Police seek witnesses to Ferry Road petrol station robbery

Police are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery at a petrol station on Ferry Road last night.

The incident occurred at around 10pm when a man entered the premises brandishing a handgun. He threatened the lone member of staff and left with three-figure amount of cash.

The man left on foot, travelling towards Ferry Road. However it unknown what direction he traveled along Ferry Road. The member of staff was not injured as a result of the robbery. Police are now eager to trace the male suspect who was responsible for the incident.

He is described as a white man, aged between 35 and 45-years-old. He has a slim build and a ginger/greying goatee and moustache.

He was wearing a black-hooded top, blue jeans, a brown ¾ length jacket and tab ankle boots. He may have possibly been wearing a grey checked scarf and black gloves and have been carrying a brown leather bag.

Detective Inspector Grant Johnston said:”Thankfully the member of staff was uninjured during this incident, however this was an we are keen to trace the suspect as soon as possible.

“We would ask members of the public to get in touch if they remember seeing anything they believe was connected to the incident in or around the Ferry Road area last night.

“Anyone who can help us identify the man responsible for this robbery is also asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police seek witnesses to Easter Road assault

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault on Easter Road on Thursday. The incident took place at around 11am near the Londis convenience store.

A 57-year-old man was walking his dog, when a male walked passed him before punching him to the face. During an ensuing violent struggle between the two men the victim was bitten on the cheek.

Eventually, the victim was assisted by the driver of a white minibus who drove him away from the area. Officers are now urging anyone who can assist with their enquiry to come forward.

The suspect is described as white, 25 to 30 years old and between 5 ft’ 5 and 5 ft’10 inches tall with short bright ginger hair. He was wearing a grey zip-up hooded top, with a Hibs crest on the left chest, black top underneath and dark trousers and trainers.

Constable Andrew McMath said: “This incident quickly escalated from a verbal altercation into quite a serious attack, which left the victim with a painful facial injury.

“I would urge anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in Easter Road on Thursday morning to contact police immediately. Similarly, if anyone can help us to identify and trace the man responsible for this assault, they should also get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

#StrongerNorth campaign goes on display in Community Shop

Community Shop supports #StrongerNorth initiative

Information about the #StrongerNorth community safety initiative will go on display in Muirhouse Community Shop on Pennywell Road tomorrow and will be backed up by #StrongerNorth Monday sessions at the shop from next week.

Volunteers at Muirhouse Community Shop have created striking window displays to highlight a variety of different campaigns over recent months – Domestic Abuse, Environmental Services and the Independence Referendum have all been featured – and now #StrongerNorth will be in the spotlight.

Tenants organisation TRIM and Muirhouse Community shop is working closely with the #StrongerNorth team and will be welcoming key members of the team to the shop on Mondays from 19 January. Visitors can expect to meet local police officers, Total Craigroyston staff, the Stronger North Project Officer and members of North’s Community Safety team over the coming weeks.

A spokesperson for the community shop said: “We decide what we put in our shop window. We always feel it’s important that we keep it current and what a better way than to start with this? Stronger North was brought about after the residents told police and council we are fed up, things need to change and we want change now. A gold team was set up and meet often to discuss serious issues and a multiagency approach is being worked at. Things will not change overnight – Stronger North is still very new and with support from everyone we are confident it will make a big difference long term.”

For further information about #StrongerNorth call Fraser Sinclair on 529 5023, email stronger.north@edinburgh.gov.uk or visit the #StrongerNorth Facebook page.

Police seek information on Muirhouse assault

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault that took place in Muirhouse last weekend – details have only now come to light.

A 39-year-old man attended at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on Monday (5 January) having sustained serious injuries to his face in the Muirhouse area during the early hours of that morning.

After being released from hospital on Thursday the victim contacted police to confirm he had been assaulted, but had little recollection of events. Officers are now urging anyone who can assist in establishing the full circumstances surrounding this incident to come forward.

Detective Constable Iain Wallace said: “At this time, we do not know exactly what has happened to result in the man sustaining his injuries, but we believe he may have been involved in an altercation with three men, who are described only as being white and in their thirties.

“As such, we are keen to speak with anyone who believes they saw anything suspicious in the Muirhouse Grove area from 3am on Monday 5th January.

“Similarly, anyone with any further information relevant to this investigation is also asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Horrific attack on family pets in Drylaw

Police seek information following sickening attack on chickens

Intruders have killed a family pet, seriously injured another and traumatised a third during a break-in in Drylaw earlier this week. A young family has been left ‘shocked and very distressed’ after the malicious attack on their pet chickens in Wester Drylaw Place.

The incident occurred overnight on Wednesday/Thursday when intruders first tried to break into a garden shed. They were unsuccessful but then turned their attentions to the family’s chicken coop, which they opened and killed one of the chickens.

A second chicken was also badly injured in the attack and a third was later found – fortunately unharmed – in a neighbour’s garden.

Police Scotland is conducting a joint investigation with the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA), who plan to carry out a post mortem.

Police Sergeant Stuart Mitchell said: “This was a horrifying crime, which has left the family, and their children, in a state of shock. We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen people loitering in the Wester Drylaw area last night to contact us. This type of incident is completely unacceptable and we are conducting active enquiries in the area.”

Scottish SPCA Inspector June Chalcroft said: “This appears to have been a malicious attack, resulting in the death of one of the chickens and the injury of another. Hopefully the results of the post-mortem will explain the cause of death.

“Thankfully a third chicken, which was missing, has been found safe and well. We believe someone may have heard something as the chickens would have made a lot of noise during the incident.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Police Scotland immediately on 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The public can also contact SSPCA on 03000 999 999.

Success for festive drink drive campaign

‘Don’t risk it’ message hits home over festive holiday period

Police Scotland statistics have today revealed that the ‘don’t drink and drive’ message has been driven home to motorists across the country.

The new lower drink drive limit of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood came into force on 5 December 2014, bringing Scotland into line with much of the rest of Europe.

During a four week festive Drink Drive campaign from Road Safety Scotland (part of Transport Scotland) and the Scottish Government, Police Scotland tested 17,504 drivers for alcohol – an average of 625 drivers each day.

A total of 351 drivers were caught under the influence this year compared to 434 in the same period last year – a 19% reduction.

Police detected one drink driver for every 50 (351 from 17,504) tests carried out compared to one drink driver for every 47 (434 from 20,646) tests carried out in the same campaign period last year. Those caught now face the New Year without a licence, a minimum 20-year criminal record and a fine.

Of those caught drink driving, 20 drivers were detected between the new 50mg limit and the previous limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

And over the period a total of 27 drivers were detected between 6am – 10am, six of whom were between the old and the new limit.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson, said: “These latest statistics show a 19 per cent decrease in the number of drink drive detections over the festive period, and are testament to the immediate effect that the new lower limit has helped to make our roads safer.

“Scotland is leading the way across the UK with the introduction of a lower drink drive limit, which has backing from experts, road safety campaigners and the majority of the public north and south of the border, as well as bringing Scotland into line with almost every other country in Europe.

“We will continue in our efforts to change driver behaviour in order to make our roads safer, and our advice for the year ahead is simple – drink driving is completely unacceptable and puts lives at risk, therefore the best approach is to avoid alcohol altogether if you intend to get behind the wheel.”

With the Christmas and New Year festivities now over, motorists are being reminded that the message not to drink any alcohol at all before driving and to plan journeys the next morning, remains relevant all year round.

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins of Police Scotland, said: “The initial campaign may be over, but our work continues and the message remains the same – don’t risk it, don’t take any alcohol before you get behind the wheel and it will help you help us keep people safe.

“The new limit is proving a good deterrent in stopping people from drinking and driving, but it is still unacceptable that 351 people chose to ignore all the advice and warnings and get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. They are not just risking their lives but also those of other road users and pedestrians.

“Make it your New Year’s resolution to never drink and drive and help us keep Scotland’s roads safe.”

The introduction of the new lower limit was supported by a public awareness campaign ahead of the legislation taking effect. This was followed by a high profile social marketing campaign over the festive period across TV, radio, video-on-demand, digital, PR, field activity and partnership working.

The campaign urged members of the public not to drink and drive and advised festive revellers to plan ahead when it came to their travel home from a night out and any journeys in the morning.

The campaign also sought to remind drivers of the tough legal and personal consequences of a drink drive conviction, which include a loss of licence with an automatic 12 month driving ban and a minimum 20 year criminal record.

Although the festive period is now over, Police vigilance will remain at the same level throughout 2015 and the same consequences apply if motorists chose to drink and drive.

Find out more by visiting www.dontriskit.info or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook page or follow@RoadSafetyScot on Twitter.

Two face court following Ferry Road drugs raid

Two people have been charged after £3,000 of the drug diamorphine was found at a flat on Ferry Road.

Police carried out an intelligence-led search of the address on Tuesday and seized diamorphine and diazepam tablets along with other various items of drug paraphernalia. Officers also found £910 at the property.

A 32-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Police appeal following New Town assault and robbery

Police are appealing for witnesses after six men on mopeds assaulted a 19-year-old man and stole his bag and pedal cycle.

The incident took place on Sunday at around 2am on St Vincent Place at Fettes Row. The victim had been followed from Howe Street by six males who were on four mopeds.

When he fell from his bike he was assaulted and his bike and bag were taken. The victim was assisted by a female passerby after the suspects had fled and police are now appealing for her to come forward.

The bike is a Cove make mountain bike style and ‘Stiffie’ model, which is blue with yellow forks, orange pedals and green bars.

The first suspect is described as white, 16 yrs old, skinny build, 5ft 2in to 5ft 5in, long black hair, pale complexion, wearing dark grey hoodie, light grey jogging bottoms and white trainers.

The other five suspects are described as youths in grey hoodies with hoods pulled tight around their faces. Three of the scooters were a dark and the other one was red.

Detective Constable Alison Wyllie said: “We are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which began on Howe Street leading to the suspects following the victim onto Abercrombie Place towards Fettes Row and St Vincent Place.

“Anyone who may see this bike, which is quite distinctive, should contact the police.

“We are particularly appealing to a lady who was in the area at the time and who assisted the victim following the attack to come forward, along with anyone who saw this group of males on the mopeds around the time of the incident.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Tradewatch to tackle sales of stolen goods

Partnership approach crackdown on stolen goods sales

Police in Edinburgh have launched ‘Tradewatch’, a partnership campaign with the city’s second-hand retailers to help tackle thieves’ attempts to sell on stolen goods.

As part of the new scheme, all stores in the Capital have committed to sharing information in relation to individuals attempting to sell on stolen goods.

A process has been agreed between the management from each business to alert one another as soon as anyone attempts to sell any tems, which are suspected of being stolen.

Police will also be contacted and will progress any information received to identify offenders and seize the stolen property.

Tradewatch was developed as a result of the continued engagement and dialogue between second-hand retailers and Edinburgh Division’s Search and Recovery Team.

To further assist the stores, each will be provided with a SmartWater Technology Ltd UV lamp, which can be used to examine any goods brought into the store and establish whether they have been stolen.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston said: “Those responsible for acquisitive crime will often attempt to sell on stolen goods for profit and regularly attempt to utilise second-hand retailers to dispose of valuable items.

“However, we have an excellent and long-standing relationship with these businesses in Edinburgh and staff regularly assist our Search and Recovery Team in reuniting stolen property with its rightful owner as well as helping us identify those responsible for the thefts.

“With the launch of ‘Tradewatch’, these premises will instantly and readily share information on any suspicious customers so that items that have been acquired illegally are not bought and sold within their stores.

“I would like to thank our second-hand retailer partners for their assistance and co-operation in helping to create this campaign.”

Chief Inspector Richard Horan said: “Tackling housebreaking and robbery is a priority across the city and the ‘Tradewatch’ initiative is yet another tool in our armoury to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.

“We continue to target and pursue those who steal through ongoing enforcement activity and partnership campaigns. The public also play a vital role in assisting us prevent these crimes, and making life difficult for criminals, by taking simple steps to safeguard their belongings.

“I would urge members of our communities to ensure their homes are always appropriately secured and that any items of value are stored safely out of public view. Details of the type of valuables within your property should never be disclosed to anyone you do not know or trust.

“Please remember that sheds, garages and other outbuilding are extensions of your home and should also be secured at all times.

“Our partnership with SmartWater Technology Ltd continues within the Capital and hundreds of homes have been issued with the unique chemical solutions to mark their property. However, additional home security measures such as alarms and motion-activated lighting should also be considered where possible. Your local community policing teams will be delighted to offer free crime prevention advice.”

David Patrick, CEO of Cash Converters UK, the UK’s largest second-hand retailer, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the police and a part of the new Tradewatch scheme as we are committed to tackling the issue of stolen goods in our stores.

“We have a zero tolerance policy towards stolen goods and a number of processes in place to deter criminals.

Anyone looking to sell an item to Cash Converters must present two forms of ID along with proof of address as per regulations set out by the Financial Conduct Authority. In addition they have to be photographed and sign an agreement confirming they are the legal owner of the goods.

We have a strong working relationship with Edinburgh Police and, as part of the Tradewatch scheme, are committed to sharing information with other businesses to help prevent crime and put a stop to stolen goods coming through our doors.”

Stay safe online

Police in Edinburgh are urging members of the public to stay safe online after a number of recent reports of people being extorted for money on social media.

Over the last month Police Scotland has received reports from members of the public who have communicated with unsolicited individuals on social media platforms. These communications have then encouraged the victim to compromise themselves, leading to demands for money.

Detective Inspector Alan O’Brien said: “In the incidents that we are aware of, the victims were all young men who frequently use social media and who were contacted by someone they were led to believe was genuine to undertake sexually explicit acts.

“I would urge everyone to exercise caution whenever they engage in conversation with someone online who they do not personally know.

“Never give out any personal information or send out anything that may leave you in a vulnerable position.

“Anyone who has had a similar approach online or wishes to report falling victim to this scam is asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.