Tag: Crime

88 year old woman carjacked in Edinburgh: Man charged

UPDATE: MAN CHARGED

A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a robbery in Edinburgh. The incident happened in the Robert Burns Drive area around 10pm on Tuesday, 27 August.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow – Friday, 30 August.

POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery which occurred in Edinburgh last night (Tuesday, 27 August).

Around 10pm an 88-year-old woman was driving her bronze coloured Honda Jazz with her 93-year-old female friend when they stopped on Robert Burns Drive near to its junction with Mossgiel Walk.

While the car was stopped, three or four males dressed in dark clothing and wearing face coverings approached the vehicle and demanded the women get out.

The suspects entered the car and drove off at speed along Robert Burns Drive.

Police were contacted and the car was later found abandoned in the Harlaw Reservoir car park around 11.10pm.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “This was an incredibly distressing experience for the two elderly women, who thankfully were not hurt, and extensive enquiries are ongoing to identify the individuals involved.

“It is vital that we speak to any potential witnesses and we would appeal to anyone who was in the area around the time of the robbery who may have noticed men matching the above description, or anything at all suspicious, to get in touch.

“We would also urge anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage to please check in case they have captured the stolen vehicle or anything else which could be of significance to our investigation.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4112 of Tuesday, 27 August, 2024. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Eight years for capital sex offender

A man has been jailed for eight years for serious sexual offences in Edinburgh. Connor Hagley, 26, pleaded guilty to the abuse, including rape, of a woman between 2019 and 2021 at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, 22 July, 2024.

He was sentenced at the High Court in Stirling yesterday, Tuesday, 27 August. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “Hagley is a danger to women and his conviction proves that. He’ll now face the consequences of his despicable actions, which have had a devastating impact on the woman involved.

“I’d like to commend her for her strength throughout the investigation and court proceedings. I hope this sentencing will bring some form of justice as she continues to move forward with her life.

“Anyone who has been a victim of such crimes is urged to come forward and report it to us. We’re committed to fully investigating, regardless of when it happened, and bringing those responsible in front of the courts.

“I want to reassure you, we have specially trained officers and partner agencies who will support you throughout.”

Pair convicted of human trafficking offences

A woman and man have been convicted of human trafficking offences in Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh.

Mananchaya Wanitthanawet, 40 and Cameron Wilson, 30, were convicted at the High Court in Dundee on Thursday, 22 August, 2024.

They are due to be sentenced at a later date.

The offences took place between November, 2019 and December, 2020.

Detective Inspector Simon Murray said: “Human trafficking has no place in Scotland.

“We will continue target criminals who abuse, control and exploit people, working with partners nationally and internationally to bring offenders to justice, and to raise public awareness to help identify victims and ensure they get the support they need.

“People within local communities are often the first to spot when someone may be trafficked or is being exploited.

“If you have concerns, or information, please report this to us on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 so we can investigate and take action.”

Nationwide call to surrender all zombie-style knives and machetes

A nationwide call to hand over zombie-style knives and machetes has been launched by the UK government, before these dangerous weapons are banned from our streets.

From 24 September, it will be illegal to own zombie-style knives and machetes as they will be added to the list of dangerous prohibited items already banned, including zombie knives, butterfly knives, Samurai swords and push daggers.

Ahead of the new ban coming into force, anyone who has one of these weapons is being urged to hand them over – safely and legally.

This scheme​ will be run at police stations across England and Wales for four weeks between 26 August and 23 September, without repercussions for surrendering these potentially dangerous knives safely. 

Individuals can also anonymously dispose of these weapons using safe, surrender bins, by contacting their local police, council or an anti-knife crime charity to find out about alternative options, other than police stations, in their area.

After 24 September, anyone caught with a zombie-style knife or a machete faces time behind bars.  

Policing Minister, Diana Johnson said: “Too many people have access to weapons that can lead to devastating, life-changing consequences. There is no legitimate need for a weapon of this kind to be in our homes or on our streets.

“That is why we will continue to make sure the tightest restrictions are in place to limit the availability of these lethal weapons. Implementing a ban on zombie-style knives is just the first step in our ambitious, dedicated plan to halve knife crime within a decade, and will closely be followed by making ninja swords illegal. 

“It is absolutely crucial that members of the public come forward and safely hand in these weapons. We are offering people the chance to do the right thing – to help make our streets safer, prevent further loss of life and save so many futures.

“We cannot do this alone, political, policing and community leaders must work together to bring the knife crime epidemic to an end and offer a better future for our young people.”

Participating police stations are spread across the country, and people should contact their designated police station first to get advice on how to package up any weapons and bring them into the station.  

This scheme is just one part of the government’s pledge to halve knife crime in a decade. Next steps will include further bans, stronger rules to stop online sales, and tough action to stop young people being drawn into crime.

Police seek information following serious assault in Craigentinny

POLICE are appealing for information after a 17-year-old male was seriously assaulted in Edinburgh.

The incident happened around 11.20pm on Friday night (16 August, 2024), when he was attacked by two men with bladed weapons on Craigentinny Road, close to Christiemillar Avenue.

He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious injuries.

The road was closed for a short time while enquiries were carried out.

The suspects are described as wearing black clothing and they ran from the scene onto Loaning Road.

Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said: “A young man suffered serious injuries and we need to trace those responsible as soon as possible.

“If you were in the Craigentinny Road area on Friday evening and saw or heard anything suspicious, or know who these men are, please contact us.”

Those with information can speak to officers by calling 101 and quoting incident number 4590 of 16 August. Alternatively, you can make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Operation Summer City nets drugs haul

POLICE Summer City officers continue both uniformed and plain clothed patrols, so far reporting 16 individuals for drugs offences.

Yesterday we searched a male in Edinburgh City Centre and recovered over 300 diazepam concealed in two small tubs. He was arrested and reported.

#SummerCity2024

Frederick Street assault: Man charged


A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault in Edinburgh on Sunday, 7 July 2024.

The incident took place on Frederick Street, around 3.25am and a 32-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.

He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on a later date.

A report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Muirhouse Park incident: Man to appear in Court

A 52-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault on Muirhouse Park at around 5.20am yesterday morning (Wednesday, 14 August, 2024).

A 43-year-old woman was taken to hospital for treatment.

This is being treated as an isolated incident and there was no wider risk to the public.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

Have your say on Firework Control Zones

CONSULTATION CLOSES 23rd AUGUST

Edinburgh residents are being asked for their views on Firework Control Zones.

The introduction of a Firework Control Zone will mean that certain fireworks will no longer be permitted to be set off in these areas, and a Citywide Firework Control Zone will mean that certain fireworks will no longer be permitted to be set off anywhere in the capital.

These Firework Control Zones will not impact organised displays, such as Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Christmas or Hogmanay.

Consultation is currently underway for the following locations:

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “Bonfire Night and broader fireworks use in the city can be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together. 

“However, we all remember the shocking scenes we saw in some areas of the capital last year with emergency services being attacked, and we are doing everything in our power to prevent similar occurrences this November.

“This consultation is an opportunity for everyone to share their position on the use of fireworks, and I encourage everyone to take some time to have their say before the consultation closes.”

Further information on Firework Control Zones is available on the council website. The consultation closes on Friday 23 August 2024.

More than 150 people have already in court following violent disorder across England

More than 150 of the people arrested in connection with this month’s violent disorder have already faced their day in court, data released on Friday has revealed. 

The rapid action taken across the justice system by police, prosecutors and those working in courts has led to 118 of those individuals being remanded into custody in a collective effort to keep communities safe and free from further violence. 

More than 500 prison places are also being brought online to boost capacity over the coming weeks and ensure there are cells ready to receive all those sent to custody by the courts. 

The latest data released shows that as of Thursday 8 August 2024:

  • 176 defendants had a first hearing scheduled in the magistrates’ court and 154 have already taken place 
  • 6 were sentenced in the magistrates’ court 
  • 50 have been sent to Crown Court for sentencing 
  • 72 have been sent to Crown Court for trial  
  • 26 cases will have another hearing in the magistrates’ court 

All these numbers will increase over the coming days and weeks as more and more suspects are arrested, charged and sent to court. 

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said:  “The mindless minority who caused and took part in the disgraceful scenes we witnessed were warned they would soon feel the full force of the law.

“This data shows that many have already seen the inside of a courtroom and will see a stint behind bars too. Where they have gone, more will follow. 

“I would like to pay tribute to the thousands of dedicated professionals across the criminal justice system who have worked tirelessly so such swift action could be taken.”