Tag: Police Scotland

Leith armed robber jailed

Three men have been sentenced following armed robberies at jewellery shops in Leith (August 2019) and Dundee (in September 2019).

Dean King (above), 28, Anthony Wheeldon, 40, and Connor Willis, 24, had pled guilty in October 2021 of the raid at the Walker shop in Union Street in Dundee. Willis had also admitted his part in a raid on a jewellers in Great Junction Street in Edinburgh.

At the High Court in Edinburgh King was sentenced to nine years and two months and Wheeldon to 11 years plus four years on licence. Willis was sentenced for both robberies to 12 years plus five years on licence.

Detective Inspector Bob Campbell, the senior investigating officer for the robbery in Edinburgh, said: “We welcome this sentencing. Willis was a member of a gang that entered the jewellers in Great Junction Street armed with a sledgehammer and axes and stole a large quantity of jewellery.

“A member of staff was injured during the raid but still confronted the robbers. Willis is a violent man and is now facing the consequences of his actions in prison.”

Detective Inspector Gavin McKinlay, the senior investigating officer for the robbery in Dundee, said: “These men went to the shop in Dundee armed with weapons, threatened a customer and staff and made off with jewellery worth a five figure sum.

“They had only one thing on their mind, to get the jewellery and nothing was going to get in their way. Despite the high levels of intimidation displayed and the clearly terrifying experience for those within the shop they were thwarted by the bravery of a customer who challenged them and this distraction allowed staff to activate the alarm. This meant they made off with a much smaller haul than they might otherwise have taken.

“An extensive and complex police investigation tracked these men down to locations across Scotland and the north of England, but I would like to pay testimony to the bravery of the customer, who was injured and has fortunately recovered, and the shop staff who were left badly shaken by what happened.

“These men are now facing the consequences of their actions. There is no place for this kind of violence in our society and we will always do all we can to bring people responsible for such crimes to justice.”

Police Scotland: Women’s Recruitment Event

Police Scotland would like to encourage more women to consider becoming a police officer in Scotland.

We are hosting a 90 minute online recruitment event. The event is aimed at women, to provide an insight into the role of a police officer/special constable. You will learn about the recruitment process, the training involved and the endless opportunities which would be available to you as you embark on this journey. Women are currently under-represented in the Police and it is hoped the event will inspire you to consider a career in policing.

The event will be hosted on Microsoft Teams tomorrow – Wednesday 1st December – between 6.30pm – 8pm.

To sign up, please email: recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.pnn.police.uk

Man who caused Maybury Road death sentenced to six years

Ednilson Ceita (pictured above), now 29, was convicted by a jury on Friday 29 October of two offences under the Road Traffic Act following the crash which happened shortly after midnight on Friday, 25 May, 2018 on Maybury Road.

He has also been disqualified from driving for nine years.

Ceita was driving a BMW X5, without a valid license or insurance, which collided with a Peugeot 206 being driven by 29-year-old Jonathan Smith.

As a result of the crash, Jonathan, known as Jonny, sadly died at the scene.

A criminal investigation was launched which saw detectives from Edinburgh’s Criminal Investigations Department working alongside Road Policing Officers to understand what happened.

As a result, Ceita was arrested and charged in connection with the crash in August 2019.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham Grant said: “There were a number of complexities to this investigation but officers remained determined and committed to establish what caused this crash and cost Jonny his life.

“Ednilson Ceita failed to admit that his actions resulted in this catastrophic event. We found that he was driving at excessive speed, ultimately swerving into oncoming traffic, which led to his BMW colliding with the Peugeot being driven by Mr Smith and another vehicle.

“Jonny’s family have had to wait over three years for justice. They have been dignified and resolute throughout and I hope that today’s verdict offers them some form of comfort.

“I’d like to thank my investigation team, our colleagues in the Road Policing Unit and other elements of the organisation who contributed to the outcome, but most importantly to Jonny’s family, friends, and the wider community which he was an integral part of, for their support during our investigation.”

Jonny’s family reacted to the sentence through the The Justice for Jonny campaign page on Facebook: “So we had our day in court today for the sentencing, was an apprehensive morning we all weren’t sure how to feel but we went, sat and watched the sentencing, he was given 6 years and a 9 year driving ban.

“In all honesty we were thinking less so I suppose it’s something, realistically it makes no difference nothing changes although if anything takes a dangerous driver off the road and might just save a life.

“He also decided to tell the court what an ordeal this had been for him and his family … remorse at its finest.

“It’s been a long 3 and a half years, so many twists and turns, so many ups and down’s but throughout it all the support we have received is just unbelievable looking back it has really helped us knowing we have had people behind us.

“As a family as a whole we would just like to thank every single person for all their nice words and support whether it was comments, messages or calls … we even had cards through the door at the start it really has been outstanding.

“So from the bottom of all our hearts, we appreciate it and thank you and we will always remember how nice and supportive everyone has been it means so much!”

Police looking for Good Samaritan

Police are appealing for a man to come forward after he came to the aid of 50-year-old woman in the city centre.​

The woman was found in a distressed state in Cockburn Street in the early hours of Saturday, 20 November, 2021 when the man came to her assistance.​

Detective Sergeant Louise Forsyth of CID said : “We are carrying out enquiries into circumstances of why this woman was in a distressed state.

“We are keen to trace the man who kindly came to her aid in the hope he can provide further information.​

“He is described as 20-30 years old, wearing a dark jacket, a light blue t-shirt and dark trousers. He provided the woman with his jacket for warmth and waited with her until her husband arrived.​

“If you were this man, please get in touch with Police Scotland on 101, quoting 0664 of 20 November, 2021.”

Police to hold BME recruitment event online on 2nd December

Police will be hosting an online recruitment event aimed at people from all minority ethnic communities across Scotland. This event will give attendees a fantastic opportunity to hear from serving BME officers and their experiences as a police officer in Scotland as well as the opportunity to ask questions.

The event will also focus on the recruitment process and the training, with a unique insight in to life at the Scottish Police College.

The event will be hosted on Microsoft Teams on Thursday 2nd December from 6.30pm – 8pm.

To sign up, please email: recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.pnn.police.uk

The consent, support and co-operation of our fellow citizens lies at the heart of the identity and legitimacy of policing in Scotland.

To ensure that bond is as strong as possible, we must fully represent and reflect the communities we serve. Inclusion is an operational necessity and morally the right thing to do. We are committed to increasing the number of officers and staff from under-represented groups.

There are well documented barriers to some people applying to join the police service. We therefore run a number of different recruitment events to answer specific questions from people from diverse communities. This is to make sure everyone has fair access to the Police Scotland recruitment process.

Capital police launch Operation Winter City

Police in Edinburgh have launched Operation Winter City, their annual campaign focused on keeping those who live, work and visit the Capital safe throughout the festive period. 

The campaign, which runs between Saturday, 20 November, 2021 and Tuesday, 4 January 2022, will see local officers and specialist colleagues undertaking high visibility foot and mobile patrols within the city centre throughout this period. 

With the majority of COVID restrictions now eased, it is anticipated that significant numbers of people will take the opportunity to travel into the city to shop, socialise and enjoy the attractions on offer.

This dedicated policing presence will provide public reassurance, and while officers are there to respond to any incidents, they also look forward to engaging with and offering members of the public a range of crime prevention advice.

With the return of Edinburgh’s night-time economy, specialist officers will also be visiting licensed premises to remind staff of their licensing responsibilities, with the intention of preventing and deterring criminal activity taking place within these venues.

As ever, social media will play a vital role in delivering festive safety information and should you wish to receive key messaging, please follow us on Twitter @EdinburghPolice or ‘like’ the Edinburgh Police Division Facebook page. 

Superintendent Sam Ainslie, Operation Winter City’s Lead Officer, said: “Last year’s festive period proved challenging for many of us, however, with the majority of the COVID restrictions now removed, we look forward to welcoming people back into Edinburgh to enjoy all that the city has to offer.

“No different to any other time of the year, we remain focused on ensuring that everyone remains safe, and whether you have travelled in to shop, enjoy the various attractions or sample the night time economy, you will undoubtedly see our dedicated resources throughout the city centre over the coming weeks.

“In addition to offering reassurance to the public and respond to any incidents, my officers will also be offering a range of crime prevention advice, including how best to protect yourself, your home and your belongings, and I would encourage you to speak with them.

“If you plan on visiting the city centre over this period, I would advise you to plan your journey in advance, including your journey home and remember to keep hold of your belongings and purchases.

“If you are here to enjoy the night time economy, then please drink responsibly and behave considerately towards others, as highlighted officers will be providing a highly visible presence throughout the city centre area.

“But above all, Edinburgh Division wishes you and your loved ones a safe festive period.

“We will be utilising our social media channels to share crime prevention advice and broader messaging over the course of Operation Winter City, so please follow our Facebook and Twitter pages to receive this information, or, if you would prefer to view ahead of time, please visit www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information.”

Police Scotland issues warning on Gift Card scams

We would like to raise awareness of Gift Card scams.

Typically, the victim receives a call, text or email demanding an urgent payment by purchasing gift cards/vouchers from reputable organisations or high street retailers.

Fraudsters may claim to represent organisations or employers.

Following the purchase, the victim is asked to provide the gift card code to the fraudster who then either sells the codes on, or purchases high-value products, at the expense of the victim.

The fraudster does not require to have physical control over the card/voucher.

Employees may also receive urgent emails purporting to be from management asking them to purchase gift cards on their behalf.

A legitimate employer will not ask you to handle company business through gift card purchases.

• No reputable organisation would ask for payment of a bill or debt using vouchers or gift cards.

• Never reveal the codes on vouchers or gift cards you have purchased apart from entering them on official websites as full or part payment for goods or services.

• Take a moment to think if the offer sounds too good to be true.

• Be wary of any texts or emails you receive, even if it appears to come from an organisation you know and trust.

• Don’t follow links in text messages or phone any numbers provided within the message.

Trading Standards Scam Share Bulletin 👉http://ow.ly/1F6650GRgsm

Cyber Scotland Bulletin 👉http://ow.ly/tlAW50GRgsl

Police renew appeal one week after Gracemount attack

Detectives are continuing enquiries a week on from a man suffering serious injuries after he was assaulted in Edinburgh.

The 32-year-old was attacked by an unidentified man using a bladed weapon outside a Tesco supermarket on Gracemount Drive around 8pm on Thursday, 11 November.

He was later taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious injuries.

An investigation is ongoing and officers will carry out a visit to the scene of the attack this evening (Thursday, 18 November) to speak to anyone who may have been in the area the previous week.

Detective Inspector Bob Campbell said: “We are grateful to everyone who has helped our investigation so far but this was a busy area near a supermarket and we feel there may be other witnesses we have not spoken to yet.

“The male suspect left the scene after running off down Gracemount Drive before entering a dark hatchback car on Captain’s Drive and driving away.

“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have been in and around Tesco Express Gracemount Drive at the time of the attack or drivers who were on Captains Road, Gracemount Drive and Captains Drive between 7.50pm and 8.10pm on Thursday, 11 November.

“We remain keen to hear from anyone with potential dashcam footage or private CCTV from the Gracemount Drive and Captain’s Drive areas as it could prove vital to our enquiries.

“I would stress that everything in our enquiries so far suggest that this was a targeted attack and there was no wider risk to the public. However, it was a dangerous and reckless act in a busy public area and it is important we identify the man responsible.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 3297 of 11 November. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.