POLICE officers in Edinburgh yesterday executed a warrant in relation to the spate of recent car vandalisms known locally as ‘The Scratcher’.
A 25 year old male was arrested, and following interview, charged for these offences. He will be held in police custody to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.
This is the result of an extensive enquiry, and we would like to thank everyone affected for their patience as the case was built. Work is still ongoing to identify further instances.
If you have any information, or are a victim who has not yet reported it, please contact us on 101, or online via the Police Scotland website.
Crimestoppers has launched a national campaign to expose the hidden exploitation of children linked to county lines and encourage the public to speak up safely and anonymously.
County lines involves grooming and controlling young people. Children are targeted, manipulated and exploited to transport drugs, money and weapons, often far from home and while facing violence, intimidation and isolation.
*New figures highlight the scale of the issue. Police estimate that up to 11,600 children are at risk of county lines exploitation, with many going missing repeatedly. In the past year alone, more than 2,600 children were identified as linked to county lines activity, though the true number is believed to be significantly higher.
Going missing is one of the clearest warning signs. Each year, there are around 200,000 reports of missing children, many involving repeat episodes that increase the risk of harm. Within county lines networks, young people may be sent to unfamiliar areas and feel unable to seek help because of fear or coercion.
Violence is often part of this exploitation. Young people can be pressured into carrying weapons in the belief it will keep them safe, when in reality it puts them in greater danger.
The impact and harm extends beyond individuals. Communities may experience increased violence and antisocial behaviour, while vulnerable adults can also be exploited, including through “cuckooing”, where their homes are taken over.
Crimestoppers is urging the public to recognise the signs of exploitation and act early. Unexplained gifts, new clothes or phones, secrecy, or frequent absences can all indicate that a young person may be at risk.
Angela Parker, Scotland National Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “County lines exploitation is often hidden in plain sight and can affect any family or community. Children are being manipulated and placed in dangerous situations, while those responsible remain in the background.
“We know people may feel unsure about coming forward, but you can tell us what you know whilst staying completely anonymously. No names, no statements, just information that could help protect a young person from harm.”
Anyone with information about county lines activity, or concerns about a young person, can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crimestoppers is an independent charity. We never ask for your name or personal details, and your information cannot be traced.
You will not be speaking to the police or have any involvement with the courts with you contact Crimestoppers or Fearless.org.
THE City of Edinburgh Council’s Trading Standards Team has seized an estimated 58,000 counterfeit football jerseys and kits intended for distribution during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The haul follows a series of intelligence led operations with assistance from Police Scotland, alongside linked action by the National Trading Standards Intellectual Property team in Newport Trading Standards.
It is estimated to be one of the largest ever seizures of its kind in the UK, weighing in at over nine tonnes and worth over £5million.
The shirts will be securely recycled after having been confirmed as counterfeit by brand holders. Investigations into the source and supply routes continue.
Unlike authentic shirts, counterfeits bypass safety regulations, are often of poor quality, and could potentially expose buyers to harmful toxins in dyes and materials. Fake shirts, along with other counterfeit goods, also have strong links to the funding of organised crime.
Regulatory Convener, Councillor Neil Ross said: “Our Trading Standards team have secured a tremendous result in intercepting these shirts.
“With the World Cup well underway this is a timely reminder that criminals exploit major sporting events by flooding the market with counterfeit goods to cash in on fan demand. Let me be clear, this is not a victimless crime.
“Counterfeiters undermine legitimate businesses, rip off supporters and sell products with no guarantee for how or where they were made or whether they meet basic safety standards.
“The investigations into the supply routes involved in this discovery continue but we know that this is part of an international trade in counterfeit goods and represents a significant dent to their illegitimate trade.”
Christopher Bell, Chair of the Society of Chief Trading Standards Officers in Scotland (SCOTSS) said: “This is a great result, particularly taking place ahead of the World Cup.
“The scale of such a seizure shows the challenge faced by Trading Standards teams throughout the country. Officers help to protect legitimate trade and intercept illicit goods, which are often linked to organised crime.
John Herriman, Chief Executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: “This is an outstanding seizure that strikes a significant blow against organised criminal networks while protecting consumers from potentially unsafe and substandard products.
“The global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods remains one of the world’s most pervasive illicit markets. The latest international estimates put its value at around $467 billion a year, representing 2.3% of global trade.
“Far from being a victimless crime, counterfeiting undermines legitimate businesses, deprives economies of revenue, puts consumers at risk, and provides a source of income for organised crime groups.
“The proceeds from counterfeit goods can help fund a range of serious criminal activities, including human trafficking, modern slavery and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
“Seizures like this demonstrate the vital role Trading Standards and enforcement partners play in disrupting criminal networks and protecting the public.”
A spokesperson for Back Four Brand Protection, said: “We’ve never seen a seizure of this scale in the UK. A huge proportion of the total were England and Scotland shirts, as well as other counties such as Spain, Portugal and France.
“We estimate that this seizure represents an estimated £5.5 million in genuine product.”
A Scottish Football Association spokesperson said: “The Scottish FA invests income into the game at every level, from the grassroots scene through to the senior international squads.
“Without the funds generated from licensing, merchandising and sponsorship, this would be severely impacted.
“Counterfeit goods hit those revenues and, therefore, the amount that we can pour back into Scottish football.
“We are committed to tackling fake merchandise and protecting our loyal supporters from sub-standard products.
Scotland’s return to the FIFA World Cup stage has, understandably, led to huge demand for official kit and merchandise in general. Unfortunately, major tournament involvement also brings about a rise in counterfeit goods.
“Aside from taking funds away from local community clubs, charities and key programmes around facilities like Pitching In, these items are typically poor quality and have often skipped rigorous safety tests. They can be highly flammable, made with harmful dyes and can be linked to funding organised crime networks and human exploitation.
“We would strongly encourage Scotland supporters to opt for official merchandise – to protect them and Scottish football.”
A 19-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with shoplifting, road traffic offences and possession of a bladed weapon in Edinburgh.
This follows a report of shoplifting in the St James Square area of the city around 2.30pm on Saturday, 4 July, 2026. The woman was traced in her car in the new town area.
She is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on a later date.
A 17-year-old male youth was arrested in the Chambers Street area on Wednesday, 8 July, and has been charged in connection with shoplifting offences in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow.
He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on a later date.
Sergeant Barry Mercer said: “We work closely with partners and retailers as part of our Shopwatch scheme where information is shared when a crime takes place or suspicious activity is seen.
“It means officers can respond quickly to ongoing incidents with the support of Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce.
“Retail crime has a negative impact on businesses and we urge anyone with information to contact us on 101.”
A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to 21 months in prison following a threatening and abusive behaviour offence in Ravelston.
Marcus Laidley-Sobers pleaded guilty to the offence at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 22 June, 2026. He was sentenced at the same court today – Wednesday, 8th July, 2026.
Police received a report of threatening behaviour in the West Court area of Edinburgh on Thursday, 20 March, 2025.
Laidley-Sobers was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Wednesday, 2 April, 2025, following the execution of a warrant.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “Laidley-Sobers will now face the consequences of his actions.
“Bringing another individual to justice is testament to the continued hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country.
“Police Scotland remains committed to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.”
Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.
A man has been arrested following a fatal incident in Leith.
Emergency services were called to a disturbance outside Cables Wynd House – the Banana Flats – at around 9.40 last night (Sunday 5 July).
A man was found with serious injuries and he died at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
Police confirmed a 33-year-old man has been arrested and enquiries are ongoing.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 9.40pm on Sunday, July 5, 2026, police received a report of a disturbance outside Cables Wynd House, Edinburgh.
“Officers attended and a man was found with serious injuries. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he died a short time later.
“A 33-year-old man has been arrested and enquiries are ongoing.”
A teenager has been arrested and charged in connection with the robbery of two elderly women in Edinburgh.
Around 2.10pm on Sunday, 14 June, a 93-year-old woman was approached by a man on Stevenson Road and robbed of jewellery.
A second incident happened during the same afternoon in Shandon Place, where a 78-year-old woman was approached, asked for directions, and subsequently robbed of jewellery.
A 17-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with both incidents. He was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday – Friday, 3 July, 2026.
Detective Constable Lindsay Johnston said: “I would like to thank those members of the public who assisted the victims at the time and for their support during our investigation.
“As a direct result of our public appeal into the Stevenson Road incident, a second complainer came forward to report what happened to them in extremely similar circumstances in the Shandon Place area.
“We remain committed to tackling crimes of dishonesty and bring offenders before the courts.”
Police have been conducting Stronger North activity in the North Edinburgh area over the past week. Officers have made 42 arrests and executed seven misuse of drugs warrants since last Monday. Over the last week £9000 worth of drugs have been recovered in the area, along with seven stolen motorcycles and one stolen car. Seventeen vehicles have also […]
If you have any information, or are a victim who has not yet reported it, please contact us on 101, or online via the Police Scotland website.
Heading out this weekend? Whether you’re at a festival, beer garden, night out or house party, be aware of the signs of spiking.
Call NHS 24 on 111 for advice
Call 999 if it’s a life-threatening emergency
Report suspected spiking to Police Scotland on 101
