel crossings and dismantle the people smuggling networks.

A new pilot scheme will see small boat arrivals being returned to France then an equal number of migrants will be able to come to the UK from France through a new legal route – fully documented and subject to strict security checks.

The pilot agreement is intended to prevent illegal migrant journeys across Europe to the UK and prevent dangerous small boat crossings, helping to undermine the business model of organised gangs profiting from people’s misery by showing others these journeys could result in them being returned back to France – ultimately saving lives.

Both countries are working to implement the pilot in the coming weeks, and, once in force, migrants who cross the Channel by small boat can be detained and removed.

The Prime Minister has made it a priority to reset relationships across Europe and the government is now unlocking, for the first time, the levels of co-operation needed to deliver new and bold approaches to tackle organised immigration crime.

The French government are working to implement new ways of cracking down on small boats, including a review of their maritime tactics so their operational teams can intervene on the water, ensuring taxi boats that pickup migrants waiting in the water can be stopped.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This ground-breaking deal is a crucial further step in turning the tide on illegal small boat crossings and restoring order to our immigration system.

“For the first time illegal migrants will be sent back to France – targeting the heart of these gangs’ business model and sending a clear message that these life-threatening journeys are pointless.

“By resetting our relationships across Europe we’ve made levels of co-operation possible never seen before. This is about grip not gimmicks, and what serious government looks like – taking down these criminal enterprises piece by piece as we secure our borders through my Plan for Change.”

The Home Secretary hosted her French counterpart, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, in Downing Street yesterday. The ministers discussed the work being done both internationally and domestically to prevent illegal migration, including issues like clamping down on illegal working and increasing removals of those with no right to be here.

Since the government came into power, Immigration Enforcement have increased illegal working activity by 51%, with 10,031 visits leading to 7,130 arrests, and will soon undertake a major nationwide blitz targeting illegal working hotspots, focusing on the gig economy and migrants working as delivery riders.

The UK will go further by changing the law to support a clampdown on illegal working in the gig economy. New biometric kits will be rolled out for Immigration Enforcement teams so they can do on-the-spot checks.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Dangerous small boats in our Channel undermine our border security and put lives at risk.

“That is why we are so determined to work with France to go after the criminal smuggler gangs, to undermine their business model, to begin returns and to prevent boat crossings.

“This new pilot agreement with France is extremely important and allows us for the first time to return people who have paid to travel here illegally, and will sit alongside our wider joint enforcement action, including disrupting supply chains to seize boats and engines, shutting down social media accounts, and targeting finances.

“Since last summer, we have returned over 30,000 people with no right to be in the UK and a major surge in immigration enforcement activity, with a 51% increase in the number of illegal working arrests.

“We are building the foundations of a new and stronger approach to protecting our border security.”

Under the new UK-France pilot, any asylum claim submitted by a migrant who has crossed the Channel will be considered for inadmissibility and, if declared inadmissible, the Home Office will organise readmission of the individual to France.

For those coming to the UK legally, an individual in France will submit an Expression of Interest application to the new route and the Home Office will make a decision once they have undergone biometric checks. Anyone who had arrived by small boat and returned to France will not be eligible for the legal route to the UK.

The innovative approach will be tested first before being gradually ‘ramped up’.

Heritage attractions in Scotland urged to take steps to prevent crime

  • Specialist insurer recommends heritage property owners take security steps this summer
  • Caution urged after 2024 survey reveals nine in ten heritage properties affected by crime
  • Clackmannan Tower a victim of graffiti attack in April 2025 and Kilwinning Abbey damaged in August 2024

Specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical is urging heritage sites in Scotland to take steps to prevent being a victim of crime ahead of a bumper summer for UK tourism.

Last year Ecclesiastical carried out a survey of 500 heritage decision makers and found 92% of heritage organisations have suffered crime between 2023-24.

These included incidents of anti-social behaviour, physical abuse towards staff and volunteers from visitors, theft of metal, damage by vehicles, and theft of oil.

In some instances, these attacks on heritage properties led to closures – with over a third (35%) saying they were forced to close their doors as a result.

With tourism set to generate £33.7 billion [i]in spending in 2025, heritage properties, grappling with rising costs, are relying on the busy summer season to secure essential funds. Any enforced closures threaten their ability to do so, putting their future at risk.

Earlier this year VisitBritain published their forecast, based on International Passenger Survey (IPS) data, of tourists visiting the UK and estimated an increase in numbers from 2024, from 41.2 million visits to 43.4 million visits (5% growth) this year.

Ahead of the summer, when many of the UK’s heritage sites will welcome visitors, Ecclesiastical is encouraging heritage property managers to take precautions.

Laura Carter, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “As the UK’s leading insurer of Grade I listed buildings, we’re passionate about protecting Britain’s heritage. In recent years we’ve seen thefts from heritage properties increase – causing damage to items and places of real historical significance.

“There are a number of measures heritage organisations can take to better secure property and assets, which would ideally be a combination of both physical and electronic protection. Our guidance has been developed by our risk management experts and we hope it will encourage heritage property owners and managers to review the measures in place to help protect their properties from future attacks.”

In the UK, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) work with Historic England and members of Alliance to Reduce Crime Against Heritage (ARCH) to tackle the threat of heritage crime. Ecclesiastical works alongside the partnership to provide valuable insight in the fight against crime.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Nolan, National Policing Lead for Heritage and Cultural Property Crime, said: “Stealing from or damaging any historic buildings or cultural sites is abhorrent. They are attacks on both our national and local heritage and can cause irreplaceable damage.

“We are committed to tackling this issue and our heritage crime officers across the country will continue to work with partners to reduce offending and raise awareness about the long-lasting damage heritage crime can have.”

Ecclesiastical recommends heritage property owners take practical steps to protect themselves, including:

  • Try to locate portable valuable items away from the building perimeter, as far from external doors and windows as possible. The further into a property thieves have to go, the longer it will take them and the greater the risk of detection.
  • Where valuables are out on display to members of the public, house them in security designed attack resistant display cabinets. Laminated/security glazing should be used and cabinet frames, locks and hinges should be designed to resist physical attacks.
  • If virtual tours of a property are included on websites avoid including the location of electronic security measures, such as intruder alarm and CCTV systems, which could be used to inform a planned attack.
  • Review perimeter security arrangements. Restrict vehicular access to the site and locate any designated parking as far from the main property as possible. The further thieves have to travel on foot the greater the risk of detection and the less they can carry away with them.
  • Watch out for visitors acting suspiciously. Behaviour such as walking speedily through some rooms but lingering in front of particular exhibits; studying nearby windows and doors; looking for electronic security measures such as closed-circuit television and intruder alarm detectors may be indicative of attack planning
  • Electronic security measures should be reviewed alongside physical security arrangements. Consider the installation of an intruder alarm system to aid early detection of unauthorised access if not already fitted. Where fitted review existing coverage to ensure the system adequately covers potential access points into the property and target areas where there is a concentration of valuables.

For more information visit www.ecclesiastical.com/riskmanagement.

Organised crime feud: More arrests

TWO further arrests have been made in connection with Operation Portaledge, the investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country. This brings the total number of arrests to 52.

On Thursday, 3 July, 2025, police arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with wilful fire-raising to two vehicles on Campion Road and Niddrie Marischal Crescent in Edinburgh on 9 June, 2025. He was released pending further enquiries. This is the second arrest in connection with this incident.

On Friday, 4 July, 2025, around 9.50am, officers executed a warrant in Blantyre and arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with an attempted murder in Pitcairn Grove, Edinburgh on Friday 22 May, 2025. This is the third arrest in connection with this incident.

The 49-year-old has also been arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences.

He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 7 July, 2025.

Spotlight on dangerous and illegal use of off-road bikes across Scotland

The charity Crimestoppers Scotland has launched a new campaign appealing for information about the dangerous and illegal use of off-road motorbikes and other mechanically propelled bikes across Scotland.

There has been rising concerns and reports from communities across Scotland over the illegal use of off-road bikes and other mechanically propelled bikes including mopeds, e-bikes and e-scooters.

Complaints often centre around off-road bikes becoming a threat to the public as the bikes are ridden recklessly in residential areas, town centres, on pavements and in green spaces – with no concern from the riders for their own safety or that of the public.

Crimestoppers spoke to people in Scotland who has been directly affected by dangerous and illegal use of off-road bikes:

  • A Farmer in Dumfries told us his fields had been ripped up overnight, costing thousands in repairs and increased security costs.
  • An elderly lady in Edinburgh almost stepped in front of a bus to prevent a bike on the pavement from crashing into her.
  • In February Whinhill Golf Club in Greenock experienced extensive damage to the greens and fairways.
Angela Parker

Angela Parker, National Manager, Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “We heard from many people who felt scared and threatened by the increased use of illegal off-road bikes. This illegal activity also damages the environment and heritage, taking years to recovers and costing thousands to repair.

“Our campaign aims to support communities in reporting anonymously to our charity and providing information on where people can safely and legally enjoy riding their bike.”

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, said: “I’m pleased to support this important campaign.

“Using off-road vehicles illegally is dangerous, anti-social and can cause huge disruption to residents in local communities as well as causing damage to parks, playing fields and the natural environment.

Crimestoppers enables individuals to report crime anonymously and these reports help the police to tackle this crime. Together, we can make a real difference.”

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “These bikes are causing untold damage and misery in our community, damaging public and private property and leaving residents feeling scared and intimidated, which is simply unacceptable.

“Areas like Grieve Road have been particularly affected by the rise in off-road bikes and the course at Whinhill Golf Club, which the council owns, has also been damaged so there is a cost to the taxpayers to repair the fairways and greens, not to mention the inconvenience caused for golfers and staff.

“As with most things, the authorities need the help of the public to tackle this problem by reporting illegal and anti-social activity and Crimestoppers is a way in which people can do that and do it completely anonymously.”

Useful information includes:

  • Who is riding them illegally and what they were wearing?
  • The names of those responsible for putting the public and themselves in danger.
  • Where are they being stored?
  • The exact location, date and time the bike/s were seen?
  • Anything distinctive: colour, make, number plate details.

If you own or ride an off-road bike or other mechanically propelled bike, (that includes e-bikes and e-scooters), you must ensure that you comply with UK law. Our campaign webpage gives useful information on all manner of bikes.

To pass on information about the illegal use of off-road bikes completely anonymously, visit the Crimestoppers website (Crimestoppers-uk.org). You can fill in a safe and secure form or you can call the 24/7 UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. Young people can also report crime via the charity’s youth service website Fearless.org.

Please note: With Crimestoppers-uk.org and Fearless.org, computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted them.

For telephone calls to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.