A 26-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an extensive investigation into a series of housebreakings and thefts across the Lothians and Borders.
The incidents took place in Tranent, Prestonpans, Galashiels, Selkirk, Livingston, Gorebridge and Stow, between Friday, 6 September and Thursday, 10 October, 2024.
The man has been charged in connection with a number of offences, including 13 housebreakings, four attempted housebreakings and five vehicle thefts.
He is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Tuesday, 22 October, 2024. Further enquiries remain ongoing.
Detective Inspector Debbie Duncan said: “Crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the victims, causing them to question the safety and security of their own homes, and I would like to commend the work of the officers investigating this crime series.
“I would also like to thank the various local communities for their assistance with our enquiries to date and reassure the public that any reports of criminality will be investigated thoroughly by Police Scotland.”
25% increase in confirmed “Theft of Gas” cases last year
Stealing gas/electricity adds an extra £50 to energy bills*
Britain’s gas distribution networks (GDN) have joined forces with Stay Energy Safe, (powered by Crimestoppers) to raise awareness of the dangers of the ‘Theft of Gas’.
A new hard-hitting video has been produced for the campaign, showing a father tampering with their gas meter and is about to put his whole family in danger. The video has been shared through social media channels with the aim to raise awareness and hopefully make the illegal practise socially unacceptable.
The campaign will run throughout the winter and is supported by the gas industry to help people understand the dangers of tampering with a gas meter, what to look for and how to report it anonymously if you suspect theft.
Dave Garner, Director of Safety at gas distribution network Cadent said: “We want to make gas theft socially unacceptable, regardless of circumstances or situation – safety always comes first.
“Theft of gas has been around for a long time. However, we have seen a 25% increase in confirmed cases of theft of gas in the past year. We are concerned that the increase is part of the cost-of-living challenges we are all facing.
“The fact is, it is dangerous to tamper with your gas meter and only a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer should work on a gas meter or gas pipes.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities to bring this vital campaign to the forefront of everybody’s minds.”
What to look out for:
A gas meter should be flush against a hard surface with the on/off handle on the left-hand side. There should be a gas pipe coming from outside into the gas meter and one pipe going into the property and its appliances. If you see anything different from this, it could be that the meter has been tampered with and they are trying to steal gas.
Who to call:
Call the Stay Energy Safe service free on 0800 023 2777 or fill in the simple online form at www.stayenergysafe.co.uk. You can remain 100% anonymous.
Mark Loveday from Retail Energy Code Company, the not-for-profit organisation that owns and manages the key rules for operating in the GB retail energy market, and works with the energy industry to reduce energy theft, said: “The industry has seen an increase in reports of suspected gas theft over the years. Stay Energy Safe received 2,916 reports between April 2023 and March 2024. This figure has increased by 46% compared to April 2021 – March 2022.
“These figures are concerning, and we encourage people, ‘If you suspect it, report it 100% anonymously to Stay Energy Safe’. Gas meter tampering takes lives and it’s not worth it.”
In addition, all GDNs are reinforcing the dangers and signs of gas theft to its engineers during the campaign. They’re reminding colleagues of the issues to spot when working in the community to help identify any theft and keep the public safe.
Detectives are renewing an appeal for information after two assaults on the Union Canal tow path in Edinburgh.
Both incidents happened on Sunday, 13 October.
The first happened near to Harrison Park around 7pm when a 31-year-old man was assaulted while cycling on the tow path. He was taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged.
The second happened near to Watson’s Rowing Club where a 50-year-old man walking on the path was assaulted. He was uninjured and did not require hospital treatment.
Officers are also investigating an incident around 5.40pm on the path near to Meggetland Bridge where a man acted in a threatening manner towards a woman walking in the area.
All three incident are being treated as linked.
Officers are working to identify a man described as being between 20 and 30-years-old, around 6ft tall, lean build, pale complexion, gaunt face, clean shaven, short dark hair with dark eyebrows.
He was wearing a dark blue hoodie and white trainers.
Detective Inspector Gordon Couper said: “We believe all three of these incidents are linked and would urge anyone with information to get in touch.
“We believe there were other people using the path around the time of these incidents and would urge anyone who witnessed anything to let us know. We’d also be keen to speak to anyone who have photographs or video footage from the area around these times.
“We would urge people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us. We have dedicated officers patrolling both the general area and the tow path specifically who you can speak to.
“Information can also be passed by calling 101, quoting incident number 2814 of Sunday, 13 October, 2024.
“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”
Police Scotland have released images of a man who may be able to assist them with their enquiries into an incident which occurred on Friday, 11 October, 2024, at around 9pm in the Stockbridge area.
The man (pictured) is described as white, heavy build, clean shaven and around 35 to 40 years old. He was seen to be wearing denim jeans, a dark baseball cap with writing on it and a black hooded top with ‘Hard Rock Café’ written on the front with further writing on the back.
The man pictured, anyone who may recognise him or anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3729 11 October 2024.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
Police have released an image of a male they wish to speak to who may be able to assist with their enquiries into an assault which took place on Saturday, 14 September, 2024 on George IV Bridge. The incident took place at around 8pm.
The male (pictured above) is described as a white male, medium build, mid-30s, approximately 5ft 9” tall with short dark hair. He was seen to be wearing a red short sleeved polo shirt, dark skinny jeans and white trainers.
Detective Constable Adam Campbell said “I would urge the male pictured or anyone who may recognise him or has information about this incident to contact us as soon as possible.
“Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3442 of 14 September 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”
POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery at an address on Saxe Coburg Street in Edinburgh.
Around 9.10pm on Friday, 11 October, a man entered the property, threatened the 92-year-old male occupant, and stole a quantity of cash before leaving in an unknown direction,
The suspect is described as a white male, mid 30s to 40s, of average build and clean shaven. He was wearing a long knee-length dark blue jacket with large white writing down the front and a dark grey baseball cap.
Detective Sergeant Martin Smith of Corstorphine CID said: “Thankfully the victim was not injured during the robbery however it was still a very distressing experience for him.
“Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone with information or who thinks they may have seen a man matching the description to contact us.
“We are also keen for any local residents with private CCTV or possible dashcam footage to come forward.
“Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3729 of 11 October. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Two male youths, aged 13 and 14, have been charged in connection with a fire in Edinburgh. The incident happened around 5.15pm on Monday, 23 September, 2024 on West Granton Road.
A report will be submitted to the relevant authority.
Police Scotland have released images of a male they would like to speak to in connection with a robbery which occurred on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 at around 5pm on Princes Street.
Officers believe the male in the images could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the male himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.
The male (pictured) is described as a white male, aged between 30-40 years old, slim build, brown facial hair and spoke with a Glasgow accent.
The male was wearing a white hooded top, black trousers and a black beanie hat.
Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2725 of 14 May 2024.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
Hourglass has teamed up with independent researcher Amanda Warburton-Wynn to publish her new research which reveals there were 274 allegations of staff sexually assaulting older patients recorded in just three years.
The research, which is available to read in full on the Hourglass website, follows a study produced in 2021, inspired by the case of Valerie Kneale who passed away due to injuries from a sexual assault in Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
It found that 75 cases of sexual abuse committed by staff were recorded from 2016 to 2021.
This new research, released today has revealed that in just three years, that number has more than tripled.
In comparison to findings from the previous period, even less cases were reported to police, with over a third not reported or closed as ‘No Further Action’.
The research also found that the majority of victims of this sexual violence were not referred to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) or specialist services, with a total of 127 victims not referred for support following the abuse.
The perpetrators of this abuse were most frequently found to be nurses or nursing assistants, the majority of victims were female and 85% of alleged perpetrators being male.
The research recommends that better reporting practices would result in improved justice outcomes, alongside a need for specific safeguarding training for staff to spot the signs of abuse, particularly when it comes to older victims.
Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity supporting older victims-survivors of abuse and neglect, operating a 24/7 helpline, unique casework service and specialist local support. The charity warns that the findings of this report is emblematic of the rising epidemic of abuse, which affects a reported 1 in 6 older people in the UK.
Independent researcher Amanda Warburton-Wynn said:“Whilst I knew this was happening, I didn’t expect to see such a high number of incidents.
“The most surprising thing was the number of incidents being so much higher than last time although over a shorter period. It is a shocking number of incidents against a likely near zero criminal justice response.”
Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy of Hourglass said:“The extent of abuse revealed in this research and the lack of response from NHS trusts is shocking and deeply concerning.
“The findings show numerous systemic failures to protect older individuals in hospitals in the first place and even more in the failure to act once the incidents have taken place.
“It is deeply concerning to see so many older victim-survivors not referred to specialist support. Specialist services are a lifeline for older people who have experienced abuse and it’s essential that these services are available and accessible to all those who need them.”
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