Tag: Crime

‘Scotland remains a safe place to live’ – Angela Constance

Homicides at lowest level in half century

Homicide numbers in Scotland have fallen to their lowest level since comparable records began in 1976, according to official figures.

Cases recorded by Police Scotland fell to 45 homicides in 2024-25, down 12 on the previous year. For all of the 45 homicide victims recorded in 2024-25, the associated case was solved.

The greatest reduction in homicide victims over the last 20 years has been among young people aged 16-24 – falling from 110 victims between 2005-06 and 2009-10 to 31 between 2020-21 and 2024-25.

The publication by Scotland’s Chief Statistician provides information on crimes of homicide recorded by the police in Scotland in 2024-25.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “My thoughts are with every family who have lost a loved one, however the fact that the number of homicides has fallen significantly over the last decade, now to a record low in 2024-25, is clearly a positive and welcome trend.

“While the number of young lives lost to homicide has also reduced significantly over recent years, behind every statistic is the grief of loved ones and a tragedy that demands continued and determined action.

“I am grateful to Police Scotland for their work that saw 100% of cases solved last year – a fact which, along with the decline in homicides, is further evidence that Scotland remains a safe place to live and justice is being served.

“The Scottish Government has invested more than £6 million since 2023 to support implementation of the Violence Prevention Framework for Scotland. This funding provides a range of activities to prevent violence and reduce its harm, much of which is supporting young people away from violence.

“To help prevent the future abuse and death of women and girls, we now have the statutory framework in place to create what will be Scotland’s first national multi-agency domestic homicide and suicide review model, with reviews expected to start from next spring.”

Homicide in Scotland 2024-25

New video highlighting the impact of Bonfire Night criminality released

A new film highlighting the significant impact of violence and disorder involving fireworks on communities, services and emergency workers has been shared by Police Scotland.

The film features interviews with a mother, whose son was injured, a bus driver whose bus was struck by a brick, a police officer who underlines the impact of blue light-personnel and a community representative who calls on people to take pride in their local area.

Police Scotland, Lothian Buses, and Places for People, a social enterprise organisation, contributed to the package as part of work to reduce disorder and criminality over the Bonfire Night period.

In 2024, despite a positive reduction in serious disorder offences, police officers, firefighters, bus drivers, and local communities were subject to unacceptable levels of violence between 31 October and 5 November.

As a result of the criminal investigations that followed, 61 people were charged with fireworks-related criminality across Scotland.

Inspector Scott Casey, an experienced Public Order Officer, discusses how he and his colleagues came under attack during the disorder that took place in 2023 and the feeling of being struck with fireworks, as well as seeing members of his team sustain injury.

Tony Beecher from Lothian Buses recounts a terrifying experience where his bus, which had several passengers onboard, was targeted with a brick and warned of the serious consequences that could arise if a bus was to crash after being struck.

Over the last few years, the Niddrie area has experienced significant and unacceptable levels of disorder, resulting in damage to public property and causing fear and alarm to local residents and businesses.

Cheryl Neil, Places For People’s Community Safety Area Manager for Scotland gives an overview of how those living within this region have suffered greatly and urged people to take pride in their community and help prevent it being the scene of mass disorder this year.

The video also includes a harrowing interview with Catherine, whose 11-year-old son sustained third-degree burns to his legs after he and some friends started a fire for a social media stunt.

Catherine recalls the anguish of seeing her child in extreme pain after sustaining the injuries and calls on all parents to talk to their own kids about the dangers associated with starting fires.

The full video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/OyGxqYOKp4A

Police Scotland: Dispersal Zones in Edinburgh

From 31 October – 5 November 2025, dispersal zones will be enforceable to help prevent anti-social behaviour and keep our communities safe.

Additional officers will be on patrol and have powers to take action where needed.

👉 Stay safe and enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly by attending organised events only:

https://orlo.uk/iQ6cx

📖 Legislation says:

Where a constable has reasonable grounds for believing that the presence or behaviour of a group of two or more persons in any public place in the relevant locality is causing or likely to cause alarm or distress to any members of the public, the constable may give:

1. A direction requiring the persons in the group to disperse

2. A direction requiring any of those persons whose place of residence is not within the relevant locality to leave the relevant locality or any part of the relevant locality

3. A direction prohibiting any of those persons whose place of residence is not within the relevant locality from returning to the relevant locality or any part of the relevant locality during such period (not exceeding 24 hours) from the giving of the direction as the constable may specify

⚠️ ANY PERSON WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE WHO KNOWINGLY CONTRAVENES A DIRECTION GIVEN TO THEM UNDER THIS ACT SHALL BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE AND WILL BE ARRESTED WITHOUT WARRANT ⚠️

At time of writing there are NO organised public displays in Edinburgh – Ed.

#TomorrowWeStillLiveHere

#KeepingPeopleSafe

#PoliceScotland

Two charged as part of investigation to tackle Bonfire Night disorder

NORTH EDINBURGH PROPERTIES RAIDED

Two men have been charged as part of an ongoing investigation to tackle disorder ahead of this year’s Bonfire Night period.

On Wednesday, 15 October, 2025, officers in West Lothian recovered 200kg of fireworks from a storage unit in East Calder.

As part of enquiries, intelligence-led searches were then carried out at properties in West Granton Road, West Pilton Lea, West Pilton Street, West Pilton Place and Bughtlin Place.

Two men, aged 18 and 25, were arrested and charged. The 18-year-old was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 24 October and the 25-year-old is scheduled to appear today, Monday, 27 October.

Detective Inspector Steven Dick from Edinburgh Division CID said: “Our enquiries suggest the large quantity of fireworks seized was intended to be used for disorder and violence over the coming weeks.

“We know the significant impact the criminal use of fireworks has had on communities, vital services and emergency workers during the last few years, and this will not be tolerated.

“Officers will continue to gather intelligence and carry out enforcement and disruption action to prevent firework-related offences and bring to justice those who intend to cause fear and injury during the Bonfire Night period.”

Anyone who has information on planned criminal activity involving fireworks can contact Police Scotland via 101 or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Fireworks season: Emergency services launch Operation Moonbeam 2025

Police Scotland is dedicating more resource than ever before to tackle crimes involving fireworks over the Bonfire Night period.

Operation Moonbeam 2025 is officially launched today – Friday, 24 October – and will once again see public order officers supporting colleagues from local policing divisions to tackle violence and disorder and protect communities from harm.

In 2024, there was a reduction in the number of serious order incidents across the country and the number of officers injured fell to one, compared with 62 in 2023.

However, the level of violence directed towards police and other emergency services was still of significant concern and additional resource is being provided to support local policing teams dealing with fireworks-related crime.

Operation Moonbeam was first launched in 2018, following serious disorder in various parts of the country which saw one officer in Edinburgh seriously injured when she was struck by a firework.

Overall, fireworks offences have seen a reduction since this time, but an increased targeting of emergency services has prompted a more robust response to tackling these incidents.

In addition to enhanced levels of specialist support, frontline officers in Edinburgh a will be equipped with Body Worn Video, as the national roll-out of this technology continues.

This will improve opportunities to identify those involved in criminal activity during this time, including attacks on police officers and emergency service workers.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “Last year, following Bonfire Night, I reflected on what was a successful policing operation that saw a reduction in serious disorder offences and a dramatic reduction in the number of officers injured.

“As part of this year’s campaign, we will shortly be publishing some compelling stories from members of Police Scotland, Lothian Busses and affected communities highlighting the significant impact being involved in, or subject to attacks with fireworks can have.

“However, we still saw unacceptable levels of violence and disorder in parts of Glasgow and Edinburgh, leaving communities in these areas in a state of fear and alarm. This was wholly unacceptable, and we immediately launched a major criminal investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Over 60 people have been reported for their involvement in fireworks offences over the Bonfire Night period for 2024. I want to make it clear our pursuit of offenders for any crimes this year will be equally unrelenting. If you chose to create fear in your community, and if you chose to attack those who are deployed to keep people safe, you will face justice.

“We will use all available technology, resources and policing tactics at our disposal to keep our people safe while they, in turn work with other emergency service partners to protect the public from harm.

“Please help us make Bonfire Night 2025 a safe event for everyone looking to enjoy it.”

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown added: “We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night and I urge those planning to use fireworks to do so safely and responsibly.

“Misuse of fireworks puts communities and emergency services at risk and will not be tolerated. While Police Scotland reported a reduction in serious disorder on Bonfire Night last year, the Scottish Government will continue to support the police and courts in taking firm action against those who do break the law.

“We have brought in a number of measures to improve firework safety, including a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s and making attacks on emergency workers using fireworks an aggravating factor that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders. We have also provided local authorities with powers to designate firework control zones in local areas and a number of these will be in place this year.

“My thanks go to all the emergency services who have been working hard to ensure a safe Bonfire Night and who will again be on the front line to keep our communities safe.”

Andrew Laing, Deputy Crown Agent for Local Court at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: “Those who carry out reckless and dangerous public offending throughout the period of Bonfire Night can expect to be dealt with rigorously by the justice system. 

“Those deliberately putting other people in danger may be held in custody by the police, remanded by the courts, and expect to receive a custodial sentence at the conclusion of the court case. 

“Anyone seeking to obstruct or attack an emergency worker will be treated with the full force of the law. 

“We stand fully behind justice partners in ensuring that the public and members of the emergency services are protected at all times.

“Our message to people who carry out this type of offending is that it carries serious consequences.

“We will always prosecute such matters where there is a sufficiency of evidence and it is in the public interest to do so.”

Police: Online Crime Advice

That link you got in a text, email or DM? 🔗 Type don’t tap!

Check the web address is legit and always:

✋ Stop: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.

☝️ Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

👊 Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud.

If you think you’ve clicked on a suspicious link and shared your details, contact your bank immediately.

Find out more from Take Five.

#TypeDontTap

#TakeFive

#StopChallengeProtect

Ian Murray hails South Edinburgh supermarkets’ firework sales ban

Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray has written to all the supermarkets in South Edinburgh – and they’ve agreed to stop selling fireworks for this bonfire night following last year’s disorder. 

Ian Murray explained: “Last year, many got in touch with me after the shocking scenes of fireworks disorder in our community.

“Homes and businesses were attacked, people were left frightened in their own neighbourhoods, and our emergency services were put in danger. This is why I welcome the decision by supermarkets to refrain from selling fireworks this year.

“I’m pleased that following my letter to local supermarkets, all the major stores in Edinburgh South have confirmed they will not be selling fireworks this year.

“This is a big step that will help reduce local availability and make Halloween and Bonfire Night safer for everyone, and builds on wider work across the city by Dr Scott Arthur MP in reducing firework availability.

“This is on top of new Firework Control Zones in Gilmerton and Moredun, dispersal orders to tackle anti-social behaviour, and extra police resources. The Council will also be clearing away wood and materials that could be used for illegal bonfires.

“There’s still more to do, and I’ll keep pressing the Scottish Government to give our police the resources they need. But this is real progress.

“If you have any concerns in the coming weeks, please get in touch.”

Local men arrested following series of crimes across Central Scotland

Three males have been arrested and charged following an extensive investigation into a series of housebreakings and thefts across central Scotland.

The offences occurred in the Fife, Stirling, Glasgow and West Lothian areas between 26 September and 1 October, 2025.

On Thursday, 16 October, 2025, officers executed arrest warrants at three properties in Edinburgh.

A 35-year-old man was arrested from Ferry Road, a 20-year-old man was arrested from Wester Drylaw Drive. Both have been charged in connection with several offences, including housebreaking, vehicle theft and road traffic offences.

The men were due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court yesterday (Friday 17 October).

A 17-year-old male was arrested from Broomhouse Grove. He was charged with theft and released to appear at court at a later date.

Detective Sergeant John Irvine said: “Crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the victims, causing them to question the safety and security of their own homes, and I would like to commend the work of the officers investigating this crime series.

“I would also like to thank the various local communities for their assistance with our enquiries to date and reassure the public that any reports of criminality will be investigated thoroughly by Police Scotland.”

Police appeal following terrifying incident in Silverknowes

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information after two men broke into a property in the Silverknowes area and demanded car keys from the occupant.

The incident happened around 4.10am on Wednesday, 15 October, 2025, at a house on Silverknowes Midway.

The men were wearing all black clothing, face coverings and gloves. Nothing was stolen from the property.

Enquiries so far suggest they may have had a white BMW 1 series car with black wheels.

Detective Sergeant Will Dickson said: “Fortunately, the occupant was not injured but she was left very shaken by what happened.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and we are asking anyone who saw anything, or who has private CCTV that could help, to get in touch.

“If you were driving in the area around the time of the incident, please check any dash-cam footage to see if you have captured something that could assist.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0351 of Wednesday, 15 October, 2025, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Serious assault on West Granton Road: Do you know these men?

Police Scotland have released images of two men who may be able to assist an enquiry into a serious assault which took place on West Granton Road, at around 10.15pm on Saturday, 23 August, 2025.

The first man, pictured below, is described as white, aged 35 to 45-years-old with dark hair and beard. He was wearing a black Under Armour T-shirt and Adidas jogging bottoms.

The second man, pictured below, is described as white, aged 18 to 25 years-old, wearing glasses, a black hooded top with an Adidas Original logo and black jogging bottoms.

Detective Constable William Doughty, of Corstorphine CID said: “I would encourage these men or anyone who may recognises them to get in touch.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3999 of 23 August 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.