Police Scotland – Page 11 – The NEN

Three arrested following Boxing Day derby pyrotechnic incidents

Three people have been arrested in connection with pyrotechnics offences following incidents in Edinburgh yesterday (Boxing Day).

A 17-year-old and a 28-year-old man have been arrested and charged in connection with being in possession of pyrotechnics in the Haymarket area prior to the Hearts vs Hibernian match on Thursday, 26 December, 2024.

They are due to appear in court at a later date.

A 39-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with setting off pyrotechnics in Russell Road. He too is due to appear in court at a later date.

Enquiries are ongoing in relation to four pyrotechnic smoke devices discharged within Tynecastle stadium during the Hearts vs Hibernian match on Thursday, 26 December, 2024.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Setting off pyrotechnics in the street or within a sporting stadium is a criminal offence. I would ask people to think of the impact it could have on those around you, particularly people with medical conditions, young children and elderly.

“We will continue to work in partnership with football clubs to prevent fans from taking pyrotechnics into grounds and to pursue those who put other fans’ safety at risk.

“Anyone with information regarding persons using or being in possession of pyrotechnics is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101.”

Hibs came out on top in the Boxing Day derby match, beating their old rivals 2-1.

Attempted murder in Stenhouse: Two teenagers to appear in court

Two 17-year-old males have been arrested and charged in connection with the attempted murder of a 16-year-old male in Stenhouse.

The incident took place in Stenhouse Avenue West, around 9pm on Sunday, 22 December, 2024. The victim was taken to hospital, where he remains.

The pair are expected to appear from custody today – Tuesday, 24 December, 2024.

Officers are continuing to follow further positive lines of enquiry.

Detective Sergeant Kim Tennant said: “We would like to thank members of the public for their assistance with our enquiries into this attack.”

Police issue renewed appeal: Can you help trace Santra Saju?

One week on from Police Scotland’s initial appeal, officers in Edinburgh are continuing their enquiries to trace Santra Saju, who is missing from the South Gyle area.

Santra, 22, was last known to be at the Asda store in Almondvale, Livingston, on Friday, 6 December, 2024, between 9.10pm and 9.45pm, after having been in the Burnvale area earlier that evening around 8.30pm.

She is described as being around 5ft 6 inches in height, of Indian ethnicity, of slim build, with short black hair. She was wearing a black jacket with a fur-lined hood, beige furry earmuffs and a black facemask.

Enquiries have also revealed she had a black rucksack in her possession.

Her family have released the following statement: “It has been more than two weeks since Santra was last seen and we are worried sick, this is very out of character. We are desperate to know where she is and that she is safe.

“Santra, if you see this please call us or reach out to someone to let them know that you are safe.

“We urge anyone who may have seen Santra, or who has any information at all that might help trace her to contact police as soon as possible.”

Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton said: “As time passes, concerns for Santra’s wellbeing continue to grow, and we are conducting extensive enquiries in the Burnvale and surrounding areas to trace her.

“We know that Santra frequently wears a black face mask and believe she was wearing beige fluffy earmuffs when last seen. We also know that she picked up a black and white shopper-style bag from an address in Burnvale on Friday evening, but this was no longer in her possession when she entered the supermarket.

“We are continuing to review CCTV footage and conducting searches of the area. We urge anyone who may have seen Santra or someone matching her description to contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3390 of Sunday, 15 December, 2024.

Two men arrested and charged in connection with car thefts

Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a number of keyless car thefts in Wishaw, Uddingston, Stirling, Bathgate and Edinburgh.

The incidents happened between Friday, 1 November and Thursday, 28 November, when six cars were reported stolen in different locations.

Officers carried out enquiries and on Friday, 6 December, a 35-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with these thefts. He appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Thursday, 19 December.

On Saturday, 21 December, 2024, a 36-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with two of the thefts and driving whilst disqualified. He is expected to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Monday, 23 December.

Sergeant Steven Brown said: “We urge all vehicle owners to be aware and take extra precautions to combat this type of criminal activity including not keeping keys or fobs near doors or windows.

“Buying a secure signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday bag or RFID signal blocker that can block the transmission of the signal from the key, can also help keep your vehicle secure.

“Steering locks can also be effective, while vehicle trackers and tracking devices are also a form of additional security and can assist police in recovering stolen vehicles quickly.

“Anyone with information about these thefts should contact officers via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Further information on keeping your vehicle safe can be found here:

https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/vehicle-crime/relay-theft

Police Scotland: Home Security

Home Security 101: Protecting What Matters Most!

Your home should be your sanctuary, and we’re here to help you safeguard it.

Check out these crucial home security tips and remember to connect with your local Neighbourhood Watch Scotland for community support:

1. Secure Entry Points: Reinforce doors and windows with sturdy locks and deadbolts.

2. Install Security Cameras: Modern technology allows you to keep an eye on your property, even when you’re away. It’s a powerful deterrent.

3. Outdoor Lighting: Illuminate your property to deter intruders. Motion-activated lights are a smart choice.

4. Landscaping Matters: Trim bushes and trees near windows to eliminate potential hiding spots.

5. Get to Know Your Neighbours: A strong sense of community can deter crime. Join Neighbourhood Watch Scotland for local support and resources.

For more detailed guidance, visit Neighbourhood Watch Scotland.

Your home’s safety matters! Share to spread awareness.

#HomeSecurity

#DarkerNights

https://orlo.uk/W1sRj

https://orlo.uk/Z8myV

Neighbourhood Watch Scotland

Two convicted of violent attack in Gracemount

Two men have been convicted of violent offences in connection with a serious assault in Gracemount in November 2021.

A 32-year-old man was assaulted outside a supermarket on Gracemount Drive around 8pm and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

George Baigrie, 42, was found guilty of attempted murder on Wednesday, 18 December, 2024, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. Kevin Richardson, 24, was also convicted in connection with the incident.

Both men are due to be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “This was a shocking attack in a public place which left a man with life-changing injuries as a result.

“We will continue to target those involved in this kind of violence as we work to make our communities safer. I would like to thank the public for their support and everyone who worked on the investigation.”

Royal Mile assault and robbery: Do you know these men?

Police Scotland has released an image of three men who may be able to assist their enquiries into an assault and robbery which occurred around 7.20pm on Sunday, 17 November 2024. The incident occurred at Old Fishmarket Close, Edinburgh.

The first man is described as being Asian, around 6ft tall, stocky build with black hair. He was wearing a glasses and a padded jacket.

The second man is described as being black, around 6ft tall, stocky build with a short beard. He was wearing a grey tracksuit, light blue gilet and white trainers.

The third man is described as being black, around 6ft tall, stocky build with short black hair. He was wearing a black padded jacket, grey trousers and white trainers.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe said: “I would urge the men pictured or anyone who may recognise them to contact us. If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 2986 of Sunday, 17 November 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Police Scotland seize more than £50 million worth of drugs this year

Drugs worth more than £50 million were seized across the country in 2024 as Police Scotland continues to act to tackle organised crime.

A number of significant drugs recoveries have taken place across Scotland throughout the year, including multiple high value cannabis cultivations.

This recently included plants valued at £1.5million in Peterhead, which were found at a property on Queen Street in September.

In October, officers recovered 90kgs of cocaine, 23kgs of heroin, 19kgs of MDMA and around 5,800 diazepam and ecstasy tablets following a search of a property in Curzon Street in Glasgow.

A further 20kg of cocaine was also found in a nearby vehicle, bringing the value of the drugs found to £5.5million.

Drugs seized during an operation in Shetland earlier this year

A 24-year-old man was jailed in October after cocaine worth £2,447,900 was recovered from his car after it was stopped following a pursuit in Dundee in February this year.

Earlier this month, we confirmed eight people had been arrested in Glasgow as part of Operation Silhouette, an ongoing investigation led by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit to target and dismantle serious organised crime groups.

Arrests have been made in connection with the majority and enquiries remain ongoing into the other cases.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “Controlled substances are dangerous and cause real harm to individuals, families and communities.

“We remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved in serious crime impacting Scotland at all levels, whether they are operating from within Scotland, the wider UK or beyond our borders.

“Working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting individuals and organised crime groups, who selfishly exploit vulnerable people solely for their own financial gain.

“This shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Action like this is only possible with the continued support of our communities. Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“I can assure you that your information will be listened to and will be used to help us take action on those involved in criminality.”

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Illegal drugs ruin lives and blight communities and I welcome Police Scotland’s commitment to disrupting organised crime groups who seek to profit from this misery.

“Tackling serious organised crime is a priority for the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and other partners on the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and we will continue to work together to reduce the impact of such crime on individuals and communities.”

The Serious Organised Crime Taskforce Progress Report 2024 details some of the advances made by the SOCT and its partners this year.

Serial sex abuser jailed for 16 years

A 35-year-old man has been jailed for 16 years after subjecting numerous women to violent and sexual abuse.

Luke Ford was sentenced yesterday at the High Court in Edinburgh and will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

He is also the first person to be convicted of ‘stealthing’ in Scotland. He told women he was having sex with that he was using a condom when in fact he was deceiving them.

Luke Ford came to the attention of police in June 2020 after officers attended an address in Edinburgh following a report of an assault.

An investigation was subsequently launched with officers discovering Ford had targeted several other women over an extended period.

Through enquiries, officers meticulously built a case against him, and he was arrested and charged in February 2021.

In May 2023 he was convicted at the High Court in Glasgow of numerous offences, including rape, attempted rape, multiple assaults and being in possession of extreme sexual abuse images.

Detective Inspector Steven Gray said: “Ford is a dangerous and manipulative sexual predator. I would like to acknowledge how hard this has been for those involved and to also tell them that their testimonies vastly contributed to Ford being convicted. I hope that knowing he is now behind bars for his crimes helps them continue to move forward with their lives.

“Anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or abuse should contact us. Please be assured that we will do everything we can to ensure we arrest the perpetrators of such crimes.”

Missing woman Santra Saju last seen at Almondvale

POLICE in Edinburgh are continuing to appeal for information to help trace 22-year-old Santra Saju missing from the South Gyle area.

Enquiries have confirmed that Santra was in Asda at Almondvale, Livingston on Friday, 6 December 2024 between 9.10pm and 9.45pm. She had previously been in the Burnvale area of Livingston around 8.30pm the same evening.

Santra is described as 5ft 6 inches, of Indian ethnicity, slim build, with short black hair and was last seen wearing a black jacket with a fur hood.

Inspector Alison Lawrie from Corstorphine Police Station said: “We now know that Santra picked up a black and white shopper style bag from an address in Burnvale on Friday evening, but she did not have it when she entered the supermarket. The bag is distinctive and someone may remember seeing her carrying it.

“We are continuing to review CCTV footage and have released images of Santra from the supermarket in the hope that someone recognises her.

“Extensive enquiries are being carried out in an effort to trace her. If you have any information please contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3390 of Sunday, 15 December 2024.”