Police Scotland – Page 118 – The NEN

Police seek witnesses to attempted robbery in Gayfield Square

Detectives are continuing their enquiries and appealing for information after two men attempted to rob a man in Gayfield Square on Friday (12 June).

Around 3.45pm on Friday afternoon, the two suspects approached a 66 year-old man near to Gayfield Square in Edinburgh. They threatened him with a knife and demanded money. The victim refused and the men walked off.

The victim was uninjured but badly shaken as a result of the incident.

The first suspect is described as white, aged mid-late 20s, 6ft 1ins in height and of slim build with dark hair. He was wearing a dark blue parka-style jacket with a fur hood, dark coloured trousers and white trainers.

The second suspect is described as white, aged mid-late 20s, 5ft 10ins in height and of slim build. He was wearing a black jacket, dark-coloured trousers, a white t-shirt and a black cap.

Detective Constable Joanne Robertson from Gayfield Police Station said: “We have been carrying out enquiries in the local area and studying CCTV footage to gather more information on these two men.

“We believe that they may have approached other members of the public in Elm Row and Picardy Place and asked them for money too. I would ask anyone who was approached or who was in the area at the time on Friday afternoon and saw these two men, to come forward.”

Any information can be passed to Gayfield Police Station through 101 quoting reference number 2711 of 12 June. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Police advice for business owners

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Advice for Business Owners

#COVID19 has had an unprecedented effect on public health and the way we now socially interact. This has had a significant impact on the commercial sector.We would like to share some general crime prevention advice that may help and assist you during what is an uncertain time for all businesses.

The impact on business will vary and will naturally be defined by your business location, size, customer base, products and services offered, criminality in the area, and your existing levels of security.

If your staff fall victim to an assault or witness violence in your premises:

Try to remain calm and think of your safety and that of others.
If the perpetrator has left the premises, record accurate descriptions, including any vehicles used, and report this to the police as soon as possible.
Trust your instincts and maximise distance between yourself, customers, colleagues and any aggressive parties.
Use panic alarms if it is appropriate to do so. If there is a panic alarm installed use it, but only when safe to do so.
Consider the use of body worn video technology to capture evidence and positive impact the behaviour of those involved in violence on your premises.
Closed Premises/Venues that have been temporarily shut:
Test your intruder alarm, ensure it is working and fully operational.
Identify any vulnerable areas and rectify this if required.
Ensure security gates, bollards and fire exit doors have been secured prior to closure of the premises.
Ensure service doors are closed and locked when not in use.
Make sure you have list of key holders who can be contacted in times of emergency and ensure your contact details for staff are up to date.
Consider moving high value items into secured stockrooms and/or out of view.
Ensure keys to the premises or other venues are not left inside and are instead with dedicated key holders.
Consider timer switches or ensure sufficient lighting is left on at the premises/surrounding area.
Ensure there are no combustible materials left in the proximity of the building such as packaging – consider the risk of fire.
Review your CCTV to confirm it is operational, provides good quality images, and is positioned to cover as much of the building’s public and private areas as possible.
Ensure that no cash or valuables are retained on the premises overnight and leave a note indicating this on the door or window of your premises. If having to retain cash on site then do so using a security accredited safe bolted or ‘ground anchored’ to the floor.

Physical Protective Measures:

Use security rated products where possible. You can find information on a variety of police approved crime prevention products at www.securedbydesign.com
External shutters and grilles are recommended but some buildings may be subject to local authority planning approval before installation.
Ensure all doors leading from public to staff, service, and loading areas are kept secure and monitored.
Consider installation of laminated glass or apply security film to existing glass to make your windows more resistant to physical attack.
An insurance rated safe should be bolted to the floor. Anti-tamper sensors can be fitted to set off an alarm if attacked.
Anti-ram security tested (retractable) bollards can be mounted externally to protect frontages but may require local authority planning approval.
Consider use of anti-theft alarms on most desirable household items.
Fogging devices that activate as a result of an intruder activation may also be beneficial – you can’t steal what you can’t see.

Large gatherings/Queuing:

Premises should be adequately staffed with prominent management present who can make decisions or be identifiable to emergency services.
Consider an allocation system or queuing to provide items that are provided on a limited basis – or possible keeping these off shop floor for collection.
“Meet and Greets” on main entrances provide reassurance, customer care and can be a subliminal message to any prospective thieves.
Where possible SIA licensed security officers should have a visible presence on the premises in strategic areas.
All prominent / desirable household item areas should have a member of staff regulating them and depending on your risk assessment, consideration given to deploying security (or trained staff) into these areas.
Reassurance to customers, some of whom may be anxious, is key to reduce anti-social behaviour. Ensure that all staff are fully briefed each day, on emergency procedures and working practices.
All staff should remain vigilant and report any violence or suspicious activity to the police.
Consider minimising the number of entry points to your building in concert with fire exits.
Ensure building perimeters are clear of any debris, dustbins, ladders or loose tools and equipment that could be used to assist or force entry.
Check that your emergency equipment/grab bags, first aid supplies and radio communication systems are well equipped, maintained, and fully operational.
Check and test your building security and emergency systems regularly.

For further advice contact your local police station, local Crime Prevention Officer at EdinburghPreventandIntervent@Scotland.pnn.police.uk, or visit our website at www.scotland.police.uk

Buying a bike?

Buying second-hand is a great way to get your hands on a bike for a reasonable price. If you’re looking to bag a bargain, read on for Gumtree UK‘s top tips for buying used bikes:

📑 Proof of ownership

To check everything’s above board, ask the seller to show you a receipt of purchase. You can also ask about the bike’s service history, or run the frame number through BikeRegister.

💬 Ask questions

It’s important to make sure the bike does what you need it to do, so remember to ask about: wheel size, suspension, mudguards, rack mounts and gears. Set a budget beforehand and prioritise your needs to find the best bike for you.

🚲 Research the competition

Once you’ve found a bicycle you like, check other ads to see what they’re selling for. You’ll get a fair price if you go into the sale with some knowledge of what’s out there.

🕵️‍♂️ Check the bike out

🚲 Once you’ve got the bike in front of you, check it over for damage and general wear-and-tear. Look out for: cracks in the frame, rust on the chain, worn down brake pads and any punctures on the tyres. If the seller’s happy, ask to take it for a quick test ride.

Remember to always follow the government’s guidelines for social distancing when you’re meeting sellers and wash your hands before and after touching the bike. Once you get your bicycle home, we recommend giving it a thorough clean.

Police Scotland

Police seek witnesses to road collision

Police Scotland is appealing for information following a collision involving a police vehicle and a motorcycle in Edinburgh. The incident happened around 1.40pm yesterday (Friday, 5 June) on Marionville Avenue.

The collision involved an off-road Kawasaki motorcycle and a marked Police Scotland BMW X5.

The 36-year-old male motorcyclist was taken to hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries. Neither of the officers in the police vehicle were injured.

The road was closed to allow for an investigation at the scene.

Sergeant Stephen Quinn of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit said: “We are working to establish the circumstances which led to this collision and would urge anyone who may have seen the incident or who has any other information to come forward.

“We would be keen to speak to other road users who were in the area at the time, particularly if they have dashcam footage.

“Anyone with information can call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 1726 of 5 June.”

Chief Constable: Don’t have house parties this weekend

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM joined First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and National Clinical Director Professor Jason Leitch at yesterday’s coronavirus briefing.

He said:

As we enter early June and the summer months I’d like to start on a point I’ve stressed on a number of occasions recently, and that’s by underlining the close bond that exists between policing and the communities of Scotland we serve.

It’s a precious bond of trust forged over many years. Policing in Scotland takes its authority and legitimacy from the people.

It is testament to the common sense and good judgement of the people of Scotland, and their police service, that during this national public health emergency the relationship, if anything, has gone from strength to strength. Of course, the bond will be tested, during difficult times like just now during the pandemic, or when critical incidents occur, where tragedy arises, when human life is lost.

And I know the role of the police, the coercive authority policing at times exercises in the name of our fellow citizens to protect us all, will rightly be subject to robust scrutiny, focus and challenge. I welcome that, I welcome open and direct conversations about policing, it is absolutely vital for democracy and fairness.

Like everyone, as Chief Constable and as a man, I was shocked and distressed by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the subsequent events that transpired and continue to transpire in the United States. Racism in all forms is disgraceful and unacceptable.

I fully understand the desire of people in Scotland to make their voices heard this weekend over racial injustice. The right to be heard; to protest; to campaign, is of vital importance and policing has a key role in enabling, supporting such freedoms to be exercised fully and safely.

Our duty in policing is to enable you to have your voice heard in a way that is safe for you and safe for others. Please do so in a way that does not risk spreading coronavirus. Policing in Scotland will help in this regard.

I know there are a number of planned events this weekend and we are in touch with some of the people involved in organising them to try to help them do that in a safe manner.

As Chief Constable, I urge everyone to follow the regulations and guidance, as the majority of people have thankfully done over the last 10 weeks; to keep themselves and others safe and to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

I would reiterate the comments of the Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf, because the threat of coronavirus is still with us. People should not attend mass gatherings which pose a clear risk to public health. Please find a safe way of making your voice heard.

I know the fatigue and strain many are feeling as the stay at home period continues, albeit with some restrictions lifted is one felt in families and households across the country. As the First Minister has made clear, the desire for easement to all enjoy greater freedoms, is understandable.

The small changes made last week following 10 weeks of strict lockdown rules, did coincide with particularly good weather and, in my judgement, perhaps did lead to some people feeling and acting a bit ‘demob happy’.

Gatherings at parks, beaches, beauty spots were concerning, leading policing to make a little over 2,000 separate dispersals over the 72 hour weekend period. At the same time, we saw non-coronavirus related crime returning to levels which are more in line with business as usual, and in fact we made over 1,000 arrests, none of them in relation to coronavirus regulations, placing acute demand on policing.

We continued to have high levels of engagement with people last weekend to offer advice and, in most cases that was met with support and co-operation.I pay tribute to everyone who is working together to save lives.

The majority of people continue to do the right thing because it is the best way to stop the virus spreading and, ultimately, to contribute to prevent people dying.

I don’t think the weather it to be quite as good this weekend, but I would ask that people do not travel to beauty spots and, crucially, do not hold house parties or gatherings indoors. The police service will take very robust action in that regard because it is vital to control the spread of the virus.

Don’t have house parties if the rain comes on. Don’t have your friends round.

I want to thank our officers and staff and specifically our special constables for their commitment to public service. They have been working round the clock to give help, give advice and to support communities the length and breadth of Scotland.

It is essential that everyone sticks with it, sticks to the rules. Do the right thing to prevent the virus spreading.

If we don’t, more of what is currently guidance may be brought into legislation. If that is the case, Police Scotland will continue to act in a fair and proportionate manner.Our approach won’t change. We will always work with the people to do the right thing.

We will rely on consent and co-operation, act with courtesy, but we will take enforcement measures when necessary.

I greatly value the trust of our fellow citizens and thank you for your forbearance during these difficult days.

Please – look after yourselves and each other, follow the rules and stay safe.

Thank You.

Police comment on weekend arrests

Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr has issued a statement on arrests during the weekend after the easing of some restrictions:

DCC Kerr said: “The increase in people out and about following the relaxing of some of the restrictions has seen a rise in crime levels, reflected in the number of arrests over the weekend.

“The efforts of officers and staff throughout this challenging pandemic has been extraordinary and policing continues in all our communities as we face increasing demands on the service.

“The figures from the last 72 hours – high numbers of dispersals and no arrests relating to coronavirus– show how we are continuing to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance. We will only use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation, and our overall approach will continue to be one based on common sense and discretion.

“The Regulations remain that people should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, for exercise or recreation, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done from home.

“The Chief Constable has also made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading. This is a responsibility on us all, and one that we all have a civic duty to take seriously.

“We absolutely recognise that people have made significant sacrifices until now and, while the temptation may be to head straight for one of our beauty spots, please use your best judgement and avoid going to places which are normally busy during the good weather.

“Complying with the legislation about meeting only one other household outdoors at any one time and following the Scottish Government’s guidance about avoiding travelling long distances will stop our parks, beaches, lochs and hills from becoming over-crowded.

“We all want to enjoy our outdoor spaces safely and, whilst our officers will continue to robustly tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, please take reasonable steps to keep yourself safe and act responsibly.”

Man jailed for Saughton robbery

A 41-year-old man has been sentenced after he was convicted of assault and robbery at a Saughton convenience store.

On Thursday (28 May) Terrence Tant was sentenced to four years in prison after he targeted One Stop Shop on Saughton Mains Gardens on Friday, 27 December, 2019.

During this incident one of the shopkeepers was assaulted and sustained a serious hand injury and a three-figure sum of cash was stolen.

Detective Constable Sam Gillies, of Edinburgh CID, said: “We welcome the sentencing of Terrence Tant who subjected the staff working within the shop to an extremely terrifying ordeal, threatening one with a knife before stealing cash from the till and assaulting the other member of staff outside the shop.

“Thanks to the actions of one of the shopkeepers and members of the public, Douglas was arrested and charged a short time after the incident and will now face the consequences of his actions.

“Threatening behaviour and robbery will not be tolerated in our area and we will always work tirelessly to ensure that such offenders are brought before the courts.”

Chief Constable: Do The Right Thing

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM said: “The law is changing as phase 1 of the Scottish Government route map for COVID-19 has been implemented.

“People should still only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, for exercise or recreation, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done from home.

“Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance. We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.

“We are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.

“We recognise that people have made significant sacrifices until now and while the temptation may be to head straight for one of our beauty spots, we would ask people to use their judgement and avoid going to places which are normally busy during the good weather.

“We want people to enjoy our outdoor spaces safely and our officers will be robustly tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

Police issue latest Performance Report

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor has urged people to share their concerns with police as a new report highlights offences in private and virtual spaces.

The Quarter 4 Performance Report is the final one of the 2019-20 performance cycle that supports Police Scotland’s outcomes focused approach to reporting.

It shows almost 1,700 offences were recorded under new domestic abuse laws during its first year in legislation.

Introduced on 1 April 2019, the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act criminalised the coercive and controlling behaviours used by domestic abusers, creating a single offence which covers the full range of abusive behaviours whether physical, psychological, financial or sexual.

The report reveals 1,681 crimes under DASA were recorded during the year, with 1,158 detected.

The new offences are counted within Group 1 crimes of violence, which increased by 1,297 crimes (16.2%) year on year overall.

The Performance Report also highlights increases in crimes with a cyber element, including the disclosure of, or threat of disclosure of, intimate images, as well as online grooming and cyber-related fraud.

The period covered by this report includes only a very small number of days during which emergency measures to ensure physical distancing in response to coronavirus were in place.

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “Crimes recorded under the new domestic abuse legislation underline the fact that, sadly, private, and indeed virtual, spaces are not safe places for everyone.

“For some people, the stay at home guidance may expose them to a greater risk of abuse, harm and neglect.

“We are seeking to be proactive when it comes to people we know have a history of committing domestic violence or domestic abuse, and we also want to ensure that support is given to people who may have been victims in the past, and we are encouraging people and neighbours to look out for each other.

“I want to reiterate that Police Scotland remains here to help and support our fellow citizens to keep them safe in all aspects of their lives.

“If you need police assistance, if you need our support or intervention, or if you have concerns about someone else, contact us and we will help.”

The report, which can be read here, will be presented at the Scottish Police Authority’s Policing Performance Committee on Thursday (28 May 2020).

Police Scotland has also published detailed management information covering Quarter 4 here. The data, while not official statistics, relates mainly to crime recorded by Police Scotland.

To assist public understanding of their work, Police Scotland is providing provisional information about the nature and level of demand on policing specifically for the period during which the measures have been in place and how we are responding to this public health emergency. Find out more here.

Further, detailed, management information relating to the period beginning April 2020 will be published routinely in the Q1 of 2020-21 Performance Report and management information.

Violent crimes and housebreaking have fallen in Edinburgh, according to the latest figures.

The Performance Report shows that overall crime in the capital is down year-on-year by 1.6 per cent, or 818 offences.

In Edinburgh, violent crime rose by 182 offences. However, when removing offences recorded under new domestic abuse legislation, there was a fall in violent crime.

A total of 205 offences were recorded under the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act, which came into effect last year and created a single offence covering the full range of abusive behaviours, whether physical; psychological; financial or sexual.

There were five fewer victims of attempted murder – a reduction of almost 19 per cent, while serious assaults also fell by just over 18 per cent, equating to 77 fewer incidents.

Protecting vulnerable people and bringing perpetrators of sexual offences to justice remains both a national and local priority and year to date detection rates for all sexual crimes is up 3.4 percentage points, which includes a 6.3 percentage point rise in the detection rate for sexual assaults.

One area of sexual offending that has seen a rise in reporting is lewd and libidinous crime, which rose from 100 offences in 2018/19 to 129 in 2019/20. Many of these offences were identified as part of larger investigations, where additional victims and crimes came to light. Edinburgh Division’s Public Protection Unit continue to conduct proactive inquiries to identify victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

Housebreaking, motor vehicle crime and shoplifting offences are all down from the previous year.

The figures show that there are 484 fewer housebreaking offences, 80 fewer motor vehicle crimes and 783 fewer shoplifting incidents.

Edinburgh Division has also seen 88 more drug supply charges brought against members of the public, as well as a 26.3 per cent rise in drugs possession offences. This is driven by an increase in proactive work within the Capital, through Operation Threshold and two large scale dance events held at the Royal Highland Showground in Ingliston.

Antisocial behaviour continues to fall in Edinburgh, with 1383 fewer incidents than last year.

The most significant reduction is 891 fewer noise complaint reports and fire-raising crimes have also reduced by almost 24 per cent, which equates to 62 less crimes.

The number of road casualties in the division fell from 936, to 779 – a decrease of 153 incidents. Similarly, the number of fatalities has reduced from seven to three.

Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “It is incredibly encouraging to see significant reductions in crime figures for the Capital and I am grateful to all of my officers and staff for their continued professionalism and dedication in serving Edinburgh’s communities.

“Tackling violent and sexual offences are two of our top priorities, along with reducing housebreaking, and I am delighted that these crimes have fallen, meaning we have several hundred fewer victims.

“We are also giving enhanced focus and attention to not only detecting domestic offences, but ensuring victims are suitably supported, while perpetrators are brought before the courts. I want to mirror what DCC Taylor has said and reassure our communities that, despite these offences mostly taking place behind closed doors and in virtual spaces, we will utilise all resources at our disposal to investigate these incidents professionally and sensitively when they are reported.

“Nevertheless, we recognise that more still needs to be done to tackle the continued use of weapons, particularly bladed items during other criminality and our Violence Reduction Units work tirelessly to identify those who both carry and utilise weapons and remove them from our communities.

“In addition, School Link Officers regularly speak with pupils in our high schools to raise awareness of the risks and consequences associated with carrying a weapon.

“The new legislation for domestic abuse to include coercive control means we are seeing more and more reported incidents and I welcome this, as domestic abuse remains an under-reported issue. For those living in a situation where they find themselves being physically, emotionally or sexually abused by a partner, please contact us immediately so we can help you.

“I also want to reaffirm our commitment to road safety and to assure all road users that Road Policing Officers will continue to provide a visible presence on the city’s roads to identify motoring offences and educate the public on safe driving.

“Police Scotland will continue to work alongside all of our relevant partners to improve the quality of life for the city’s residents and to ensure that any issues requiring a police, or multi-agency response, are dealt with appropriately.

“The public continue to have a huge role in helping us not only tackle and reduce crime, but prevent it in the first instance, by taking a range of simple steps to protect themselves, their loved ones and their possessions.

“Please visit our website at www.scotland.police.uk for lots of useful information on crime prevention and personal safety.”

Cycle thefts: youth charged

Officers from Leith Police Station have charged a 15 year old boy in relation to the theft of pedal cycles.

Community Officers and Team 2 Response Officers recently recovered 5 bikes and have reunited 4 of them with their owners. Enquiries are still ongoing to identify the owner of one of the bikes.

Sergeant Elaine McArthur-Kerr from Leith Police Station said: “The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way we travel. The UK Government is actively encouraging everyone to use pedal bikes more and the City of Edinburgh Council are creating safe and accessible spaces for walking and cycling.

“Recent press reports indicate that bike sales have increased in the city and unfortunately it would appear that certain individuals or groups of people have decided to take advantage of this by stealing them while left locked and unattended.

“Our enquiries have resulted in a 15 year old boy being identified and charged in connection with recent thefts of bikes in the city and enquiries continue to identify others who may be involved.

“We are also keen to trace the owner of the Voodoo pedal cycle seen in the image on this post (above). If this is your bike please call 101 quoting incident 3746 of 20/05/2020.

If you have any information regarding the theft of pedal bikes I urge you to call police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”.