Tag: Crime

Child sexual abuser jailed

A 69-year-old man has been jailed for three years and nine months following an intelligence-led operation into online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Paul Chalmers was sentenced at Edinburgh High Court today – Friday, 28 November, 2025, for the offences, which included conspiracy to rape a child.

He has also been given an order of lifelong restriction.

Chalmers was arrested by officers on Thursday, 25 January, 2024 when he travelled to Edinburgh to meet with what he believed to be a child he had been engaging with online.

He pled guilty to the offences at Glasgow High Court on Monday, 3 February, 2025.

Detective Chief Inspector David Nairn said: “Paul Chalmers is a predatory individual and, as a result of our investigation, he now faces the consequences of his sickening actions.

“He may have believed that his offending would go undetected however there is no hiding place.

“Any form of child sexual abuse is a serious criminal offence, and we encourage anyone with concerns about a child as risk of abuse, or a potential victim to contact Police Scotland on 101.

“Police Scotland’s #GetHelpOrGetCaught campaign proactively targets those who are either already offending or at risk of offending online and provides signposts to available support.”

Man jailed for five years for involvement in large-scale cannabis cultivations

A man has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in multiple large-scale cannabis cultivations across Scotland.

Afrim Krasniqi, 29, pled guilty in relation to 12 cannabis cultivations identified at both residential and commercial properties in the Glasgow, Edinburgh, Penicuik, Aberdeen, Ayrshire and Angus areas.

The cultivations had an estimated street value of up to £3.8million.

He pled guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 16 October, 2025, and was sentenced at High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday, 25 November.

Detective Constable Karen Maxwell said: “The scale of this criminal operation was substantial, and Krasniqi is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“This case demonstrates our commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy in identifying and dismantling organised networks involved in the supply and production of drugs.

“This type of criminality is not a victimless crime. Organised crime groups often rely on the exploitation of vulnerable people to support their activity, and it can cause extensive damage to the properties they operate from, as well as have a detrimental impact on the communities within which they are active.”

Anyone with concerns about drug-related activity in their area is encouraged to contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Despicable: Men jailed for serious assault and robbery of pensioners

Two men have been jailed following a serious assault and robbery in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Andrew Stobbs, 40, was sentenced to three years and five months and Jon Wood, 46, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison on Monday, 24 November 2025 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

A 79-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man sustained serious injuries as a result of attack and robbery, which happened on Saturday, 30 November, 2024 in High School Wynd.

Stobbs and Wood, who were wearing face coverings grabbed the woman’s bag and dragged her to the ground, causing serious injuries. The man attempted to intervene which saw him being punched.

Detective Constable Michael Campbell said: “This was a violent, needless and deeply distressing attack on the couple. I hope this sentence brings some measure of comfort to them.

“Violence of this nature will never be tolerated. We remain committed to protecting the public, supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice.”

Police E-Bike crackdown sees bikes seized and 13 men charged

POLICE Officers in Edinburgh have seized 13 e-bikes following complaints from residents about anti-social behaviour.

The South West Community Policing Team carried out the initiative between 20th and 23rd November in the areas of Fountain Park, Dundee Street and Morrison Road.

Thirteen males aged between 18 and 45 were charged with road traffic offences, with offences including no insurance, no licence and no helmets. Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

PC Bob Galbraith said: “We are committed to ensuring public safety following the concerns raised by residents regarding anti-social behaviour involving e-bike riders, particularity incidents of riding in pavements, travelling at excessive speed and causing alarm or inconvenience.

“We continue to encourage residents to report any incidents so we can respond. Anyone with any concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101. We worked closely with HM Immigration officers during the initiative.”

#SWCPT

#CommunityPolicing

Man found guilty of serious sexual assault in Princes Street Gardens

At the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday (19 November 2025), a man was found guilty of a serious sexual assault.

James Leckie, 27, was convicted of assaulting and raping a 16-year-old female in Princes Street Gardens on Saturday, 16 September, 2023.

Detective Inspector Stephanie Garnett said: “We strongly condemn Leckie’s actions, which caused profound trauma to this young female during this abhorrent crime. Our thoughts are with her, and we hope this conviction offers her some measure of justice.

“We have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences, and no matter how much time has passed, please report it. You can be assured that you will be fully supported by officers and our partner agencies.”

Two arrests following Leith stolen goods raids

Following reports of stolen property being reset on Leith Walk, Edinburgh, Leith Community Officers, supported by Edinburgh Retail Crime Team, executed warrants at two business premises.

Approximately £8k of suspected stolen property was recovered, and enquiries are ongoing to ensure the property is returned to its rightful owners.

Two males were arrested and will be reported for reset.

Shoplifting is #NotAVictimlessCrime and #NECPT will continue to work with the #RetailCrimeTaskforce to identify offenders, including those benefiting from the acquisition of stolen property

Man jailed for serious sexual assault in Dalry

A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years in prison following a serious sexual assault in Edinburgh.

Ali Chikane attacked his female victim on Monday, 5 February, 2024 in the Murieston Crescent Lane area of Dalry, leaving her with serious injuries.

He appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 19 November, after being convicted at the same court last month.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “I would like to commend the strength of the victim during this investigation after such a traumatic and frightening incident.

“Chikane is a dangerous and violent individual. I am glad he will now face the consequences of his despicable actions in prison.

“We would encourage anyone who has experienced any form of violent or sexual offence, regardless of when it happened, to report it to us. We will investigate thoroughly and have specially trained officers and partner agencies who will support you throughout.”

Man arrested in Liverpool in connection with illegal fireworks supply in Edinburgh

A man has been charged in connection with the distribution of illegal fireworks in Edinburgh.

Prior to Bonfire Night 2025, Edinburgh Division CID conducted local inquiries into individuals linked with possessing and selling fireworks, which intelligence suggested were intended for use in disorder offences.

Over 1200 kilos of illegal fireworks were subsequently seized during this time, including one tonne recovered in Rosyth on 27 October.

Further investigation was carried out jointly with Merseyside Police and yesterday (Tuesday, 18 November) a 28-year-old man was arrested by officers from both Police Scotland and Merseyside Police and was charged with Conspiracy (aid, abet and incite disorder).

Detective Inspector Stevie Dick from Edinburgh CID said: “This arrest is testament to the outstanding collaboration between Police Scotland and Merseyside Police and our joint commitment to removing illicit and harmful items, such as illegal fireworks, from our communities.

“A number of lines of inquiry remain ongoing into offences identified prior to, and during the Bonfire Night period and we will utilise all resources at our disposal, working alongside key partners, to bring offenders to justice.”

Liverpool Local Policing Sergeant Ken Blundell from Merseyside Police said: “It is pleasing to see this investigation progressing, and as always it a pleasure to work alongside our colleagues in Police Scotland.

“When police forces work in partnership, we stand stronger to remove obstacles reduce risks to our communities.”

Police appeal after two injured in Niddrie quad bike incident

HIT AND RUN NEAR JACK KANE CENTRE

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for the help of the public after two males were seriously injured in a hit and run by a quad bike.

The incident happened around 3pm yesterday (Saturday, 15 November) in the Niddrie Mains Road area, near to the Jack Kane Community Centre.

The males, aged 15 and 20, were taken to hospital for treatment.

Detective Sergeant Alex Johnston said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the Niddrie area on the afternoon of Saturday and saw a quad bike being driven around, or who witnessed the crash, to get in touch with us by contacting 101 and quoting incident 2026 of the 15 November.

“Similarly, anyone with dashcam footage or private CCTV which may have captured what happened should contact us.”

Police launch Operation Winter City 2025 campaign

POLICE in Edinburgh have launched Operation Winter City 2025 – the annual policing campaign to keep the public safe as they visit the city centre over the festive period.

There will be an enhanced presence of officers out on patrol to engage with people and offer reassurance and crime prevention advice, as well as to respond to any incidents that may arise.

Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson, Gold Commander for Operation Winter City, said yesterday: “Anyone who’s ever visited Edinburgh over the festive period knows just how amazing the city is at this time of year.

“That’s why it’s important that our policing response is appropriate and proportionate to meet the demand of the additional visitors to the Capital, but to also reflect the very special atmosphere that is generated during Christmas and New Year.

“Local officers will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring divisions during patrols throughout the city-centre and anyone requiring assistance is welcome to come and speak to them, whether it’s to report a crime, or request information.

“On behalf of everyone within Edinburgh Division, I wish you all a safe, secure, and Merry Christmas.”

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