Tag: Crime

Don’t let car thieves steal Christmas

Motorists have been warned not to leave Christmas presents on display in parked vehicles after almost a third admitted to being a victim of car crime.    

Experts at  Quotezone.co.uk have revealed that more than one in ten Brits leave their precious presents in the car during the festive season, presenting an ideal opportunity for heartless thieves to ruin Christmas.    

New data from Quotezone.co.uk reveals that 11% of us admit to leaving gifts we have purchased for loved ones in our cars while we continue our Christmas shopping or enjoy a night out.  

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 The car insurance comparison experts also asked 1,000 drivers if they had experienced a vehicle break-in, with almost `a third, 31%, confirming they had.    

Now they are warning car owners to be more careful this year and ensure presents are kept in the safety of the home, or at least well hidden from view in vehicles. 

Better still, take presents straight home from the shops and get them wrapped and placed under the tree.    

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk said: “It must be a terrible feeling to have carefully chosen or sentimental Christmas presents stolen from a car just before the big day.    

“Our data shows that almost one third of drivers have experienced a car break in, yet 11% of us still leave presents in a parked car.  Christmas is a time of goodwill but sadly for some thieves it’s a time of opportunity.   

“It’s also an incredibly busy time of year, drivers need to remember to be careful and always keep presents hidden out of sight under the boot cover or in the glove box, ideally parked next to a streetlight on a busy street.  If the car is left unlocked or the stolen items are in full view, it may invalidate an insurance claim.    

“Fully comprehensive car insurance usually includes cover for some possessions damaged or stolen from a car but there’s usually a cap on this amount.  If drivers know they’ll be travelling to see family this Christmas and have a large sack of expensive gifts in the car, it would be worth informing their insurer to double check they’re covered and potentially increase the price cap temporarily.  Also don’t forget to keep all receipts, they may be needed if they have to make a claim.”    

To further prevent car break ins, drivers should park in a well-lit, populated area, ensure that all windows are rolled up, and consider installing a steering-wheel lock, car tracker and immobiliser – if the car doesn’t have one as standard.    

Car security is really important any time of the year, but especially during the festive period with expensive and sentimental presents in danger of being stolen and ruining Christmas.   

If cars are broken into, drivers should take photos, identify the damage and inform the police – obtaining a crime reference number, also inform the car insurance company as soon as possible.   

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year find savings on everyday household bills and essentials, such as fully comprehensive car insurance. 

Don’t let callous car thieves steal Christmas

Motorists have been warned not to leave Christmas presents on display in parked vehicles after almost a third admitted to being a victim of car crime.   

Experts at  Quotezone.co.uk have revealed that more than one in ten Brits leave their precious presents in the car during the festive season, presenting an ideal opportunity for heartless thieves to ruin Christmas.    

New data from Quotezone.co.uk reveals that 11% of us admit to leaving gifts we have purchased for loved ones in our cars while we continue our Christmas shopping or enjoy a night out.  

A person standing next to a carDescription automatically generated with low confidence
A picture containing control panelDescription automatically generated

 The car insurance comparison experts also asked 1,000 drivers if they had experienced a vehicle break-in, with almost one third, 31%, confirming they had.   

Now they are warning car owners to be more careful this year and ensure presents are kept in the safety of the home, or at least well hidden from view in vehicles. 

Better still, take presents straight home from the shops and get them wrapped and placed under the tree.    

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk said: “It must be a terrible feeling to have carefully chosen or sentimental Christmas presents stolen from a car just before the big day.    

“Our data shows that almost one third of drivers have experienced a car break in, yet 11% of us still leave presents in a parked car.  Christmas is a time of goodwill but sadly for some thieves it’s a time of opportunity.   

“It’s also an incredibly busy time of year, drivers need to remember to be careful and always keep presents hidden out of sight under the boot cover or in the glove box, ideally parked next to a streetlight on a busy street.  If the car is left unlocked or the stolen items are in full view, it may invalidate an insurance claim.    

“Fully comprehensive car insurance usually includes cover for some possessions damaged or stolen from a car but there’s usually a cap on this amount.  If drivers know they’ll be travelling to see family this Christmas and have a large sack of expensive gifts in the car, it would be worth informing their insurer to double check they’re covered and potentially increase the price cap temporarily.  Also don’t forget to keep all receipts, they may be needed if they have to make a claim.”    

To further prevent car break ins, drivers should park in a well-lit, populated area, ensure that all windows are rolled up, and consider installing a steering-wheel lock, car tracker and immobiliser – if the car doesn’t have one as standard.    

Car security is really important any time of the year, but especially during the festive period with expensive and sentimental presents in danger of being stolen and ruining Christmas.   

If cars are broken into, drivers should take photos, identify the damage and inform the police – obtaining a crime reference number, also inform the car insurance company as soon as possible.   

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year find savings on everyday household bills and essentials, such as fully comprehensive car insurance

Man jailed after series of vehicle thefts and break-ins in Edinburgh

A 28-year-old man has been sentenced for three housebreakings, the theft of 14 motor vehicles and for a number of road traffic offences in Edinburgh which occurred between March 2021 and April 2022.

Jordan Skachill broke into people’s homes, stole personal and sentimental possessions which he used for his own financial gain. He is also responsible for the theft of several cars, mainly Range Rovers, selling them on for his own financial gain.

Following extensive enquiries and detailed investigation, Skachill was arrested in April 2022. He was charged with a number of housebreakings, car thefts and road traffic offences.

As part of ongoing enquiries, officers were able to recover some of the cars and stolen items. Skachill pleaded guilty on 18 November, 2022. Yesterday, he was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment.

Detective Sergeant Craig McMillan said: “Skachill cares little for the people he has stolen from. He cares little for the hurt and harm he has caused. All he is concerned about is himself and what he can get out of it. He will now serve time in prison for what he has done. I hope this offers some consolation to the people he has stolen from.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in this investigation and in particular those members of the public who assisted us in our enquiries. With the continued support and co-operation of the public, we can ensure justice is done.”

Victim Surcharge Fund opened

More help for victims as criminals pay towards costs

The third application round of the Victim Surcharge Fund has now opened for bids from organisations that support victims of crime.

Anyone who commits a crime that results in a court fine is charged an additional penalty – the victim surcharge. The accumulated Victim Surcharge Fund provides direct, practical help to victims, for example meeting household repair costs that have arisen due to crime, or providing food, utility or clothing expenses for people escaping domestic abuse.

A total of £413,727 has been awarded to organisations, including Victim Support Scotland, trauma and loss centre the Manda Centre and Scottish women’s aid groups, since the Scottish Government launched the Victim Surcharge Fund in 2019.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “We are committed to putting victims’ rights and needs at the centre of the criminal justice system and it is absolutely right that criminals should pay towards helping victims of crime as they recover from their experience.

“The Victim Surcharge Fund builds on the Scottish Government’s wider support for victims. Over the past five years we have invested £93m through our justice budget alone, demonstrating our commitment to putting victims first.

“I encourage victim support organisations to apply to the Fund so that victims can continue to access the support and help that they need.”

Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland Kate Wallace said: “The cost-of-living crisis has meant that more people affected by crime are struggling to make ends meet. 

“This additional funding from the Victim Surcharge Fund allows VSS to cover the cost of essential items such as food vouchers, property repairs, alarms and funeral costs, thereby meeting the needs of vulnerable victims in the aftermath of crime.

“Since 2020, VSS Emergency Assistance Fund has provided £495,000 worth of goods to more than 1,000 people and their families, thanks to funding from the Victim Surcharge Fund. We accept applications directly from people affected by crime and have received referrals from over 200 support organisations.

“For many of the people we support, this financial assistance is simply life changing. We welcome the news that the fund has reopened, which helps empower people to move on after a crime.”

Victims’ organisations interested in applying to the Fund can request an application form by emailing VictimSurchargefund@gov.scot and should apply by the 9 January 2023 deadline.

Police hunt violent skateboarder

Detectives at Gayfield Police Station have released images of a man they believe may hold information which could assist the investigation into a serious assault which occurred in the Cowgate.

In the early hours of Friday, 14 October, 2022, between the Cowgate and Candlemaker Row, a 43-year-old man was pushed over following a verbal altercation. The man sustained serious injuries and was later treated at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

The man who may have information is described as aged between 18 and 25-years-old, thin build, short hair, carrying a skateboard and wearing a grey and black hooded top, dark trousers and grey trainers.

Detective Constable Kieran Keddie, of Edinburgh CID, said: “The victim sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident and our enquiries are ongoing.

“It is believed the male pictured will be able to assist the investigation and anyone who recognises him is asked to come forward.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information which could assist the investigation should contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0350 of 14 October, 2022.

Alternatively, a call can be made anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police appeal following attempted robbery in city centre

Police are appealing for information following an attempted robbery in the city centre. The incident happened around 4.15pm on Saturday, 3 December, on Mound Place.

A 44-year-old man was on his KTM motorbike travelling on Mound Place towards Princes Street stopped in traffic next to a stationary Lothian Bus when he was knocked off by a man.

The suspect tried to take the motorbike but an unknown member of the public came to the aid of the motorcyclist. The suspect then made off with three other males who had come from the direction of the galleries on the Mound.

The motorcyclist was not injured. Officers are keen to trace the suspects, the member of the public who helped at the scene, and anyone either on the bus or passing by who may have seen what happened.

The first suspect, who attempted to steal the motorbike, is described as aged around 16 to 20, around 5ft 9ins and of slim build. He was wearing a black and grey Nike hoodie, dark grey joggers, black Nike trainers and a black balaclava.

The second suspect is also described as aged 16 to 20, around 5ft 7ins, and of slim build. He was wearing similar clothes to the first suspect with white trainers and a balaclava.

The third suspect is described as around 10-years-old, around 5ft and of slim build with blonde, mousey brown hair. He was wearing a light grey track suit.

The fourth suspect is described as 16 to 20-years-old, around 5ft 9ins and stockier than the others. He was wearing a red and blue puffer style jacket, light grey joggers and no socks.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “Fortunately no one was injured but this was a dangerous and foolhardy act in busy traffic in an area at a time of day when a lot of people were around.

“We are keen to trace the member of the public who helped the motorcyclist as they are likely to have vital information that could assist with our investigation.

“We are asking anyone in the area at the time which was busy with people shopping, travelling and going to the Christmas market to get in touch if they saw what happened or saw the suspects before or after the incident.

“Likewise, anyone who was on the stationary bus who can help is also asked to contact us.”

Anyone who can help should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2424 of Saturday, 3 December, 2022, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Drylaw housebreaker appears in court

On Wednesday, 30 November, officers from Musselburgh and Edinburgh carried out a pre-planned operation in the Drylaw area of Edinburgh, resulting in the arrest of a 16-year-old male youth.

He was charged with a number of offences, including a series of housebreakings, theft of motor vehicles and drug offences.

The offences took place across East Lothian, West Lothian, Edinburgh and Falkirk areas between September and November 2022.

He was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Thursday, 1 December).

Detective Inspector Laura White, Lothian and Scottish Borders CID, said “You may be aware of appeals we have issued locally over the past few weeks about housebreakings and thefts of high-performance vehicles.

“We are grateful for the support we have had from members of the public that has assisted us in our investigations. Housebreaking is a particularly upsetting crime for the families involved, and the subsequent misuse of the stolen vehicles on our roads places us in danger.

“We are committed to working together to identify those responsible and bring them to justice as part of our ongoing commitment to tackling acquisitive crime.”

If anyone wishes to report any suspicious activity in the local community to Police, please contact us via 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Seven youths charged following fireworks offences in Oxgangs

Seven youths aged between 13 and 16 years have been charged in connection with offences including breach of the peace, shoplifting, assault and theft following a disturbance at a shop in Oxgangs Road, Edinburgh on Saturday, 5 November, 2022.

A report will be sent to the relevant authorities.

Chief Inspector Neil Wilson said: “Our investigation into incidents of disorder on Bonfire Night is ongoing. Officers are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries, including a wide-ranging review of CCTV footage from throughout the city, to identify those involved and ensure that they are brought to justice.

“I would appeal to anyone with information that may assist our enquiries to contact officers through 101. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Transport Convener condemns anti-social behaviour on city’s buses

The city council’s Transport and Environment Convener has condemned anti-social behaviour towards Lothian Buses employees.

Councillor Scott Arthur’s comments follow an open letter from Sarah Boyd, managing director of Lothian Buses, which acknowledges an increase in abusive behaviour towards drivers and other customer-facing people, as well as frontline workers around the city. 

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, responded to Sarah Boyd’s letter, saying: “It’s extremely disappointing to hear that Lothian Buses’ employees are having to endure abusive and anti-social behaviour.

“These keyworkers work hard to provide a trusted, essential service for the city and it’s appalling that they’re having to put up with this kind of treatment. 
 
“We’ve pulled through an exceptionally challenging few years together, as a city, and I’m grateful for the indispensable role Lothian Buses played during the pandemic. We should not forget that drivers faced unknown risks everyday getting keyworkers to work.
 
“The current Europe-wide driver shortage means all bus companies face huge challenges in maintaining their network, but I know the vast majority of people in Edinburgh understand this and will continue to support Lothian Buses by reinforcing a zero tolerance stance on anti-social behaviour.”

Visit Lothian Buses website for information on services.

Poppy wreaths vandalised at City Chambers: Briggs speaks out

Miles Briggs MSP commented: “This mindless act of vandalism is an absolutely appalling insult towards our fallen war heroes.

“It is totally disgraceful that less than 24 hours after typically poignant Remembrance Sunday services in the capital that moronic idiots would engage in burning tributes laid for our soldiers.

“It is a show of total disrespect towards those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

“Sadly attacks on war memorials like this are on the increase in Scotland, which is why the Scottish Conservatives are bringing forward plans to impose tougher penalties on those who attack war memorials to ensure they are protected for future generations.”