Tag: Crime

Extra support for crime victims

Victims of crime struggling financially amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will be able to access assistance worth up to £3,000, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has announced.

A victims’ fund of £100,000 will help meet immediate financial needs of victims, paying for a wide range of goods and services where they have no other access to funds.

Victim Support Scotland (VSS), which will administer the fund, already provides financial support totalling £30,000 a year through the Scottish Government-backed ‘victims’ fund’. The new enhanced fund increases this to £100,000 and is available to victims supported by other organisations as well as VSS.

Following discussions with a range of victims organisations about the immediate and potential impact of the current national crisis and public health response – particularly on some of Scotland’s most vulnerable victims of crime – the Scottish Government has increased the size of the fund for the new financial year by £70,000.

Mr Yousaf said: “Across the country, we are seeing incredible acts of courage and self-sacrifice as we all strive to keep our loved-ones and our communities safe in this public health emergency.

“However, for victims of crime, the impact of their own experience can be long-lasting – even before we consider the understandable anxiety that they will be feeling, along with most of us, about the coronavirus outbreak.

“While overall crime, including non-sexual violent crime, has fallen substantially over the last decade, we know that those living in our most disadvantaged communities are more likely to experience crime.

“That is why I’ve decided to increase our investment in the victims fund and help deliver a range of goods and services which are likely to be required by the most vulnerable victims during the outbreak. This includes support such as food vouchers, help with utility bills, as well as assistance for domestic abuse victims who may have to urgently leave their homes.

“The fund will also be able to help with other costs which have arisen as a direct result of being a victim of crime such as contributions towards insurance excesses, improved home security, and replacement windows, doors and furniture.”

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “The increase to the victims’ fund is hugely beneficial at this time when people are social distancing, self-isolating and spending more time online.

“Isolation, in particular, can impact people affected by crime as their support networks may not be available in the same ways as before. We expect certain crime types to rise, such as fraud, cybercrime, stalking and domestic, child and elderly abuse. The fund will allow us to be adaptive and responsive to individual victim’s needs.

“These are challenging times which have the potential to greatly affect victims. Victim Support Scotland is committed to providing practical help and emotional support to anyone affected by crime during the coronavirus outbreak and has increased helpline and webchat services. We encourage anyone who needs support to get in touch.”

Victim Support Scotland provide free emotional and practical support for victims and witnesses of crime. Their Freephone helpline number is 0800 160 1985 and their website is http://www.victimsupport.scot.

Shut out the Scammers

Police Scotland is advising the public to be cautious of strangers offering bogus services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Social distancing and self-isolation mean more people than usual are in their homes at the moment. This presents an ideal opportunity for criminals to take advantage of elderly and vulnerable people, in particular.

Across the UK there is evidence fraudsters are increasingly targeting members of the public, as well as organisations of all sizes, with emails, texts, telephone calls and social media messages offering advice and treatments for coronavirus (COVID-19).

Scammers have set up fake websites to sell products and offer so-called cures or testing kits, as well as requesting donations to help victims. In some instances, cold callers have contacted organisations suggesting a legal requirement to have certain measures in place by a specific deadline.

Launching the campaign, Chief Superintendent David Duncan, Safer Communities Division said: “We are aware that community groups are being set up to help vulnerable members of our communities and we do not, in any way, want to impact on the good work being carried out.

“However it is imperative that we are all aware that vulnerable people can be seen as easy targets by criminals seeking to take advantage of this unprecedented and dynamic situation.

“Anyone can be a victim of doorstep crime – it is nothing to be embarrassed about. Criminals can be very clever, and play on your emotions and insecurities. If someone comes to your door claiming to be from a legitimate organisation, always ask for identification.

“Don’t give people money or your bank details if they come to your door and offer to do shopping for you if you don’t know them. And never give your debit or credit card and PIN to anyone.

“If you are self-isolating, let friends and family know and if in doubt about anyone offering services at your door, step back and take a few minutes to contact them for advice. You can also visit the Police Scotland website for more information.”

Between April and September 2019, more than £600,000 has been taken from householders in 306 instances of doorstep and bogus crime.

Fiona Richardson, Chief Officer of Trading Standards Scotland said: “Trading Standards is at the forefront of tackling consumer related scams.

“Working in partnership with the police and other Shut out Scammers partners means that we are better able to protect our most vulnerable citizens from COVID related scams.”

Police Scotland is working with a number of partners on the Shut Out Scammers campaign to signpost the public to relevant prevention advice and support services. These include: Trading Standards Scotland; Advice Direct Scotland; Neighbourhood Watch Alert; Age Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

If you want to read more of our advice and guidance on preventing crime, visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/personal-safety/Shut-Out-Scammers.

A video of Chief Superintendent David Duncan speaking about the campaign is available via this link: https://we.tl/t-i53gCyIlS0

Police warn of coronavirus scams

Police Scotland warn that there has been an emerging trend of criminals taking advantage of the increasing concern around the spread of the Coronavirus in the UK.

Reports include people visiting homes posing as police officers and health officials in an effort to scam the occupants or gain entry.

Tactics used include the criminals offering fake Coronavirus testing and fake services to assist those who are unable to leave their homes including the delivery of shopping and other essentials. 

Vulnerable individuals including the elderly have been specifically targeted.

Please be vigilant and share this information.

Police can be contacted on 101 or 999 in an emergency or please call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Crime, justice and Covid-19

Scotland’s Lord Advocate and the Chief Constable of Police Scotland have set clear priorities for the investigation and prosecution of crime as measures to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak come in to force.

In a joint statement, Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC and Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM stress their commitment to keeping people safe from harm and dealing effectively with those who break the law.

To support the public health guidance new arrangements for court business are being put in place aimed at significantly reducing social contact. Justice system partners have agreed measures that ensure the prioritisation of essential casework while maintaining public safety and protecting public health.

The police will continue to deal effectively with criminality, and to report cases to the procurator fiscal in the usual way. Prosecutors will continue to process cases in accordance with the Scottish Prosecution Code. In order to minimise the need for attendance at court, steps are being taken to reduce substantially the number of trials.

There will be a focus on cases where the accused is in custody. In addition, there may be some non-custody trials where witnesses are available, with those likely to be limited to cases relating to domestic abuse, sexual offending and violence.

Steps will be taken, so far as possible, within existing rules, to minimise the need for attendance at court. In other cases, trials will be deferred until after the current situation is over.

In addition, there will be revised, rigorous guidelines, focused on public safety, for the police to apply in the liberation of an arrested person pending further investigation or action.

This situation is evolving and work is being done across the criminal justice system and Scottish Government to enable the effective administration of justice to continue.

It is appreciated that uncertainty over court proceedings can have a serious impact on those affected by crime and further information for witnesses, victims and those accused of crime is available on the COPFS website.

Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC said: “My firm commitment, now as always, is to keeping the public safe from harm and maintaining the rule of law.

“Scotland’s prosecution service is working with justice partners on a system-wide response to the challenges of the coming months which are unprecedented in modern times.

“That response will be focused on public safety and on maintaining the fair and effective administration of justice within the constraints of health guidance.

“The police and prosecutors will continue to respond effectively, robustly and fairly to criminality at all levels. We are working with the courts and with Scottish Government on a range of measures which will respond to the demands posed by the present circumstances.”

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “Scotland, like the rest of the world, is dealing with unprecedented challenges and demands as we respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

“The Police Service of Scotland is working closely with the Crown Office and the wider justice system to protect people from crime and the threat of Covid-19, while also upholding people’s human rights.

“My priority is, as always, to ensure the people of Scotland are protected and policed effectively.

“Those breaking the law will be dealt with appropriately to ensure the public is kept safe from risk and harm through rigorous conditions for release and, where necessary, holding people in custody for court.

“These measures allow us to carry out our duties in the most effective way during this critical period.

“Our officers and staff are working around the clock to support the magnificent work of health professionals and, crucially, our fellow citizens as we all face the difficult days ahead together.

“I am confident that by working together we can respond to this outbreak and keep our communities safe.”

Further detailed information on this is available on the COPFS and SCTS websites.

Further information

Custody cases will continue to be called in court where there is a concern about public safety and COPFS is recommending that the accused be remanded in custody.

With the restricted courtroom activity reserved for essential trials, emphasis will be placed on judicial case management and proactive engagement between prosecution and defence agents to enable cases to be resolved, where possible, without the need for a trial and witnesses being called. Where a trial is necessary, all efforts will be made to minimise the need for attendance at court.

Cases that are already in progress will run to the conclusion of the trial, if practical to do so.

Edinburgh woman convicted for smuggling drugs

A woman who illegally smuggled drugs in and out of the country has been convicted.

Following a multi-agency investigation by officers from the Organised Crime Partnership, a specialist team of Police Scotland and NCA officers, a package containing MDMA, sent by 40-year-old Xiao Ya Chen was intercepted in September last year on its way to Argentina.

Further enquiries established that Chen had received packages containing MDMA and herbal cannabis from Belgium in November of last year.

Officers arrested her on Tuesday, 26 November last year and a search of her home address in Edinburgh found further quantities of herbal cannabis along with £5000 in cash. The potential street value of controlled substances seized during the investigation totalled £277,100.

She was convicted at Edinburgh High Court on Friday (13 March 2020) after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of controlled substances and is due to be sentenced next month.

Members of the OCP, which includes Police Scotland and the National Crime Agency (NCA) operating under the agreement of the Lord Advocate, have now welcomed Chen’s conviction.

NCA Operations Manager, John McGowan of the Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland) said: “Drug trafficking is a major source of revenue for organised crime groups, many of whom are involved in multiple crime types.

“There is exploitation and violence involved at almost every level, from source countries to the streets of Scotland where these substances are sold. This is why we are determined to do all we can with our partners such as Police Scotland and Border Force to disrupt those involved in the importation and supply of controlled drugs.”

Detective Inspector Tom Gillan of the Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland) said: “This is another excellent example of partnership working with the Border Force, Organised Crime Partnership and Police Scotland Divisional policing as key stakeholders to prevent these dangerous controlled substances reaching Scottish communities.”

 

Replica guns stolen in Easter Drylaw

Police are appealing for information after an incident in the early hours of yesterday morning, when three men forced their way into a property in Easter Drylaw and stole a number of replica toy guns.

The incident took place around 00.20am. The three men were all described as being average build and height and were wearing dark clothing, with masks and their hoods up.

No one was harmed as a result and the five toy firearms are not deemed to pose a risk to the public.

Detective Inspector Adam Brown, from Edinburgh City CID, said: “We are appealing for anyone with any information about this incident to come forward and assist with our enquiries.

“While items such as these replica toy guns are commonplace, they could cause alarm if they’re seen being carried in public.

“The three men were seen running from the area with the guns in their hands, so if you saw this or anything suspicious, please get in touch. I’d also extend that request to anyone who has possibly been approached by individuals trying to sell replica weapons like this.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police on 101, quoting incident 0075 of 7 March. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.

Six years jail for attempted murder of baby

A man has been sentenced for the attempted murder of a baby in Edinburgh. Lukasz Chomiczewsk, 26, was sentenced to six-years imprisonment yesterday.

Chomiczewsk was convicted on Tuesday 18 February, following a trial at Edinburgh High Court at which he plead not guilty.

Chomiczewsk committed the offence on Tuesday, 6 August, 2019 at an address in Leith, when he strangled the one-year-old girl which could have resulted in her death.

Detective Chief Inspector Iain Ramsay of Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit said: “This was a senseless attack on a defenceless child resulting in serious injury.

“Chomiczewsk was in a position of care for the girl and was meant to protect her, instead he subjected her to a terrifying ordeal, for which there is no justification.

“I would like to thank all the officers and partners across all agencies involved in this investigation who helped to secure the conviction and today’s sentence. It sends a clear message to those in the community who would commit such crimes that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”

£13 million saved from fraudsters

Criminals have been stopped from fraudulently withdrawing around £13 million from bank accounts, according to a new report into serious organised crime in Scotland.

The report, published by the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, also details programmes established to divert young people away from a life of crime and an online training resource which helps identify the signs of serious organised crime. One section highlights the efforts being made to tackle motorcycle crime in Edinburgh.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, who chairs the Taskforce meetings, said: “The Taskforce partners have delivered a wide range of activities to tackle serious organised crime – contributing to a safer, fairer and more prosperous country. Among the successes has been the implementation of the Banking Protocol which has been adopted by most of the major banks operating in Scotland.

“Banking staff have prevented more than £13 million from being withdrawn from the accounts of often older or vulnerable people. These incidents tended to centre around conning people into withdrawing their money or paying excessive amounts for work that was not needed or was of poor standard. And in some cases these people have been accompanied at the bank by a member of the group in a bid to get the money.

“The report underlines the continuing grip organised criminals have on some of our most disadvantaged communities and we are determined to do all that we can to make Scotland a hostile environment for anyone who seeks to exploit others.”

Alasdair Macfarlane, Head of Fraud Prevention and Response at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “These types of scams have a devastating impact on our customers’ lives and that’s why our branch colleagues are trained to identify and help prevent these crimes.

“Working in collaboration with Police Scotland we are disrupting these criminals. However, customers should always be aware that we, nor the police, will ever ask a customer to transfer money to a safe account and if asked to do so they should call us on a trusted number and preferably on a different phoneline.”

Major banks operating in Scotland who have signed up to the Banking Protocol include Barclays Bank, Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale, Nationwide, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, TSB Bank.

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Angela McLaren said: “We are committed to tackling serious and organised and will persistently pursue those who set out to cause harm and misery to our communities.

“By working in collaboration with key partners the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce has already had notable success in detecting and disrupting a number of organised crime groups and crime types.

“This has also included a range of activities to divert people away from becoming involved in serious and organised crime

“We cannot and will not become complacent in our efforts and through the SOC Taskforce we will continue to identify those involved in organised crime, dismantle their operations and bring them before the courts.”

The Serious Organised Crime Taskforce was established in 2007 and has 13 members with more supporting the work taken forward by the Taskforce’s four Strand subgroups.

The progress report outlines the nature and scope of organised crime in Scotland, where there were a total of 112 serious organised crime groups made up of around 2,400 people (as at the end of March 2019). Seventy-two per cent of SOCGs are located in the West of Scotland, 18% in the East and 10 % in the North.

Sixty-nine per cent of SOCGs are involved in drugs crime, 72% are involved in the use of seemingly legitimate businesses. The most common being licensed premises, taxis, restaurants, shops, garage repairs and vehicle maintenance and property development.

As at September 2019 there were 205 individuals, linked to 68 separate crime groups, held in prison custody.

SOC-Task-Force-Progress-Report-2020

‘Behave’ warning ahead of tonight’s capital clash

Police Scotland is requesting fans attending tonight’s Edinburgh derby do so in a responsible manner. The game kicks off at 7.45pm with a capacity crowd expected at Easter Road.

Police Scotland will have a number of officers and specialist resources in and around the stadium and across the city on match day to assist both football clubs and stewards in ensuring the safety of all those attending the game.

Chief Inspector David Happs, Event Police Lead, said: “The Edinburgh derby is one of the most exciting and popular fixtures in the Scottish football calendar. A capacity crowd is expected with more watching from home.

“We want both sets of fans to enjoy the game safely and in the proper spirit. It is essential that supporters act in a responsible manner and do not put themselves or others at risk.

“As such any flare, firework or any controlled container or bottle which could cause harm if thrown, is strictly forbidden from the ground. Items such as flares or smoke devices are dangerous and can endanger your own and others’ safety.

“It is illegal to enter or even attempt to enter the stadium with them so if you are found to be in possession of any prohibited items you are likely to be arrested, face prosecution and a football banning order.

“Criminality will not be tolerated and we will work with both football clubs to identify any person involved.

“There will be a high visibility police presence at the turnstiles to support the steward search operation of those persons entering the stadium. Anyone trying to get into the stadium whilst drunk will not see the game and may also face arrest and prosecution.

“Turnstiles open at 6.45pm and I would encourage spectators to arrive early at the stadium. Enjoy the game and please check the club websites for further details about stadium access and the ground rules.”

Hearts supporters not making the trip across the city can watch the game in the Eighteen74 fans’ bar at Tynecastle.

Tickets will once again include a welcome drink and half-time pie. Tickets are priced at £5 and a cash bar will be open throughout. Special guest speakers Henry Smith and Walter Kidd will be on hand for pre and post-match analysis and interviews.

The Eighteen74 fans’ bar will be open at 5pm with the event starting at 6:30pm.

CLICK HERE to book tickets online

Both Hibs and Hearts go into the derby on the back of Scottish Cup wins. Hibs gave  their most impressive performance of the season when they swept away John Robertson’s Inverness Caley Thistle on Friday evening, with their five goals scored by five different scorers.

While Hibs victory was universally expected, Hearts win over Rangers decidely was not. While the Tynecastle side remains deep in the mire at the foot of the Premiership table, the Gorgie men put their league form behind them with a well-deserved 1 – 0 victory – setting up a mouth-watering all-Edinburgh Cup semi-final in the process.

Emphatic victory for either side tonight would see them going into the cup game with a psychological edge, but despite the gulf in their respective league positions this is likely to be a typically tight derby.

Hibs go into the game on a high and, should they reproduce their Friday form their pace will pose a severe threat to a jittery Hearts rearguard. However Hibs fans won’t need reminding that their heroes have often outplayed their city rivals in recent years – only to end up wondering how they managed to lose!

Rock bottom of the league and two points adrift of nearest team Hamilton, this is a game Hearts really can’t afford to lose. Saturday’s cup result was a huge boost for the beleaguered outfit, but they now need to carry this renewed appetite into their league form – and what better game to show that continued improvement than against their oldest rivals?

Hearts coach Daniel Stendel has urged his players to build on their performance against Rangers when they face Hibs in Leith tonight.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s Derby, the German was clear in terms of what will be required of his men on the night.

“The Rangers result was good for everyone; the team, the staff, the supporters. I told the players to enjoy this moment but on Sunday morning the only thing in our head was Hibs,” he said.

“We focused heavily on our defensive work in recent weeks. There was a big improvement against Rangers. Our problems haven’t been about high press or no press, it’s been about discipline and concentration. The biggest thing for me about the Rangers game was how good our discipline was and this must be the case against Hibs as well.”

“We need the same attitude, mentality and quality in our game in order to win the points at Easter Road.

“We have done everything we can to be as prepared as possible. The league is so important and of course it’s against Hibs. My first game against them was not so successful and I hope the second one is better.”

First goal – should there be one – could prove to be crucial.

Not got a ticket? There are some still available and the game is also live on the BT Sport channel.

Hibernian Football Club HeartofMidlothianFC

 

Police appeal following Morningside assault

Police are appealing for information after a 32-year-old man was assaulted and robbed in Morningside at 10pm on Friday (28 February).

The victim was near the junction of Cluny Avenue and Hermitage Terrace when he was approached by two men and assaulted and robbed. He was unhurt but shocked by the incident.

He was robbed of a two figure sum of money, an Apple laptop and iPhone.

One of the suspects is described as white, in his late 20’s to early 30’s, 5’9” in height, of slim build, wearing grey coloured hooded top with hood up, dark coloured tracksuit bottoms and had a local accent.

The second suspect is about 5’8” in height, wearing a dark coloured jacket.

The suspects ran off in the direction of Hermitage Terrace.

Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 4322 of 28 February or speak to any police officers.

Alternatively if you have any information about the incident you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form at crimestoppers-uk.org.