Police Scotland – Page 112 – The NEN

Police warning over telephone bank fraud

Police Scotland is urging members of the public to be vigilant following recent reports of telephone banking fraud.

This week alone, officers in Edinburgh were made aware of three separate incidents on the 21, 22 and 24 September, 2020, where five figure sums of money were stolen from bank accounts.

In each of these cases, the victims reported that they received telephone calls from someone with a local accent, claiming to be from the fraud team of their local bank branch and who appeared to be calling from a genuine bank telephone number.

The caller then asked the person to transfer funds into a separate account which appears to be operated by the fraudsters.

PC Greig Stephen, of the Prevention, Intervention and Partnerships team in Edinburgh, said: “Those targeted by these incidents have been left shaken by what has happened and I would urge everyone to be wary of any online or telephone scams that are related to finances.

“If you are speaking to someone on the phone, please do not give them any personal information or bank details, even if they seem to know some of your details already.

“Many fraudsters use advanced techniques to make them appear genuine and it is important to remember that your bank would never ask you to transfer money to another account.

“I would advise anyone who receives a call like this to politely hang up and contact their bank directly to discuss any irregularities surrounding their bank account.

“If anyone has concerns surrounding this type of incident or has received a call of a similar nature, I would ask that you contact police on 101.”

For further advice on keeping safe, please visit Police Scotland’s website – https://www.scotland.police.uk/…/identity-theft-fraud….

Northfield assault: CCTV released

Police Scotland has released CCTV images of two men they believe may be able to assist them with their enquiries in relation to an assault which took place around 9.15pm on Thursday, 27 August 2020 on Northfield Broadway.

As a result of the incident, a 30-year-old man suffered facial injuries and required medical treatment.

Officers wish to trace the men shown in these images:

The first man is described as being in his early 30s, around 5ft 8in tall with short dark/black hair and prominent dark eye brows.

He was wearing a black suit, a black shirt and dress shoes.

The second man is described as being in his early 30s, around 6ft 2in tall and of slim build with short dark hair and facial stubble.

He was wearing a black jumper, black trousers and dress shoes.

Detective Constable Claire Riley of Edinburgh CID said: “We are eager to trace the men pictured as we believe they may be able to assist our enquiries, and would urge anyone who may recognise them to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 3509 of 27th August 2020, or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Witness appeal following serious assault in Morrison Street

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in the Haymarket area on Sunday (20 September 2020).

Police were called to Morrison Street around 10pm after a 27-year-old man was attacked by a group of four men. Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment to serious facial injuries.

The suspects are believed to have made off along Morrison Street and onto Torphichen Place.

The first man is described a white, aged 20-30, of slim build, with dark hair and dark facial hair. He was wearing a black hoodie and black bottoms.

The second man is described as white, aged 20-30 and wearing a grey hoodie. He was carrying a black rucksack and a skateboard.

The third man is described as white, aged 20-30 and had a bag and skateboard.

The fourth man is described as white, aged 20-30 and wearing a dark hoodie, dark joggers and white trainers.

All four men wore face coverings.

Detective Constable Oliver Healy of Gayfield CID said: “We believe this to be a targeted attack on the victim who has been left with significant facial injuries.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the individuals involved, with officers speaking to local residents and businesses as well as examining CCTV.

“There were several passers-by in the area at the time of the incident and I would urge anyone who saw what happened, and it yet to speak to police, to get in touch.

“I would also ask any motorists with dash-cams who were in the vicinity to please check their footage in case they have captured anything which could assist the investigation.

“Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting reference number 3946 of Sunday 20th September 2020. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Police seek witnesses to New Town collision

Officers from Edinburgh Road Policing Unit are appealing for information after a road crash on Friday (18 September, 2020).

Around 9.45pm on Friday evening, a 26-year-old man was riding his electric scooter to cross the road on Great King Street at its junction with Dundas Street, when he was struck by a vehicle that failed to stop.

The man returned home then later made his way to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he was treated for his injuries and later released.

Police were then made aware of the incident.

Inspector Roger Park said: “Since this crash was reported to us, we have been carrying out enquiries to establish more details on this incident, and we are working to identify the vehicle involved and trace its occupants.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident, or who was driving on this road around the time of the crash on Friday evening who has dash-cam footage to get in touch, as they may have information that will help our investigation.”

Anyone with details should contact Edinburgh Road Policing Unit on 101 quoting reference number 4418 of 18 September.

Police Scotland BAME campaign

Police Scotland is acutely aware that the diversity of our communities is increasing all the time. We recognise the importance of our communities being able to relate to our police officers and we are therefore actively reaching out to our BME communities and encouraging you to consider a career in policing in Scotland.

During the 90 minute online recruitment event, users will learn about the recruitment process, the training, the role of a police officer and the endless opportunities which are available to you once you embark on this exciting career path.

The date of the event is: Thursday 24 September from 6.30pm – 8pm

In order to participate in the event, Microsoft Teams will be required.

For more information and to reserve a space please email:-

recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.pnn.police.uk

providing your name, contact number and what event you would like to attend.

Please also send a request to join our closed Facebook page at:

‘Police Scotland Positive Action’

Have you seen Sofia?

FOUND – Police Scotland have confirmed that Sofia Aslam (15), who had been reported missing from the Howdenhall area of Edinburgh has been traced safe and well. The public are thanked for their assistance.

MISSING FEMALE – SOFIA ASLAM

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace a missing Edinburgh teenager. Sofia, also known as Bushra, was last seen in the Howdenhall Road area around 6pm last Thursday (17th September 2020).

The 15 year old has not been seen since and there are growing concerns for her welfare.

Sofia is described as being a Pakistani female, slim build, 5ft tall with long dark hair.

Last seen wearing purple crop top, black jeans and white adidas trainers.

Sofia has links to the Scottish Borders area.

Two charged with attempted murder

TWO men aged 26 and 29 have been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted murder in Edinburgh.

The incident happened around 6.45pm last Sunday (13 September) when police and emergency services were called after a 34-year-old man was seriously injured during an altercation in Panmure Place. His condition is currently described as stable.

Both men are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday (21 September). A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Witness appeal following Granton robbery

Police are appealing for information following a robbery in Granton Mains. The incident happened around 12.10pm yesterday (Wednesday, 16 September) at the West Granton Community Shop (Sandy’s).

A man entered the shop, brandished a weapon at a member of staff and stole a four-figure sum of cash.

The suspect is described as white, with facial hair. He was wearing a cap, dark top, bottoms and trainers and a black face mask.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Howat said: “Thankfully no-one was injured during this incident but the staff member was left shaken. We believe the man was waiting in the vicinity prior to the incident.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and I would ask anyone who recognises the description of the suspect to come forward immediately.

“We are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information which may be able to assist to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 1403 of 16 September.

Teenager robbed at knifepoint in Blackhall

Police are appealing for information after a 14-year-old boy was robbed at knifepoint in Blackhall.

The incident happened just after 9pm on Monday, 14 September, when the teenager was walking through a wooded area to the south of Ravelston Park, near to Blackhall Lawn Tennis Club.

There was a group of youths around a small campfire and three boys approached him. One suspect threatened the victim with a knife and took his mobile phone. Fortunately the victim wasn’t physically injured.

The first suspect is described as around 16-years-old, around 5ft 10in tall, skinny build, clean shaven with short brown hair and his right ear pierced. He was wearing a dark bomber jacket and camouflage pattern tracksuit bottoms.

The second suspect is described as around the same age and height, stocky build, clean shaven with ear length ginger hair. He was also wearing a dark bomber jacket.

The third suspect is described as around the same age and height, medium build with dark hair.

Detective Sergeant Mark McGraw, of Corstorphine CID, said: “We’re appealing to anyone who has any information about this incident or witnessed it to contact us.

“It appears it was completely unprovoked and we’re asking for the public’s help to identify those involved. Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3667 of 14 September.”