Tag: Crime

Review group calls for tighter control of fireworks

An expert group that includes police, fire and animal welfare representatives has called for the introduction of no fireworks zones and tighter restrictions on the purchase and use of fireworks.  

The independent Firework Review Group has submitted its final report to Ministers, urging a fundamental shift in the way fireworks are bought and used.

The call comes following widespread public support across Scotland to reduce the negative impact of fireworks.

The group, chaired by former Chief Fire Officer Alasdair Hay, has recommended a number of measures be taken forward, including:

  • the introduction of mandatory conditions when fireworks are purchased from retailers
  • restricting the times of day fireworks can be sold and volume of fireworks that can be purchased at any one time
  • restricting the days and times fireworks can be set off
  • the introduction of no firework areas or zones
  • the creation of a proxy purchasing offence to prevent adults from buying fireworks on behalf of those under the age of 18

Responding to the report, Community Safety Minister Ash Denham told Parliament: “I welcome and fully endorse these recommendations and thank Alasdair Hay and the members of the Review Group for their diligent work, especially in recent months during the pandemic.

“We are determined to keep all of Scotland’s communities safe from the harmful use of fireworks and the group’s findings will help us achieve that.

“I will now explore how these recommendations can be implemented, within the powers available to Parliament, and bring forward legislation to make these a reality.

“With Bonfire Night approaching, it is vital the public continues to adhere to the rules on meeting up with other households to help stop the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“If someone does plan on using fireworks I would urge them to please do so responsibly and safely and to be mindful of their neighbours.

“I would also ask them to consider the various harmful impacts the noise of fireworks can have, including on our veterans, those with sensory issues and on our pets and livestock. Adapting alternative celebrations and sticking to the rules in place can go a huge way to ensuring everyone’s safety.”

Chair of the Review Group Alasdair Hay said: “I am pleased to set out the recommendations from the Firework Review Group.  We have carefully considered the available evidence, and believe a step change is needed in how fireworks are accessed and used by the general public. 

“This is not to prevent adults using fireworks sensibly and safely – rather, to ensure all safety requirements are fully understood and adhered to, and the impact on others has been fully considered.”

Firework Review Group: Report to the Scottish Government.

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham’s full statement to parliament. 

Man convicted of catalogue of serious sexual offences

A man responsible for non-recent sexual offences against children and women has been convicted.

John Hoy, 46, was found guilty of numerous serious sexual offences including rape, committed between 1989 and 2005, at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Monday, 26 October).

Detectives from Police Scotland’s Public Protection Unit in Edinburgh began an investigation into Hoy after a woman came forward to report the non-recent sexual abuse Hoy had subjected her to.

He was subsequently arrested and charged on 31 October, 2018.

Detective Sergeant Alan Sharp, of Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit, said: “Hoy’s behaviour over an extended period of time was deplorable with no thought of the suffering it caused his young victims.

“I would like to commend the victims who bravely came forward and assisted the police. The guilty verdict is testament to the evidence they provided and the investigative work carried out by officers in the Public Protection Unit.

“We treat all reports of sexual crime – no matter when the offence happened – with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity to bring perpetrators of such crimes to justice. Anyone who has been subjected to abuse should feel confident in coming forward, that we will believe you and will thoroughly investigate.”

If you have concerns or information these can be reported to Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police seek information on Gorgie stabbing

Police are appealing for information after an 18-year-old man was seriously injured in the Gorgie area. The incident happened around 5pm on Monday (19 October) when the teenager walked into a shop on Gorgie Road with a stab wound to his leg.

It’s believed the incident happened in the Westfield Court area. The 18-year-old was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

There is no description of the suspect.

Detective Sergeant Rory Legge, of Corstorphine CID, said: “This happened at a busy time of the day and we know there would’ve been a lot of traffic and people in the area.

“I would ask anyone who witnessed this incident or saw any suspicious behaviour around the Westfield Court area just before 5pm on Monday to contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2228 of 19 October 2020. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Appeal for witnesses to cycle path jewellery robbery

Police are appealing for information after a woman was robbed of jewellery on the cycle path in Boswall on Saturday evening.

At around 6.30pm on Saturday (17 October), a 39-year-old woman was walking along the cycle path between Wardie Road and Granton Road, when she was approached by a man on a bike who, after a short conversation, demanded her watch and diamond rings before riding off towards Drylaw.

The woman was not injured but has been left shaken by the incident.

The suspect is described as white, of medium build, with short dark hair and had a local accent. He was wearing a blue surgical face mask, dark coloured cotton tracksuit top and bottoms. He was on a dark coloured bike with no lights.

Detective Constable Peter Lyons, Costorphine CID, Edinburgh, said: “Whilst the watch and jewellery have a combined value of approximately a four-figure sum of money, it’s more their sentimental value – especially the lady’s engagement and eternity rings – that is upsetting for her.

“She was on the walkway which goes between Wardie Road and Granton Road and was just approaching the Wardie Road exit when she was approached by the man.

“This can be a busy thoroughfare and I am sure there would have been people about who either saw the robbery or who may have seen the man on the bike hanging about the area.

“Officers are checking CCTV at the moment to try an identify the thief, however, would appeal to anyone who may have information that will assist their investigation to come forward.

“If you think you can help, please call Costorphine Police Station via 101 quoting reference number 3256 of Saturday, 17 October, 2020. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Secure your bicycle

More than 500,000 bikes are stolen in the UK each year because they’re poorly secured or not secured at all. More than half of all bikes stolen are taken from the owner’s property.

Help protect your bike by following these guidelines:

Photograph your bike and record all of your bike’s details and distinguishing features and keep in a safe place. The serial number can be found on the bottom bracket.

Register your bicycle securely online at the National Cycle Database, www.bikeregister.com Doing this may help to recover your bike if it goes missing. On registering, you can also download a bike logbook where you can record your bike’s details to keep at hand.

Security mark your bike’s frame with a UV pen or other method – the mark should include your home postcode and house number.

Insure your bike, either on contents insurance or separately if required.

Visit our website for more advice – https://www.scotland.police.uk/…/secure-your-bicycle/

Witness appeal following Granton robbery

Police are appealing for information following a robbery in Granton Mains. The incident happened around 12.10pm yesterday (Wednesday, 16 September) at the West Granton Community Shop (Sandy’s).

A man entered the shop, brandished a weapon at a member of staff and stole a four-figure sum of cash.

The suspect is described as white, with facial hair. He was wearing a cap, dark top, bottoms and trainers and a black face mask.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Howat said: “Thankfully no-one was injured during this incident but the staff member was left shaken. We believe the man was waiting in the vicinity prior to the incident.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and I would ask anyone who recognises the description of the suspect to come forward immediately.

“We are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information which may be able to assist to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 1403 of 16 September.

Teenager robbed at knifepoint in Blackhall

Police are appealing for information after a 14-year-old boy was robbed at knifepoint in Blackhall.

The incident happened just after 9pm on Monday, 14 September, when the teenager was walking through a wooded area to the south of Ravelston Park, near to Blackhall Lawn Tennis Club.

There was a group of youths around a small campfire and three boys approached him. One suspect threatened the victim with a knife and took his mobile phone. Fortunately the victim wasn’t physically injured.

The first suspect is described as around 16-years-old, around 5ft 10in tall, skinny build, clean shaven with short brown hair and his right ear pierced. He was wearing a dark bomber jacket and camouflage pattern tracksuit bottoms.

The second suspect is described as around the same age and height, stocky build, clean shaven with ear length ginger hair. He was also wearing a dark bomber jacket.

The third suspect is described as around the same age and height, medium build with dark hair.

Detective Sergeant Mark McGraw, of Corstorphine CID, said: “We’re appealing to anyone who has any information about this incident or witnessed it to contact us.

“It appears it was completely unprovoked and we’re asking for the public’s help to identify those involved. Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3667 of 14 September.”

Police issue advice on shed security

Break-ins to garden sheds, garages and thefts from gardens are common throughout the country. In fact, many criminals consider this type of crime to be low risk, as they don’t have to force entry to your home.

Many people store bikes, power tools and expensive gardening equipment in their sheds making it very attractive to criminals.

The good news is that there is a lot you can do to outsmart garden thieves. A few simple solutions can make all the difference to the security of your garden:

• Make sure the lock is in good working order. Fit a mortise lock (BS3621:2007) and/or use a good quality closed shackle padlock on your shed door. The hasp should be attached using coach bolts or anti tamper screws rather than basic screws.

• If there are any windows in the garage/shed, fit a grill, adhesive frosting or put a curtain over the window, so that people cannot see in.

• Fit a shed alarm. These can be bought online for around £10.

• Secure all the equipment including bicycles that you can by padlock and chain, make sure it is attached to the building – a ground anchor is preferable.

• Security mark your bicycles, lawnmowers, toolboxes and garden furniture, by engraving, painting or using a DNA security marker kit and register these. Available online.

• Consider installing a garage defender, which secures the door to the ground.• Surrounding hedges or trees should be trimmed or cropped so as not to provide cover for thieves.

• Clear your garden all of debris, rubble and tools that may be used to force entry.

• Install security lighting to illuminate your garden.• Consider topping your fence or wall with a trellis, which will provide an additional barrier and provide support for climbing plants.

• Aggressive plants and shrubs, such as Berberis and Hawthorn can help deter intruders.

• Sign up to local alerts provided by Police at; https://www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk/

• If purchasing security products look for items endorsed with the Sold Secure or Secured by Design logo.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously near to your premises please contact the police immediately with as detailed a description as possible of any person or vehicle involved.

Please call 999 if an emergency and urgent police assistance is required or 101 if not urgent to report the matter to the police.

Further advice also available at https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/secure-your-garden-outbuildings/ and www.securedbydesign.com

Beware Bogus Workmen

Police are urging the public to be wary as they have received reports of bogus workmen operating in Edinburgh.

Be on guard if someone attends at your door offering assistance with energy supply, offering other goods or services or offering to carry out any building work or home improvements.

Don’t be afraid to say no and don’t be embarrassed as genuine callers expect you to be careful.

If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door and report the incident to police.

If you know someone who may be vulnerable, please make them aware so that together we can #ShutOutScammers

For more information check Police Scotland website – http://ow.ly/VL1u50B2pS2

Appeal following serious assault in Lothian Road

Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following a serious assault which took place in Lothian Road onTuesday.

The incident happened outside the Salvation Army shop at around 7.55pm on Tuesday, 1 September.

The victim, a 52-year-old man, was attacked by another man who then ran south along Earl Grey Street in the company of a woman.

The victim was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.

Detective Sergeant John Dunn, from Edinburgh CID, said: “We understand that there may have been several people nearby who witnessed the assault take place and are appealing for them to come forward.

“At least one of these people helped treat the victim prior to the ambulance’s arrival.

“Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident 3304 of 1 September. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”