A suspect has been traced, arrested, cautioned and charged following incidents at Tesco Express, Leith and Bonnington Road on Wednesday (2nd September). The suspect was in possession of a knife when traced.
You can report a crime or incident involving a knife or weapon to us. Always dial 999 and ask for police if someone is in immediate danger or an incident is happening right now. To report a non-emergency or past incidents, you can call Police Scotland on 101.
If you are an adult, you can also report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you are a young person, you can report anonymously to Fearless, the youth service for Crimestoppers, at https://orlo.uk/qj2zJ
Less than one in five people in Scotland (18%) are confident that young people in their local area would share information with the police if they knew someone was carrying a knife, according to new UK-wide research from YouGov commissioned by charity Crimestoppers.
The research also found people in Scotland are more than twice as confident young people locally would share that information with an anonymous service (43%).
The findings raise concerns that vital information about knife crime could be going unreported, despite the devastating impact serious violence has on victims, families and communities.
While the YouGov research found confidence in young people sharing information about knife crime with police is low across Scotland, the research suggests anonymity could make a significant difference.
More than 2 in 5 (43%) of people in Scotland said they were confident young people locally would share information with an anonymous service, highlighting the important role anonymous reporting can play in helping young people share information safely.
Fear of retaliation also remains a significant barrier. More than four in ten (44%) people in Scotland cite fear of retaliation if they report crime as a reason they might not report information about crime to the police, among a range of options.
The regional findings come as Crimestoppers launches a new campaign through its youth service, Fearless.org, after the research also revealed a significant reporting gap among young people.
UK-wide, just 31% of UK 16 to 25-year-olds say they would be very likely to report information about knife crime directly to the police, compared with 45% of adults*.
The findings challenge the perception that young people are unwilling to help tackle knife crime. Instead, they suggest fear, mistrust and uncertainty are preventing many from speaking up, even when they may have information that could help prevent serious violence – for example, 41% of 16-25s say fear of retaliation is a barrier that could stop them sharing information about knife crime with the police, while 28% say lack of trust in the police could stop them.
The campaign features the story of Charlie Cosser, who was tragically murdered in 2023 after being stabbed while trying to protect a friend.
Charlie’s father, Martin Cosser, is now working with Fearless to encourage young people to understand that anonymously sharing information about knife crime could help prevent future tragedies and save lives.
Martin Cosser, Charlie’s father and co-founder of Charlie’s Promise, said:“No family should have to experience the heartbreak ours has endured. We know fear can stop people speaking up, but one piece of information can make all the difference. I hope this campaign helps young people understand they can share what they know anonymously and potentially save someone’s life.”
Fearless is Crimestoppers’ dedicated youth service, providing young people with trusted information about crime, personal safety and the law, alongside a safe and completely anonymous way to pass on information about crime.
Independent of the police, Fearless.org never ask for a name or any details that could identify the person making the report.
The research also found that only 32% of people in Scotland are aware that Crimestoppers reporting service is completely anonymous. Furthermore, only 34% realise they are independent from the police.
Through this campaign, the charity hopes more young people will understand there is a safe, anonymous way to share information that could help prevent knife crime and protect others.
Anyone with information about knife crime or other serious criminal activity can contact Fearless anonymously by visiting Fearless.org.
Crimestoppers has launched a national campaign to expose the hidden exploitation of children linked to county lines and encourage the public to speak up safely and anonymously.
County lines involves grooming and controlling young people. Children are targeted, manipulated and exploited to transport drugs, money and weapons, often far from home and while facing violence, intimidation and isolation.
*New figures highlight the scale of the issue. Police estimate that up to 11,600 children are at risk of county lines exploitation, with many going missing repeatedly. In the past year alone, more than 2,600 children were identified as linked to county lines activity, though the true number is believed to be significantly higher.
Going missing is one of the clearest warning signs. Each year, there are around 200,000 reports of missing children, many involving repeat episodes that increase the risk of harm. Within county lines networks, young people may be sent to unfamiliar areas and feel unable to seek help because of fear or coercion.
Violence is often part of this exploitation. Young people can be pressured into carrying weapons in the belief it will keep them safe, when in reality it puts them in greater danger.
The impact and harm extends beyond individuals. Communities may experience increased violence and antisocial behaviour, while vulnerable adults can also be exploited, including through “cuckooing”, where their homes are taken over.
Crimestoppers is urging the public to recognise the signs of exploitation and act early. Unexplained gifts, new clothes or phones, secrecy, or frequent absences can all indicate that a young person may be at risk.
Angela Parker, Scotland National Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “County lines exploitation is often hidden in plain sight and can affect any family or community. Children are being manipulated and placed in dangerous situations, while those responsible remain in the background.
“We know people may feel unsure about coming forward, but you can tell us what you know whilst staying completely anonymously. No names, no statements, just information that could help protect a young person from harm.”
Anyone with information about county lines activity, or concerns about a young person, can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crimestoppers is an independent charity. We never ask for your name or personal details, and your information cannot be traced.
You will not be speaking to the police or have any involvement with the courts with you contact Crimestoppers or Fearless.org.
Crimestoppers is launching a campaign ahead of the World Cup, urging the public to help tackle domestic abuse by recognising the signs and sharing information anonymously.
While major football tournaments bring excitement and celebration for many, evidence shows they can also coincide with a rise in domestic abuse. The charity’s campaign highlights the hidden harms that can escalate behind closed doors during high-profile matches.
For some, match day is not about football, but fear. It’s well documented that incidents of domestic abuse increase when big sporting events take place.
The heightened emotions linked to wins and losses can contribute to abusive behaviour, leaving victims feeling unsafe in their own homes.
Crimestoppers is encouraging people to look out for signs that someone may be experiencing abuse. These can include a partner putting them down in front of others, controlling or jealous behaviour, visible injuries, withdrawal from friends and family or noticeable changes in mood such as anxiety or depression.
The charity is also reminding the public that sharing concerns anonymously can make a real difference, particularly for those who feel unable to speak out for themselves.
Annabelle Goodenough, Domestic Abuse lead for the charity Crimestoppers, said:“Football should bring people together, but for some, major tournaments can be a time of increased fear and harm.
“The rise in domestic abuse linked to match results is deeply concerning, and it highlights the need for greater awareness and action.
“We know that many victims find it difficult to seek help. That is why information from friends, neighbours, or members of the public can be so important. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
“Crimestoppers is independent and guarantees anonymity. We do not ask for your name, and your details cannot be traced. By speaking up anonymously, you could help protect someone from harm, support efforts to prevent abuse and may even save a life.”
Neighbourhood crime “eroding community safety” as Crimestoppers urges public to speak up anonymously
Crimestoppers is launching a new campaign to highlight the growing impact of neighbourhood crime across the UK and empower people to share information anonymously to help protect communities.
From burglary and robbery to shoplifting and phone theft, neighbourhood crime is reshaping everyday life, affecting people’s sense of safety at home, their confidence on their streets and trust in local high streets and public spaces.
Latest figures show the scale of the issue with more than 509,000 shoplifting offences, 224,000 burglaries, and 129,000 thefts from the person recorded across the UK.
In addition, there were an estimated 590,000 incidents of retail violence and abuse, alongside 950,000 cases of verbal abuse in convenience stores*.
These are not just statistics, they represent real people experiencing fear, disruption, and lasting emotional impact.
Neighbourhood crime can have long-term consequences. Burglaries can damage a person’s sense of security in their own home. Robberies and phone theft can change how people travel, socialise and go about daily life. Retail crime continues to affect local businesses, workers and the overall confidence of many communities.
Despite this, many incidents go unreported. People may fear retaliation, not want direct involvement with police, or feel that speaking up will not make a difference. This silence can leave the door open for organised crime and criminal activity to continue, leaving communities feeling unsafe.
Crimestoppers is encouraging people to break this cycle by sharing what they know safely and anonymously.
Mick Duthie, Director of Operations from the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Neighbourhood crimes have the effect of eroding community safety which is why information we receive anonymously and pass on can help to keep us safe.
“We know that many people want to speak up but feel unable to. That’s why our charity exists. We provide a safe, trusted way for anyone to share information about crime completely anonymously.
“You don’t need proof, and you don’t need to give your name. Even a small piece of information can make a big difference in helping to protect others.”
Crimestoppers guarantees 100% anonymity. No information provided can be traced back to the individual to makes contact.
Drugs worth an estimated £325,000 have been recovered following the search of a property in South Edinburgh.
Officers searched an address in the West Powburn area around 6.25pm on Thursday, 21 May, 2026 and discovered a large quantity of Diamorphine.
A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Sergeant Callum Mill said: “Drugs cause misery in communities and we work tirelessly every day to prevent them being circulated on our streets.
“We are committed to addressing the concerns of local people and information from the public is vital to helping us tackle this type of harmful criminality.
“If you have information or concerns about drugs activity in your area please contact Police Scotland on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Fearless, the youth service of Crimestoppers, has launched its earliest ever summer campaign across Scotland to help young people stay safe from the very start of the holidays.
Supported by Network Rail Scotland, the campaign launches today, weeks before schools break up – so young people hear these messages before summer reaches its peak. It focuses on making positive choices, staying safe online, violence prevention, looking out for each other and knowing how to speak up 100% anonymously if they are worried about crime.
It also comes ahead of key moments in the summer calendar, including the end of exams and major events and festivals across Scotland, when more young people are out and about, travelling and spending time in new places with friends.
Throughout the summer, Fearless will be out in communities, transport hubs and at major events including Youth Beatz and TRNSMT, speaking directly with young people. The campaign offers practical, non-judgemental support wherever young people spend their time. It will also run across TikTok and Snapchat, with content shaped by young people themselves and grounded in the reality of their lives.
Through fearless.org, young people can share information about crime 100% anonymously. No names. No contact details. No way of tracing where potentially lifesaving information came from.
Lyndsay McDade, Fearless National Manager for Scotland, said:“As a mum to teenagers, I’m very aware that children only get 18 summers before adulthood. I want this to be a great one for young people right across Scotland.
“I want all young people to enjoy themselves, get home safely every day and feel supported to make good choices. That’s what summer should be.
“That’s why we’re launching our campaign earlier than ever, with more visibility and more time spent where young people are, giving them the information and conversations they need to navigate the holidays.
“If you work with or look after young people, please tell them about our charity. They can follow us on our new Scotland TikTok @Fearless_Scot and use our website fearless.org to get the information they need to keep them safe.
“We all need to be there for young people this summer. We need to be present. We need to recognise that they belong in our communities and show them that we believe in them.”
Innis Keith, Health, Safety and Environment Director at Network Rail Scotland, said:“Thousands of journeys are made safely every day on Scotland’s Railway.
“The real risk comes from poor decisions like trespassing, taking shortcuts, or trying to take photos or videos near the tracks. Moments like these can have life‑changing or fatal consequences.
“Through Fearless, we want young people to understand that their choices in those moments really matter.
“The campaign gives them the confidence to look out for themselves and their friends, to speak up when something feels wrong, and to make better decisions around the railway.
“When they feel informed and supported, it’s more likely they’ll make choices that get them home safely.”
Over 50,000 illegal cigarettes have been seized in a multi-agency day of action in Glasgow.
Following concerns raised by the community, officers from the local problem-solving team at Cathcart Police Office were joined by partners from Trading Standards and the Home Office on Tuesday, 19 May, 2026.
Several shops in the Govanhill area were visited, and a total of 51,000 illegal cigarettes with a street value of around £47,000 were discovered, with the help of specialist search dogs Boo and Rosie from Trading Standards.
Fines were issued and enquiries are ongoing.
Sergeant Gary Phillips said: “We will continue to work closely with our partners to target areas of concern and stop the illegal sale of counterfeit goods.
“This day of action highlights our commitment to protecting the public, supporting lawful traders, and taking action against those involved in criminality.
“If you have information regarding those involved in the supply of illegal cigarettes and tobacco then contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Did you know over 1.3 billion illegal cigarettes were seized between April 2023 and March 2024?
Community information helps uncover hidden supply chains, storage sites and those behind the sales.
By sharing what you know with Crimestoppers, you can help protect children, support local businesses and disrupt organised crime. We don’t need to know your name or where you’re from, just what you know about the crime.
