Police investigate series of attempted robberies around Royal Mile

UPDATE: A 32-year-old will be subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal following attempted robberies in Edinburgh.

The incidents happened on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, at St Mary’s Street, Market Street, Jeffrey Street and the High Street.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance with our enquiries.”

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to contact them following a series of attempted robberies in the city centre. Four crimes have been reported but officers believe a further two incidents, one in Market Street and one in the Royal Mile, were not reported to police.

The reported incidents occurred between 6pm and 7pm on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023,  at St Mary’s Street, Market Street, Jeffrey Street and the High Street. They all involved a man threatening members of the public and attempting to obtain money from them.

The man is described as white, around 5 ft. 8 – 5ft. 10 inches in height, with a medium build and brown, unkempt hair. He has dark facial hair with a beard and moustache.

He was wearing a dark jacket, grey-coloured jogging trousers and dark shoes. The man spoke with a local accent.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We believe other people were approached by this man near to the train station at Market Street and the Royal Mile at the junction with Jeffrey Street and I would ask them to contact us to report the circumstances.

“We are in the process of checking CCTV footage from the relevant areas but if anyone has any information about this man, please get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3049 of 10 October 2023. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

CCTV appeal following West Richmond Street incident

Police Scotland has released an image of a man they believe may hold information which might assist in relation to an incident that occurred on West Richmond Street at around 11.10pm on Wednesday, 15 September, 2021.

The man is described as around 40 – 50 years old, average height and heavy build. He was wearing a black jacket, black trousers and had a bright blue rucksack.

Detective Constable Greg Manley said: “I would urge the man, or anyone who has information relating to him, depicted in the image to make contact with the police.

“Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via the 101 non-emergency telephone number quoting incident number 1825 of 16 September 2021.

“Alternatively, calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”