Tag: Police Scotland

CashBack support for Police youth projects

A police-led partnership initiative aimed at diverting young people from criminal activity in Edinburgh is to receive Scottish Government funding.

As part of the CashBack for Communities Scheme, £19 million, which was seized from criminals, is to be shared with a range of organisations to further their work in diverting at risk youths away from potentially criminal or anti-social behaviour.

One such project receiving a share of this funding is VOW, a unique collaborative project, where police in the Capital work along a number of partners to engage and empower vulnerable young-people to make positive life choices.

This partnership helps break the cycle of offending and prevent individuals from continually entering the criminal justice system. So far 167 young people have been helped through the work of the team and the funding will ensure this vital work continues and even expands.

Also receiving Cashback support is Police Scotland’s award- winning partnership project with City of Edinburgh Council, Turn Your Life Around (TYLA).

Turn Your Life Around is a mental health and wellbeing project where local volunteers with a range of difficult childhood experiences are supported to share their stories of adversity and resilience with school pupils, families and staff.

Pupils at the schools are then given a platform to discuss the stories, reflect on risk and resilience factors and encouraged to seek help if they are experiencing similar difficulties.

The nature of these projects means that officers, peer mentors and volunteers are regularly asked to revisit, share or support childhood trauma and this funding will be used to provide trauma counselling and additional support for all those involved in delivering these services and will augment the existing skills they already have.

This in turn will increase the capacity for them to help young people turn their lives around.

Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “This partnership and public health approach, using these inspirational peer mentors and courageous young volunteers, was a first of its kind here in Scotland.

“The proof that it works is testament to the number of young people that have managed to turn their lives around and the fact that on average the young people who engage with the peer mentors and officers manage to reduce their offending by around 80%.

“Traditionally, it has been difficult for police to identify and engage with at risk youths while working in isolation. This collaboration opens a number of doors, not only in preventing further criminal activity, but signposting those we engage with to a range of support services that can help them make positive lifestyle choices.

“With this essential funding, the excellent foundations and work that has already been commenced, will be continued and expanded to include trauma counselling, with the model being rolled out in Glasgow and other Policing Divisions looking to follow suit.

“This peer mentoring project transforms not only the lives of the young people who engage and take part, but transforms their families and communities, through working in partnership to deliver prevention and interventions that have been evaluated and proved to work at reducing harm”

Councillor Ian Perry, Education, Community and Families Convener at City of Edinburgh Council said: “This funding is fantastic news and will help the programmes continue to go from strength to strength.

“Set up in 2016 with Police Scotland, the Turn Your Life Around project delivered by the Health & Wellbeing Team was recently recognised as Education Initiative of the Year by Herald Society Awards.

“This is testimony to the feedback received from over 1000 children, young people and staff in schools last year who heard the inspiring stories from the TYLA volunteers and were involved in follow up sessions.

“It is of paramount importance that the volunteers are also appropriately supported and this funding will ensure we can continue to provide this as the project continues.”

Dalmeny Street assault and robbery: Police release CCTV image

Police have released an image of a man they wish to speak with in connection to an ongoing investigation into an assault and robbery.

The incident took place around 3:00am on Tuesday 8 October 2019, on Dalmeny Street just off Leith Walk. A 22 year old woman was assaulted and her handbag was stolen.

Officers believe the man pictured may have information to assist their investigation and anyone who recognises him is urged to come forward.

The male in the image is seen to have dark hair, is of slim build, and believed to be around 5’10. He is pictured wearing black trousers, a black jacket or shirt and black shoes.

Police Constable Ewan Bates, of the Violence Reduction Unit at Gayfield Police Station, said: “We are keen to trace the man in the CCTV footage as he may be able to assist with our investigation.

If you can identify him, or have any information that can help with our enquiries then please get in touch. Likewise, if the man himself sees this appeal then please contact us.”

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident 0314 of Tuesday, 8 October, 2019. Or contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Man charged following bottle throwing incident

Police have confirmed that a 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with culpable and reckless conduct at Easter Road stadium. 

The incident took place on Friday 20 December, 2019, when a glass bottle was thrown from the stands on to the pitch, narrowly missing players from both Hibs and Rangers football clubs.

Inspector Colin Fordyce, of Leith Community Policing, said: “Thankfully no one was injured as a result of this incident. Mindless behaviour like this will not be tolerated in any football stadiums across the country.

“The safety of football supporters, players and management is the top priority of football clubs and Police Scotland, with every step taken to identify those responsible for inappropriate behaviour.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public who came forward with information relating to our investigation.”

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, March 5.

Police seek six following Leith assault

Police are asking for help to trace a number of people following the serious assault of a man in Leith Walk.

Around 11.15pm on Saturday 25 January 2020 an altercation happened between two groups, both male and female, in Leith Walk, between Dalmeny Street and Iona Street. As a result one man was attacked from the rear and received serious head injuries.

Constable Lambert at Gayfield Police Station said: “The group I want to trace headed off south in Leith Walk towards London Road after the incident, and contained six people, four men and two women. They are described as follows:

Male 1 – White, tanned complexion, approx. 30 years, around 5’8” tall, stocky build, short dark receding hair and stubble, dressed in black jacket, dark jeans and dark shoes.

Male 2 – White, mid to late 20s, around 6′ tall, medium build, short brown hair, dressed in a white unzipped hooded top with eye patches on the hood, dark t-shirt, jeans and white trainers

Male 3 – White, approx. 30 years, around 5’10” tall, medium build, brown hair shaved at the sides in a “topknot”, dressed in a dark jacket, dark top with white writing, blue jeans and dark shoes

Male 4 – White, approx. 30 years, around 5’10” tall, medium build, short dark hair and stubble, dressed in a dark round neck jumper, dark jeans and dark shoes

Female 1 – White, early to mid 20s, around 5’4” tall, slim build, long blond hair, dressed in a dark jacket over a dark top, black trousers with a white stripe down the side and black shoes

Female 2 – White, mid to late 20s, around 5’8” tall, slim-medium build, shoulder length blond hair, dressed in a red top, denim jeans and red boots.

“Anyone who may have been in the area and saw anything to call us at Edinburgh on the 101 number, quoting the reference number 4271 25 January 2020. Anyone wishing to pass on any information and remain anonymous can do so through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Agencies combine to bring human traffickers to court

Four people have been charged as part of a joint operation to tackle human trafficking across the East and West of Scotland.

Led by detectives from Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit, Operation Risbalit saw enforcement activity take place at six premises in Alloa, Inverkeithing, Cowdenbeath and Glasgow.

As a result, three men aged 41, 24 and 23 were arrested and charged along with a 25-year-old woman. All were scheduled to appear at Falkirk and Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court yesterday in connection with human trafficking offences.

Staff from a range of agencies worked together to bring the case to court. Police Scotland’s East Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit and Financial Investigation Unit, as well as key partners from Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigations (CFI); Edinburgh Social Work; National Human Trafficking Unit; National Crime Agency; BTP; Scotrail; Network Rail and COPFS played vital roles in evidence gathering and resourcing the enforcement process.

In addition to the targeted arrests, visits were carried out at businesses in Bathgate, Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh and Stirling. These were led by Immigration Enforcement and supported by officers from Police Scotland.

Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn from Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit said: “Extensive inquiries were undertaken by Police Scotland and supported by a number of other agencies and this culminated in the arrest of four people, who have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the officers and partners involved in this operation for their support and dedication throughout.

“Identifying human trafficking and supporting victims of such offences is a top priority for Police Scotland. Operation Risbalit is an Edinburgh-led inquiry, but our officers will continue to liaise with key counterparts both nationally within Scotland and the UK.

“I want the public to be assured that any report of human trafficking will be treated with the utmost seriousness and investigated thoroughly to bring perpetrators to justice.

“If you have any concerns that someone in your community may have been trafficked, or if you are a victim of this crime and wish to report it to police, please contact us via 101 or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police issue doorstep crime warning

Most people who call at your door will be genuine, but sometimes someone may turn up unannounced with the intention of tricking their way into your home. If someone calls:

LOCK – Keep your front, back, & side doors locked, even when you are home.

STOP – Before you answer, stop & think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked the back door & taken the key out. Look through a spy hole to see who it is.

CHAIN – If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or door bar on first if you have one. Keep this on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep.

CHECK – Even if they have a pre-arranged appointment, check identity cards carefully. Close the door while you do this. If you are still unsure, look up a phone number in the phone book or online & ring the organisation to verify their identity. Do not use a phone number on the identity card as this may be fake.

Bogus callers may be smartly dressed & claim to be from the council, police, or utility company. They can also turn up as builders, gardeners, or other trades & try to trick you into paying for unnecessary work.

You should never agree to have work done by someone who is just ‘cold calling’.

If you think work needs done get at least three quotes from trusted companies.

Use The Edinburgh Trusted Trader Scheme to find tradespeople who have been checked & vetted by both Police & Trading Standards officers. Information on this Scheme can be found here- http://ow.ly/nPfT50ybKfx or by phoning 0131 513 9921.

If you think a bogus caller or doorstep criminal has called on you, or been in your street, report this to the police immediately on ‘101’ non-emergency or ‘999’ in an emergency. If you would rather remain anonymous, you can report incidents to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For further crime prevention advice- https://www.scotland.police.uk/…/home-and-personal-property/ or contact your local Crime Prevention Officer by contacting ‘101’.

Police appeal following Tollcross assault

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a 49 year-old man was seriously assaulted in Edinburgh last Friday (31 January, 2020).

Around 8.45pm on Friday evening, the 49 year-old man was walking on Brougham Street, between Tollcross and Panmure Place junctions, when he was approached by a man on a bike who was cycling on the pavement.  The suspect got off his bike and assaulted the man, causing him to fall to the ground.  The cyclist then made off.

The injured man attended Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he was treated for a facial injury then later released.

The suspect is described as white, around 25-30 years of age, and of medium build.  He was wearing a light grey hooded top and jogging trousers.  He was riding a step-through bike. 

Detective Sergeant Kevin Tait of Gayfield Police Station said: “Our enquiries into this assault are continuing and officers have been carrying out enquiries in the area of Brougham Street and viewing local CCTV footage gathering more information on the man responsible.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed this attack take place on Friday evening, or who has any information that will assist our investigation to contact officers through 101 quoting reference number 1660 of 2nd February.  Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Campaign to recruit special constables

Want to discover a new side of you in 2020 and make a difference? Police Scotland’s Special Constabulary needs you …

A nationwide campaign to recruit new special constables has been launched by Police Scotland.

The Special Constabulary is a part-time volunteer body consisting of officers with identical powers to that of police officers. The role is diverse, from policing football matches to assisting at road accidents, from patrolling the streets of your local community to investigating crime. No two shifts are the same and volunteers play an integral role in providing an important link between the police service and the public.

Following a steady decrease in the number of special constables since the formation of Police Scotland, with a significant number of recruits using the opportunity as a route to becoming a regular police officer, the campaign focuses on encouraging people to give back to their local community by signing up in their spare time and enhancing local policing with their life experience.

From today, social media posts and campaign posters will feature on numerous channels including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, promoting the role of a special constable and why their skills and talent could be crucial to local policing.

Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins said: “There are thousands of people living in Scotland who could bring the skills and talents from their own jobs into the role of a volunteer police officer and in support of their local community.

“Joining the Special Constabulary can also be a fantastic opportunity to consider whether policing is the job for you. It provides excellent experience and training for those who would like to become a full-time police officer.

“Police Scotland undoubtedly benefits from the experience volunteers bring, but it’s also an opportunity unlike any other where you gain confidence, new skills and get the chance to help people in need or make their life better.

“Anyone is eligible to apply to become a special constable as long as they satisfy some basic requirements for the role but ultimately we are looking for people who want to make a real difference to their communities and can bring a fresh perspective to the team they work in. The more varied your background, the more diverse our workforce will be. “Don’t miss the opportunity to do something great.”

For more information on becoming a Special Constable and to find out more about eligibility, visit – https://www.scotland.police.uk/recruitment/special-constables/

270 caught during motor insurance sweep

Over 270 drivers were detected driving without insurance across Scotland as part of the national Operation Drive Insured campaign.

The campaign saw a week of enhanced enforcement action between 20 January and 26 January to detect and, where appropriate, seize uninsured drivers’ vehicles and tackle associated offences.

In 2019, over 7,000 uninsured vehicles were seized in Scotland. During January’s week of action, 271 uninsured vehicles were detected which resulted in 113 vehicles being seized. The 271 drivers who were detected without insurance were reported to the Procurator Fiscal /received a Fixed Penalty Notice with a £300 fine and six penalty points.

Head of Road Policing, Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, said: “Driving without insurance is not a victimless crime as law-abiding drivers are at risk of paying out if they are hit by an uninsured driver.

“Additionally, uninsured motorists are more likely to have links to wider crime and often drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, posing an even greater risk to other road users.

“We will continue to take action against those who flout the law. If you have no valid insurance, you have no legal right to be on the road. I would ask the public to continue to report drivers so we can take action.”

Daren Courtenay, Motor Insurers` Bureau Police Support Officer for Scotland said: “MIB is committed to assisting the police in their continued effort of tackling uninsured driving.

“The fantastic results that Police Scotland achieved during their week of action demonstrates the need to continue this work. The vast majority of motorists are law-abiding and deserve to be protected from the increased risks posed by uninsured drivers.”