Crime – Page 99 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Cashback: creating opportunities in the arts

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop joined young filmmakers, musicians and dancers who are developing their career skills thanks to the confiscated funds from criminal activity.

Over the last three years £2.25 million has been invested in CashBack for Creativity, providing over 15,000 opportunities for young people in Scotland to participate in arts activities they would not have otherwise had access to.

Ms Hyslop said: “The real impact of CashBack on young people’s lives can’t be expressed by statistics or in stark monetary terms – CashBack changes lives.

“The CashBack for Communities Programme takes funds recovered from the proceeds of crime and invests them in back into communities, putting young people on a positive path in life by providing opportunities for them to take part in thousands of free activities and projects.”

Programme participants have included Yutsil Martinez, who began in making short films with Pilton-based Screen Education Edinburgh project in 2011. Yutsil has gone on to star in the Screen Education film, Man With No Name, and was nominated for the Chris Anderson Award for Best Young Filmmaker 2013 (sponsored by the National Youth Film Academy). He was awarded an acting scholarship at the National Film Youth Academy in London after winning a Best Actor award at the event.

Yutsil said: “Participating in these projects and shoots has allowed me to find opportunities and meet other filmmakers and professionals in the field. The CashBack for Creativity Programme has been instrumental in helping me build my confidence and really develop my passion for working in the industry, and carve a future career for myself.”

Paul Reynolds earned a placement at Edinburgh’s DanceBase through the CashBack for Creativity Programmewhere and he discovered a passion for dance and performing arts. Attending DanceBase and developing as a dancer taught Paul new skills that he believes will see him through life. He now has a love of being on stage and performing for a big audience describing the feeling and rush he gets from performing as “incredible”.

Paul said: “Only a few years ago I struggled to talk to people I’d never met before and I had little confidence and self-esteem, but with my participation at DanceBase through CashBack, I am now more confident and focused regarding what I want from life.”

Leonie Bell, Director of Arts and Engagement at Creative Scotland, said: “Providing opportunities for young people to get involved in the arts, theatre and cultural activities can help improve confidence and broaden their horizons.

“Over the next three years, the CashBack for Creativity programme will enable approximately 20,000 young would-be filmmakers, dancers, musicians, artists, actors, writers and digital enthusiasts to work in professional settings with experienced practitioners, helping to inspire them to achieve their potential in their future careers.
She added: “I was delighted to meet a number of young participants who have been given the chance to work on interesting and educational CashBack projects and develop their personal, social and career skills.”

CashBack for Creativity is part of the wider Scottish Government CashBack for Communities programme. To date over £74 million has been made available to benefit over 600,000 young people in Scotland since CashBack for Communities began in 2011.

Twitter: @CB4Creativity #CashBack4Creativity

Police warn of ‘bank’ phone call scam

Police are warning members of the public to be alert to phone calls from criminals who claim to be working for banks. The fraudsters frighten victims into believing their bank accounts have been hacked – and then persuade them to transfer their savings into new ‘safe’ accounts.

The fraud works like this:

A phone call is received from a male pretending to be from their bank’s Fraud Department. He informs the victim that there has been suspicious activity on their bank account and asks them to call the helpline telephone number on the back of their bank card in order to verify his position at the bank.

The alarmed victim does this – but unbeknown to him/her, the caller keeps the telephone line open (there will be no dial tone). The phone call is then ‘answered’ by a female and she was then ‘transfers’ the victim over to another male who claims to work in the bank’s Fraud Department.

He advises the victim that that their finances are at risk of fraud and they must transfer their money into ‘safe accounts’ immediately; he then manipulates the unsuspecting victim into transferring their savings into these new ‘safe accounts’.

A call of this nature is upsetting, and that’s what the fraudsters rely on – they stress the urgency of the need to act NOW to protect your funds and they don’t give victims the time to think.

If you have even the slightest of concerns or are suspicious in any way, hang up and use a mobile phone to call your bank – always call back from a different phone.

Tackling the scourge of modern slavery

The Modern Slavery Bill was introduced in the House of Commons this week, but local MP Mark Lazarowicz believes the legislation doesn’t go far enough.

The bill would provide law enforcement with stronger tools to stamp out modern slavery, ensure slave drivers can receive suitably severe punishments and enhance protection of and support for victims.

The bill includes provisions to:

ensure that perpetrators can receive suitably severe punishments for these appalling crimes – including life sentences
introduce new orders to enhance the court’s ability to place restrictions on individuals where this is necessary to protect people from the harm caused by modern slavery offences
create an Anti-Slavery Commissioner to improve and better coordinate the response to modern slavery
introduce a defence for victims of slavery and trafficking compelled to commit an offence
create an enabling power for child trafficking advocates
introduce a new reparation order to encourage the courts to compensate victims where assets are confiscated from perpetrators
close gaps in the law to enable the police and Border Force to stop boats where slaves are suspected of being held or trafficked

Edinburgh North & Leith MP Mark Lazarowicz‘ says the Bill is a major step forward but should be tougher. Speaking in Tuesday’s debate on the Modern Slavery Bill at Westminster, he praised the Bill as a major step forward but highlighted two areas where it needs to be strengthened significantly at UK level:

· Extension of the powers and funding of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority created by the last Labour Government, and

· Increased transparency and accountability of companies for their supply chains.

Commenting after the debate, the local MP said: “Modern slavery can see people desperately seeking a better life trapped and exploited in ways as varied as sex trafficking, domestic servitude or agricultural workers whose meagre wages are docked to pay for sub-standard food and accommodation leaving them with debts they can never pay off.

“Vulnerable people, often with very few language skills, may simply not know where to seek help even if they get the chance and be fearful that they may be deported if they do escape.

“The last Labour Government first set out to tackle this modern evil by creating the Gangmasters Licensing Authority to root out abuse in agriculture and related industries: it’s been widely praised and its funding and remit should be increased.

“Companies should also be accountable for how their goods are produced in supply chains with annual reports setting out steps they took to verify and audit suppliers.

“Whilst enabling the prosecution of traffickers and slave-masters, the Bill must also advance the protection of victims: too often companies and consumers do not know and in the worst case may not even care how workers are exploited in producing the food we eat, the clothes we wear.”

Police appeal following Pier Place attack

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was injured during a break-in at her Newhaven home. The incident happened last Friday at around 12.15pm at an address in Pier Place.

The 19-year-old victim was in the house when she became aware of a male’s presence, and a short struggle between the pair resulted in the young woman sustaining a dislocated elbow and an injury to her face.

She managed to get away from the suspect and ran to a neighbour who contacted emergency services.

Police are now conducting local enquiries to trace the male responsible and anyone who can assist in identifying him is asked to come forward.

He is described as white, just under 6ft tall with a skinny build. He was wearing a black tracksuit with the hood up and spoke with a local accent.

Detective Sergeant Mike Leask said: “The victim sustained painful injuries to her arm and face, which required medical attention and left her incredibly shaken.

“Anyone who was in or around Pier Place on Friday afternoon and remembers seeing anything suspicious is asked to contact police immediately.”

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

Mikaeel: mother due in Court today

Rosdeep Kular, the mother charged with murdering her three-year old son Mikaeel, will appear for a preliminary hearing at Edinburgh’s High Court this morning.

Kular, who is 34 and has four other children, is accused of beating him to death before putting his body in a suitcase and dumping him, STV News reported last night. She is also accused of failing to seek medical attention for Mikaeel.

Rosdeep Kular – who is appearing in court under her married name of Rosdeep Adekoya – is said to have punched her son Mikaeel on the head and body, hit his body against a hard object and caused blunt-force trauma injuries to his head and body at the family’s flat in Muirhouse.

She is then said to have put him in the boot of her car and driven his body first to his school, Flora Stevenson Primary, and then on to a relative’s home in Kirkcaldy where she is said to have hidden the suitcase under a bush in woodland behind the house.

Ms Kular is further accused of reporting Mikaeel missing from their home in Ferry Gait Crescent in Muirhouse on 16 January, allegedly saying her son had disappeared from the home.

Thousands of members of the public turned out to help search for Mikaeel when he was reported missing earlier this year, but the toddler’s body was discovered in Fife late on Friday 17 January.

Appeal for witnesses following Leith assault

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was assaulted in Leith earlier this month. They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who came to the aid of the man during the vicious attack – which took place in board daylight.

The 29-year-old victim was subjected to an unprovoked attack while walking south on the bridge crossing the Water of Leith at the north end of Great Junction Street.

He was punched and kicked by three teenagers during the incident, which took place at around 3pm on Tuesday 17 June.

It’s understood that members of the public intervened to stop the assault and Police Scotland are very keen to trace those people.

Police Constable Iona McWilliam said: “This was a terrifying and unprovoked attack on a man and enquiries are underway to identify the three men responsible.

“It took place in the middle of the afternoon and we would urge anyone who witnessed the event or who may know something that would help our investigation to come forward immediately.”

The first suspect is described as white, aged between 16 and18, of slim build, and wearing a grey hooded top and grey jogging bottoms.

The second man is also described as white, aged between 16 and 18, of slim build, wearing a grey hooded top and grey tracksuit bottoms, and he was carrying a black drawstring sports bag at the time.

The third suspect is described as white, aged between 16 and 18, and of slim build, and he was wearing a black top with a white Adidas logo on side.

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

Valuable ring recovered following Western theft

Local Police have recovered a valuable gold ring as part of the ongoing Operation Wolf. The ring was stolen at the Western General Hospital but was tracked down to a local second-hand shop and has now been returned to it’s delighted owner.

A 73-year-old man was visiting the hospital on 1 May and washed his hands in a restroom. As he did so he removed his 18ct gold signet ring, which was etched with his family crest. He then left the building – but forgot to pick up the ring. The man returned a short time later but found that the item had been stolen and contacted police.

Officers from the Search and Recovery Team (SART) carried out local enquiries and spoke to local second-hand retailers. The investigation proved successful as police were contacted by one of the stores on Saturday 24 May after the ring was brought in for sale.

Police are now following a positive line of enquiry to identify those responsible for this theft, and the ring has since been returned to its rightful owner.

Superintendent Matt Richards said: “This ring was made by the victim’s brother and while it is worth a significant sum of money, it is of greater sentimental value.

“As a result of Operation Wolf activities carried out by the SART, police in Edinburgh were able recover the item from a second-hand store and are actively hunting for the thieves.

“I would like to thank all of the retail premises we work alongside for their continued support in tackling acquisitive crime.

“Operation Wolf continues to address the crimes and issues affecting our various local communities and will relentlessly pursue those responsible for these offences.”

Race attack on driver in Trinity

Police are seeking help to find a group of young men following a racist attack on a driver in Trinity on Friday. The assault, which happened at 5.10pm in Cargil Terrace, left the 38-year-old victim with a serious facial injury.

The victim, who is originally from Zimbabwe, was first abused by the group, who were in another vehicle, and then attacked. The men are all described as being white, late teens to mid 20s and wearing jeans and casual clothing.

Police said the man had been driving his car on Granton Road when the men began shouting racist remarks from the other vehicle.

Both vehicles then travelled in the same direction into Cargil Terrace, where the altercation ended with the victim being assaulted in the street.

Det Sgt Mike Leask said: “The victim was first subjected to verbal abuse before being attacked and sustaining serious facial injuries.

“I would like to thank the witnesses that have assisted police with our inquiries and would urge any additional members of the public who witnessed the assault to contact police immediately and help us trace those responsible. In addition, anyone with any further information relevant to this investigation is also asked to get in touch.”

Doorstep crime initiative: man in Court

One man has appeared in Court and another has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal as part of the ongoing Operation Monarda initiative to tackle the scourge of bogus workmen.

A 23 year old man has been arrested, charged and appeared in court for over 40 bogus workmen offences after targeting a number of residents in Edinburgh.

In total, 14 homeowners in the Currie, Balerno and other areas in the west of the Capital were visited and over-charged for substandard work, which was carried out on their properties.

The man was identified as part of Operation Monarda – a new partnership initiative to tackle doorstep crime across Scotland.

After being detained on Tuesday, he appeared at court the following day in connection with 44 crimes and has been remanded in custody.

Police also seized a number of the man’s assets and have applied for a six-figure sum of cash to be forfeited under Proceeds of Crime legislation.

Another man, aged 47, has also been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to these offences.

Police Scotland, Trading Standards and other partner agencies are assuring the public they are committed to identifying those responsible for doorstep crime and bringing them to justice.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Divisional Commander of Edinburgh City Division said:

“Doorstep crime can affect anyone within our local communities, but we are aware that in particular the over 60’s can be targeted due to a perceived vulnerability.

“Those who commit such crimes, like bogus callers and rogue traders, are extremely convincing in how they approach and interact with potential victims. Anyone can be convinced by the lies these criminals create.

“If you are aware of any suspicious activity taking place at the home of a neighbour, friend or family member then please contact police immediately.”

A spokesperson from Trading Standards Scotland said: “Doorstep crime remains the number one priority for Trading Standards services in Scotland and we are committed to working with our partners to tackle this unscrupulous crime.

“Unfortunately, doorstep crime still remains vastly under reported and we strongly encourage victims, potential victims and their families and friends to report any suspicions they have immediately.”

Please report any suspicious activity to Police on 101, or your local Trading Standards department. If the person refuses to leave your door, or you feel threatened or scared – call 999 and ask for the Police.

Cashback to create more goal-den opportunities

Criminals’ cash to fund future football stars

Millions of pounds confiscated from criminals is to be invested in Scottish football for young people as part of the CashBack for Communities Scheme. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill announced yesterday that the Scottish Football Association (SFA) is to receive £2.25 million over the next three years to provide free football activities for children and young people throughout Scotland.

Mr MacAskill unveiled the new funding on a visit to Shawlands Academy, Glasgow, to see young people train as part of the Glasgow All Nations Sports and Recreation (ANSAR) Easter holiday football programme.

The programme is supported by the SFA Equity Project, a unique initiative aimed at increasing the number of people from ethnic minorities participating in the game which has received £467,475 of CashBack funding since 2011.

Mr MacAskill said: “The CashBack for Communities programme has been incredibly successful in using money seized from criminals to fund projects in every part of Scotland. Today’s announcement brings the total amount we have invested and committed to encouraging young people into footballing activity through the SFA to more than £7.5m – with £74 million invested or committed through Cashback overall since 2008.

“CashBack has made significant investments in Scottish sport and our commitment to helping grass roots programmes is underlined by today’s announcement. This £2.25million award will help more than 50 clubs and groups continue their excellent work providing free sporting activities for their local community.

“As one of our CashBack partners, the Scottish FA is helping us ensure that the ill-gotten gains of criminals can be put to good use by keeping youngsters out of trouble and hopefully unearthing future star strikers for the Scotland football squad!”

The Scottish FA has undertaken significant investment in equity projects with 1,400 individuals from 43 diverse ethnic groups across Scotland now taking part activities including playing, coaching and volunteering.

Welcoming the investment, the SFA’S Director of Football Development Jim Fleeting said: “The Scottish FA is grateful for the continued support from the Scottish Government via CashBack for Communities funding.

“The grant will enable us to continue our objective to grow the national sport at grassroots level and in particular to make the game accessible to all, regardless of ability, sex, religion or ethnicity.

“I am delighted to be at Shawlands Academy to recognise and endorse the great work undertaken by Glasgow Ansar. This kind of activity highlights the work of our Equity officers and today’s announcement by the Cabinet Secretary will enable us to help clubs such as Glasgow Ansar to access coach education, volunteering and funding support.”