Tag: lothian and borders police

Public praised after ‘momentous’ Cup Final weekend

Lothian and Borders Police have praised the public for ensuring the Scottish Cup Final between Heart of Midlothian FC and Hibernian FC and the yesterday’s victory parade was a huge success for the city of Edinburgh.

Over 50,000 supporters attended the match at Hampden stadium, while thousands more watched the match at home or within licensed premises. Yesterday, approximately 100,000 people around the city participated in the victory celebrations and watched the Hearts team travel from the City Chambers to Tynecastle Stadium in Gorgie.

Lothian and Borders Police and their partner agencies carried out a major operation on match day and on the day of the parade to ensure public safety was maintained throughout and to facilitate an historic and family-friendly weekend for the capital, and all organisations involved would now like to thank supporters of both clubs and members of the public alike for their responsible behaviour and good spirits over the past two days.

Eight people were arrested in Edinburgh on Saturday for offences including alleged breaches of the peace and assault, but police and partners have hailed the weekend as a major success with no significant incidents having occurred.

Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh said: “With Edinburgh’s two professional teams facing each other in a major cup final, worldwide attention focused on Edinburgh, Glasgow and the fans and organisations associated with the match. I am delighted by the manner in which members of the public conducted themselves. Both sets of fans were a credit to themselves and their clubs as they travelled to and from Glasgow and while they watched the match, either within the stadium, at home or in licensed premises.”

She went on: “Detailed planning between all partner agencies was carried out prior to this event to ensure the public were aware of all key issues including transport arrangements, local bylaws and planned activities for both clubs. Significant police resources were in place to assist fans as they made their way to watch the match and to deal with any issues that arose. The feedback from officers across all forces has been extremely positive and the engagement between police and public appears to have been a key factor. “Lothian and Borders Police have a wealth of experience in facilitating large events within Edinburgh and worked closely with both clubs and the City of Edinburgh Council to agree two separate parade routes. Once the result of yesterday’s match was decided, the parade plan for City Chambers to Tynecastle Stadium was implemented to allow fans the chance to safely view their team with the Scottish Cup and enjoy the celebrations put on by the club. We would like to thank our local communities for all their assistance, support and co-operation throughout this momentous weekend.”

Cup Final Information

 

With THE BIG DAY fast approaching, Lothian and Borders Assistant Chief Constable Bill Skelly has issued the following message:

On Saturday 19 May, Heart of Midlothian FC and Hibernian FC will compete for the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park, Glasgow.  This is the first time since 1896 that two Edinburgh teams have made it to the final and the day should be one of great pride for the capital city.

The Scottish Cup Final weekend will present some unique challenges for communities in and around Edinburgh and for Lothian and Borders Police.

Large numbers of fans will travel to the national stadium in Glasgow for the game resulting in an influx in the numbers utilising the transport infrastructure, including the road and rail networks.

It is important that those using these networks over the weekend leave plenty time for their journey and are prepared for possible delays Our partners at City of Edinburgh Council and First Scotrail have already released details of the provisions and plans in place for facilitating travel to the West and back.

I would strongly advise supporters to consult all the partner agency websites for updates relating to transport issues, policing messages and guidance from the respective football clubs.

With such a busy weekend of sport due to be televised, Lothian and Borders Police fully anticipate the various licensed premises across Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders to experience an increase in business. Many of those attending the Cup Final may also wish to drink before heading to the match, which they are free to do so either at home or at a pub or restaurant.

However, it is important that people adopt a responsible attitude and ensure their behaviour does not place them or others at risk of harm. It is a momentous occasion for the city and we want everyone to enjoy the festival of sport.

Lothian and Borders Police, Strathclyde Police and British Transport Police have worked closely with one another and with both Hearts and Hibs to prevent alcohol from ruining a special day for the capital.

Fans travelling by rail and coach have already been made aware that drinking onboard is prohibited and officers from each force will carry out various policing activities to remove alcohol from anyone found in possession.

Last weekend, police in Edinburgh’s city-centre carried out unannounced inspections at a number of pubs and clubs to ensure the terms of their licenses were being adhered to. Staff at these venues were offered crime prevention advice ahead of the cup final weekend and are urged to report any criminal behaviour immediately. Officers will provide a visible presence within these establishments across the weekend to offer reassurance and deal with any issues, which may arise.

Sectarian behaviour within Scottish football is very topical at the moment and active steps are being taken by all police Forces and football clubs and governing bodies to address this issue. It is important that everyone can attend football matches and related events without fear of prejudice or discrimination.  The Scottish Cup final should be a time for celebration and the public are reminded that police in Scotland will use relevant legislation in response to those acting in an unacceptable manner.

Regardless of the result, Sunday 20 May will be a day of celebration within the city and detailed planning has been ongoing between Lothian and Borders Police, City of Edinburgh Council and the football clubs in respect of a victory parade for the winning side.

The event will be a time for friends and family to come together and savour the success of their team and our communities can rest assured that public safety is paramount during all planning discussions.

The parade routes for the victorious team can already be found on the Lothian and Borders Police blog as well as on the respective club websites and fans are urged to consult these sites to determine their best position for seeing the trophy.

Communication between the partner agencies and the public has been at the forefront of this operation and all organisations are keen to utilise their various platforms for reaching our communities.

As well as operational updates on the police website – http://www.lbp.police.uk  live matchday tweets with all relevant information can be received by following @LBP_Police and using the hashtag #LBPCup.

On behalf of Lothian and Borders Police I would like to wish both sides the best of luck for Saturday and I sincerely hope that supporters and neutrals alike experience a safe and well-tempered cup final weekend.

ACC Bill Skelly

 

Police seek help to find Craigleith woman's family

 

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for help in tracing the relatives of a woman who was found dead in her Edinburgh home on Tuesday (April 24).

Eighty-one-year-old Margaret Holme died in her flat in Fettes Court, Craigleith Road, sometime between Monday (April 23) and Tuesday afternoon. There are no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

A police spokeswoman said: “We are appealing for anyone who may know of Margaret Holme, or have information regarding her family, to contact us on 0131 311 3131.”

Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Police seek help to find Craigleith woman’s family

 

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for help in tracing the relatives of a woman who was found dead in her Edinburgh home on Tuesday (April 24).

Eighty-one-year-old Margaret Holme died in her flat in Fettes Court, Craigleith Road, sometime between Monday (April 23) and Tuesday afternoon. There are no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

A police spokeswoman said: “We are appealing for anyone who may know of Margaret Holme, or have information regarding her family, to contact us on 0131 311 3131.”

Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Relatives sought following Crewe Road fatality

A pedestrian who was seriously injured in a road collision on Crewe Road South earlier this month has died.

Alan Dowling, (64), of Muirhouse View, passed away this morning at the Western General Hospital, where he was being treated for serious injuries he sustained in the collision with a cement mixer lorry on Thursday 5 April.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, and a report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Police are appealing for assistance in tracing relatives of Mr Dowling, and anyone with any information that can help is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on (0131) 311 3131.

Telford woman victim of PPI fraud

Lothian and Borders Police are warning the public to remain vigilant for an ongoing scam after a local woman was defrauded.

The 42-year-old woman was in her Telford Drive home on Wednesday 28 March when she received a call from someone claiming to be from a PPI claims company. During the call, the woman was advised that she was eligible for a PPI refund and was instructed to pay a three-figure sum of money via UKASH vouchers, which she did. However, the victim never received any form of refund and detectives are now urging others to be wary of also falling victim to this fraud.

A police spokesman said: “The issue of PPI refunds is a very current topic and criminals will look to exploit any new opportunity to obtain money or personal details from members of our communities.
Members of the public should never disclose bank details or other sensitive information to any companies or individuals unless entirely certain of their authenticity. Anyone who has received a call similar to this should report the matter to police or Action Fraud immediately on 0300 123 2040.”

Witness appeal after Pilton theft

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses after a Royal Mail employee had items stolen from his car. The incident happened on Tuesday, sometime between 11.30am and 12.45am in West Pilton Avenue. A 34-year-old postman parked his car in the area and returned to find the vehicle had been broken into and two Royal Mail jackets and a bag of mail were stolen from inside.

Officers have carried out local enquiries to trace the stolen property and have urged anyone who can assist with their investigation to come forward.

A police spokesman said: “These items have no significant financial value. However, the mail could be of a personal nature and the clothing may allow the suspect to pose as a Royal Mail employee. Anyone who witnessed this incident or who saw anything suspicious in the West Pilton Avenue area yesterday morning is asked to contact police immediately. The public is also reminded to ask for identification from anyone requesting access to your property. Always check with the company they claim to represent if you are uncertain and if you’re still not satisfied, then call the police.”

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Witnesses sought following Pilton attempted robbery

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery in Pilton around 9pm last night.

A 19-year-old man alighted a bus on Crewe Road North and turned onto Pilton Avenue as he walked home. After passing the entrance to Crewe Place, a male approached and engaged him in conversation before demanding his bag. The man refused and the suspect swung a punch, which was blocked before the victim ran off and contacted police.

Officers are now keen to speak with anyone who can assist with their enquiries. The suspect is described as white, 20-25 years old, 6ft tall with a medium build and short blond hair. He was wearing a red and white checked shirt, khaki-coloured trousers and spoke with a local accent. It is believed he was also under the influence of alcohol at the time.

A police spokesman said: “Fortunately the young man was not injured as a result of this attempted robbery, nevertheless, it was an unpleasant experience that left him quite shaken. We believe there were a number of motorists who would have driven past as this incident was happening and they are asked to come forward if they remember seeing anything suspicious.
Similarly, anyone who can help identify the suspect is also asked to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.