Tag: Crime

PM sets out support package for Southport

Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with local leaders in Southport today to confirm a package of support for the local community, following the appalling killings and violent disorder that rocked the area earlier this week.

The package will equip local leaders and agencies so that the right support is in place for victims, ensure the needs of bereaved families are at the heart of the response, and drive longer term efforts to bring the community together. 

During his visit to Southport the prime minister took part in a meeting with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy and other leaders drawn from local policing, faith groups, healthcare providers and voluntary and education sectors, where they discussed next steps and the importance of working together to help Southport recover from these horrific events. The Prime Minister also travelled to Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool to thank staff for their hard work and enduring professionalism.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “As a nation, we stand with those who tragically have lost loved ones in the heinous attack in Southport, which ripped through the very fabric of this community and left us all in shock.

“It is truly inspiring to hear of all the ways in which people have come together in the face of such horrors to demonstrate true bravery, resilience and solidarity.

“I cannot begin to imagine the pain that people are going through right now, but I am determined to make sure that Southport and its leaders have all the support they need to preserve and nurture this strength of community spirit – not just in the immediate aftermath, but also in the years to come.”

Government and local partners are working together to coordinate a comprehensive multi-agency support offer for bereaved families and all those affected across Southport – this could include access to vital mental health and psychological services; effective communication with those affected; and a programme of engagement with the community on how to best recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the horrific events.

In order to support the long term recovery of the area, government will work with local partners on new ways to equip local leaders to help bolster community cohesion and build local resilience, including by setting up a programme of local community events and activities to help bring people together and create long lasting support networks drawing from local schools, businesses, faith groups, sports clubs and other key partners.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: “The horrendous events of Tuesday have caused untold shock and horror across the whole country but has left Southport struggling to come to terms with such a tragedy on its doorstep.

“Once the glare of the national media has moved on, it leaves behind a community that needs to come together and rebuild. This is a tight knit area and we have already seen that inclusivity and community on full display in the town’s response to the mindless violence on Tuesday night.

I”t will not happen overnight, but we are determined to restore trust, build on that remarkable resilience – and, above all, ensure that Bebe, Elsie and Alice, and the victims and those traumatised, are never forgotten.

“On behalf of the Liverpool City Region, I’d like to thank the Prime Minister for the personal commitment he has given to supporting Southport through this extraordinarily difficult time.”

The package will also help support local leaders’ efforts to honour the memory of those tragically killed or injured, working with schools and others affected to commemorate them in line with the local community’s wishes. 

It comes alongside extensive care delivered through the NHS for anyone affected by the terrible incidents, including specialist psychological and bereavement support services tailored to individuals’ needs and access to 24/7 crisis support.

Local hospitals and healthcare services delivering support to victims, bereaved families and other people affected are also being provided with advice in order to make sure staff are best equipped to give people the help and expert care they need.

Today’s measures follow wider efforts by government to prevent further violence and unrest on our streets through a new National Violent Disorder Programme. This will bring together expert policing capabilities from across the country, drive better intelligence sharing and deploy innovative technologies more effectively to stamp out criminal behaviour and bring those responsible for violence to justice.

Government will continue to work closely with community leaders over the weeks and months ahead to ensure people, businesses and the local economy all receive ongoing support in order to drive recovery and local growth, including sustaining Southport’s thriving tourism sector and cultural attractions.

Police launch Operation Summer City 2024

Police in Edinburgh have today launched their annual campaign to keep people safe throughout the Edinburgh International Festival 2024.

Operation Summer City launches on Friday, 2 August, to coincide with the beginning of The Festival and will be in effect for the duration of the four-week event, which includes the Fringe, Book Festival, Art Festival and Film Festival.

Edinburgh’s population is expected to double to around one million people throughout August and an enhanced policing resource will be in place to engage with

As part of Operation Summer City, local officers from Edinburgh will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring divisions. National and specialist departments within Police Scotland will also be deployed to provide additional support and assistance.

Throughout Operation Summer City, Edinburgh Division’s social media channels will be used to offer a range of advice and guidance aimed at keeping people safe. The public should follow Police Scotland Edinburgh Division on Facebook and @PSOSEdinburgh on Twitter to view these messages.

Chief Inspector Paul Gillespie from Edinburgh Division said: “Edinburgh during the Festival is one of the most exciting places in the entire world and we want to ensure all of those enjoying the festivities remain safe throughout. 

“Over one million people will be within the Capital throughout August and those visiting the city-centre can expect to see a high-visibility police presence who are happy to speak with the public to address any issues they may have, as well as to respond to any reports of crime arising.

“To enhance our presence and ability to respond to any incidents occurring, we will have our mobile police station set up in Cockburn Street and anyone wishing to speak face-to-face with an officer is welcome to drop-in during the station’s opening hours.

“We want everyone to have an enjoyable, memorable and safe Festival and rest assured, we are doing everything we can to maintain Edinburgh’s status as one of Europe’s safest cities to live, work and visit.”

Police issue CCTV appeal following serious assault in Frederick Street

Police have released images of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their investigation into a serious assault in the city centre on Sunday, 7 July

The assault on the 32-year-old man took place around 3.25am on Frederick Street. The victim was was taken to hospital for treatment.

The man police want to trace is described as a white male, in his early 20’s and of slim build with short dark hair.

He was wearing a white t-shirt with a grey jumper tied round his waist, light blue jeans and white trainers.

Detective Constable Rebecca Curtis said: “We 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 0669 of 7 July. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Four arrested after police chase

Around 1.15pm yesterday (Sunday, 28 July), two cars which had been stolen from the Trinity area were seen by officers on Maybury Road.

The occupants of the vehicles made off from the scene on foot and were traced nearby by officers a short time later in possession of a number of weapons.

Four males aged 16, 17, 19 and 20 have been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.

Police would like to thank the public for their help with this investigation.

Police use drones to target antisocial behaviour in South Queensferry

Police Scotland Air Support Unit launched their drone in South Queensferry this week as part of an operation tackling antisocial vehicle use in the Hawes Pier area.

Community officers were joined by Cllr Lewis Younie and assisted by colleagues from our Roads Policing Team to raise awareness of the issue and engage with those involved.

Two convicted in connection with rape and murder of a man

Two men have been convicted of the rape and murder of a 24-year-old man in Fife that happened in November 2021. 

Dylan Brister, aged 27, and Cameron Allan (pictured below), aged 20, were found guilty yesterday (Friday, 19 July, 2024), following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. They will be sentenced on a later date. 

The body of Calum Simpson was found within a property on Herriot Crescent in Methil on 3 November, 2021. 

He had been drugged and subjected to a serious sexual assault. Enquiries were carried out and the two men were arrested and charged in connection with the assault and his death. 

Detective Inspector Scott Roxburgh, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “Our thoughts are very much with Calum’s family and friends and I hope that the conviction brings them some kind of closure. 

“This was a particularly horrific and sickening attack on a young man who died after being drugged and sexually attacked. Both men will now face the consequences of their actions. 

“I would like to thank officers who carried out enquiries as this was a complex and harrowing investigation. 

“Violence has no place in our communities and Police Scotland is committed to bringing those responsible for such crimes to justice.”

Over £22 million worth of drugs seized from Scotland’s streets this year

More than £22 million worth of drugs have been removed from Scotland’s streets so far this year.

This follows a number of significant seizures across the country.

In January, officers recovered cannabis valued at £3,600,000 in Greenock and £2,250,000 in Dundee.

Cannabis worth £1,700,000 was recovered in Falkirk in February, and £2,300,000 worth was located in Galashiels in March.

In Glasgow, cocaine worth £1,800,000 was seized in June.

There were also large recoveries in Ayrshire, Aberdeen, Dumfries and Galloway, Lothian and Borders, Fife and Lanarkshire.

Arrests have been made in connection with the majority and enquiries remain ongoing into the other cases.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “These seizures highlight our dedication to tackling drug crime in Scotland.

“Controlled substances are dangerous and cause real harm to individuals, families and communities. They are illegal for that very reason.

“Working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting individuals and organised crime groups, who selfishly exploit vulnerable people solely for their own financial gain.

“This shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Results like these rely on the public and anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Appeal following serious assault at TRNSMT festival

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious assault at TRNSMT festival on Glasgow Green.

The incident happened in front of the ferris wheel around 3.10pm on Saturday, 13 July, 2024.

A 16-year-old male suffered serious injuries and was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment.

Officers are working to identify two males as part of the ongoing investigation.

The first male is described as being around 6ft in height, of slim build, aged around 19-20 years old, with a dark buzz cut hairstyle and a half sleeve tattoo on his right arm. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black bucket hat and Scotland saltire flag wrapped around him.

The second male is described as around 6ft 1in in height, of slim build, aged around 19-20 years old, with dark hair. He was wearing a light-coloured top. 

Detective Sergeant Stephen Greenshields of Shettleston CID said: “This incident has left the victim with serious injuries, and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the males responsible.

“Numerous people will have witnessed this incident, and we would urge anyone with any information that could assist with our enquiries to come forward.

“If you think you can help, you can contact police via 101, quoting 2222 of 13 July, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Scottish residents urged to be vigilant as schools face summer crime spate

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

As many schools across the country 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 Scotland residents 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 the high cost of living and more facing economic hardship, there are worries there will be a rise in criminal activity.

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

“With the high cost of living and more facing economic hardship, 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 Ecclesiastical website for education risk guidance here.

Appeal for witnesses after stabbing in Victoria Park

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a serious assault which occurred in Victoria Park last night (Friday, 12 July, 2024).

Around 6.50pm a 19-year-old man was with two friends in Victoria Park, off Newhaven Road, when they were approached by two men on Sur-Ron style motorbikes.

One of the men proceeded to stab the victim in the arm before they both made off on the bikes in the direction of Craighall Road.

Emergency services were called and the victim was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where medical staff describe his condition as stable.

The first suspect is described as being in his early 20’s, of slim build, 5ft9, and was wearing a balaclava, all black clothing and black trainers.

The second suspect is described as being in his early 20’s, of slim build, 5ft9 and wearing black clothing.

Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This appears to have been a targeted attack on the victim and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this attack.

“Victoria Park would have been busy at the time of the incident and we would like to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious, or may have seen the two suspects on Sur-Ron style motorbikes.

“We would also appeal to anyone with private CCTV or dashcam footage of the surrounding area to check in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our investigation.

“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3052 of Friday, 12 July, 2024. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”