Tag: Police Scotland

Scotland’s first Road Safety Week launched with safer roads pledge

Scotland’s first Road Safety Week (21st – 27th March 2022) – a new initiative from The Scottish Government and Transport Scotland – was launched today to encourage road users to take greater personal responsibility and work together to make Scotland’s roads safer.

In its inaugural year, Scotland’s Road Safety Week will urge organisations throughout Scotland to pledge their support on social media by posting the message – Working together to make Scotland’s roads safer. #ScotRoadSafetyWeek.

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government is absolutely committed to making Scotland’s roads safer for everyone, and our Road Safety Framework sets out a long-term goal where no-one is killed or seriously-injured on our roads by 2050.

“The launch of Scotland’s first Road Safety Week provides a platform for organisations to work together to improve safety on our roads and help achieve this ambitious goal.”

Organisations across Scotland – including Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, CoSLA and Good Egg Safety will mark the week by hosting a series of road safety events, from child car seat checks to community action campaigns.

Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Head of Road Policing, said: “This week will serve as an important reminder that safety on our roads is a shared responsibility. Police Scotland divisions across the country are getting behind this important new initiative by hosting road safety events with a focus on drink and drug driving, vulnerable road users and older drivers.”

Scotland’s Road Safety Week forms part of the Road Safety Framework to 2030, which sets out a vision for Scotland to have the best road safety performance in the world by 2030, and an ambitious long-term goal where no-one is killed or seriously-injured on our roads by 2050.

Michael McDonnell, Road Safety Scotland Director, said: “Scotland’s Road Safety Week is a great opportunity for organisations to work together and spark a national conversation about making our roads safer.

“Every road user has a part to play by keeping themselves and others safe on the roads. We’d like to encourage organisations across Scotland to get involved this week and join us in pledging their commitment to help make Scotland’s roads safer.”

The Framework has adopted the Safe System approach to road safety, with five pillars interacting to create this: Safe Road Use; Safe Vehicles; Safe Speeds; Safe Roads and Roadsides; and Post-crash Response.

For more details about Scotland’s Road Safety Week, visit:

 https://roadsafety.scot/topics/road-safety-week/

Police: Catalytic converter theft

Police have seen an increase in catalytic converter thefts recently, they can be attractive items to thieves, due to the precious metals they contain (rhodium, platinum, palladium).

Hybrid vehicles are frequently targeted as they have two power sources, therefore the converter is used less frequently and the metals less corroded.

Vans and SUV’s are particularly at risk, as their high clearance makes access to the exhaust system easier.

To reduce the risk of theft:

 Park in a locked garage where possible, alternatively choose a well-lit, populated area ideally with CCTV.

 Avoid parking half on the pavement and half on the road, this will make it easier for thieves to access the converter.

 In car parks, park alongside other vehicles and face the bonnet towards a wall if possible, to make accessing the cat convertor more difficult.

 Vehicles with low clearance could be used to block access to those with high clearance.

 Welding the bolts securing the cat converter may make removal more difficult.

 Consider using forensic property marking kits (Selectamark / Catloc) which help deter theft and identify stolen cat convertors

 Fit a ‘catloc’ (Secured By Design accredited) to prevent removal of a cat convertor.

 Fit a tilt sensor which will activate the car alarm should the vehicle be jacked up.

For more information, please visit the following websites -Police Scotland: http://scotland.police.uk/…/road…/protecting-your-car/

Secured by Design: securedbydesign.comCatloc: catloc.co.ukSelectamark: selectamark.co.uk/security-marking/

If you see anyone acting suspiciously near to your property or vehicles please contact the police immediately with as detailed a description as possible of any person(s) or vehicle(s) involved.

Please call ‘999’ if an emergency and urgent police assistance is required or 101 to report the matter to the police.

Have you seen missing teenagers?

Police are appealing to the public for help to trace two teenagers reported missing from Musselburgh who are believed to have travelled within the East Lothian area together.

Ivana Scott, aged 15, and Noah Holmes, aged 14, were last seen around 4pm on Friday, 11 March, when they left Loretto School in Musselburgh.

They were seen walking along Goose Green Road in the town heading in the direction of Levenhall Links area.

Ivana is described as around 5ft 7in, of slim build with short brown hair and when last seen was wearing black jeans, a grey hoodie and a red beanie hat.

Noah is described as around 5ft 7ins, of slim build with brown hair. He was wearing black trousers and a maroon/purple hoodie when he was last seen.

Inspector Alan King said: “Concerns are growing for Ivana and Noah and we are urging anyone who may have seen them or know where they are to get in touch. In addition, if they see this appeal, please get in touch with us to let us know you are safe and well.

“It is believed they may have travelled to the Port Seton area or elsewhere in East Lothian. Noah is from Edinburgh so they may also have gone there.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2558 or 2513 of Friday, 11 March, 2022.

Police: Don’t give motocycle thieves an easy ride

Now that the weather is improving Police are expecting more people to be out and about on their motorbikes. Here are some tips on how to secure your motorbike:

– Ensure your bike is fitted with a combined alarm and immobiliser which will deter thieves when the alarm sounds.

– Attach both a disc lock and U-lock. Do not rely on one device, The more security placed on your bike, the less attractive it is to a thief.

– Try to park under street lights.

– When applying your locks, ensure they are secured to a solid anchor point or a permanent piece of street furniture. Keep the lock off the ground where possible as this makes it difficult for the thief to remove.

– Cover your motorcycle and ensure the cover is attached to the security device.

– Where possible use ‘Thatcham’ or ‘Secure by Design’ approved devices www.securedbydesign.com. These have been tested by the industry and are generally agreed to be some of the most robust security devices available.

– Ensure you always activate the steering lock.

– Avoid leaving your helmet or other possessions on the motorcycle, in luggage space or panniers.

– Be vigilant, ensure that you are not being followed home and check for suspicious items attached to your motorcycle.

Social Media

Think about what you share on any app and regularly review your security settings

– Make sure your posts do not identify your home and make it a target.

Tracking Devices

Tracking devices are an effective covert security measure. Although they may not prevent your motorcycle from being stolen, it will assist police in tracing and recovering the vehicle quickly.

Marking and Identification Systems

Datatag ID – Datatag is a piece of technology which can be attached to various parts of your motorcycle. It comes in different forms, dependent on what is most appropriate and is unique to each individual. For more information on this product, please visit www.datatag.co.uk.

Take extra care and plan ahead before heading to the hills and mountains

Police Scotland is appealing to hill users and mountaineers to plan ahead and take extra care in the coming weeks.

Mountain Rescue Teams across Scotland have been experiencing a recent increase in callouts and six people have tragically lost their lives over the last two weeks.

On Tuesday night Mountain Rescue Teams dealt with an incident on Ben Nevis when police were made aware of a number of people in difficulty.  One man, aged 28 was pronounced dead at the scene and 23 people were assisted off the mountain. Two men, aged 29 and 37 were treated in hospital.

A search for Nick Gillingham, last seen near the summit of Stob Coire Nam Beith, Glencoe, was stood down yesterday due to weather conditions. It will resume once it is safe for mountain rescue teams to do so.

Inspector Matt Smith, Police Scotland Mountain Rescue coordinator said, “The onset of spring has brought some more settled weather patterns and a welcome increase in daylight hours. 

“We would urge those seeking to venture into the outdoors to take extra care.  Challenging winter conditions still prevail in the hills with large areas totally covered in snow and ice. 

“Often these areas are completely unavoidable and snow may be rock hard with a high likelihood of a fall unless crampons and an ice axe are carried and most importantly, the group has a knowledge in how and when to use them. A slip in these situations may have very serious or fatal consequences.

“As with all outdoor activities, planning is key and a number of key partners produce resources and guidance to help keep you safe including the current #thinkWINTER campaign backed by Scottish Mountain Rescue and Mountaineering Scotland.

“It is vitally important to understand the risks of your activity, the experience of your group, the prevailing weather conditions during, and at your intended destination and that suitable equipment is carried to allow you to navigate safely over steep or icy terrain.

“Make a plan, don’t be afraid to adapt and make sure you think about what to do if things go wrong.  The photo you’ve seen on social media is not always a true reflection of what you may find when you get there.

“The volunteer Mountain Rescue Teams across Scotland are an amazing network of dedicated and highly skilled people who will do everything they can to assist you if you find yourself in difficulty but responsibility for staying safe on the mountains rest with us all and involves good planning, sound decision making and the ability to carry and use the correct equipment.

“By all mean enjoy Scotland’s spectacular scenery but do so safely.”

If you do need emergency help on the mountains, dial 999, ask for the police and then for Mountain Rescue.

Operation Pillar tackling youth disorder near city tramlines

Police are working with local partners to tackle anti-social behaviour following an increase in incidents linked with youth gatherings at Sighthill Public Park and on the tramline between Hermiston Gait and Balgreen.

Community policing teams in Edinburgh Southwest have been working closely with Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Trams and the Fire Service to put in place a strategy to combat anti-social behaviour and protect the local community.

As part of the strategy, called Operation Pillar, police have introduced high visibility patrols at peak times and increased CCTV coverage in key locations across the area to discourage anti-social behaviour and help with identifying those responsible where incidents do occur.

Officers will also be delivering educational inputs at local High Schools and implementing diversionary interventions with local young people.

Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton said: “We know that the increase in anti-social behaviour in the area has been a cause for concern to many in the community.

“For this reason we have been working closely with our local partners to put together a comprehensive strategy so we can tackle this issue head-on

“By establishing high visibility patrols and increasing CCTV coverage we expect to see a reduction in the number of incidents occurring and be able to catch those responsible where they do.

“Officers will be providing support to Council park rangers, tram staff and colleagues at the Fire Service so that any instances of anti-social behaviour can be dealt with effectively.

“Positive engagement with young people is also a key component of this strategy and by working with local schools we hope to prevent any incidents from happening in the first place.

“If anyone does however observe any anti-social behaviour or criminality, I would ask that people report through the 101 telephone number, or if it is an emergency to dial 999.

“Members of the public are also encouraged to speak with patrolling officers when they see them to highlight any issues or concerns.”

An Edinburgh Trams spokesperson said: “The safety and wellbeing of customers and employees is always our number one priority, and we work closely with the police and other partners to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour that are sometimes reported on the network.

“These partnerships include regular joint patrols with the police, while extensive, high quality CCTV coverage on the tramway enables us to react quickly to any incidents. Footage captured by our cameras can also be shared with the police to help them to identify those responsible.

“Trams are one of the safest forms of public transport and these measures provide further reassurance for our customers and colleagues.”

Panmure Place stabbing: two guilty

Two men have been convicted of the attempted murder of another man in Edinburgh in 2020.

Paul O’Docherty, 30 and Jake O’Docherty, 27, (pictured) were found guilty on Tuesday (1st March) following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

They attacked the man, who was 34-years-old at the time, in an alleyway off Panmure Place during the evening of Sunday, 13 September, 2020.

Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor said: “Both O’Dochertys subjected this man to a violent attack which has had lasting impact on the life of the victim.

“They will now face the consequences of their brutal behaviour following this guilty verdict.While it cannot change what happened, this will hopefully provide some closure for the victim.”

The two men are due to be sentenced on Monday, 28 March.

Drylaw’s Joy is Probationary Constable of the Year

The Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards 2021 took place yesterday (25 February 2022) and local police officer Constable Joy Millican has been awarded Probationary Constable of the Year.

Joy has been a member of Team 3 Drylaw Response since August 2020 after excelling during her probationer training at the Scottish Police College, which led to her receiving awards for her academic achievements and officer safety skills.

Her pride in her performance is exhibited in her daily approach and enthusiasm for her role. Her professionalism impresses not only her colleagues and supervisors but also the public and professional partners. She has received feedback acknowledging her sensitivity and compassion when dealing with incidents of a delicate nature.

Joy volunteered to attend an “Anatomy of Giving Evidence” course to enhance her skills in this area and produced guidance documents for her peers to help them gain knowledge and confidence in relation to court proceedings.

Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor, Local Area Commander for the North West of Edinburgh, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for Joy and this award is well deserved.

“Joy is a credit to Police Scotland and I’d like to congratulate her on being awarded Probationary Constable of the Year. She is performing at a standard far beyond what is expected of her at this level of her service and she is a valued member of the team who offers guidance and support to colleagues of all experience and service.”