Tag: Crimestoppers

Celebrate Bonfire Night safely

Council Leader Jane Meagher discusses plans in place for Bonfire Night and encourages residents to celebrate safely:

Bonfire Night is a much-loved tradition and a highlight of the year for so many across the city. It’s a time to come together with friends, family, and neighbours to enjoy fireworks and have fun.

As we look forward to celebrating, we’re asking everyone to do so safely and responsibly. Wherever possible, we’d encourage residents to attend one of the many organised displays taking place across the city. These events are not only the best way to enjoy fireworks, they’re also the safest.

Sadly, in previous years, we’ve seen a small minority misuse fireworks in ways that put others at risk. Emergency services workers, local businesses, essential bus services, and members of the public have all been affected by dangerous and anti-social behaviour. This is unacceptable and it doesn’t reflect the vast majority who simply want to enjoy the night peacefully.

That’s why we’re taking proactive steps again this year, working closely with our partners to put robust plans in place. One important measure is the continued use of Firework Control Zones (FCZs), which were introduced in response to community concerns. Based on data and evidence, FCZs are about making sure celebrations happen in the right way and in the right place and they’ve already proven to be effective in previous years.

Aligning these with Dispersal Zones ensures there is a comprehensive framework in place to deter reckless and antisocial behaviour. 

They’re not a catch-all solution, but they’re part of our broader approach that includes enforcement, prevention and engagement.

Our teams, alongside Police Scotland, have been visiting firework retailers across Edinburgh and I’m delighted that all but 2 have made the decision not to sell fireworks this year. This is a huge step forward that will make the celebrations safer for everyone.

We’re also prioritising direct engagement with young people, giving them a voice in how we shape our approach to firework safety. Just recently, Police Scotland and Fearless hosted a youth summit, offering young people a meaningful platform to share their perspectives and help develop the Fearless social media campaign which will reach thousands of our young people in the run-up.

We’re backing this up with funding for alternative activities and youth engagement programmes aimed at providing positive choices and discouraging anti-social behaviour.

In the lead up to Bonfire Night, you’ll also notice Council teams and community volunteers working together to clear hazardous materials, tackling fly-tipping, and offering free bulky waste collections to reduce the risk of deliberate fires.

Together, we can all play a part in making Bonfire Night a safe and enjoyable time for everyone by following safety guidance, being considerate of others, and reporting any concerns.

Fearless promotes firework safety at Edinburgh event

Hundreds of young people across Edinburgh united at the Corn Exchange last month for Igniting Change – an event placing young voices at the heart of shaping Scotland’s approach to fireworks safety.

Hosted by Fearless, Crimestoppers’ youth service, in partnership with Police Scotland and supported by key organisations, the initiative gave pupils a unique opportunity to share their views directly, deepen their understanding of fireworks risks, and help create resources for their peers in the run-up to the fireworks season.

Fearless Digital Media Officer Natalia Ainsworth chats with some event attendeesFearless Digital Media Officer Natalia Ainsworth chats with some event attendees

The insights, experiences, and creative ideas gathered on the day will form the foundation of a new Fearless social media campaign, launched on 27th October across Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, reaching hundreds of thousands of young people across Scotland in the run-up to Bonfire Night. 

From fire safety and animal welfare to learning about the medical realities of fireworks injuries with the Scottish Ambulance Service and Medics Against Violence, some serious issues were tackled – but the young people also helped create a campaign soundtrack alongside a professional DJ, shared ideas on a digital graffiti wall, and engaged in a live Q&A panel with officials and experts.

Girl adding an idea to the wall

We’re looking forward to the campaign delivering engaging, relatable content designed by young people, for young people, encouraging safer choices and stronger communities during fireworks season.

Tell our charity who is illegally dumping waste in your area

During Scotland’s Recycling Week, charity Crimestoppers and Network Rail Scotland uncover the hidden crimes and harms underneath waste dumping

The charity Crimestoppers Scotland has today launched a new campaign in partnership with Network Rail Scotland to highlight the impact criminal gangs are causing by dumping large-scale waste in communities.

According to figures published by Zero Waste Scotland, there are over 60,000 incidents of fly tipping reported each year in Scotland, costing over £8.9 million of public money to clear up. 

Waste crime takes many different forms, including large-scale dumping, illegal waste sites, illegal burning of waste, mis-description of waste to avoid fees and landfill taxes, and illegal export of waste. It’s usually carried out by gangs and individuals who operate bogus waste services, accepting payment for disposal without having the necessary permits for transportation or storage.

Their ’waste disposal business’ can be used as a cover for other serious illegal activities, such as money laundering and modern-day slavery.

Criminals attack rural environments in a variety of ways, from significant scale illegal dumping to heritage crime. It has a detrimental impact on surrounding wildlife, livestock and communities.

Some examples of waste dumping in Scotland include:

  • Large scale hazardous waste posing risks to staff and the public was dumped adjacent to Glasgow’s Queen Street Railway line, causing disruption and costing thousands to clear up.
  • Household items such as fridges, washing machines, baths and toilets, as well as doors, windows, furniture, building rubble and bin bags, were strewn across ground beneath the M8 in the Blochairn area of Glasgow
  • In Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, a derelict farm was filled with an estimated 10,000 tyres. One barn at the site in Devol that is overflowing with tyres lies within a few metres of a housing estate. Tyres are classified as hazardous waste because of the polluting emissions they give off and their potential to catch fire.

Angela Parker, National Manager for charity Crimestoppers, said: “For this campaign with Network Rail Scotland, we spoke to communities affected by large scale waste dumping.

“Many people said looking at waste piles of rubbish made them feel unsafe and impacted their mental health. They were also unaware of the serious crimes waste crime dumping covers up.

“Scotland is classed as 97% rural, with rural communities in particular relying on it for business, farming and tourism.

“Waste dumping covers hidden crimes and has hidden consequences for communities, including negative effects on property values, increased crime rates and mental health issues in areas where waste dumping is prevalent.

“Often the criminals behind it are hard to identify as they typically pose as legitimate businesses. Illegally dumping waste is a lucrative business for criminal organisations, and warehouses or derelict sites are a prime target to mask this activity.

“Serious and organised waste crime is on the rise, and often on an industrial scale. We want communities and the waste industry to speak up 100% anonymously to our charity if they know or suspect who is dumping large scale waste in Scotland.”

Our web page at Environmental crime | Crimestoppers shares everything you need to know about how to report waste crime

Tell us what you know,  by calling 0800 555 111 or using our online form. You’ll stay 100% anonymous. Always.

Neil Cook, Route Crime Manager for Network Rail Scotland, said: “Fly-tipping is always an eyesore and a hazard, but it’s especially concerning when it happens near a railway.

“Dumped rubbish can fuel lineside fires, act as climbing aids for those trying to breach secure boundaries and often attract children and youths to play in dangerous areas – putting themselves, passengers, and rail staff at serious risk.

“That’s why we’re working closely with partners to prevent fly-tipping and catch those responsible. By tackling this issue together, we’re helping to protect our communities and ensure the railway remains safe and reliable for everyone.”

Some of the signs to look out for:

  • Large scale dumping of waste (such as a tipper truck dumping over 20 tonnes of waste).
  • Illegal waste sites.
  • Misdescription of waste, to avoid fees and landfill taxes.
  • Illegal export of waste.
  • Serious and intentional waste permit breaches.
  • Illegal burning of waste.

To pass on information about Illegal large scale waste dumping completely anonymously, visit the Crimestoppers website (Crimestoppers-uk.org).

You can fill in a safe and secure form or you can call the 24/7 UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. Young people can also report crime via the charity’s youth service website Fearless.org.

Please note: With Crimestoppers-uk.org and Fearless.org, computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted them.

For telephone calls to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.

Crimestoppers launches campaign to highlight the rise in violence against women and girls linked to major sporting events

Crimestoppers the independent charity dedicated to giving people the power to speak up and stop crime, has launched a powerful new campaign to draw urgent attention to a distressing trend: increased levels of violence against women and girls during and after major sporting events.

Recent statistics and reports from frontline services have shown that incidents of domestic abuse and gender-based violence spike around the time of significant sporting occasions.

  • During the 2024 UEFA European Championships, police in England and Wales recorded 351 football-related domestic abuse incidents, almost double the figure from the previous tournament. 
  • Additional research indicated a dramatic association between alcohol-fuelled celebrations (or disappointments) and violent incidents. On days when England won, there was a 47% rise in alcohol-related domestic abuse.

These events, while a source of national pride and community, can also act as triggers for harmful behaviours in some individuals, putting women and girls at greater risk.

Lydia Patsalides spokesperson for the charity Crimestoppers said: “Sport should unite and inspire us, and for the most part it does. But we cannot ignore the well-documented rise in violence towards women and girls that coincides with major fixtures.

“These are not isolated incidents – they represent a national issue that affects communities across the UK.”

The new campaign encourages the public to recognise the signs of violence and use Crimestoppers anonymous reporting service to speak up safely if they are concerned about someone’s wellbeing.

Crimestoppers is also working with sporting bodies, law enforcement agencies and support charities to spread awareness, challenge harmful attitudes, and promote prevention strategies at every level.

If you see something say something. By speaking up – 100% anonymously – you could help save lives. No tip is too small, and your voice is vital. 

Police: Report illegal use of off-road bikes

There have been incidents of off-road bikes being ridden illegally on roads, in parks, on pavements and in other public spaces, resulting in injuries to both riders and members of the public.

There has also been damage to parks, fields, green spaces and private property.

Anti-social off-road bike use is more than just a nuisance, it’s a danger to the rider and the public.

Do you have information about these bikes and those people using them? You can report what you know to us or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

#PoliceScotlandEdinburgh#PoliceScotland

Report illegal use of off-road bikes

Riding off-road bikes illegally in public green spaces can cause serious injury to other people.

Know who’s riding an off-road bike in parks or recreation grounds? You can tell independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously about who’s involved and where it happens.

You can also get more info on how you can report to local partners and where you can legally and safely ride an off-road vehicle.

Speak up directly to us on 101 or visit our partner website https://orlo.uk/oryx2

#PoliceScotlandEdinburgh

#PoliceScotland

Crimestoppers launches campaign in Scotland to tackle domestic violence

Crimestoppers Scotland is today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) spotlighting how the charity can empower people to speak out against domestic violence.

As part of the month-long national campaign -an initiative dedicated to tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG) across Scotland – the charity is urging the public to come forward with vital information.

This campaign will specifically target males aged 18 and above, with a focus on reaching those attending sporting events across Scotland. By raising awareness and encouraging reporting, Crimestoppers aims to confront this critical issue—one that continues to devastate communities nationwide.

Domestic abuse can take many forms—physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, or financial. Often, neighbours, family, and friends may suspect abuse but hesitate to intervene due to embarrassment, split loyalties, or fear of revenge.

Crimestoppers in Scotland has shared nearly 400 anonymous reports about domestic abuse with police and partners, and 350 reports concerning rape and sexual offences from April 2024 to March 2025.

These figures highlight the urgent need for collective action.

Angela Parker, National Manager Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “Domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is a serious issue that affects far too many people in Scotland. We hope to empower more people—especially men—to speak out and play a part in ending this violence.

“If you suspect domestic abuse, don’t stay silent. Your voice could be the key to protecting someone from harm. Speak out anonymously—because everyone deserves safety and support.”

Please note: With Crimestoppers-uk.org and Fearless.org, computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted them. For telephone calls to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.

Spotlight on dangerous and illegal use of off-road bikes across Scotland

The charity Crimestoppers Scotland has launched a new campaign appealing for information about the dangerous and illegal use of off-road motorbikes and other mechanically propelled bikes across Scotland.

There has been rising concerns and reports from communities across Scotland over the illegal use of off-road bikes and other mechanically propelled bikes including mopeds, e-bikes and e-scooters.

Complaints often centre around off-road bikes becoming a threat to the public as the bikes are ridden recklessly in residential areas, town centres, on pavements and in green spaces – with no concern from the riders for their own safety or that of the public.

Crimestoppers spoke to people in Scotland who has been directly affected by dangerous and illegal use of off-road bikes:

  • A Farmer in Dumfries told us his fields had been ripped up overnight, costing thousands in repairs and increased security costs.
  • An elderly lady in Edinburgh almost stepped in front of a bus to prevent a bike on the pavement from crashing into her.
  • In February Whinhill Golf Club in Greenock experienced extensive damage to the greens and fairways.
Angela Parker

Angela Parker, National Manager, Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “We heard from many people who felt scared and threatened by the increased use of illegal off-road bikes. This illegal activity also damages the environment and heritage, taking years to recovers and costing thousands to repair.

“Our campaign aims to support communities in reporting anonymously to our charity and providing information on where people can safely and legally enjoy riding their bike.”

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, said: “I’m pleased to support this important campaign.

“Using off-road vehicles illegally is dangerous, anti-social and can cause huge disruption to residents in local communities as well as causing damage to parks, playing fields and the natural environment.

Crimestoppers enables individuals to report crime anonymously and these reports help the police to tackle this crime. Together, we can make a real difference.”

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “These bikes are causing untold damage and misery in our community, damaging public and private property and leaving residents feeling scared and intimidated, which is simply unacceptable.

“Areas like Grieve Road have been particularly affected by the rise in off-road bikes and the course at Whinhill Golf Club, which the council owns, has also been damaged so there is a cost to the taxpayers to repair the fairways and greens, not to mention the inconvenience caused for golfers and staff.

“As with most things, the authorities need the help of the public to tackle this problem by reporting illegal and anti-social activity and Crimestoppers is a way in which people can do that and do it completely anonymously.”

Useful information includes:

  • Who is riding them illegally and what they were wearing?
  • The names of those responsible for putting the public and themselves in danger.
  • Where are they being stored?
  • The exact location, date and time the bike/s were seen?
  • Anything distinctive: colour, make, number plate details.

If you own or ride an off-road bike or other mechanically propelled bike, (that includes e-bikes and e-scooters), you must ensure that you comply with UK law. Our campaign webpage gives useful information on all manner of bikes.

To pass on information about the illegal use of off-road bikes completely anonymously, visit the Crimestoppers website (Crimestoppers-uk.org). You can fill in a safe and secure form or you can call the 24/7 UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. Young people can also report crime via the charity’s youth service website Fearless.org.

Please note: With Crimestoppers-uk.org and Fearless.org, computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted them.

For telephone calls to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.

Call to help clamp down on illegal vape sales in Edinburgh

Shopkeepers’ leaders urge people not to buy from black market and pass on details of illicit sellers to police and trading standards

Edinburgh residents are being urged to help shut down supplies of illegal vapes across the region. The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has issued a plea for people who use vaping products not to buy from illicit sellers.

And the city-headquartered convenience store trade body, which represents retailers in Edinburgh and throughout the Lothians, is urging people to share details of those who they suspect are selling goods illegally to pass on concerns to trading standards, police or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Single-use vapes became outlawed across the United Kingdom on June 1. All stock needed to be immediately removed from shop shelves.

SGF President Graham Watson, himself a community convenience store owner, said: “As an organisation, we have significant concerns that an unintended consequence of the ban will be an increase in the illegal sale of vaping products.

“It is harmful in so many ways for illegal and unregulated products to be circulating.

“Our members work incredibly hard to champion responsible community retailing, within the law. Illicit supplies undermine the great work they do.

“With all of that in mind, we are asking people not to buy from illicit sellers and to share any information they have with those responsible for them to the authorities. If they do not have the information, they cannot act against them.”

Vape+Ban+posterDownload

SGF has issued a special guide to advise its members how to stay on the right side of the new law. 

It also encourages members to follow Challenge 25 policies to avoid the risk of illegal sales. The guidance to retailers from SGF is available here. 

Information about illicit trade can be passed to Police Scotland by calling 101. Details can be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police activity in Pilton

Following recent enforcement action in the West Pilton and Crewe areas, officers have been carrying out patrols and a letter drop with information on how to contact us or CrimeStoppers.

Tackling crime is a joint effort and relies on the support and confidence of the communities we work with day-in, day-out.

If you have concerns about something in your community, speak to officers or you can log it on the CrimeStoppers website completely anonymously at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.