Tag: Crime

Sharp rise in domestic abuse figures

POLICE SCOTLAND LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN

Domestic abuse crimes have increased 11% in Scotland according to the latest figures from Police Scotland.

Between April and September 2024 there were 20,271 reported crimes of domestic abuse, compared to 18,243 during the same period last year, an increase of 2,028 crimes according to Police Scotland’s 2024/25 Quarter 2 Performance Report.

The figures have been published as the organisation launches its latest campaign to help tackle domestic abuse.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson, executive lead for major crime, public protection and local crime explains: “As our latest data shows domestic abuse continues to be a problem within our society.

“Domestic abuse is a crime that remains hidden behind closed doors, but we are committed to tackling it. The psychological harm that domestic abuse inflicts can be long lasting and wide ranging on not just victims, but also children and other family members.  

“Our focus remains on sensitively and thoroughly investigating incidents reported but we also want to see a reduction in offending, which is why we are launching our latest domestic abuse campaign.”

Scottish Government figures released last month report that in 2023/24 Police Scotland recorded 63,867 incidents of domestic abuse.

Of those incidents recorded, 81% involve a male perpetrator and female victim, 15% featured a female perpetrator and male victim and 3% featured same sex couples. And where age is known, approximately 35% of all incidents reported featured a male perpetrator under the age of 35.

Assistant Chief Constable Johnson continued: “Our aim is to encourage young men who are starting out in relationships to reflect on their behaviour and recognise that if they have started to use abusive, controlling or coercive behaviour to realise that it’s wrong and to change. There is advice available from our partner, Respect, to help them change their behaviour.

“We are fully aware that women can be abusers too, however our figures year on year consistently highlight that over 80% of incidents reported to us involve a male perpetrator and so our focus remains on reducing offending by men.

“With this campaign we are looking to influence those in the younger age brackets to realise what isn’t acceptable in a healthy relationship and encourage them to change their behaviour at an early stage and therefore prevent abusive behaviours developing.”

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Dr Emma Forbes, Procurator Fiscal for Domestic Abuse, said: “COPFS takes a rigorous approach to crimes of domestic abuse and we are committed to prosecuting those responsible effectively and fairly, using all of the tools at our disposal.

“Young people should feel safe, valued and excited in their relationships. Sadly, we recognise that everyone, including young people, can be victims of abusive behaviour by a partner. Domestic abuse is not just about physical violence; it includes verbal, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as coercive control and stalking. 

“Controlling what clothing or makeup the victim can wear, restricting their movements, monitoring their communications and preventing them from seeing loved ones are just some of the recognised forms of domestic abuse.

“No one should have to live in fear of a partner or former partner, regardless of their age or gender. I would urge every victim of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence but to report it. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice.” 



Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Domestic violence is abhorrent and this campaign is important as it focuses on men recognising and then changing their behaviour. This is the only way that we can see a change in society and a reduction in domestic abuse and violence.

“By showing that domestic violence is taken seriously, we can also encourage women to report crime and seek help and support. We know that it is this type of crime than can go unreported and we encourage anyone experiencing any kind of abuse, whether physical or emotional, to contact Police Scotland.

“Addressing and tackling the root causes of violence against women and girls remains fundamental to prevention which is a focus of our Equally Safe Strategy.”

Jo Todd CBE, CEO, Respect, said: “As the UK charity stopping perpetrators of domestic abuse, we’re delighted to be part of Police Scotland’s new campaign that raises awareness of abusive and controlling behaviour.

“To tackle domestic abuse, we need to address the root cause and ensure that perpetrators are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change where appropriate.

“Anyone who is concerned about their behaviour can call the Respect Phoneline on 0808 8024040, or visit respectphoneline.org.uk/choosetostop.”

A number of cases sentenced during 2024 have seen young men given custodial sentences as a consequence of committing domestic abuse offences towards partners or ex partners:

Christian Schonenberger (aged 22) from Dundee was sentenced in November 2024 in relation to offending against a female and two charges of animal cruelty over a 12-month period. He was given an extended seven-years and six months sentence (four years six months custodial term), a 99 year non harassment order, a ten-year ban on owning or keeping animals and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.

John Allen (aged 28) from Denny was sentenced in November 2024 in relation to numerous offences against two females over the course of their relationships. He was given an extended 13-year sentence (nine-years custodial term), and indefinite non harassment order and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.

 Charles Fyfe Morrison (aged 27) from Paisley was sentenced in July 2024 in relation to numerous offences against two females over the course of a four-year period. He was given a nine-year extended sentence, (seven years custodial term), a non harassment order for 15 years and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period. 

Robert McGovern (aged 20) from Edinburgh was sentenced in March 2024 in relation to numerous offences against six females over the course of a six-year period. He was given a 15-year extended sentence (nine years six months custodial term), a 999 year non harassment order applying to all the women and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.

CCTV appeal following robbery in South Queensferry

Police Scotland have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their ongoing enquiries into a robbery which occurred at around 2.15pm on Friday, 25 October, 2024, at a petrol station at Ferrymuir Gait, South Queensferry.

Officers believe the man shown in the images may have information that can assist the ongoing investigation.

He is described as white, 5ft 8ins -5ft 10ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing a black beanie style hat with grey trim, a grey snood which covered his mouth and nose, brown coat with fur trim collar and cuffs, blue jeans and white trainers. He was also wearing a black backpack and blue gloves.

Detective Sergeant Jennifer Hughes said: “Extensive enquiries into this incident remain ongoing.

“I would encourage this man, or anyone who may recognise him, to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2072 of 25 October, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Serious assault in Slateford: Three young people arrested and charged

Three youths have been arrested and charged in connection with the serious assault of a teenager in Edinburgh.

Around 8pm on Monday, 2 December, 2024, a 14-year-old boy sustained serious injuries when he was assaulted by a group of youths at Slateford Green.

The group of youths involved seven males and three females, aged in their mid to late teens.

The boy was taken to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, where he remains in a stable condition.

Following enquiries, two 15-year-old boys and a 17-year-old female youth have been arrested and charged in connection with serious assault. They will each be reported to the relevant authorities.

Detective Inspector Gordon Couper said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace all those involved in this unprovoked attack.

“I’d like to reassure the public that we have increased high visibility patrols in the area and these will continue over the coming days as enquiries progress.

“I encourage anyone with information or concerns to speak to these officers.

“I would also ask anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and may have dashcam or private CCTV footage to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident 2315 of 2 December, 2024.

Help stop young people being exploited by criminal gangs

Help stop young people in Scotland being exploited by criminal gangs.

County Line gangs are using violence and intimidation to recruit young people into drug networks.

Know the signs of exploitation:

• Change in behaviour

• Signs of assault and/or malnutrition

• Access to numerous phones

• Use of unusual terms e.g. ‘going country’

• Associating with gangs

• Unexplained bus or train tickets

• School truancy or going missing

• Unexplained gifts e.g. clothing, trainers, cash

https://orlo.uk/30ijC

Motorists warned about ‘frost-jacking’ thieves

Tracker urges drivers not to leave their vehicles vulnerable

As the UK prepares for a drop in temperatures, stolen vehicle recovery expert, Tracker Network (UK) Ltd, is urging motorists to be on their guard from unscrupulous thieves when de-icing their windscreens and warming up their cars.

Over £4 million worth of stolen vehicles were recovered by Tracker between November 2023 and January 2024, the peak months for vehicles to be ‘frost jacked.’

‘Frost jacking’ is usually an opportunist crime when thieves see an unattended unlocked car, typically with the keys in the ignition, as drivers wait elsewhere to thaw out frosted windows and warm up cars on cold days.

Not only does leaving vehicles unattended make them an easy theft target, but motorists also run the risk of invalidating their insurance or facing fines.

“Whilst it can be very tempting to leave your car running on these cold and dark mornings, the wider risk of theft if just too strong,” warns Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker.

“It is always best to just wrap up warm and stay with your car whilst you are defrosting the windows, whether it is on your driveway or parked in the road. Using a combination of new and traditional methods to keep cars safe from thieves is always recommended, especially in the winter when there are less daylight hours.”

As well as being vulnerable to theft, additional legal matters come into play when leaving a vehicle unattended. Unnecessarily leaving the engine running on a vehicle parked on the public road is an offence under regulations 98 and 107 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, which reinforces rule 123 of the Highway Code.

Contrary to the Road Traffic Act, engine quitting, where a person leaves their vehicles’ engine running whilst not actually in the vehicle, is also an offence. Drivers caught engine quitting could be fined anywhere between £20-£80. Not correctly defrosting a windscreen and leaving it dangerous to drive can also result in a potential fine and three penalty points.

“Although it isn’t always the nicest option, staying with your vehicle in frosty conditions can help to prevent theft, invalid insurance, fines and penalty points,” continues Clive Wain. “One of the best ways to protect cars in the winter is to fit a tracking unit, which can significantly increase the chances of a vehicle been recovered if it is stolen.”

Tracker is the only SVR provider supported nationwide by U.K. police services that track, locate and recover stolen assets. More than 2,000 police patrol vehicles and all police helicopters are fitted with Tracker detection units. Confirming Tracker as a superior security defence against determined thieves, Tracker boasts a 95% success rate, 50% of which are recovered within 4 hours and 80% are returned to their owners within 24 hours, undamaged. 

 

Tracker’s Winter Security Advice

  • At home, don’t keep keys in a place where they can be seen or accessed from outside
  • Never leave the keys in the ignition, even if you are just stopping quickly 
  • Never leave your car running unattended when de-icing 
  • Always lock and secure your vehicle
  • Don’t leave belongings on show, lock them in the boot or take them with you
  • Do not leave technology items on display, such as satnavs or mobile telephones.  Take them with you or lock them in the boot.
  • Never leave car documents or spare keys inside the car – this only makes it easier for thieves to sell it on
  • Park in busy or well-lit and attended car parks near CCTV cameras
  • If you have a garage, use it to park your car
  • Consider fitting a tracking device to help police recover your vehicle if it’s stolen.

Gorgie robbery: CCTV images released

Police Scotland have released images of two males who may be able to assist with their enquiries following a robbery which occurred on Thursday 31 October 2024.

The incident occurred at around 2.40am at the Gorgie Road and Wardlaw Street junction in Edinburgh.

Officers believe the males could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for them or anyone who may recognise them or has information about this incident to get in touch.

The first male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 19-20 years old and approximately 5’8” in height.

He has short, thick dark hair and facial hair. He was seen to be wearing a dark zip-up jumper with a Fred Perry logo on the left chest, socks but no shoes.

The second male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 18-19 years old and between approximately 5’11” and 6ft in height.

He has short brown hair styled up at the front.

He was seen to be wearing grey jogging bottoms, yellow and purple Nike Dunk style trainers and a black hooded jumper.

A Police Scotland representative said: “We urge the males pictured or anyone who may recognise them to contact us. If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch as soon as possible”.

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1439 of 31 October 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Police issue witness appeal following Gilmerton Road assault and robbery

POLICE are appealing for information after an assault and robbery on Gilmerton Road on Monday (18 November, 2024).

Around 10.30pm, police and ambulance were called to a report of a 24-year-old man and a 20-year-old man injured after a man entered their Mercedes B-class vehicle on Gilmerton Road and assaulted them.

The injured men got out of the vehicle leaving the suspect within. The vehicle was last seen driving south on Gilmerton Road.

They were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and treated for their injuries. The 24-year-old man was released after treatment.

Detective Sergeant James Palmer said: “Enquiries are ongoing in and around the Gilmerton Road area to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and trace the stolen car.

“I would urge anyone who was in this area between 10pm and 10.30pm on Monday night who witnessed anything relevant to this enquiry or has dashcam footage that may assist to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who has seen or has any information on the whereabouts of the Mercedes Benz with the registration number YK59 UTX to get in touch. The car may have damage to the front.”

Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference number 3801 of 18 November, 2024. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Knives recovered in separate Edinburgh incidents on Sunday

On Sunday 17th November 2024 police officers from Team 2 response Wester Hailes attended two separate incidents which resulted in the recovery of knives from people on public streets in Fountainbridge and Stenhouse.

An adult male and an adult female were arrested with one appearing from custody and one appearing at Edinburgh sheriff court on a later date.

No persons were injured, and no member of the public was at risk during these incidents.

#KeepingPeopleSafe

#TakingKnivesOffTheStreets

Home Secretary to announce major policing reforms

A new Home Office unit to monitor performance of police forces will be announced by the Home Secretary this week

A dedicated government unit to improve performance across policing and make our streets safer will be announced by the Home Secretary this week. 

In a speech at the annual conference hosted by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and Association for Police and Crime Commissioners on Tuesday, Yvette Cooper will outline the new unit as part of a roadmap for major reform that will create a new partnership between the Home Office and police.  

To ensure communities can have confidence in their local police force, the unit will harness national data to monitor performance and direct improvements, building on the existing work of the College of Policing, policing inspectorate (HMICFRS), NPCC and Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs).   

For the first time in over a decade, a dedicated Home Office unit will be introduced to directly monitor police performance, including in high-priority areas such as tackling violence against women and girls, knife crime and improving neighbourhood policing.  

Officer time spent on the frontline will be monitored as part of the intelligence drive, drawing on local police data. Police response times will also be standardised and measured, a key issue for the public that is currently not consistently monitored and managed. Through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, the government is committed to ensuring officers are spending more time being visible and accessible in our communities, and minimising administrative tasks.

The Home Office will use police-recorded data on child sexual abuse to help forces understand and tackle the hidden harms in their areas. This will support forces in identifying how they can do more to build victim confidence, draw offending out of the shadows and bring perpetrators to justice.

There will also be a focus on police standards, with data on misconduct, vetting and disciplinary procedures collected, monitored and acted on to ensure forces are rooting out those who are not fit to serve and help restore the public’s trust in their local officers. 

With a more comprehensive picture of how policing is delivering for its communities, the Home Secretary will take a more hands-on approach to driving improvements, working with policing partners to ensure that the appropriate support, and where necessary, direct intervention is being identified and delivered.  

The new performance unit will complement the current system, with PCCs taking on a renewed focus on strengthening local policing and preventing crime in their areas.

In her speech, the Home Secretary is expected to say: “This is a critical juncture for the future of policing. And if as a country we are to remain equipped to fight the fast-changing challenges of today and tomorrow, then we know policing must evolve.

“We have a huge opportunity ahead of us to reset the relationship between government and the police, to regain the trust and support of the people we all serve and to reinvigorate the best of British policing.

“Strong and consistent performance is critical to commanding public confidence. I truly believe that working together we can mobilise behind this mission – and deliver a fairer, safer country for all.”

The Home Secretary is expected to set out her vision for policing, and how this focus on data and performance is just part of an ambitious programme to bring the founding principles of policing by consent and preventing crime to the 21st Century.  

The need for reform has the backing of police leaders, with the government committed to working with them to bring the change needed to reconnect policing with the communities they serve. 

It builds on a government manifesto commitment to give the policing inspectorate (HMICFRS) greater powers to intervene in failing forces and on the important work that they, the College of Policing and PCCs are doing to boost standards and drive improvement.