Tag: Crime

Man jailed following violent offence and discharge of firearm in Edinburgh

A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years and four months in prison following a violent offence and discharge of a firearm in Edinburgh.

Arran Reid pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Tuesday, 9 December, 2025 to assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to danger of life.

Officers were made aware of the attempted murder of a 54-year-old man on Pitcairn Grove in Edinburgh around 9.20pm on Thursday, 22 May.

Reid was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Monday, 16 June. 

On Friday, 13 June, officers were made aware of a window having been damaged at a property on Walter Scott Avenue. 

Following enquiries, it was established that the damage had been caused by the discharge of a firearm. 

Reid was also charged in connection with this incident on Tuesday, 15 July.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “I want to make it clear to those intent on being involved in serious criminality that we will not give up and you will be brought to justice.

“This conviction is testament to the hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country.

“It also highlights Police Scotland’s commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.”

Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.

Looking for a good deal on Christmas presents? #TakeFive

Looking for a good deal on Christmas presents? 🎁

Criminals create fake websites that impersonate big brands. Always verify the site’s authenticity before entering any personal or financial details.

#TakeFive to Stop, Challenge and Protect this Christmas.

✋ Stop: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.

☝️Challenge: Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

👊 Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to us.

#ChristmasShopping

#StopChallengeProtect

Man convicted of rape of teenager in Edinburgh city centre

A 20-year-old man has been convicted of the rape of a teenage girl in Edinburgh on Sunday, 25 May, 2025.

Aaron Strachan pled guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday, 4 December). He is due to be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 13 January, 2026.

The incident happened in the early hours of the morning in the York Place area.

Strachan also pled guilty to an assault to severe injury which took place in the South Bridge area of Edinburgh on the same date, as well as an assault to severe injury and endangerment of life which took place in the High Riggs area of Edinburgh on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025.

Detective Inspector Gillian Wells, from Edinburgh’s Sex Offender Policing Unit, said: “This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out in the busy city centre area and had a profound effect on the young victim.

“The other assaults also demonstrate what a violent individual Strachan is, with no consideration of the consequences of his actions.

“I would like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Strachan was quickly identified and arrested.

“Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us.

“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”

Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, Area Commander for Edinburgh City Centre, said: “We understand that crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the local community. We will continue to work closely with partners to address any such concerns in the area.”

National review of group-based child sexual abuse response

Professor Alexis Jay to chair National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the Care Inspectorate will undertake an independent national review of responses to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Professor Alexis Jay will chair the National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group from January 2026, and will provide expert advice to Ministers on the findings of the national review as it reports on its progress.

The work of the national review will be undertaken alongside that of the independent Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, and work already underway by Police Scotland to review previous cases, to gather evidence on the extent of group-related child sexual abuse and exploitation. This evidence will inform any decision on the need for a future inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Our thoughts are with victims of child abuse who have already suffered so much – this matter must be handled sensitively and with the utmost respect and consideration for their experiences.

“The issue of group-based sexual abuse and exploitation of children is sensitive and complex, and the Scottish Government has been giving it very detailed consideration. 

“We have been clear that we are prepared to give every consideration to an inquiry on this issue, and that any such decision needs to be based on information, evidence and a greater understanding of the scale and nature of this form of abuse and of the responses to it.

“Professor Alexis Jay has extensive expertise in this area, and her insights will be invaluable to Ministers as this work is taken forward.

“I have written to the leaders and spokespeople of other political parties to offer a briefing with Professor Jay and Police Scotland on this work in the new year.”

Professor Alexis Jay said: “I am pleased to take on the role of Chair of the National Group, and to build on the excellent leadership of my predecessors, Iona Colvin and Sarah Taylor.

“There is much to do and do quickly. The work of the independent Inspectorates should provide the evidence for Scottish Ministers to determine whether further action is required to disrupt child sexual exploitation in Scotland.”

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Craig Naylor said: “His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland acknowledge the announcement that along with the Care Inspectorate, HM Inspectorate of Education and Healthcare Improvement Scotland we will work jointly on this independent national review of responses to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation.”

Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate, Jackie Irvine said: “This an issue of vital importance to victims and communities and we look forward to working closely with partners to take this forward.” 

16 Days of Activism: Equally Safe

Gender-based violence impacts all areas of our health and wellbeing, including access to community spaces.

Learn more about Equally Safe, Scotland’s strategy to prevent gender-based violence and ensure lived experience shapes policy:

equally-safe-delivery-plan-summer-2024-spring-2026Download

#16Days

#GBV

Appeal following the destruction of drawings worth around £500,000

POLICE are appealing for information following the destruction of drawings worth around £500,000 in Deans, Livingston.

A silver Ford Transit (VRM SG16SUF) containing the drawings was stolen from Heron Square around 11.30pm on Wednesday, 19 November, 2025, while it was parked and locked.

The vehicle was traced in the Ratho area on Thursday, 20 November, 2025, where it was found to have been stripped of parts and set alight.

There were 1700 historical drawings from the Royal Engineers Museum within the vehicle when it was stolen and destroyed.

Enquiries so far have found a man wearing a face covering was seen entering the vehicle and driving Eastbound on the A89 towards Newbridge, Ratho shortly after 11.30pm on the Wednesday.

Constable Teri McEwan said: “We’re conducting extensive enquiries into this incident and officers are working their way through CCTV and visiting nearby properties.

“I am now asking anyone with information, or anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously in the area around the time, to get in touch with us.

“If you have private CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage, please also review this and bring anything which may assist the investigation to our attention.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference CR/0489211/25. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Read more – https://orlo.uk/5iZ6F

Drugs and driving don’t mix

  • Driving on drugs is never worth the risk
  • It’s illegal in Scotland, and immediate roadside testing can be carried out at any time.

Drugs can slow down your responses, making it more likely you’ll have a collision on the road. This can lead to severe injuries and even death.

The effects of drug driving can seriously ruin lives. Not just yours, but other road users and their families too.

If you’re caught and convicted of drug driving, here’s what you can expect to face as a minimum:

  • 12-month driving ban
  • 3 to 11 points on your licence
  • Up to six months in prison
  • Up to £5,000 fine
  • An offence that stays on your licence for 11 years
  • Causing death carries a maximum 14-year jail sentence
  • You could lose your car and even your job.

THE LAW IN SCOTLAND

  • It’s illegal to take drugs and drive in Scotland – and the punishments are severe
  • The law also includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs that you’re not meant to use whilst driving
  • The penalties for driving while on these drugs are exactly the same as having illegal substances in your system.

THE EFFECTS CAN LAST A LIFETIME

A drug driving conviction can change your life for years to come.

You could:

  • Lose your job, or business, if you can’t drive
  • Struggle to get another job because of your criminal conviction
  • Face a significant increase in your vehicle insurance
  • Have difficulty travelling abroad – especially to the USA

HOW YOU CAN BE CAUGHT

It’s easier than you think to get caught drug driving.

You could be:

  • Stopped by the police for a routine check
  • Stopped for another traffic offence – like not wearing a seatbelt or a faulty light
  • Involved in a crash, even one which is not your fault
  • Reported by someone who suspects you’ve been taking drugs

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET CAUGHT

  • If an officer reasonably suspects that you have taken or are under the influence of drugs whilst driving you may be arrested or required to carry out a roadside drug wipe test
  • You may also be required to carry out a preliminary impairment test
  • If the drug wipe is positive or the preliminary test indicates drugs in your system, it is likely you will be arrested and taken to a police station
  • At the station you will be required to provide a blood or urine sample which will be sent for testing. The result of this test will be used to make a decision about any prosecution

HOW DRUGS CAN AFFECT YOUR DRIVING

  • Depending on what’s been taken, drugs have different effects on driving ability
  • Many impair awareness, judgement and reaction times
  • Drugs can still be detected in your system quite a few days after they’ve been taken
  • Many prescription drugs can also make you drowsy and affect vision, coordination and concentration

For more information on the effects of specific drugs, read the content on release.org and changes to drug driving law on gov.uk.

PRESCRIPTION AND OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS

It’s illegal to drive using any medicines that affect your driving abilities. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Some medicines, like hay fever remedies, can cause drowsiness and impairment
  • The penalties for driving while impaired by prescribed drugs can be just as severe as illegal ones
  • It can be an offence to drive if you’re over the stated limits of certain drugs – whether they’re prescribed or over-the-counter
  • Always check the information leaflet, or ask the pharmacist for any driving restrictions

There are no issues if:

  • You’ve been prescribed the drug, and
  • It’s taken as prescribed, and
  • It doesn’t affect your driving.

Edinburgh’s Retail Crime Task Force gets to work

The Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force launched its first day of action last week in the North East of the city, focusing on Leith Walk and Fort Kinnaird.

This initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and supported by Crimestoppers Scotland , aims to tackle shoplifting and violence against retail workers.

The operation combined two key approaches – Prevent and Pursue:

✅ Plain-clothes officers targeted hotspot areas to identify and apprehend offenders.

✅ High-visibility patrols visited retailers to offer reassurance, crime prevention advice, and act as a visible deterrent.

Retailers have welcomed this proactive approach and the ongoing partnership to address prolific shoplifters.

PC Sarah Brotherston, who led the operation, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. We know the harm it causes to retailers and staff, and we’re committed to reducing theft and bringing offenders to justice.

“This day of action is just one piece of work that the Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force are involved in. Further days of action and targeting of those who are repeatedly involved in shoplifting will be taking place in the run up to Christmas”

If you have information about shoplifting or stolen property, report it anonymously at https://orlo.uk/3Fp70 or call 0800 555 111.

#NotaVictimlessCrime

#RetailCrimeTaskForce

Warning as children’s eScooter and eBike incidents spike

The Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow and Police Scotland have joined forces to warn parents about the dangers of eScooters and eBikes for children, as injuries rise sharply.
 
Over the past 12 months, the number of children attending Accident & Emergency in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde due to eScooter or eBike incidents has increased by more than 600%.
 
Between May and October 2025 alone, over 30 children required emergency care at the RHC – some admitted to intensive care. Injuries included major head trauma, broken femurs, chest injuries, and severe lacerations.
 
Children affected ranged in age from seven to 15 years old. This compares to just four cases during the same period in 2024.
 
Police Scotland officers visited the RHC to stand alongside the hospital’s Major Trauma Coordinators in urging parents to think twice before buying these vehicles as Christmas gifts for their children.

Mark Lilley, Major Trauma Coordinator at the RHC, said: “The rise in injuries this year is alarming. We know eScooters are popular and may feature on many Christmas wish lists, but the risks are significant.

“A fall at speed can cause life-changing head or brain injuries. We’ve seen the trauma these accidents bring to families, and we strongly urge parents to reconsider before buying one for their child.”

Privately owned eScooters cannot be used legally on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or other public spaces in Scotland. They are classed as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) and would require DVLA registration, insurance, a driving licence, and compliance with strict regulations – requirements most eScooters do not meet.

Sergeant Paul Mellis from Road Policing said: “We’re grateful to the Royal Hospital for Children for helping us share this vital message as we head into the festive period.

“We have seen a rise in the number of e-bikes and e-scooters being used illegally on roads across Scotland, including in Glasgow, and with that has come serious injuries to children from either falling off or being involved in a crash with another vehicle.

“These vehicles are not permitted on public roads, pavements or other spaces and anyone found riding a non-compliant e-bike or e-scooter on a public road will likely have it seized by officers.

“I’d urge parents and carers to consider the dangers e-scooters and e-bikes present before purchasing one for a child this Christmas.”

The Royal Hospital for Children and Police Scotland’s messages to parents this Christmas are:

  • Think twice before buying eScooters or eBikes for children.
  • eScooters are illegal to use in public spaces in Scotland. It is illegal for under 14s to ride on eBikes in Scotland.
  • The risk of serious injury is real and rising.

For more information on the eScooter or eBike guidance please visit Riding an electric bike: the rules – GOV.UK

Two arrested and charged following £1 million drugs recovery

Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a drugs recovery worth over £1 million in West Lothian.

Around 7.15am on Thursday, 27 November, 2025, officers attended a premises in the Redmill area of East Whitburn.

A cannabis cultivation was discovered within containing between 1000 and 1200 plants with an estimated street value of over £1 million.

A 47-year-old man and a 44-year-old man have been arrested and charged in connection. They were due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court yesterday – Friday, 28 November.

Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant John Irvine said: “This significant recovery underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. Taking drugs off the street is a priority for Police Scotland.

“Drugs cause misery in our communities, and the public has a vital role in helping us to trace those involved in the supply of illegal substances.

“Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact us via 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”