Tag: Crime

Police appeal following targeted attack in Gilmerton

Detectives are appealing for information following an assault in Edinburgh on Saturday (7 January 2023).

Around 8.35pm, a 36-year-old man was approached by a man, who attempted to strike him with a weapon. The attack took place in Cumnor Crescent.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing to help trace the man responsible.

The suspect is described as white, in his mid to late teens, around 5ft 6in tall and of skinny build. He was wearing a tracksuit, with a black balaclava, black gloves, and possibly a black body warmer.

Following the assault the suspect was seen entering a brown Mitsubishi Outlander which drove off towards Glenvarloch Crescent.

Enquiries have revealed the vehicle was stolen from Brighouse Park Close in the early hours of Saturday, 7 January, 2023.

A brown Mitsubishi Outlander was discovered on fire in Foxglove Close, Edinburgh, at around 12.10am on Monday, 9 January, 2023.

The vehicle is quite distinctive with roof bars and a tow bar at the rear.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who might have information to help trace those responsible.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, from Edinburgh CID, said: “Thankfully the man was not injured but it is vital we trace those responsible.

“This appears to have been a targeted attack and we do not believe there was any risk to the wider public.

“A brown Mitsubishi Outlander was discovered on fire in Foxglove Close, Edinburgh, and we believe it may be linked to the incident.

“I would like to hear from anyone who recognises the vehicle and may have information about its movements over the past few days.

“We’re also keen to hear from anyone with potential dashcam footage or private CCTV, as it could prove vital to our enquiries.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 3142 of 7 January, 2023.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Police appeal following serious assault and robbery on Ferry Road

Police in Edinburgh have released images of a man that they wish to speak to as they believe he may have information that can assist with an investigation into a serious assault and robbery.

The incident took place around 10.15 pm on Thursday 10th November 2022, on Ferry Road. The victim, a 46-year-old man, was assaulted and robbed, resulting in serious injuries.

The male shown in the images is described as being a white male, in his late teens to early 20’s, around 5ft 8 to 5ft 10 inches in height, slim build, shaved dark hair and was wearing a black t-shirt, light grey jogging bottoms and light coloured trainers.

Detective Constable Chris Docherty, from Edinburgh CID, said: “This incident was highly distressing for the victim and we’re eager to trace the man pictured. The male victim in this incident sustained a serious injury and was treated at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

“I am asking that the male pictured in the images to make contact with police in order that further enquiries can be conducted. I am also asking members of the public that if they recognise this individual to contact police.”

“Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 3719 of 10 November 2022. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Ferry Road
Ferry Road
Ferry Road

Police appeal following serious assault outside Omni Centre

POLICE SEEK TWO YOUTHS

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information following the serious assault of a man in Leith Street.

The assault took place around 7.45 pm on Thursday, 29 December 2022, at a bus stop outside the Omni Centre.

The 41-year-old victim was approached by two male youths and seriously assaulted. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment and later discharged.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe, from Edinburgh CID, said: “We are keen to trace these two males, who ran off down past the Omni Centre in the direction of Leith Walk. They ran past a group of people.

“They are described as being in their late teens, wearing black tracksuits and white trainers.

“Our enquiries so far have established the area was busy at the time of the assault and witnessed by members of the public at the nearby bus stop. There was also a long traffic queue; motorists may have seen the assault or captured it on dash-cam.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and has any information to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 3075 of Thursday, 29 December 2022. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Bike Register app gives police new tool to identify lost and stolen bicycles

Police Scotland has a new tool at its disposal to assist in investigating bike thefts and returning lost and stolen cycles to their rightful owners.

Since early December, all frontline officers have been able to upload the Bike Register database app to their mobile devices, providing them with a comprehensive list of all bikes registered throughout the country.

The app allows any police officer the opportunity to run the VIN number of any bike they locate to establish who the real owner is.

Police Scotland and Bike Register have worked together for several years and policing teams across the country have undertaken bike marking and registration events across Scotland where they encourage cyclists to register their bikes on the database.

With New Year coming up, anyone who purchases or receives a new bike, either for recreation, fitness or commuting, is urged to ensure they upload their details to the Bike Register database to help ensure police can return it in the event of it becoming lost or being stolen.

Sergeant Carly Bryce from Police Scotland’s Acquisitive Crime Team said: “Our partnership with Bike Register has been really successful over the years, allowing us to help the public mark and register their bikes, but up until recently whenever we came across a potentially lost or stolen cycle, we would have to contact Bike Register directly and get them to check if the bike was on the database.

“Thanks to the development of the app for police mobile devices, we can instantaneously carry out a check ourselves and if the bike is registered and found to be in the possession of someone who is not the owner, we can respond swiftly and appropriately.

“We know that bikes are an expensive commodity and the last thing anyone wants to think about it their valued present, training equipment or mode of transport being lost or stolen, but should such an issue arise, it’s really important that the bike is registered on the database.

“You can do so by visiting www.bikeregister.com.”

Serious assault at Stenhouse Cross

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious assault in Edinburgh.

The incident happened around 10.10pm on Monday (19 Decembe, 2022) on Stenhouse Cross. A 21-year-old man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious injuries.

Three vehicles, a dark coloured grey saloon, a white Ford Transit van and a dark coloured Mercedes Vito van are linked to the incident. All three vehicles were driving east on Stenhouse Drive prior to the incident and continued in the direction of Gorgie Road following the assault.

As part of their enquiries into the incident, officers are also seeking information on the Ford Transit Van found burnt out on Torduff Road around 8am on Tuesday, 20 December, which officers believe to be linked to the assault.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait of Edinburgh CID said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have information in relation to the assault at Stenhouse Cross or who may have seen the vehicles before or after, particularly in the Gorgie Road and Stenhouse area, to come forward.

“We are also keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a Ford Transit van with roof ladders in and around the Torduff Road area in the early hours of this morning and in particular drivers who may have dash-cam footage.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 3568 of Monday, 19 December, 2022.”

Don’t let car thieves steal Christmas

Motorists have been warned not to leave Christmas presents on display in parked vehicles after almost a third admitted to being a victim of car crime.    

Experts at  Quotezone.co.uk have revealed that more than one in ten Brits leave their precious presents in the car during the festive season, presenting an ideal opportunity for heartless thieves to ruin Christmas.    

New data from Quotezone.co.uk reveals that 11% of us admit to leaving gifts we have purchased for loved ones in our cars while we continue our Christmas shopping or enjoy a night out.  

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 The car insurance comparison experts also asked 1,000 drivers if they had experienced a vehicle break-in, with almost `a third, 31%, confirming they had.    

Now they are warning car owners to be more careful this year and ensure presents are kept in the safety of the home, or at least well hidden from view in vehicles. 

Better still, take presents straight home from the shops and get them wrapped and placed under the tree.    

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk said: “It must be a terrible feeling to have carefully chosen or sentimental Christmas presents stolen from a car just before the big day.    

“Our data shows that almost one third of drivers have experienced a car break in, yet 11% of us still leave presents in a parked car.  Christmas is a time of goodwill but sadly for some thieves it’s a time of opportunity.   

“It’s also an incredibly busy time of year, drivers need to remember to be careful and always keep presents hidden out of sight under the boot cover or in the glove box, ideally parked next to a streetlight on a busy street.  If the car is left unlocked or the stolen items are in full view, it may invalidate an insurance claim.    

“Fully comprehensive car insurance usually includes cover for some possessions damaged or stolen from a car but there’s usually a cap on this amount.  If drivers know they’ll be travelling to see family this Christmas and have a large sack of expensive gifts in the car, it would be worth informing their insurer to double check they’re covered and potentially increase the price cap temporarily.  Also don’t forget to keep all receipts, they may be needed if they have to make a claim.”    

To further prevent car break ins, drivers should park in a well-lit, populated area, ensure that all windows are rolled up, and consider installing a steering-wheel lock, car tracker and immobiliser – if the car doesn’t have one as standard.    

Car security is really important any time of the year, but especially during the festive period with expensive and sentimental presents in danger of being stolen and ruining Christmas.   

If cars are broken into, drivers should take photos, identify the damage and inform the police – obtaining a crime reference number, also inform the car insurance company as soon as possible.   

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year find savings on everyday household bills and essentials, such as fully comprehensive car insurance. 

Don’t let callous car thieves steal Christmas

Motorists have been warned not to leave Christmas presents on display in parked vehicles after almost a third admitted to being a victim of car crime.   

Experts at  Quotezone.co.uk have revealed that more than one in ten Brits leave their precious presents in the car during the festive season, presenting an ideal opportunity for heartless thieves to ruin Christmas.    

New data from Quotezone.co.uk reveals that 11% of us admit to leaving gifts we have purchased for loved ones in our cars while we continue our Christmas shopping or enjoy a night out.  

A person standing next to a carDescription automatically generated with low confidence
A picture containing control panelDescription automatically generated

 The car insurance comparison experts also asked 1,000 drivers if they had experienced a vehicle break-in, with almost one third, 31%, confirming they had.   

Now they are warning car owners to be more careful this year and ensure presents are kept in the safety of the home, or at least well hidden from view in vehicles. 

Better still, take presents straight home from the shops and get them wrapped and placed under the tree.    

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk said: “It must be a terrible feeling to have carefully chosen or sentimental Christmas presents stolen from a car just before the big day.    

“Our data shows that almost one third of drivers have experienced a car break in, yet 11% of us still leave presents in a parked car.  Christmas is a time of goodwill but sadly for some thieves it’s a time of opportunity.   

“It’s also an incredibly busy time of year, drivers need to remember to be careful and always keep presents hidden out of sight under the boot cover or in the glove box, ideally parked next to a streetlight on a busy street.  If the car is left unlocked or the stolen items are in full view, it may invalidate an insurance claim.    

“Fully comprehensive car insurance usually includes cover for some possessions damaged or stolen from a car but there’s usually a cap on this amount.  If drivers know they’ll be travelling to see family this Christmas and have a large sack of expensive gifts in the car, it would be worth informing their insurer to double check they’re covered and potentially increase the price cap temporarily.  Also don’t forget to keep all receipts, they may be needed if they have to make a claim.”    

To further prevent car break ins, drivers should park in a well-lit, populated area, ensure that all windows are rolled up, and consider installing a steering-wheel lock, car tracker and immobiliser – if the car doesn’t have one as standard.    

Car security is really important any time of the year, but especially during the festive period with expensive and sentimental presents in danger of being stolen and ruining Christmas.   

If cars are broken into, drivers should take photos, identify the damage and inform the police – obtaining a crime reference number, also inform the car insurance company as soon as possible.   

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year find savings on everyday household bills and essentials, such as fully comprehensive car insurance

Man jailed after series of vehicle thefts and break-ins in Edinburgh

A 28-year-old man has been sentenced for three housebreakings, the theft of 14 motor vehicles and for a number of road traffic offences in Edinburgh which occurred between March 2021 and April 2022.

Jordan Skachill broke into people’s homes, stole personal and sentimental possessions which he used for his own financial gain. He is also responsible for the theft of several cars, mainly Range Rovers, selling them on for his own financial gain.

Following extensive enquiries and detailed investigation, Skachill was arrested in April 2022. He was charged with a number of housebreakings, car thefts and road traffic offences.

As part of ongoing enquiries, officers were able to recover some of the cars and stolen items. Skachill pleaded guilty on 18 November, 2022. Yesterday, he was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment.

Detective Sergeant Craig McMillan said: “Skachill cares little for the people he has stolen from. He cares little for the hurt and harm he has caused. All he is concerned about is himself and what he can get out of it. He will now serve time in prison for what he has done. I hope this offers some consolation to the people he has stolen from.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in this investigation and in particular those members of the public who assisted us in our enquiries. With the continued support and co-operation of the public, we can ensure justice is done.”

Victim Surcharge Fund opened

More help for victims as criminals pay towards costs

The third application round of the Victim Surcharge Fund has now opened for bids from organisations that support victims of crime.

Anyone who commits a crime that results in a court fine is charged an additional penalty – the victim surcharge. The accumulated Victim Surcharge Fund provides direct, practical help to victims, for example meeting household repair costs that have arisen due to crime, or providing food, utility or clothing expenses for people escaping domestic abuse.

A total of £413,727 has been awarded to organisations, including Victim Support Scotland, trauma and loss centre the Manda Centre and Scottish women’s aid groups, since the Scottish Government launched the Victim Surcharge Fund in 2019.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “We are committed to putting victims’ rights and needs at the centre of the criminal justice system and it is absolutely right that criminals should pay towards helping victims of crime as they recover from their experience.

“The Victim Surcharge Fund builds on the Scottish Government’s wider support for victims. Over the past five years we have invested £93m through our justice budget alone, demonstrating our commitment to putting victims first.

“I encourage victim support organisations to apply to the Fund so that victims can continue to access the support and help that they need.”

Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland Kate Wallace said: “The cost-of-living crisis has meant that more people affected by crime are struggling to make ends meet. 

“This additional funding from the Victim Surcharge Fund allows VSS to cover the cost of essential items such as food vouchers, property repairs, alarms and funeral costs, thereby meeting the needs of vulnerable victims in the aftermath of crime.

“Since 2020, VSS Emergency Assistance Fund has provided £495,000 worth of goods to more than 1,000 people and their families, thanks to funding from the Victim Surcharge Fund. We accept applications directly from people affected by crime and have received referrals from over 200 support organisations.

“For many of the people we support, this financial assistance is simply life changing. We welcome the news that the fund has reopened, which helps empower people to move on after a crime.”

Victims’ organisations interested in applying to the Fund can request an application form by emailing VictimSurchargefund@gov.scot and should apply by the 9 January 2023 deadline.

Police hunt violent skateboarder

Detectives at Gayfield Police Station have released images of a man they believe may hold information which could assist the investigation into a serious assault which occurred in the Cowgate.

In the early hours of Friday, 14 October, 2022, between the Cowgate and Candlemaker Row, a 43-year-old man was pushed over following a verbal altercation. The man sustained serious injuries and was later treated at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

The man who may have information is described as aged between 18 and 25-years-old, thin build, short hair, carrying a skateboard and wearing a grey and black hooded top, dark trousers and grey trainers.

Detective Constable Kieran Keddie, of Edinburgh CID, said: “The victim sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident and our enquiries are ongoing.

“It is believed the male pictured will be able to assist the investigation and anyone who recognises him is asked to come forward.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information which could assist the investigation should contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0350 of 14 October, 2022.

Alternatively, a call can be made anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.