Two male youths, aged 13 and 14, have been charged in connection with a fire in Edinburgh. The incident happened around 5.15pm on Monday, 23 September, 2024 on West Granton Road.
A report will be submitted to the relevant authority.
Police Scotland have released images of a male they would like to speak to in connection with a robbery which occurred on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 at around 5pm on Princes Street.
Officers believe the male in the images could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the male himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.
The male (pictured) is described as a white male, aged between 30-40 years old, slim build, brown facial hair and spoke with a Glasgow accent.
The male was wearing a white hooded top, black trousers and a black beanie hat.
Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2725 of 14 May 2024.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
Hourglass has teamed up with independent researcher Amanda Warburton-Wynn to publish her new research which reveals there were 274 allegations of staff sexually assaulting older patients recorded in just three years.
The research, which is available to read in full on the Hourglass website, follows a study produced in 2021, inspired by the case of Valerie Kneale who passed away due to injuries from a sexual assault in Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
It found that 75 cases of sexual abuse committed by staff were recorded from 2016 to 2021.
This new research, released today has revealed that in just three years, that number has more than tripled.
In comparison to findings from the previous period, even less cases were reported to police, with over a third not reported or closed as ‘No Further Action’.
The research also found that the majority of victims of this sexual violence were not referred to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) or specialist services, with a total of 127 victims not referred for support following the abuse.
The perpetrators of this abuse were most frequently found to be nurses or nursing assistants, the majority of victims were female and 85% of alleged perpetrators being male.
The research recommends that better reporting practices would result in improved justice outcomes, alongside a need for specific safeguarding training for staff to spot the signs of abuse, particularly when it comes to older victims.
Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity supporting older victims-survivors of abuse and neglect, operating a 24/7 helpline, unique casework service and specialist local support. The charity warns that the findings of this report is emblematic of the rising epidemic of abuse, which affects a reported 1 in 6 older people in the UK.
Independent researcher Amanda Warburton-Wynn said: “Whilst I knew this was happening, I didn’t expect to see such a high number of incidents.
“The most surprising thing was the number of incidents being so much higher than last time although over a shorter period. It is a shocking number of incidents against a likely near zero criminal justice response.”
Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy of Hourglass said: “The extent of abuse revealed in this research and the lack of response from NHS trusts is shocking and deeply concerning.
“The findings show numerous systemic failures to protect older individuals in hospitals in the first place and even more in the failure to act once the incidents have taken place.
“It is deeply concerning to see so many older victim-survivors not referred to specialist support. Specialist services are a lifeline for older people who have experienced abuse and it’s essential that these services are available and accessible to all those who need them.”
The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.
Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS.
If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.
A top-tier serious organised crime group has been jailed for almost 50 years after being convicted of conspiring to import £100 million of cocaine to Scotland from Ecuador in a consignment of bananas and manufacture millions of Etizolam tablets.
James Stevenson, 59, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. David Bilsland, 68, Paul Bowes, 53, and Lloyd Cross, 32, were each sent to prison for six years. Gerard Carbin, 45, was sentenced to seven years and Ryan McPhee, 34, to four years.
The six men had all plead guilty to serious organised crime offences at a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Police Scotland’s Head of Organised Crime, said: “The sentencing of Stevenson, Bilsland, Bowes, Carbin, McPhee and Cross following their guilty pleas sends out a clear message that the activities of those who think that they can bring illegal drugs into our communities will not be tolerated.
“I want to acknowledge the hard work and diligence shown by the officers who investigated the group and provided the evidence in what was a complex investigation and shows the value of working with our law enforcement partners including the National Crime Agency and those abroad.
“It also shows Police Scotland’s unwavering commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.
“This multi-agency operation, which spanned several countries, prevented a huge haul of illegal drugs reaching our communities and will have undoubtedly saved lives. However, we cannot be complacent, and our officers will continue their work to ensure Scotland remains a hostile environment for organised criminals.”
Deputy Crown Agent Kenny Donnelly, who leads the fight against serious organised crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: “James Stevenson (pictured below) and his criminal associates were involved in drug trafficking on an industrial and global scale.
“But they have been brought to justice thanks to an extensive operation involving Police Scotland and the National Crime Agency, working with COPFS, to investigate and dismantle their network of drug supply.
“This also included Stevenson being directly involved in the manufacturing of millions of Eitzolam tablets at a pill factory in Kent.
“Our message is clear: we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of drug traffickers.
“They will be caught, they will be prosecuted, and they will be brought to account for their crimes through the courts. The sentences imposed reflect the gravity of the offences committed by Stevenson and his co-accused.
“It was clear from the EncroChat messages that, as the ringleader, he directed the group. The cocaine they were planning to distribute would have undoubtedly contributed to misery in our communities.
“These convictions are testament to the forensic and meticulous work undertaken by specialist Crown Office prosecutors to bring Stevenson and his five co-accused to justice and I would like to commend their efforts.”
POLICE have released an image of a male they believe may be able to assist their enquiries into a fire-raising incident which occurred at Earl Grey Street, Edinburgh on the evening of 19 September 2024 at around 8:45pm.
Officers believe that the male shown in the image may have information that could assist them and would ask him or any members of the public who recognise him to contact police.
Detective Constable Russell Muir said “I would urge the male pictured or anyone who has information relating to him to contact police”.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 3795 of 19 September 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed anonymously.
Police have released images of two men who may be able to assist with enquiries into an assault in Edinburgh that occurred on Gracemount Drive around 10pm on Tuesday, 27 August, 2024.
A 53-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.
The first man is described as white, around 30-years-old, tall and of slim build. He was wearing a dark coloured baseball cap, black zip up hoodie and black Adidas trainers with white sole and stripes.
He spoke with a local Scottish accent and has potential links to Bonnyrigg.
The second man is described as white, aged between 30 and 45-years-old, of heavy build and short brown hair.
He was wearing a red/orange hooded top with white draw strings, blue jeans and white trainers.
Detective Constable Richmond of Edinburgh CID said: “I would urge the men pictured, or anyone who has information relating to him, to contact police as soon as possible.
“You can contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting reference number 4231 of 27 August, 2024 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Police Scotland is engaging with students across the country to promote a range of crime prevention and personal safety advice during Freshers Weeks.
To minimise the risk of students being the victim of crime, or becoming involved in criminal activity, police will be attending various Freshers events taking place in the coming weeks to provide useful information and guidance on how to keep themselves and their belongings safe wherever they go.
Policing teams throughout Scotland will also be promoting student safety advice on their social media channels over the next month.
Chief Inspector Michelle Grant from Police Scotland’s Policing Together Division said: “Students make up a large part of populations in towns and cities across the country and make a positive contribution to our society. It is important they feel safe and supported during their studies.
“We have been engaging with numerous further and higher education establishments in the run-up to freshers weeks beginning and we’re grateful to have been given the opportunity to speak with students.
“Over the coming weeks, we will be offering advice on how to stay safe while on nights out, protecting your accommodation and personal belongings and staying safe online.
“We’ll also be discussing how to identify and report domestic abuse, as, for many, the next few years could be when they enter into relationships for the first time in their lives.
“Our advice on staying safe is relevant, whether you’re in your first or last year of your studies so please consider this when you are at home, in college or university, or out enjoying the night-time economy.”
All of Police Scotland’s crime prevention and personal safety advice can be found by visiting www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information.
Police have released an image of a male officers would like to speak to in connection with an assault and robbery which occurred on Sunday, 7 July, 2024 at around 11.30pm on Ferry Gait Drive.
Officers believe the man in the image could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the man himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.
The male (pictured) is described as aged in his 30s, between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 10ins in height, was seen to be wearing a suit, goggles over his eyes and a blue baseball cap with an ‘LA’ logo.
Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3947 of 7 July, 2024.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where you can give information anonymously.
A pilot scheme aimed at giving young people in the East End of Glasgow life skills and reducing youth violence in the area has been hailed a success by those taking part.
Teenagers, aged between 13 and 16 years have been involved in a ‘10 week Create Your Own PAFS’ (Police, Ambulance, Fire Service) programme since July to build their confidence and develop the skills to make the best possible choices.
The event was co-ordinated by Constable Laura MacDonald who was inspired by a youth programme whilst serving in the fire service prior to joining Police Scotland. She also enlisted the help of colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to make it as informative as possible.
Working together, the services developed mock scenarios of real-life emergency situations, such as road traffic collisions, search and rescue, trauma, first aid and the use of defibrillators, and young people were invited to take on the various roles of blue light personnel to learn more about how each service responds.
The young people also completed elements of the three services fitness tests familiarising them with the fitness entry requirements.
Also included in the programme were inputs surrounding valuing diversity and inclusion, drug awareness, road safety, water safety, online safety and group discussions on relevant up to date topics.
Constable MacDonald said: “Our main aim was to break down the barriers between the teenagers and emergency services as often the only contact people have with us is in moments of crisis or when something has gone wrong.
“The pilot scheme was designed as a Tri-Service programme and shows what each service does and encourages the young people to take part in various time critical challenges which helps them understand how important it is to remain calm in a crisis whilst building their communication skills.
“The feedback from the young people taking part and their parents or guardians has been so encouraging and positive. They’ve said they all enjoyed the experience and felt it was successful in testing their social skills in unfamiliar environments. Participants have really had a confidence boost and some have made plans to join other similar volunteer groups.”
Those who took part received a certificate acknowledging their hard work and commitment to the programme and also a further certificate for CPR, which was one of the focal points during the 10-week programme.
Constable MacDonald concluded: “This has been a tremendous experience for me and my emergency service colleagues and I am grateful for the support of management within Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“I am so proud of everyone who took part and hope to be able to replicate this in the division again in the near future.”
POLICE officers are issuing a warning over the sale of motorbikes online following a number of thefts in the West Lothian area.
Recently we have received reports of motorbikes for sale on social media selling pages being taken for test drives and not returned.
Constable Grant Hillhouse, Livingston Police Station, said: “There has been an increase recently in the number of thefts reported of motorbikes being sold online.
“Typically this involves the potential buyer asking to take the bike for a test drive and not returning or paying for it.
“I’d urge anyone looking to sell online to ensure every precaution is taken to ensure the security of their property.”
You can find more advice on staying safe online and online shopping on our website:
