Tag: Crime

Police appeal after Slateford robbery

Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in the Slateford area. The incident happened around 7.50pm on Saturday outside an address on Hutchison Loan.

A 19-year-old woman was approached by a man, who stole her black handbag before running in the direction of Slateford Road.

The man is described as being white, in his 50s, 5ft 9 with an average build, short grey or black hair and stubble. He was wearing dark clothing, including a dark grey hoodie, with the hood down.

The victim was not injured in the incident.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Howat, of Corstorphine CID, said: “It is very fortunate that there were no injuries as a result of this robbery, but the victim has been left shaken and upset by the loss of her bag and its contents.

“Officers have been carrying out enquiries in the area and have established that the suspect was seen acting strangely in the front garden of a neighbouring property shortly before the incident took place.

“We would be keen to hear from anyone else who either witnessed the robbery itself or saw any suspicious activity in the area throughout the evening.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 3773 of 19 October. Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Appeal following Trinity bogus workmen incident

Police are appealing for witnesses following a bogus workmen incident in Trinity’s Russell Place area.

At around 10.00am on Tuesday (15 October), an 80-year-old man was visited by a man who offered to carry out some garden work. A fee was agreed and paid in cash, even though it appeared that no work had been carried out. Continue reading Appeal following Trinity bogus workmen incident

Human trafficking gang convicted following five year operation

Four members of an organised crime group have been convicted of trafficking offences at the High Court in Glasgow. Three men and one woman convicted yesterday marked the conclusion of a five-year-long investigation undertaken by Police Scotland. Continue reading Human trafficking gang convicted following five year operation

Sharp rise in Scotland’s crime figures

Violent crime in Scotland has risen by 10% in the year to last March, official figures revealed yesterday. It’s the highest level for seven years, with a 16% rise in robberies.

The figures show there was also an 8% increase in sexual crimes, including rape, to  to the highest level ever recorded.

Despite these statistics the Scottish Government says violent crime is much lower than a decade ago. Continue reading Sharp rise in Scotland’s crime figures

Victims to benefit from new charge on criminals

Offenders will be required to contribute to the cost of supporting victims of crime from November.
 
A new financial penalty will be imposed on all criminals who are sentenced to pay a court fine and the money raised will be banked in the Victim Surcharge Fund.

Victim support organisations will be able to apply to the fund to cover the costs of providing short-term and practical support such as new windows and locks for burglary victims or funeral expenses for families of murder victims.

Regulations laid in Parliament yesterday, subject to MSPs’ approval, will apply to crimes committed on or after 25 November 2019 and payments from the fund will start to be made six to 12 months later.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Experiencing crime can be an isolating and frightening experience and we are committed to improving the experiences of victims in our justice system.

“It’s only right that criminals should pay towards helping victims to recover and move on with their lives. The money raised through the surcharge will pay for practical support that will make a real difference to victims and their families.

“While Scotland’s long-term fall in crime means fewer people fall prey to criminals, we are continuing to invest £18 million annually to improve support, advice and information for victims. This new fund will be a valuable addition to support available and we have worked with the UK Government to ensure the necessary legislative arrangements are in place to allow its operation.

“Over the coming year we will also be carrying out further work to better understand where the gaps are in how Scotland supports victims and witnesses.”

Victim Surcharge Fund regulations

The table below sets out the level of surcharge that will be payable depending on the value of fine that is imposed by the court:

Amount of fine Surcharge payable
Up to and including £200 £10
Between £200.01 to £500 inclusive £20
Between £500.01 to £1,000 inclusive £40
Between £1,000.01 to £2,500 inclusive £75
Between £2,500.01 to £5,000 inclusive £175
Between £5,000.01 to £10,000 £350
In excess of £10,000 7.5% of the fine

38,474 fines were ordered by Scotland’s courts in 2017-18.

 

Appeal after Royal Mile whisky robbery

Police are investigating following a high-value break-in and theft in the city centre. The incident happened sometime between 10pm on Friday 7th September and 6.40am on Saturday 8th September at the Whisky Trail licensed premises on the High Street.

After entry was forced to the store, almost 50 bottles of valuable whisky were stolen. Continue reading Appeal after Royal Mile whisky robbery