POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was found seriously injured in the Granton Mains East area.
Around 7.35pm on Friday, 3 February, 2023, a 40-year-old man was found seriously injured and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
Detective Sergeant Will Dickson, of Corstorphine CID, said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident. We believe someone assisted the injured man and we would urge that person to contact police.
“Anyone who may have witnessed what happened or has any information that may assist our investigation should contact police via 101, quoting incident number 3368 of 3 February. Alternatively, details can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was assaulted and robbed by three youths in Seafield.
Around 5.30pm on Tuesday (24 January 2023) the man sustained minor injuries after three males struck him on the head with a weapon and stole his rucksack and laptop as he made his way along the cycle path between Seafield Street and Pirniefield.
The suspects are described as:
The first was around 14-years-old, with a Scottish accent, slim build, wearing a snood, dressed in black and riding a black scooter.
The second, with the weapon, was about 16/17-years-old, stocky build, 5ft 9, Scottish accent, wearing a dark hoodie with the hood tied tight, red snood, black jogging bottoms and black trainers.
The third was around 14/15-years-old, wearing dark clothing and silver trainers. Both were on electric bikes.
Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor, Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the people responsible, and we encourage anyone with information about this attack to contact police.
“Think back, did you see these three youths in the area around this time?
“We are also appealing for anyone who may have relevant dash-cam footage from the Seafield Road area around 5.30pm on Tuesday to get in touch.
“Please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 3094 of Tuesday, 24 January, 2023.”
In joint operations, Tracker Network (UK) and the UK police force uncovered 32 illegal chop shops during 2022 – over a 300% increase on the number of chop shop closures recorded by Tracker since 2021.
Alongside vehicles recovered that were fitted with Tracker units, it has helped return 100’s of other non-Tracker fitted vehicles to their rightful owners as well as seize valuable vehicle parts worth millions of pounds.
With the popularity of chop shops amongst organised crime gangs significantly on the rise, the stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, Tracker, is warning vehicle owners to be extra vigilant.
Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker said, “We have seen a record number of chop shops being discovered and closed down in the UK last year.
“Essex has always been and continues to be the UK’s chop shop prime hot spot. Only recently, Essex police and Tracker found a number of stolen vehicles at a Tilbury chop shop site, which had been stolen over the weekend from the Met Police area. Other key regions for chop shops being found include, London, Kent, Bedfordshire, Manchester and the West Midlands.
“The lack of parts for new car manufacturing in recent years has driven a surge of sales in the second-hand car market, which in turn, generated a higher demand and price for used car spare parts, especially in 2022.
“This resulted in creating a perfect opportunity for thieves. Inside the illegal shops, batteries, engines, and steering wheels are stripped from cars ready to be sold for cash or on the black market. Criminals are working 24/7 to steal cars for their parts to then sell-on to criminal networks, not only in the UK but also in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
“We work very closely with UK police forces recovering stolen cars in ‘chop shops’ nationwide. A large percentage of vehicles that are stolen to order, are taken to ‘chop shops’ where the criminals strip the parts and try to mask their identities, which can often happen within just a few hours of them being taken. Given the current cost of living crisis this industry is booming adding demand for high-value parts being removed for re-sale.”
Tracker is the only SVR provider offering vehicle tracking systems that are supported nationwide by UK police forces.
Tracker’s SVR solutions work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t know it’s there. The combination of VHF with GPS/GSM technology unique to Tracker, confirms its SVR devices as a superior security defence against determined thieves.
Tracker’s top tips for vehicle security
Protect your key fob: Keyless car theft works through a relay-style electronic device tricking your key fob signal into thinking the key is near to the car and then the device can assume all key fob power. To prevent this, keep the key – and the spare too – away from where the vehicle is kept when not in use, and block the signal by keeping the key fob in a closed tin or faraday bag.
Switch off and lock up: Never leave your car running idle and unattended, even when defrosting windscreens and windows on a cold morning.
Make life difficult: Fit security posts or a substantial gate if parking on your drive, physical barriers will make thieves think twice.
Don’t advertise your stuff: Never leave your belongings on show, lock them in the boot or take them with you.
Keep paperwork indoors – Don’t store car documents or spare keys inside the car as it makes it easier for thieves to sell it on.
Plan for the worst: Take car security measures to protect your car from being stolen in the first place, such as installing security lighting where you park your car and using a steering wheel lock. If criminals find a way to steal your car, having a vehicle tracker fitted can help the authorities to recover your vehicle.
Detectives in Edinburgh have released images of a woman who may be able to assist an investigation into an assault which occurred on Lothian Road on Saturday 19 November 2022, around 3.30am.
The woman is described as white, 5’4″ – 5’6″, of medium build, in her mid to late 20’s, with long shoulder length blonde hair.
She was wearing a beige/cream shirt-dress and white boots with a black handbag.
Detective Constable Neill Watt said: “Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing and we would urge the woman or anyone who recognises her, or anyone with any other information to please get in touch.
“You can call 101, quoting reference 0570 of 19 November, 2022, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
A 16-year-old male has been arrested and charged with culpable and reckless conduct. It follows a report of objects thrown during the recent Edinburgh football derby at Tynecastle Park on Monday, 2 January, 2023.
The male has been released on an undertaking and is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
Chief Inspector David Happs said: “This type of behaviour is unacceptable and I hope this latest arrest sends a clear message that any such conduct will not be tolerated.
“We have the full support of both clubs as we continue with our investigation.”
Hibs and Hearts meet again in a Scottish Cup tie at Easter Road this weekend.
One of Scotland’s biggest ever illegal tobacco factories has been dismantled after a raid in West Lothian.
The state-of-the-art factory, capable of evading millions of pounds of duty per year, was uncovered in an operation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Police Scotland.
The sophisticated set up included expensive machinery and insulation to hide noise and smells.
Four tonnes of tobacco was recovered, worth an estimated £1 million in unpaid duty. Suspected counterfeit tobacco pouches were also found and seized.
Joe Hendry, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “This was one of the largest and most sophisticated tobacco factories we have ever uncovered in Scotland.
“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target anyone we suspect as being involved in the illicit tobacco trade.
“The illicit tobacco trade steals money from our vital public services, undercuts legitimate businesses and can fund other crimes that harm our communities.
“We encourage anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to report it to HMRC online.”
Detective Sergeant John Irvine, Police Scotland, said: “We will continue to work closely with our partners to disrupt, detect and deter anyone involved in the illicit trade of illegal or counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco.
“We know that due to perceived higher profit margins, criminals can turn to the illicit trade in tobacco, which in turn can lead to other forms of criminality.
“If you have any information or concerns about illegal or counterfeit cigarettes or tobacco within the local community, please get in touch with HMRC or Police Scotland. Alternatively calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”
Five people have been arrested and charged. Investigations are ongoing.
Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information to help trace a car involved in the attempted murder of a police motorcyclist two days after it failed to stop for officers at another incident.
The vehicle involved is described as a black Audi A1 (K3 OXK).
Around 4.50pm on Monday, 9 January, 2023, it was flagged down by officers on Ravenswood Avenue in connection with a suspected road traffic offence. As officers tried to engage with the male driver, the car sped from the scene in the direction of Walter Scott Avenue, causing one constable to need to jump to safety.
On Wednesday, 11 January, at around 4.15pm, the same car was seen by motorcycle officers in the Lindsay Road area of the city. On being signalled to stop in the Bathfield area, the driver drove directly at the officers, injuring one in the collision, before heading in the Granton direction.
The driver of the vehicle is described as being a white man, aged 18-22, slim build, with short brown curly hair. At the time of the first incident, there was a passenger described as a white man, of a similar age.
Detective Inspector Gordon Couper, from Corstorphine CID, said: “Violence against our people is not tolerated and we can be incredibly thankful that none of the officers involved in these two incidents were seriously injured as a result of this individual’s unacceptable and dangerous actions.
“We are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. If you witnessed these incidents, were driving in the areas at the times in question, or believe you’ve seen the vehicle involved, please come forward and contact police on 101, quoting incident 1853 of 17 January, 2023.”
A major new survey and report, commissioned by the charity Crimestoppers, has shed light on general attitudes to sexual harassment and the age at which victims are targeted.
Of those that responded, around one in six people who answered said their first experience of sexual harassment in a public place happened when they were aged just 10 or even younger.
Whilst 1,800 people participated in the survey, none of the questions were mandatory. This means that respondent numbers per question are lower than overall participant numbers. Due to the sensitivity of the subject matter, the University recommended using optional questions to encourage more people to take part.
Key findings are:
Around one in six participants’ (16.8%) first experience occurred when they were aged 10 or younger (3.7% aged 0-5, 13.1% aged 6-10)
30.9% of participants first encountered unwanted sexual behaviour between the ages of 14-16
Almost the same percentage (29%) first experienced unwanted approaches between 11-13 years
These shocking findings demonstrate that the majority encountered sexual harassment for the first time during adolescence or childhood. Shockingly, the survey also found that 10% of women said they had been raped with 23% saying they had been `forced’ to have sex.
The report, by the University of Suffolk and commissioned by Crimestoppers, follows the impact of the #MeToo movement against sexual abuse and harassment. Crimestoppers has also launched a national campaign today to challenge attitudes and encourage reporting on those responsible.
Figure 17: Age at first experience of unwanted sexual behaviours or interactions in public spaces [P29]
In a clear message to the culprits, fewer than 1% of victims said they felt flattered, attractive or desired after their most recent harassment experience. [P33].
Strikingly, around 78% of female participants spoke of experiencing unwanted questions about their sex life, and two thirds experienced staring (leering) and comments on their clothes, body or appearance. [P23, Figure 10]. The research found that respondents change their behaviour or activities to avoid a repeat incident, with nearly 10% (9.8%) shunning outdoor areas where they had previously encountered unwanted sexual behaviours.
Figure 10: Lifetime prevalence of unwanted sexual behaviours in public spaces: female participants [P23]
More than a third (38%) have been followed and nearly a quarter (23%) have witnessed flashing/genital exposure. Whilst the largest group of perpetrators were strangers, they were closely followed by classmates during their younger years, then acquaintances and colleagues in later life.
Lydia Patsalides, VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) sexual violence lead at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “This research confirms that all forms of sexual harassment begin at a shockingly early age, which is completely unacceptable.
“It raises the question to those men involved: would you accept this behaviour towards those closest to you, such as a partner, female friend, or your daughter? Crimestoppers is taking its part in the conversation as these normalised behaviours, can escalate, with some perpetrators going on to commit the most serious of crimes such as rape and child abuse.
“We know this is a difficult and complex area and won’t be solved with one study. However, it’s important that we have a frank and realistic discussion, and we must all play our part in helping change behaviour and think seriously about how sexual harassment affects others.”
Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “As a father of two daughters, and an ex-police officer who dealt with the tragic circumstances of violence against women and girls, I totally understand the impact unwanted sexual behaviour has on victims.
“It’s important that we all understand the issue and take steps to educate ourselves on what is and is not appropriate. Our research shows that a large number of very young girls are being targeted, and therefore we must all ensure we take positive steps to protect them.”
Dr Katherine Allen from the University of Suffolk said: “In a post #MeToo era, these findings are shocking but unsurprising. Our survey underscores that sexual harassment is common, perpetrated across a range of public spaces, and remains highly gendered, disproportionately impacting women and girls and limiting their ability to exercise everyday freedoms.
“Chiming with national and international studies, our research suggests that women and girls are subject to unwanted sexualised behaviours from an early age, and overwhelmingly experience these behaviours as intrusive, uncomfortable and intimidating.”
Survey participant comment:“I think a lot of the time, perpetrators are completely oblivious to how their actions are making the other person feel.
“Being sexually harassed makes me feel genuinely scared for my safety, and scared to anger the person in case they get violent.”
Crimestoppers is a standalone charity that is independent of the police and takes crime information whilst guaranteeing total anonymity.
By never asking for or storing personal details, it encourages people to come forward who might otherwise stay silent. The process means no courts, no witness statements and no comeback.
If you know a work colleague/friend/relative or neighbour who is involved in any criminal aspect of sexual harassment – please tell our charity.
To pass on crime information completely anonymously, visit our website Crimestoppers-uk.org and fill in the simple and secure anonymous online form. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers’ UK Contact Centre, which is open 24/7, 365 days a year, on freephone 0800 555 111.
Please note: Computer IP addresses are never traced, and no-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. For telephone calls, there is no number display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.
Three men have been jailed after pleading guilty to running a county drug line between London and Edinburgh.
Michael Orguns, 24, Harrison Kimpembe, 27 and Kalil Nuur, 20, all from London were sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow today (Friday, 13 January).
They had previously pleaded guilty to drug supply offences in connection with £130,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine recovered in Edinburgh between 6 April and the October, 2021.
Orguns (above), who was recognised by the court as being in control of the drug line and principal member of the group, was sentenced to five years and three months.
Kimpembe (above) was sentenced to five years and Nuur sentenced to three years and nine months imprisonment.
It followed an investigation by the specialist Edinburgh County Lines Unit.
Detective Sergeant David Wright said: “We welcome the conviction of these three men and this significant recovery of controlled drugs and subsequent conviction sends a strong message to those who deal drugs in our communities.
“We are committed to identifying and disrupting the supply chains which bring drugs into Edinburgh and we worked closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police to identify those involved.”
“The county lines model shows crime does not respect borders and we are committed to identifying and bringing offenders such as Kimpembe, Orguns and Nuur to justice, wherever in the country they are based.
“Intelligence is the lifeblood of investigations such as this. Communities should not have to tolerate the damage caused by drugs and I would urge anyone with information which can help us deal with those responsible to pass this on.”
“If anyone has any concerns regarding the abuse of controlled drugs, or anyone who may be involved in the supply of controlled drugs, they are urged to contact Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
POLICE are appealing for information after the attempted murder of a 28-year-old man in North Edinburgh on Thursday, 5 January, 2023.
Around 10.10pm, officers were called to a report of a man having been assaulted in West Pilton Terrace.
He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he was treated for his injuries.
Officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen two vehicles, a dark coloured VW Golf and a blue Ford Focus ST, which were in the area at the time of the incident.
A blue Ford Focus ST was discovered burnt out at Fyles Farm, Tranent on Saturday, 7 January, 2023 and a dark coloured VW Golf was found burnt out at Howe Dean Path, Braid Hills, Edinburgh on Saturday, 7 January, 2023.
Officers believe these two vehicles may be linked to the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Petrie said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or may have information, to come forward.
“We believe this was a targeted attack and we do not believe there was any risk to the wider public. I am also keen to hear from anyone who recognises the vehicles and may have information about their movements.
“I would ask anyone with potential dashcam footage, private CCTV, or doorbell footage of these two vehicles, to contact officers as it could be helpful for our enquiries.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 3414 of 5 January, 2023. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”
