Tag: Crime

Police seek info on Colinton robberies

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information following two robberies and an attempted robbery in the Colinton area on Saturday.

Around 7.40pm on Saturday, 7 October, a man entered shop premises on Bridge Road, threatened a male member of staff with a knife, and demanded money. The suspect then left the premises with a three-figure sum of cash before making off in the direction of Colinton Village.

The suspect is described as a being aged between 30 – 40, 6’2”, athletic build with a local Scottish accent. He was wearing a distinctive light grey Adidas hooded top with a neon green trim, white face covering, light-coloured gloves, dark trousers, and dark trainers.

Around 7.50am on Sunday, 8 October, a man entered shop premises on Colinton Road, threatened a female member of staff with a knife and demanded she hand over money and cigarettes. He left empty-handed.

Shortly after, around 8.30am, the same described man entered shop premises in Ashley Terrace, in possession of a knife, threatened the staff, and again demanded money. He left the premises with a three-figure sum of cash.

He was wearing a black and white coloured face covering with a skull and cross-bone design, a black hooded top with an orange t-shirt underneath. He also wore camouflaged coloured jogging bottoms, and black and red/pink shoes, and was carrying a white string bag secured on both shoulders.

Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper from Edinburgh Division CID said: “The members of staff in all three incidents have been left badly shaken and it is vital that we trace the person involved.

“Due to the physical description of the suspect involved and the proximity of the premises it is believed the incidents are linked.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have seen the suspect in the surrounding areas before or after the incidents to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3529 of the 7 October, 2023.

Frederick Street assault: Police release CCTV image

POLICE have released an image of a man who may be able to assist with an enquiry into an assault which took place in Edinburgh on Sunday, 4 June, 2023. The incident took place around 12.20am on Frederick Street.

The man is described as being white, 19-25 years of age, around 5ft 8in in height, with short dark hair shaved at the sides and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing black skinny jeans, a white t-shirt with black writing, and black trainers with white soles.

Police Constable Jordan Cowie of Howdenhall Police Station said: “We are keen to speak to this man who may have information to assist with our enquiries. I would encourage him, or anyone who recognises him, to please contact us.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0360 of Sunday, 4th June, 2023, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Man jailed for sexual offence in Edinburgh

A man has been jailed for four years and three months after being convicted of a sexual offence in Edinburgh.

Antonio Pollio, 24, pleaded guilty to the offence involving a young female at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, 21 August, 2023. He was sentenced at the same court yesterday (Thursday, 28 September).

Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper said: “Antonio Pollio is a dangerous man who manipulated and coerced a young female. He will now face the consequences of his actions.

“We treat all reports of sexual crime seriously and I would urge anyone who has been a victim to come forward, no matter how much time has passed, and report it to police.

“Be assured, we will fully investigate and you will be supported by police and our partner agencies.”

Post office robbery: Man Charged

POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery at a post office in Edinburgh which took place yesterday (Sunday, 24 September).

Around 7.20am a man entered Milton Road West Post Office, threatened a male member of staff and demanded he hand over money.

The suspect then left the premises with a two-figure sum of cash before making off in the direction of Duddingston Park and heading north towards the crossroads of Duddingston Road.

The member of staff was not injured during the incident.

The suspect is described as a white male, late teens to early 20’s, 5’7” to 5’8” and of slim to medium build.

He was wearing a two-tone black and grey hooded zipper top, light blue Nike Joggers with a white motif on the left thigh, black and white Nike trainers, and was carrying a cross-body black ‘man bag’.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait from Edinburgh Division CID said: “The member of staff has been left badly shaken by this incident and it is vital that we trace the person involved.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have seen the suspect in the surrounding area before or after the robbery this morning to please get in touch.

“We would also urge any motorists with dash-cams who were nearby to check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our enquiries.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0788 of Sunday, 24 September, 2023. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

+++ UPDATE +++

A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a robbery in Edinburgh. The incident happened around 7.20am on Sunday, 24 September, 2023, at a Post Office on Milton Road.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 26 September, 2023.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance with our enquiries.

“There has been increased police patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.”

Two men convicted for non-recent sexual abuse of children

Two men responsible for the non-recent sexual abuse of children have been convicted.

At the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Tuesday, 19 September), Alexander Philip, 57, and Craig Hodgkins, 52, were found guilty of sexual offences against five young people aged between six and 13-years-old between 1978 and 2008.

The conviction followed a Police Scotland investigation after survivors came forward.

Following significant inquiry, the pair were arrested and charged in connection with the crimes, which took place in Edinburgh, Hamilton and Airdrie.

Police Scotland’s Detective Inspector Jonny Wright, who led the investigation, said: “Over the course of three decades, Alexander Philip and Craig Hodgkins subjected their victims to sustained levels of sexual abuse, sometimes together, and other times separately.

“Their offending may have gone undetected had it not been for the survivors coming forward and reporting the circumstances to police.

“The convictions of this pair should serve as a reminder that time is no barrier for Police Scotland to investigate any report of criminality and we will utilise all resources at our disposal to bring perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice.”

Philip and Hodgkins will be sentenced later.

Three youths sought following Tollcross assault

POLICE are appealing for information after a 19-year-old man suffered serious injuries after being assaulted in Tollcross. The incident happened shortly after 12am yesterday (Friday, 15 September) in Brougham Street.

The man was approached by a group of three male youths and subsequently assaulted. He required treatment at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to injuries sustained in the incident.

One of the youths is described as about 16-years-old, clean shaven, tall with brown hair and a fringe. He was of stocky build and wearing a black jacket, grey bottoms and black shoes.

The second was also about 16-years-old, white, clean shaven and wearing a grey hooded top with grey jogging bottoms. He was riding a dark coloured bike with white writing

The third was a younger male, white, small and of thin build with blonde hair. He was wearing a black hooded top and black tracksuit bottoms.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who may have information which could help to get in touch.

“Enquiries so far have established the three youths had been in the city centre on Lothian Road and the Meadows prior to and after the assault.

“If you believe you have may have seen them or have any other information relating to the assault please come forward. We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area.

“Anyone who can help is asked to call 101, quoting reference 0226 of 15 September, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Stolen car found in Granton

Following Police Scotland’s previous appeal on two cars stolen from outside a property on Mill Road, Stow in the early hours of Wednesday 30 August, please note:

The Volvo XC60 was traced in a car park in the Granton area by road policing officers on Saturday, 9 September.

Enquiries are continuing into this incident and Police re-appeal to anyone with information that may assist to contact 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 0441 of Wednesday, 30 August, 2023.

Green light for Safer Drug Consumption pilot?

Minister welcomes statement from Lord Advocate

An announcement by the Lord Advocate, that it would not be in the public interest for people using a pilot Safer Drug Consumption room to face prosecution for possession within the facility, has been welcomed by the Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham.

Dorothy Bain KC’s indication that she would issue a public statement of prosecution policy removes an obstacle to establishing the first official Safer Drug Consumption Facility in the UK.

It follows her independent consideration of a detailed proposal for a pilot developed by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and Police Scotland, facilitated by the Scottish Government.

Today’s news means Glasgow HSCP can take plans to establish the facility to the Glasgow City Integration Joint Board for approval.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said: “I welcome the position the Lord Advocate has taken.

“Glasgow authorities may now progress their proposal to set up a facility which can operate within the existing legal framework. While the service would still be limited to some extent, due to the reserved Misuse of Drugs Act, we are confident it would save lives.

“This is not a silver bullet. But we know from evidence from more than 100 facilities worldwide that Safer Drug Consumption Facilities work. It is now time to see this approach piloted in Scotland.

“It’s vital this pilot has the full confidence of the general public as well as those who use the facility, and the leadership of Glasgow and Police Scotland will help ensure it is introduced as quickly as possible.

“Through our £250 million National Mission, we are doing everything within our powers to tackle drug deaths in Scotland. However, the number of deaths is still too high and we must use every means at our disposal as we face future challenges, including the increasing threat from synthetic opioids.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Police Scotland is committed to working in partnership to reduce the harm associated with problematic substance use and addiction.

“Our approach to any initiative aimed at tackling these harms will be to establish how best policing can support it within the confines of the law.

“It is important to note that existing legislation will not be changing and, while we may take an overall supportive policing approach, police officers will still be bound by their legal duty to uphold the law and will not be able to simply ignore acts of criminality which they see occurring.” 

Susanne Millar, Chief Officer for Glasgow’s Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We welcome the position from the Lord Advocate and the positive response on plans for a Safer Drug Consumption Facility to operate in Glasgow. 

“A large body of evidence already exists from around the world which demonstrates that Safer Drug Consumption Facilities can save lives, as well as reducing the spread of blood-borne viruses and cutting levels of publicly discarded injecting equipment.”

Millions of pounds worth of illegal drugs seized as serious organised crime disruption continues

Pro-active action by police officers saw millions of pounds worth of illegal drugs recovered, between April and June 2023 as Police Scotland’s efforts to disrupt serious organised crime continues.

The Quarter 1 2023-24 Performance Report, presented to the Scottish Police Authority on Tuesday, 12 September 2023, details seizures of cannabis, cocaine, heroin and street Valium tablets as well as a number of arrests being made.

Detective Chief Superintendent Vicky Watson said: “Police Scotland has a vital role in preventing illicit drugs reaching our streets and disrupting the nefarious activities of those engaged in serious organised criminality.

“We are all too aware of the terrible toll of drugs deaths in Scotland. The ongoing activity described in the performance report underlines our commitment to reducing the harm caused to individuals, families and communities.

“The encouraging figures underline that those working in partnership to deliver the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy continue to have a considerable impact on these illegal activities and are contributing to helping to keep our communities safe.

“These seizures will undoubtedly have a massive negative effect on the activities of those involved.”

Activity between April and June 2023 includes:

• Activity by Organised Crime and local officers, saw seven men and three woman arrested during an operation targeting the supply of drugs in the Scottish Borders which resulted in £670,000 worth of substances being recovered

• Officers in Ayrshire recovered a cannabis cultivation with an estimated street value of £2,000,000

• Officers executed a warrant at a property in High Street, Dumfries and recovered cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £261,000

• Cannabis plants worth £740,000 were seized following an operation in Kirkcaldy 

• Officers executed warrants at a number of addresses in Aberdeen and Liverpool as part of a County Lines investigation and recovered heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine with an estimated street value in excess of £115,000

• In Glenrothes, a 21-year-old man was arrested and charged after Class A drugs, with an estimated street value of £400,000 were recovered. 

In the reporting period hundreds of thousands of street Valium tablets, including Etizolam and Bromazolam were seized. At least 200,000 were recovered during operations in the Glasgow area, 160,000 in Lanarkshire, more than 30,000 in the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde area and almost 50,000 in the Lothians and Scottish Borders.