Tag: Police Scotland

Man found guilty of Pirniefield Bank murder

A 44-year-old man has been convicted of the murder of 77-year-old Jadwiga Szczygielska. Roman Frackiewicz was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday.

Police were called around 7.50am on Saturday, 18 April, 2020 to Pirniefield Bank in Edinburgh after the body of Jadwiga Szczygielska was found within her home.

Detective Inspector Bob Williamson of the Major Investigation Team in Edinburgh explained: “Jadwiga Szczygielska was a generous and caring woman who was well liked within the community. She allowed Roman Frackiewicz to stay in her home at a time when he had nowhere else to live.

“Frackiewicz repaid Jadwiga by taking advantage of her within her own home and abusing her kindness. We will never know why he chose to attack her that night but his actions were violent, brutal and cruel resulting in the catastrophic injuries suffered by Jadwiga.

“This guilty verdict will never bring Jadwiga back but I sincerely hope it will bring some sense of justice to her family.”

CCTV appeal following assault in The Meadows

Police Scotland has released CCTV footage of a man officers wish to speak to in connection with assaults in the Meadows area.

A number of women were approached separately by a man between 10.30pm and 11.30 pm on Monday, 11 January, 2021, when they were walking in the area close to Melville Drive.

A man, described as Asian, aged 20 to 30-years-old, about 5ft 7 ins to 5ft 9 ins and of a skinny build, wearing a dark slim-fit puffer style jacket, was seen at the time.

https://youtu.be/TEOjEBxgVYA

Detective Inspector George Calder said: “A number of women were approached by a man who assaulted them and we believe the man shown in these images can help with our enquiries.

“Officers are also keen to speak to anyone may have seen the man walking towards the city centre or near Argyle Place or who may have dash-cam footage, particularly from driving along Melville Drive at that time of night.

“Anyone who has not spoken to officers already and may be able to help identify the man, or the man himself, can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 3502 of 11 January 2021, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Witness appeal following deliberate fire at The Venchie

Police are appealing for information following a wilful fire at the Venchie Children and Young People’s Project in Craigmillar on Friday (15 January).

Between 8.30pm and 9pm, a wheelie bin was placed against a shipping container at the premises on Niddrie Mains Terrace and set alight. The container subsequently caught light and the contents within were destroyed.

The items included clothes, food and playground equipment and were estimated to be worth almost £10,000.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire. Nobody was injured during the incident.

Police are treating the fire as wilful and are appealing for information after three teenagers were seen in the area close to the time the fire occurred.

They are described as:

1) White, male, around 15/16 years old, slim build with short light brown hair. He was wearing a dark puffer jacket with hood, light coloured trousers and trainers.

2) White, female, around 15/16 years old, medium build with long blonde hair. She was wearing a dark body warmer over a light coloured jumper, light coloured trousers and shoes. She was also carrying a dark handbag.

3) White, female, around 15/16 years old, slim build with long blonde hair. She was wearing a dark jacket with light coloured trousers and shoes.

Constable Gareth Deering, of Craigmillar Police Station, said: “This completely reckless act has resulted in key equipment provided for children and young people in the community being destroyed.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw any suspicious activity, or three teenagers matching this description, to come forward. Information can be provided to police on 101, quoting reference number 3382 of 15 January, or to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you prefer to remain anonymous.”

Police: Do the right thing this weekend

A statement from Edinburgh Police:

Last weekend saw an increase in people gathering at parks and open spaces in the city, particularly at Portobello Beach and the Meadows.

We fully recognise the impact the restrictions are having on people’s lives, but it is clear that significant sacrifices are vital to help suppress the spread of coronavirus.

The Chief Constable has made it clear that our approach throughout the pandemic has not changed and officers will continue to support people to follow the regulations and encourage them to take personal responsibility.

We will have increased patrols in our communities to explain the regulations and to encourage people to do the right thing.

Where officers encounter wilful breaches they will act decisively to enforce the law.

For the latest guidelines from the Scottish Government, visit its website here: http://ow.ly/VCDa50D8jZb

More than 500 drink drug drive offences detected during annual festive campaign

Just over 500 motorists were reported for drink drug drive offences during the annual festive drink drug drive campaign.

During the festive drink and drug drive campaign, which ran between December 1st 2020 and January 3rd 2021, Police Scotland officers carried out 4013 roadside tests. Overall, 508 drivers were detected for drink/drug offences.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said “It is extremely disappointing to see that people are still willing to take the risk and drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

ACC Williams continued: “The current pandemic has seen a decrease in the number of vehicles on the road, however our campaign to improve road safety has been as important as ever and was focussed and intelligence led.

“Once again this year, a number of drivers were reported to us by colleagues, friends or family members and I wish to thank everyone who had the courage to report drink or drug drivers and I ask that you continue to report concerning driving behaviour to us. This information helps our officers to act quickly to stop drivers who are under the influence before they kill or seriously injure someone.

“We will continue to take action against those who selfishly put others at risk by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “It is disappointing that some people are selfish and irresponsible by taking drugs or alcohol before getting behind the wheel of a car – putting themselves as well as other road users and officers at risk.

“I commend those who took steps to report individuals they suspected of drink or drug-driving to the police. It can be a difficult decision to make but it is the right decision and they can take comfort from knowing that they perhaps prevented somebody being seriously injured or killed in a collision.

“The laws are in place to keep everyone on Scotland’s roads safe and it is the responsibility of all individual motorists to adhere to them. Police officers will continue to tackle those they suspect to be committing driving offences.”


Breakdown of results:

· 4013 roadside screening tests for drink and drugs carried out during the campaign

· 437 roadside drug screening tests carried out

· 508 people detected for drink/drug offences

· Of the 508 detected, 28 drivers were caught the morning after drinking

West Pilton taxi theft: can you help trace driver’s attackers?

Police are continuing enquiries into a robbery which happened on Tuesday, 29 December, 2020, where a taxi driver was assaulted and his taxi stolen in West Pilton Grove.

The 39-year-old taxi driver was driving along West Pilton Grove around 2.40pm when he had to stop his car due to a number of youths throwing stones at it. On stopping and getting out of his car he was attacked by around six or seven youths and assaulted.

One of the youths then drove off in his taxi, a grey coloured Mercedes car which has the registration number WP14ZRY. As yet the car has not been recovered.

Two of youths involved are described as being:

(1) male, white, 16/17 years, 5’8” tall, medium build with light brown short hair. He was wearing a brown/yellow jacket and black tracksuit bottoms. He spoke with a local accent.

(2) Male, white, medium build, dark curly hair, wearing a black tracksuit.

The other youths are only described as being male, in the 16 to 17 years age range and were wearing dark coloured clothing.

As a result of the attack the victim received a number of bruises to his face and body.

Detective Constable Zaira Marker of Edinburgh Division’s CID said: “I would ask anyone who may have witnessed this robbery, or who may have any information which might assist us in this investigation to call us on the 101 number, giving the reference number 1841 of 29 December 2020.”

Council Leader: ‘Stay away from Holyrood demo’

Demonstrators ‘not welcome’

City Council Leader Adam McVey is urging members of the public to stay at home and not attend a planned demonstration at the Scottish Parliament today.

The council leader said: “We’ve been liaising with Police Scotland and we fully support their advice that people should stay at home. While people are entitled to express their opinions, to do so in this way and at this time puts our residents at unnecessary additional risk.

“This simply isn’t safe. To attend a protest like this now would be incredibly selfish and those doing so would be putting our families and communities at greater risk when numbers of transmissions are already far too high in Edinburgh.

“This attempt to create a crowd is utterly disrespectful to our businesses and residents who are sacrificing so much to try and keep all of us safe.

“Anyone thinking of breaking the rules by travelling to Edinburgh to attend this event should not do so – they are not welcome.”

Police appeal: stay away from Monday’s demo

Police are urging members of the public to stay at home and not attend a planned demonstration at the Scottish Parliament.

Information has been received that an event is scheduled to take place on Monday (11 January). However, under the current Level 4 restrictions, such gatherings are not permitted and anyone wishing to demonstrate is urged to find alternative ways to protest, such as online, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Superintendent David Robertson from Edinburgh Police Division said: “We understand people want to make their voices heard, but they must do so lawfully and peacefully.

“The Scottish Government regulations are clear that no marches or parades are allowed due to the restrictions in place.

“Static demonstrations can take place if Scottish Government guidance is followed in local authority areas under Level 0-3 restrictions.

“They are prohibited in areas under Level 4 restrictions and we will continue to police these using the 4Es approach of engaging with those taking part and explaining the restrictions in place.

“Our response will be measured and appropriate and we will use enforcement as a last resort where required.”

For more information on the latest coronavirus guidelines please visit the Scottish Government website at http://ow.ly/QT2O50D43KL

Police Scotland issues advice on vehicle security

• If you have a garage “use it” and lock it. If you have gates ensure these are locked. Consider using an alarm for you garage and gates.

• Leaving items on show is an invitation – Mobile phones, electronic equipment, coins, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags should be removed from the vehicle or placed in the boot.

• Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe and out of sight and reach – a common way to steal a car or van is to take the keys or ignition fob, either when left in the vehicle or from your home through burglary

• Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when unattended – on the drive, the petrol station forecourt or when parking an unlocked vehicle is the easiest to steal or steal from. When away from home, consider using a Park Mark approved car park

• Fit theft resistant number plate fittings – stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws to secure plates

• Use a steering wheel lock and/or a lock that fits over the gear lever. Alternatively a security box can be fitted over the pedals to prevent thefts when the vehicle is parked up

• Double check: Listen out for the sound of your doors locking, lights flashing and/or mirrors closing. If you don’t hear or see this it make sure to double check

• Fit a tracker: These devices can alert you when your car is active and if it’s travelling in a new area.

Vehicle security information on our website – http://ow.ly/kRXp50D0lwK

Swanston Golf Club fire: witness appeal

Police are appealing for information after a fire at an Edinburgh golf club.

The fire was initially reported to emergency services around 11.45pm on Wednesday, 30 December at Swanston Golf Club in the city and is believed to have started a short time earlier.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire. No-one was injured but significant damage was caused to the driving range facilities at the club along with a mobile maintenance workshop.

The fire is believed to have been started deliberately and officers are appealing for information, particularly in relation to three male youths seen in the area around the time of the fire.

They are described as being between 14-18-years-old and all wearing puffer style jackets.

One of them was described as being around 5ft 6in to 5ft 10in tall and of slim build with short dark hair. He was wearing a waist length ribbed puffer jacket with a hooded top underneath with the hood pulled up, light coloured tracksuit trousers and dark trainers.

Detective Constable Ewan Bates of Corstorphine CID said: “This fire has caused considerable damage to the facilities at the golf club and will mean disruption to the services they can provide for some time.

“We would urge anyone who may have seen anyone in the area of the golf club between around 10pm to midnight on Thursday, 30 December to let us know as soon as possible.

“We would urge anyone who may have dashcam footage or private CCTV to review this and pass on anything which may be of use to us.

“You can pass information to Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0078 of 31 December, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”