Beefed-up police presence in Portobello to tackle ASB

Following an increase in antisocial behaviour in Portobello recently, local officers will be carrying out focused patrols this weekend.

Local community Sergeant Suzie Sandbach of Craigmillar Police Station said: “Officers responded to a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour involving groups of youths in Portobello last weekend.

“Dealing with disorder and antisocial behaviour is a policing priority in Edinburgh and I’d like to reassure residents, visitors and business owners in Portobello that there will be an increased police presence over the coming weekends to disrupt anyone intent on causing trouble.

“Our open spaces and beaches can now be enjoyed by the wider community and beyond, but sadly this can be ruined by the reckless behaviour of a small minority which is often fuelled by alcohol, and will not be tolerated.

Local officers will continue to remain visible in the area, on mobile, foot or cycle patrol and I ask that if you see any criminality in the area help us hold offenders to account by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.”

Councillors yesterday gave the green light for £450K funding to install temporary public toilets in busy parks and other ‘hotspot’ areas in Edinburgh like the Meadows and Portobello.

Environment Convener Lesley Macinnes, said: “As the weather gets warmer and we ease out of lockdown our beautiful parks, beaches and other open spaces are going to be busier than ever.

“I’m really pleased Council agreed this funding today allowing us to respond so quickly to provide these much needed facilities over the summer months. We’ll publicise the list of temporary public toilets as soon as we have it.”

Dealer jailed after £220,000 worth of drugs recovered in Edinburgh

A drug dealer has been jailed for 45 months after drugs worth an estimated street value of £220,000 were recovered in Edinburgh. Dale Cleeton (28) admitted being concerned in the supply of drugs at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Tuesday, 27 April).

A Police Scotland operation between November 2017 and February 2019 recovered significant quantities of cocaine, and smaller quantities of other controlled drugs, at various locations across Edinburgh.

Detective Inspector Mark McCullagh from OCCTU (Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit) East said: “As a result of this operation, a significant quantity of harmful drugs were taken off the streets of Edinburgh, and Dale Cleeton has now been held to account for his actions.

“Drugs can have a devastating impact on communities and officers are working every day to identify those involved in supply and put a stop to their despicable activities.

“Support from members of the public is vital to this work and we would continue to encourage people to engage with the police and pass on any relevant information.

“Anyone with information or concerns about drugs activity in their area can contact Police Scotland through 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Police to host Women’s Recruitment Event

Police Scotland are hosting an Online Recruitment Event to encourage more females to apply for the role of Police Officer.

The event will be held via MS Teams on Wednesday 5th May from 6.30pm-8pm.

To sign up, email your name & the date of event to:

recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.pnn.police.uk

Lothian Road assault: Do you know these men?

Police in Edinburgh have released CCTV images of 3 males they believe may have information that could assist with ongoing enquiries into an assault which occurred on Lothian Road on Friday 7 August 2020 at around 11.15pm.

It is believed the males pictured will be able to assist the police investigation and they, or anyone who recognises them, is asked to come forward.

Police Constable Kieran Keddie from Gayfield CID said: “We are appealing for anyone who can help us locate these males to get in touch with us. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Be wary: bogus workmen incidents in Corstorphine

Police are appealing for information after two “bogus workman” incidents in the Corstorphine area.

The first incident happened at a property on Broomhall Avenue and was reported around 12.35pm Wednesday (21 April).

Two unidentified men claimed to have carried out work on a neighbour’s roof which had extended to the house owner’s property.

They persuaded the resident to give them a low three figure sum of money for their work. It eventually turned out now work had been carried out.

The second incident happened at Craigmount Place in Edinburgh around 10.45am and again involved two men attempting to persuade work was needed on the roof of an elderly resident’s property.

However, they ultimately left empty handed after the resident spoke to his bank who raised concerns this may be fraudulent.

Both incidents are being treated as linked and enquiries are ongoing.

Both men are white. One was in his mid to late 40s, of slim build with short brown hair. He was wearing a red jumper and brown trousers. The second is described as wearing a dark jumper. They were using a white panel van.

Detective Constable Jenna Lawrie of Corstorphine Police Station said: “We are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify these men and would urge anyone else who believes they may have seen him to get in touch.

“We would urge everyone to be wary if anyone attending unexpectedly at your property and always to ask for identification.

“False callers are often well practiced and can be very convincing. A genuine caller will expect you to check for identification and will not put you under any pressure if you check.

“Anyone who has information about these incidents is asked to call 101, quoting incident 1283 of 21 April, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Woman assaulted in Drylaw

Police are seeking witnesses to an assault which happened outside a convenience store in Drylaw.

Around 9pm on Saturday, 10 April, 2021, a 34-year-old woman was outside the Day Today store in Easter Drylaw Place. She sustained a serious facial injury in an assault but did not require hospital treatment.

Officers are following a positive line of enquiry in relation to the assault but are seeking witnesses to come forward.

A member of the public came to her aid and officers are especially keen to hear from her.

Despite the time in the evening the area around the shops was busy with people and officers continue to check CCTV from nearby premises and carry out door-to-door enquiries in relation to the enquiry.

If anyone has any information, please call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1142 of 12 April, 2021.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give your information anonymously

Stalking Awareness Week 2021

APRIL 19th – 23rd

#UnmaskingStalking

What is stalking?

There is no legal definition of Stalking, however it can be described as:

“Two or more behaviours directed towards a victim which cause, are intended to cause, or where the perpetrator’s behaviour is reckless as to whether it causes, the victim to suffer fear and alarm.”

‘Fear and alarm’ is physical or psychological harm. It is also fear for your safety.

Stalking behaviours

Each stalking situation is unique and stalkers may have different motivations. The tactics they use are often very similar.

These include:

  • Following someone
  • Contacting or attempting to contact a person by any means
  • Publishing material about someone without their consent
  • Monitoring someone’s phone, internet, email or other form of communication
  • Loitering in a public or private place
  • Interfering with someone’s property
  • Leaving unwanted gifts or notes for someone
  • Watching or spying on someone.

If you think you are being stalked or are suffering harassment, please report it to Police Scotland.

You can do this at your local police station, by phoning 101, reporting online or calling 999 if it is an emergency.

You can also report an incident online: http://ow.ly/YtF950EsnAd

For further information about stalking and how to report it visit: htttp://ow.ly/yLdr50EsnAe

#UnmaskingStalking

Youth charged over bus incidents

A youth has been traced in connection with a series of incidents where buses were targeted in Edinburgh

The 17-year-old male was arrested over the weekend after he was identified during enquiries into the incidents which happened on Friday, 9 April at Marchmont Crescent, Princes Street and Pennywell Road.

He was charged with four incidents of culpable and reckless conduct together with other instances of anti-social behaviour and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Missing man FOUND

Appeal to trace missing man Robbie Russell

UPDATE: MISSING MAN FOUND

Police Scotland has reported that Robbie Russell (25) who had been missing from Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, since Sat, 17 April, has been traced safe and well in Edinburgh this afternoon.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 25-year-old man reported missing from the Wester Hailes area of the city.

Robbie Russell was last seen around 7am on Saturday (17 April) in the Longstone area. He also has connections in the Sighthill and Dumbryden areas of the city as well as Livingston.

He is described as 5ft 11ins, of slim build with dark brown hair and brown eyes. When last seen he was wearing a black hoodie, black joggers and black and white trainers.

Inspector Keith Forrester said: “We are growing increasing concerned for Robbie and ask anyone who may know where he is to get in touch. Likewise if he sees this appeal, please call your family or Police Scotland to let us know you are safe.

“Anyone who has information that may help us find Robbie is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0571 of Monday 19 April, 2021.”

Police chief: Stick to the rules

Edinburgh City Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, has released a statement regarding the #Coronavirus restrictions:

“I would like to thank the vast majority of people who are sticking to the rules to suppress the spread of coronavirus.

“The sacrifices people have made have allowed some restrictions around travel and gatherings to be eased from Friday.

“We are going to see increased traffic on our roads and if you are visiting beauty spots then I would urge you to please do so safely and respectfully – leaving no trace of your visit. Please also park responsibly to allow emergency access.

“I would also remind people that under the new restrictions, gatherings are limited to six people from six households meeting outdoors only.

“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.

“This approach will continue as restrictions continue to be eased over the coming months.”