Tag: Crime

Human trafficking gang convicted following five year operation

Four members of an organised crime group have been convicted of trafficking offences at the High Court in Glasgow. Three men and one woman convicted yesterday marked the conclusion of a five-year-long investigation undertaken by Police Scotland. Continue reading Human trafficking gang convicted following five year operation

Sharp rise in Scotland’s crime figures

Violent crime in Scotland has risen by 10% in the year to last March, official figures revealed yesterday. It’s the highest level for seven years, with a 16% rise in robberies.

The figures show there was also an 8% increase in sexual crimes, including rape, to  to the highest level ever recorded.

Despite these statistics the Scottish Government says violent crime is much lower than a decade ago. Continue reading Sharp rise in Scotland’s crime figures

Victims to benefit from new charge on criminals

Offenders will be required to contribute to the cost of supporting victims of crime from November.
 
A new financial penalty will be imposed on all criminals who are sentenced to pay a court fine and the money raised will be banked in the Victim Surcharge Fund.

Victim support organisations will be able to apply to the fund to cover the costs of providing short-term and practical support such as new windows and locks for burglary victims or funeral expenses for families of murder victims.

Regulations laid in Parliament yesterday, subject to MSPs’ approval, will apply to crimes committed on or after 25 November 2019 and payments from the fund will start to be made six to 12 months later.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Experiencing crime can be an isolating and frightening experience and we are committed to improving the experiences of victims in our justice system.

“It’s only right that criminals should pay towards helping victims to recover and move on with their lives. The money raised through the surcharge will pay for practical support that will make a real difference to victims and their families.

“While Scotland’s long-term fall in crime means fewer people fall prey to criminals, we are continuing to invest £18 million annually to improve support, advice and information for victims. This new fund will be a valuable addition to support available and we have worked with the UK Government to ensure the necessary legislative arrangements are in place to allow its operation.

“Over the coming year we will also be carrying out further work to better understand where the gaps are in how Scotland supports victims and witnesses.”

Victim Surcharge Fund regulations

The table below sets out the level of surcharge that will be payable depending on the value of fine that is imposed by the court:

Amount of fine Surcharge payable
Up to and including £200 £10
Between £200.01 to £500 inclusive £20
Between £500.01 to £1,000 inclusive £40
Between £1,000.01 to £2,500 inclusive £75
Between £2,500.01 to £5,000 inclusive £175
Between £5,000.01 to £10,000 £350
In excess of £10,000 7.5% of the fine

38,474 fines were ordered by Scotland’s courts in 2017-18.

 

Appeal after Royal Mile whisky robbery

Police are investigating following a high-value break-in and theft in the city centre. The incident happened sometime between 10pm on Friday 7th September and 6.40am on Saturday 8th September at the Whisky Trail licensed premises on the High Street.

After entry was forced to the store, almost 50 bottles of valuable whisky were stolen. Continue reading Appeal after Royal Mile whisky robbery

Witness appeal following George Street robbery

Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in the city centre. The incident happened around 5.30am on Friday (6th September) on George Street.

A 41-year-old woman was walking close to the Bank of Scotland premises near the junction with Frederick Street when she was approached by a male who demanded her property before grabbing the bag she was carrying. He then walked westbound on George Street.

Inquiries are ongoing to identify the suspect and anyone with information or who saw a male acting suspiciously in the George Street area at the time is asked to come forward.

The suspect is described as male, white, 5’6”, 18-22 years, brown hair, wearing a dark zip up jacket, dark trousers and brown boots. He spoke with a local Edinburgh accent.

Detective Sergeant Lesley Robertson from the Violence Reduction Unit at Gayfield Police Station said: “Thankfully the victim was unhurt however was left badly shaken. We are now conducting various lines of inquiry to trace the suspect and anyone who was on George Street at the time and can help us identify this male should contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact the Police at Gayfield Square Police Station via 101 and quote incident number 0430 of 06th September 2019. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Operation Drive: Police Scotland to take action against uninsured drivers

  • Police Scotland will undertake Operation Drive Insured on 7-13 September 2019 in a national week of enforcement activity to seize uninsured drivers’ vehicles and improve road safety.
  • Uninsured drivers are more likely to cause accidents and are often involved in wider crime.
  • Drivers without insurance will have their vehicle seized and potentially crushed. In cases that go to court, offenders can receive an unlimited fine and a driving ban.

Road Policing teams across Scotland will undertake ‘Operation Drive Insured’ from 7-13 September, in a week of enhanced operations to seize uninsured drivers’ vehicles and improve road safety. Continue reading Operation Drive: Police Scotland to take action against uninsured drivers