Police Scotland has released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries in connection with a serious incident which occurred in the early hours of 27 August 2015 at Newmills Road in Balerno.
Officers are keen to speak to a man who was on the number 44 bus travelling west from Edinburgh City Centre towards the Balerno area late in the evening of 26 August, 2015.
CCTV footage has shown that the man alighted from the bus at Newmills Road, Edinburgh, shortly before midnight and detectives believe he may have vital information relating to the incident.
Detective Inspector Jon Pleasance, of Edinburgh CID, said: “This man may have witnessed something that could assist with our investigation and therefore it is vital we speak to him.
“There is no reason to believe he was involved in the incident itself, and he may have not realised that what he potentially saw or heard could assist police.
“I would ask if you are this man, or you recognise this man, please get in contact with police.
“Although this incident took place in 2015, we are determined to bring the offender to justice and are appealing for any information that can help with our enquiries.”
Police can be contacted on 101 quoting incident 0080 of 27/08/2015. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Did you know you can volunteer with Police Scotland as a Special Constable?
Police Scotland will be hosting an online event and Q&A with the aim of offering insight into the role of a Special Constable, the recruitment process and the training involved.
The event will take place on Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, 23 February, 6.30pm – 8pm.
If you’re interested in learning more about the unique skills you can develop and how you can give back to your local community, please email:
Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace two electric bikes which were stolen from the South Queensferry area.
A green Cube Cross 500 and a purple Scott Sub Active 10 were stolen from a secured garage between Tuesday 1 and Friday 4 February 2022.
Anyone who may have seen these bikes since they were stolen, or has information on their current whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2661 of 4 February 2022 or anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Beware of scams when looking for love online, especially if someone quickly declares strong feelings for you.
Take a moment to #Stop and #Challenge whether the person is who they say they are by reverse image searching their profile picture (possible on the search bar of some image searching engines).
In the first half of 2021 alone, over £15 million was lost to romance scams. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Take Five to Stop Fraud and the Online Dating Association share how to spot the warning signs and keep your savings – as well your heart – safe.
TRUE LOVE OR FAKE PROFILE?
Criminals use information found on social media to create fake identities to target people with scams. They go to great lengths to build fake profiles, often stealing photos. Once fraudsters connect with you on dating sites, social media or gaming platforms, they’ll try to establish a relationship quickly. Many use the promise of buying a house together or getting married to trick you into falling in love with them.
Want to know how to spot a fake profile? Do your research first. You can check if the person you’re talking to is really who they say they are by reverse image searching their profile picture (possible on the search bar of some image search engines).
‘MONEY’ AT FIRST SIGHT?
After gaining your trust and convincing you that you’re in a genuine relationship, criminals then try and persuade you to send them money. Online daters should be aware of the actions fraudsters will use to manipulate them into parting with their money as unfortunately this is becoming more common. 38% of people who dated someone they met online said they were asked for money -. The average amount of money people were asked for was £345, although some were asked for more than £1,000.
Of those that were asked to give or lend money by someone they met online, over half (57 per cent) did so – putting them at risk of falling for a romance scam.
The three most common reasons people were asked for money were:
Claiming they need money for an emergency (37%)
To cover transport costs to visit you if they’re overseas (36%)
To help them make an investment (29%)
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MONEY
If you’re ever asked for cash from someone you’ve never met in person then alarm bells should start ringing – it could be a scam.Ahead of Valentine’s Day, the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign and the Online Dating Association is advising people how to stay safe from romance scams when dating online:
Be suspicious of any requests for money from someone you have never met in person, particularly if you have only recently met online.
Speak to your family or friends to get advice and share experiences. Friends and family can watch for any change in behaviour.
Profile photos may not be genuine, so you should make sure to do your research first. You can do this by uploading a picture of the person you’re talking to into your search engine to check that profile photos are not associated with another name. Performing a reverse image search can find photos that have been taken from somewhere, or someone, else.
Stay on the dating sites messaging service until you’re confident the person is who they say they are and ensure meetings in person take place in a public place. Online dating platforms have moderation and reporting processes in place to protect daters and remove scammers.
Contact your bank straight away if you think you may have fallen for a romance scam, notify Action Fraud and let the platform on which you met the scammer know about the incident
DODGY DATE?
Criminals are heartlessly targeting people online to trick them into handing over their money as a sign of love.
Stop, and take the time to think about the person behind the profile, get to know your date, and don’t send money to someone you’ve only met online.
Here’s some warning signs to watch out for that your date could be a scammer:
You’ve met someone online and they declare strong feelings for you after a few conversations
They suggest moving the conversation away from the dating website or social media to a more private channel such as email, phone or instant messaging
Their profile on the internet dating website or their social media page isn’t consistent with what they tell you
There are spelling and grammar mistakes, inconsistencies in their stories and they make claims such as their camera isn’t working
They refuse to video call/meet you in person
They get angry or try and rush you if you insist on staying on the dating site or ask to meet face to face.
Photos generally tend to be stolen from other people: check by doing a reverse image search and uploading a picture of the person you’re talking to into your search engine
You’re asked to send money to someone you have not met face-to-face, either through bank/money transfer or through the purchase of gift cards or presents such as phones and laptops. You may even be asked to provide them with access to your bank account or card
Upon questioning your friend or family member, they may become very secretive about their relationship or provide excuses for why their online partner has not video called or met them in person. They might become hostile or angry, and withdraw from conversation when you ask any questions about their partner
For more advice on how to stay safe from scams, visit the Take Five to Stop Fraud website and the Online Dating Association set of resources.
Police are appealing for information after being called to a report of a 36-year-old woman having been seriously assaulted in Sighthill.
The incident took place on Sunday, 13 February, 2022 between 1.40am and 2am, on Calder Road near the junction with Sighthill Avenue. The woman was attacked by a man leaving her with serious facial injuries.
The woman was able to flag down a female driver for help.
Police Constable Mark McCreight said: “This woman has been seriously injured and therefore it is vital we establish exactly what happened here.
“We are looking to speak with the female driver who stopped to help as we believe she may be able to assist us with our enquiries. We would urge her to come forward.
“I would also ask anyone else who was in the area who has any further information to get in touch. Were you in the area in the early hours of Sunday morning? You may have dash-cam footage that can help us.”
Anyone with any information should contact Police via 101, quoting incident number 0444 of Sunday, 13 February, 2022. Alternatively you can contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has decided that all operational officers in Police Scotland will be trained and equipped with a life-saving nasal spray which can be given safely to people who have suffered a drug overdose.
A national roll-out of Naloxone follows a successful test of change in Dundee, Falkirk, Glasgow, Stirling and Caithness during which officers used the spray, which counters the effects of overdose from opioids such as heroin, to provide first aid on 62 occasions.
Chief Constable Livingstone said: “I know the terrible toll of drugs deaths in Scotland and policing is committed to playing our part in reducing the harm caused to individuals, families and communities.
“We have a vital role in preventing drugs from reaching our streets and bringing those engaged in serious and organised crime to justice and that will always be a key duty and priority for Police Scotland.
“Preservation of life, keeping people safe, lies right at the heart of policing. We have a purpose and remit which goes beyond law enforcement. We have a positive legal duty to improve the lives of our communities. Equipping and training officers with Naloxone will contribute to that mission.
“Policing is so often the service of first and last resort; the service first on the scene; the service which responds to crisis and criticality. Where a person is suffering an overdose, Naloxone nasal-spray can be given safely by officers with no adverse effects.
“It is absolutely essential that where Naloxone is used by an officer to help people in crisis, professional medical attention continues to be provided from ambulance service colleagues and others. In addition, it is crucial that timely and sustainable support is available to provide treatment for those suffering addiction.”
The Chief Constable added: “I’m grateful to all the officers who stepped forward during the trial to carry Naloxone and help their fellow citizens when they needed it.”
During the test of change, 808 officers were trained to use Naloxone, and 656 (81 per cent) volunteered to carry the nasal spray kits.
An independent academic review conducted between March and October 2021, during which Naloxone was used 51 times, recommended a national roll-out.
The review was co-ordinated by the Scottish Institute for Police Research (SIPR). More information about SIPR’s study can be found here.
Work is under way to secure stock of Naloxone and a national programme of training and equipping over 12,000 officers, will be undertaken in the coming months.
All officers within response, community, and other roles including dog handlers, armed police, public order and road policing up to and including the rank of Inspector will be trained and equipped. Any other officer or member of staff is free to undertake the training.
The number of drug-related deaths in Scotland has risen constantly in recent years, to a total of 1,339 in 2020.
The announcement comes on the back of the following …
Naloxone programme should be rolled out Scotland-wide, report recommends
Researchers call for compulsory training for all Police Scotland officers
Police officers across Scotland should carry naloxone, an emergency treatment for drug overdoses, a new report has recommended.
An Edinburgh Napier University-led study backed the use of the nasal spray, which counters the effects of overdose from opioids such as heroin, following an independent evaluation of a pilot carried out between March and October last year.
The researchers also called for naloxone training to be made compulsory for all Police Scotland officers and staff.
Supporters believe naloxone is an important tool in tackling Scotland’s drug-related deaths crisis, by providing immediate first aid while waiting for the ambulance service to arrive and take over emergency medical treatment.
In response to the increasing drugs death toll, and the recommendation of the country’s Drug Deaths Taskforce, Police Scotland began a pilot project to test the carriage and administration of the treatment by officers.
Last year’s trial was initially launched in Falkirk, Dundee and Glasgow East before being extended to include Caithness and Glasgow custody and Stirling community police officers.
Naloxone packs were used 51 times in the course of the pilot, and by the end 808 officers had been trained in their use, representing 87 per cent of the workforce in the pilot areas.
A team led by Dr Peter Hillen and advised by Dr Andrew McAuley of Glasgow Caledonian University assessed the attitudes and experiences of police officers, the effectiveness of their naloxone training and responses from people who use drugs and support services.
A total of 346 police officers completed questionnaires, with 41 taking part in interviews or focus groups, and further interviews were carried out with people who use drugs, family members, support workers and key stakeholders.
A majority of officers who participated in an interview or focus group were supportive of the pilot and its roll out across Scotland. Thirteen interviewees had personally administered naloxone, some on several occasions, and officers reported very positive experiences of naloxone being used effectively to save people’s lives.
While some officers considered carrying naloxone would lead to greater reliance on police by ambulance services, police overwhelmingly said that preserving life was the top priority.
Community stakeholders who were interviewed were supportive of the pilot as part of a range of initiatives to tackle the drug deaths crisis.
The study recommended that police carrying naloxone should be rolled out Scotland-wide, and that it should also be placed within police cars and custody suites to widen access.
As well as compulsory naloxone training for all police staff, the report urged consideration be given to measures to further address stigmatising attitudes towards people who use drugs.
It also recommended that officers be given ‘unambiguous information’ about their legal position if they administer the emergency treatment.
Professor Nadine Dougall, one of the team’s co-investigators, said: “Our evaluation has shown that there is significant potential benefit in training and equipping police officers with naloxone nasal spray as part of emergency first aid until ambulance support arrives.
“Many police officers told us they are often the first to attend people who have overdosed, and they greatly valued the potential to save lives in this way. People with personal experience of overdose also agreed naloxone should be carried by police officers but were keen to stress that naloxone was only a part of a solution to address drug-related deaths.”
POLICE are urging you to look out for friends and family this Valentine’s Day to help them stay safe from romance fraud.
Criminals go to great lengths to use fake profiles in an attempt to build seemingly genuine relationships, before appealing to your compassionate side to ask for money.
Your friend or family member may be involved in a romance scam if they express very strong emotions and commitment to someone they have only just met.
Another sign may be if they have sent, or are planning to send, money to someone they have not met face-to-face.
If you think someone you know has fallen for a romance scam they should contact their bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.
Every weekend in Edinburgh city centre #OpNightGuard is in place to prevent disorder and provide reassurance to the public.
Dedicated teams of officers are deployed on foot during the evening and night time to prevent incidents, assist vulnerable people and ensure that everyone gets home safely.We are always out and about supported by The City of Edinburgh Council who have additional staff out including taxi marshals, environmental wardens, night time teams and CCTV operators.
There are always volunteers from Edinburgh Street Pastors, Street Assist Edinburgh and other outreach services who are on hand to help and support vulnerable people.
Police are appealing for information after a woman was assaulted in her home on Parsons Green Terrace around 5.10pm on Wednesday (9 February).
Two men entered the property and assaulted a 47-year-old woman. The men then ran off when the woman’s 10-year-old daughter began screaming.
They were seen heading west, towards the Meadowbank area.
The first suspect is described as white, 30 to 40-years-old, 6ft, slim build and was wearing a light grey snood over his nose and mouth, grey joggers, jacket and light coloured jumper.
The second suspect is described as white, 30 to 40-years-old, 5ft 10, slim build and was wearing dark joggers and fleece, had the bottom half of his face covered and was carrying an orange food delivery bag.
Detective Sergeant Gary Smyth, of Police Scotland’s Violence Reduction unit, said: “Although the victim was not seriously hurt this was a distressing experience for her and her young daughter.
“It is important we trace these men and I would urge anyone who may have seen them in the area at the time to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 2552 of Wednesday, 9 February 2022.”
