Tag: Crime

Cycle thefts: youth charged

Officers from Leith Police Station have charged a 15 year old boy in relation to the theft of pedal cycles.

Community Officers and Team 2 Response Officers recently recovered 5 bikes and have reunited 4 of them with their owners. Enquiries are still ongoing to identify the owner of one of the bikes.

Sergeant Elaine McArthur-Kerr from Leith Police Station said: “The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way we travel. The UK Government is actively encouraging everyone to use pedal bikes more and the City of Edinburgh Council are creating safe and accessible spaces for walking and cycling.

“Recent press reports indicate that bike sales have increased in the city and unfortunately it would appear that certain individuals or groups of people have decided to take advantage of this by stealing them while left locked and unattended.

“Our enquiries have resulted in a 15 year old boy being identified and charged in connection with recent thefts of bikes in the city and enquiries continue to identify others who may be involved.

“We are also keen to trace the owner of the Voodoo pedal cycle seen in the image on this post (above). If this is your bike please call 101 quoting incident 3746 of 20/05/2020.

If you have any information regarding the theft of pedal bikes I urge you to call police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”.

Three youths arrested in connection with bike thefts

Police in Edinburgh have arrested three youths in connection with bike thefts in the city.

In the last few weeks, a number of bike thefts were reported to police, including three from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where NHS staff have been using bicycles to travel to and from work during the coronavirus pandemic.

To address these issues, officers teamed up with NHS Lothian to help support staff with appropriate crime prevention measures and have carried out bike marking events for staff at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, along with securing funding from NHS Lothian to implement permanent prevention systems.

George Curley, Director of Operations in NHS Lothian, said: “NHS Lothian would like to say a big thank you to police in Edinburgh for their hard work and liaising with us in this matter. We hope this helps to prevent further issues like this so our staff can cycle to and from work without concerns.”

Two of the youths, aged 17 and 19, will be subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal and a 16-year-old youth will be reported to the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration.

Through enquiry, officers have recovered three bikes, with a combined worth of approximately £4,000.

Inspector Norman Towler at Howdenhall Police Station said: “The theft of a bicycle at any time is depriving the owner of their property and potentially their method of exercise and commute.

“During these unprecedented times, the theft of bikes from staff working at the frontline of this crisis within the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary is beyond comprehension.

“Along with partners within NHS Lothian, we have worked together to take a long term prevention approach whilst also supporting them with bike marking events, which is something we will continue to do.

“A thorough investigation has led to three youths being identified, arrested and charged in connection with thefts and they will be reported in due course.”

Father and son charged after major drug seizure

A father and son have been charged as part of a joint National Crime Agency and Police Scotland investigation into the large-scale importation of the new psychoactive substance kratom.

The pair, aged 60 and 38, were arrested as officers from the Organised Crime Partnership executed two warrants in the Bathgate area of West Lothian on Tuesday 12 May.

The arrests followed two seizures of kratom made by Border Force, one of 52 kilos at Edinburgh Airport on 15 April, and another of 102 kilos at East Midlands Airport on 6 May.

Kratom is a controlled substance under the New Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, traditionally grown in south-east Asia and used as a stimulant with opioid-like properties.

The two men were charged with importation, possession with intent to supply and offering for supply the drug, and have both been released pending a summons to appear before court on a future date.

Investigations are continuing.

NCA Scotland operations manager John McGowan said: “We estimate these seizures would have had a combined value of around £60,000 once sold on the black market.

“Kratom is a dangerous drug, and working with partners like Police Scotland and Border Force we are determined to do all we can to prevent such substances making it on to our streets and damaging the communities of Scotland.”

Deputy Director Murdo MacMillan, head of Border Force Scotland, said: “These seizures have taken a large amount of dangerous psychoactive substances out of the hands of organised criminals and off our streets.

“Border Force will continue to work with the NCA and Police Scotland to bring those involved in smuggling to justice.”

Appeal following disturbance on Hawkhill Avenue

Police are appealing for information after a man suffered serious injuries following a disturbance in Restalrig. The incident happened around 10.30pm on Wednesday (13 May) on Hawkhill Avenue.

A 27-year-old man was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment for his injuries. He remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

Two men, aged 48 and 41, and a 34-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Detective Inspector Clark Martin, of Gayfield CID, said: “Our enquiries continue to trace a further individual believed to be involved in the incident and we’d urge anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or has any information that could assist our investigation to come forward.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting incident 4131 of 13 May, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Man jailed for Grassmarket attacks

A man who attacked three people in the city centre in November 2018 has been jailed.

At the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday, Peter Cameron was sentenced to a minimum of 6 years imprisonment and subject to an order for lifelong restriction following the attempted murder of two women and the serious assault of one man outside a hotel in the Grassmarket.

The judge further informed Mr Cameron that under the terms of his indeterminate sentence he must not assume he will be released at the end of the 6 year period.

Cameron, 39, approached the 59 and 62-year-old female victims as they stood within a vennel area and spoke briefly with the pair before walking off. He returned a short time later in possession of a knife and assaulted the pair, leaving them with serious injuries.

A 39-year-old male employee from the hotel then came to the women’s aid and sustained a hand injury during a struggle with Cameron, who then ran off from the area.

Gayfield CID launched a thorough investigation into the attacks and Cameron was arrested later the same evening.

He pled guilty to the attempted murder of one woman and the serious assault of the man, while he was found guilty of the second attempted murder, in court on Tuesday 18th June.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Howat from Gayfield CID said: “Peter Cameron subjected two women to a horrifically violent and unprovoked attack, and also injured another men who stepped in to help them.

“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that, had it not been for the courageous intervention of the hotel employee, Cameron would be commencing a custodial sentence for murder.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank this individual for his selflessness and bravery, and for his assistance with our investigation, which resulted in Cameron’s arrest.

“This sentence should send a clear message that violent crime will not be tolerated in Edinburgh.”

Police urge motorists to drive safely

Police are urging motorists to drive safely after a number of people were charged in connection with high level speeding offences over the bank holiday weekend.

Between Friday 8 May and Sunday 10 May, 12 men were detected driving at speeds between 93mph and 111mph on the M876 J2 near Larbert. The men, aged between 19 and 66, will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Other notable incidents across Scotland between Friday 8 May and Monday 11 May include:

• On 8 May a 47-year-old man was detected driving at 57mph in a 30mph limit on the A803 Bonnybridge.

• On 9 May, a 46-year-old man was detected driving at 55mph in the 30mph limit also on the A803 Bonnybridge.

• Also on 9 May, a 27-year-old man was detected driving at 119mph in a 70mph limit on the A90 near Blackdog, Aberdeenshire.

• On 10 May, a 21-year-old man was detected driving at 103mph in a 70mph limit on the M8 near Euro Central.

• On 11 May, a 29-year-old man was detected driving at 101mph in a 60mph limit on the A90 near Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Head of Road Policing said: “The dangers of speeding are well known and have been shown time and again as being a significant factor in fatal and serious injury collisions.

“Speeding increases your risk of being involved in a collision. With the current challenges facing us just now, we need to protect the NHS and save lives, therefore, drivers need to be more cautious and consider other road users.

“The high speeds detected over the weekend show that despite the clear risks involved a minority of drivers are still willing to take their chance. Officers will continue to patrol the road network to deter and detect illegal driving behaviour in an effort to keep the public safe.

“Additionally, the stay at home message from the Scottish Government is still in place, therefore, we would ask people to consider if their journey really is essential. If it is, drive safely.”

Armed robbery at Goldenacre store

Police are appealing for information after an armed robbery at a store in the Warriston area. The incident happened at a premises on Montagu Terrace around 7.40am this morning.

A man entered the store and presented a knife, he threatened staff to open the till and made off with a sum of cash.

The man is described as being white, aged in his early 20s, of slim build, around 6ft to 6ft 2in tall. He had a black face covering and was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up, black trousers and black gloves.

Detective Sergeant Dougal Begg, of Corstorphine CID, said: “Thankfully nobody was injured in the incident but this was a frightening experience for the member of staff.

“Enquires are ongoing to identify the man responsible, including reviewing CCTV from the area.

“Anyone who believes they may have information which could help identify the man or who was in the area at the time of the robbery is urged to contact police as soon as they can.”

Anyone with information call 101, quoting incident 0924 of 9 May, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Arrests following city road policing operations

On Wednesday (6 May 2020), road policing officers stopped a vehicle on Ellersly Road in Murrayfield. Officers searched the car and discovered a quantity of drugs and an offensive weapon.

Two men, aged 18, and one man aged 20, were arrested and charged in connection with the incident. All three men are subject of a report of the Procurator Fiscal.

A further operation at 10:30pm that night resulted in a 19-year-old man being arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences in Duddingston Row, Bingham where officers responded to a white Vauxhall Van being driven dangerously.

Officers stopped the car and a 19-year-old man was arrested and charged.

Inspector Roger Park of Edinburgh City Road Policing said: “We will always target road users who are a hazard on our roads and put other road users at risk. Members of the public can be assured we will continue to patrol our roads night and day to ensure they are safe for us all to use.”

Police seek witnesses to Holyrood Park assault

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault in the Arthur’s Seat area of Holyrood Park.

The incident happened around 7.10 pm on Saturday, 25 April, when a 53-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman sustained minor injuries.

Officers are keen to speak to three men and a woman who may be able to assist with enquiries. The suspects, who were all white and aged in their mid-20s are described as:

1) Slim built man, around 5ft 9ins tall, with short black hair and wearing a black hoody, and black jeans.

2) Stocky man with light ginger hair wearing a grey t-shirt with multi-coloured letters on and a hoody open over the top, a grey hat, and combat shorts. He had a light grey husky dog with blue eyes, wearing a dark collar.

3) Slim built man around 5ft 8ins tall. He had an English accent and had a goatee beard around the edge of his chin and dark wavy hair. He was wearing dark trousers and a bright blue t-shirt on. He was on a bike which notably had a turquoise food delivery bag on the back of it.

4) Slim built woman around 5ft 4ins tall, mid-length light brown hair just past her shoulder. She was wearing an oversized sweatshirt and black trousers. She was on a bike and had a nose ring.

There were several walkers in the area at this time and officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who can identify those involved.

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3900 of 25th April 2020, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Suzanne Pilley – Police appeal on ten year anniversary

Police Scotland is renewing its commitment to finding the body of Suzanne Pilley, 10 years after her disappearance.

On May 4, 2010, Suzanne left her home in Whitson Road, Edinburgh to attend her place of work in Thistle Street, Edinburgh.

However, the 38-year-old failed to show up at her office and was subsequently reported missing after family and friends were unable to get in contact with her.

A major missing person investigation was launched, which subsequently became a murder inquiry.

As a result, David Gilroy was charged on June 23, 2010, before being convicted of Suzanne’s murder March 15, 2012. Gilroy, now 57, is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum of 18 years.

While Suzanne’s body was never recovered, the investigation by Edinburgh CID focussed on the Rest and Be Thankful and Argyll Forrest, where it is suspected her remains have been hidden.

Several visits to the area with extensive searching  having been conducted over the past decade, based on information from the public. However, to date, her body remains missing.

For the 10-year anniversary of Suzanne’s disappearance, Police Scotland is asking for anyone who may have information that can assist with the inquiry to find Suzanne’s body, but has yet to come forward, to do so immediately.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, from Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division, said: “I am entirely confident that justice was served in terms of Suzanne’s murder. However, it is deeply regretful that, as of now, we have been unable to recover her body and bring a sense of closure to her family.

“We will continue to revisit this investigation and conduct fresh search activity in the Argyll Forest area, whenever we receive new information from the public. So, with that in mind, I’d urge anyone who believes they have any relevant information, but who hasn’t yet spoken with police, to contact us immediately.”

“Sadly, Suzanne’s father Rob passed away in February 2019 without ever knowing what happened to his daughter. We remain committed to finding these answers for Suzanne’s mother, Sylvia and sister, Gail.”

Gail Fairgrieve, Suzanne’s sister, said: “For the past decade we have lived in a state of limbo, waiting for the news that Suzanne’s body had been found, but we’ve never been able to get that closure.

“We accept that Suzanne was murdered and believe that the person responsible is in prison, but we feel we cannot say a proper goodbye until her body is found.

“Both my mother and I want to again thank the public who have continued to contact the police, which has always given us hope that Suzanne has not been forgotten. We understand that only one person can tell us where Suzanne is but has refused to do so. Police Scotland will respond to any information and are committed to bringing us some form of closure.

“Their investigation can only conclude when Suzanne is found and so I would plead with anyone who knows something but hasn’t come forward to search their conscience and get in touch. Not for our sake, but for Suzanne’s. Please let us give her the burial and send-off she deserves.”

Those with information are asked to contact Police Scotland via 101. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.