Woman dies following disturbance at Restalrig flat

Police in Edinburgh have confirmed that a woman has died following a report of a disturbance at a property in the east of the city.

At around 6.50pm on Friday (24 January) officers attended a property in Restalrig Circus. A 79-year-old woman was taken from the property by the Scottish Ambulance Service to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where she died later that night.

The death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.

Police are eager to speak to a man who was near the address at the time and they believe he may be able to assist with their enquiries. 

He is described as white, aged between 20 and 30-years-old, about 5ft 6ins tall with combed back dark hair and a Scottish accent. He was wearing dark clothing with a top which possibly has white sleeves.

Inquiries into the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

Chief Inspector David Happs, Local Area Commander said: “Our enquiries into this incident are at an early stage and ongoing. The local community will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

“Our thoughts at this time are with the family and friends of the woman who has died and specialist officers are providing her next of kin with the necessary support.”

Anyone who may have been in the Restalrig Circus area yesterday evening, or who recognises the description of the man police wish to speak to, or who holds any information around this incident, are urged to get in touch with officers as soon as possible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 3175 of 24 January. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

ATM scams: Christmas crime

FESTIVE SHOPPERS in Edinburgh are being warned against the latest ATM scams hitting high streets across Scotland this Christmas and New Year’s.

The Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC) has issued a call for extra vigilance when withdrawing cash over one of the busiest periods of the year for shopping. Continue reading ATM scams: Christmas crime

Scottish Government revises strategic Police priorities

Policing priorities to ensure the service responds to future demands over the next six years have been published. 

The revised strategic police priorities (SPPs), which follow extensive consultation over the summer and autumn, reflect developments and progress in police operations and governance. Continue reading Scottish Government revises strategic Police priorities

Three women arrested for city centre thefts

Police have arrested and charged two women for pickpocketing in the city centre and a third for theft of a handbag within a licensed premises.

On Thursday (12th December), officers observed two women acting suspiciously on Upper Bow. They were subsequently arrested for attempt theft and are due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court for pickpocketing offences.

In the early hours of yesterday morning, a third woman was arrested after staff at a licensed premises in the Cowgate identified her from CCTV stealing from a customer’s bag.

Inspector Trish Robertson from the West End Police Station said: “We are committed to ensuring that Edinburgh is a safe place to be, particularly at this time of year with the Christmas Market in full swing and people out shopping and celebrating.

“We have officers on patrol in uniform and in plain clothes, and one of our main focuses is acquisitive crime such as pickpocketing and thefts. Thankfully, due to the vigilance of the officers and staff involved in these incidents, three people have been arrested and charged.

“I’d like to remind everyone shopping or visiting the city centre to look after your belongings. Keep all of your bags and valuables safe and with you at all times. If you see anyone acting suspiciously, please report it. Keep your purses and wallets in a zipped inside pocket wherever possible and make sure any bags are closed and are in sight at all times.

“Anyone with information regarding such offences are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”