Police Scotland – Page 14 – The NEN

Security Minister visits visits Cyber and Fraud Centre Scotland

MBE VR MP Tom Tugendhat Minister of Security visited the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland in Edinburgh this week alongside centre partner Police Scotland, to discuss current and next steps to support Scotland’s businesses when it comes to combatting cyber fraud.

As cyber and fraud crime continues to raise major concerns throughout the country, the National Cyber Security Centre announced last week that they strongly urge UK businesses to strengthen their cyber security measures as much as possible.

The Triage Hub aims to bring cyber security partners, including Police Scotland, leading financial institutions and Cyber Fraud Centre – Scotland’s incident response team together to collaborate, share intelligence, disrupt large criminal gang activity, deliver support to victims and recover stolen funds.

Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett, Police Scotland’s lead for its Policing in a Digital World Programme, said: “The visit by the UK’s Security Minister recognises the important role played by Police Scotland, the Cyber and Fraud Centre and other partners, including our national law enforcement colleagues, in tackling the increase in cybercrime and fraud across the country, not just Scotland.

“The nature of criminality continues to change, and we know criminals will take every opportunity to exploit our communities. Police Scotland is also changing and continues to work in partnership with organisations such as the Cyber and Fraud Centre to advise businesses and the wider community on how to prevent becoming a victim of cybercrime and investigate any reported crimes.

“The recent success of the Cyber and Fraud Triage Hub shows what can be done and underlines the collective commitment to keeping people and businesses safe in the digital world while continuing to disrupt the activities who commit crimes in this environment.”

Anchor Inn shooting: Fourth person arrested and charged

A fourth person has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a 38-year-old man in Granton.

Emergency services were called around 11.50pm on Sunday, 31 December, 2023, after a firearm was discharged in West Granton Road.

Two men, aged 38 and 39, were taken to hospital. The 38-year-old man, Marc Webley, was pronounced dead a short time later.

A 20-year-old man has now been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow -Friday, 2 February, 2024.

A 32-year-old man and 25-year-old woman have previously been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Both appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 8 January, 2024.

A 33-year-old woman was also arrested and charged in connection with the incident. She was released pending further enquiries.

Police appeal following Buckstone bike thefts

Police are appealing for information after two bicycles were stolen in Edinburgh.

They were stolen from a garden shed at an address in Buckstone Avenue around 6.45pm on Thursday, 25 January, 2024.

The first is a green/bronze coloured Ragley Mountain Bike with purple handle bar end caps and the second is a blue coloured Giant Fantom Mountain Bike.

Inspector Keith Forrester said: “One of the bikes holds a great deal of sentimental value to the family as it belonged to their 18-year-old son who died in February 2023.

“The family are distraught and described the bike as their late son’s pride and joy and provided them with many fond memories.

“We are appealing for anyone who has any information to come forward. If you were in the area and have private CCTV or dash-cam footage which could help, please get in touch.

“If you have unknowingly bought one of the stolen bikes recently, it would mean so much to the family to get the bikes back.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference incident 3430 of 25 January.”

Police CCTV appeal following assault and robbery at Inchmickery Court

POLICE have released images of two men who may be able to assist with enquiries into an assault and robbery which occurred around 9.30pm on Saturday, 20 January, at the Inchmickery Court area in Muirhouse.

Both men are thought to be Eastern European.

The first man is described as white and 20- 30 years of age. He was wearing a black and red jacket, black trousers and a white baseball cap. The second man is described as white and 30-40 years of age. He was wearing a black jacket, jeans and black shoes.

Detective Constable William Doughty said: “I urge the men or anyone who may recognise them to contact us.

“If you have any information about this incident, please contact us through 101 quoting incident number 1095 of 21 January 2024. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”

Man arrested and charged in connection with Edinburgh bus attack

A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an investigation into an assault on board a bus at Inverleith Gardens, Edinburgh.

The incident took place around 4.20pm on Saturday, 9 December, 2023.

The man has been released on an undertaking and is expected to appear at court at a later date.

Constable Rachael McIntyre said: “I would like to thank the public for their assistance with our enquiries into this incident.”

Police issue CCTV appeal following assault on board bus at Inverleith

Police Scotland have released images of a man they wish to speak to who may be able to assist with enquiries into an assault which took place on board a number 9 bus on Saturday, 9 December, 2023.

The incident on the took place whilst the bus was at Inverleith Gardens at around 4:20pm.

The man is described as white, slim build, brown hair and facial hair and aged between 25 to 30 years old. He was wearing a dark grey suit with a purple tie.

Constable Rachael McIntyre said: “We are keen to speak to this man, who may be able to assist us with our enquiries. I would encourage him or anyone who may recognise him to contact us as soon as possible”.

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2431 of 9 December, 2023.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Police appeal following Southhouse incident

ASSAULT AND ROBBERY FOLLOWING FRACAS IN SOUTHHOUSE

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information after two men were assaulted and a car was stolen in Southhouse.

Around 8.35pm on Friday, 26 January 2024, emergency services attended Southhouse Square, following reports of a disturbance involving several men.

One man, aged 25, was found seriously injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. A second man, aged 24, was also injured in the altercation and sought medical treatment

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and are checking for relevant CCTV footage for any additional information on those involved.

Enquiries have established a black BMW car, with the registration YF13 OWK, was also stolen. Officers are asking people with dash cams or recording equipment in the area at the time to check their footage as there may be images which could assist the investigation.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the Southhouse Square area last night.

“The motive for these attacks is unknown and it is imperative we trace those responsible. Our enquiries have revealed that a group of up to five men were involved in a disturbance, which has resulted in two men being seriously injured.

“I would ask anyone who has any information regarding this incident to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3666 of 26 January 2024. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with the assurance that you can give your information anonymously.

Missing: Have you seen Kevin?

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for assistance in tracing Kevin Sweeney (33yrs) who has been reported missing from the Leith area of the City.

Kevin was last seen on 7th January 2024 in Pilrig Street, Edinburgh. His current whereabouts are unknown and we are becoming increasingly concerned for him.

Kevin is described as being male, white, 5ft 9 tall, average build with an auburn beard and short fair hair.

If you believe you have seen Kevin or have any information please contact 101 quoting incident no. 1669 of the 19/01/24.

Edinburgh Police: Divisional Commander Sean Scott retires

Chief Superintendent Sean Scott will officially retire today (Friday, 26 January), bringing an end to an illustrious 33-year policing career, the last five of which have been served as Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh.

Sean began with Lothian and Borders Police in 1990 at the West End and would serve a large part of his career as a detective, both within CID and Public Protection.

When Police Scotland was formed he played a significant role in the development of the Specialist Crime Division, which includes the Major Investigation Team and Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Units.

Appointed as Divisional Commander for Edinburgh in 2019, Chief Superintendent Scott has overseen a number of major events within the Capital, including the annual International Festival and Fringe, festive policing operations and the Hogmanay Street Party.

In addition, he led on Edinburgh’s response to Operation Unicorn, the death of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and the subsequent repatriation of her body to London.

A/Chief Superintendent Emma Croft will take over as Divisional Commander for Edinburgh and begins her new role on Monday, 29 January.

Emma, who has 23 years policing service joins from Operational Support Division, where she most recently served as Silver Commander for the Capital’s Hogmanay Street Party.

Prior to her time in OSD, A/CS Croft worked within a number of uniformed roles in the city, having joined Lothian and Borders Police in 2000.

A/Chief Superintendent Croft said: “It is a real privilege for me to take over as Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, a city that I call home and have spent the bulk of my policing career working in.

“My predecessor, Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, did a terrific job of developing and enhancing the work we do with key partners to best serve the city and to ensure we provide the highest quality of policing to our communities, despite sustained challenges.

“My intention is to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the public and to work alongside all relevant agencies to deliver the most appropriate response whenever it is required.

“’l will shortly start meeting with many officers and staff from across Edinburgh Division and can’t wait to get their input and feedback on what we can do to keep Edinburgh one of the safest places in the UK to live, work and visit.”

Ben Macpherson calls for new police station for Leith

MODERN ‘FIT FOR PUPOSE’ FACILITY AT VICTORIA QUAY?

EDINBURGH Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson is urging the Scottish Government to consider siting a new police station in Victoria Quay.

Writing to Justice Secretary Angela Constance yesterday, the local MSP said: “As you are aware, Leith Police Station in my constituency is one of those being considered for closure, as part of Police Scotland’s estate review.

“In terms of the current building in Leith, this is understandable as the current location is within the old Leith Chambers which, while being a remarkable historic building, is not optimal for twentieth century policing or meeting shared aspirations like net zero.

“However, there is a very strong case for retaining a police station in Leith – especially given recent and projected significant population growth in the locality and surrounding areas! This could be realised in the form of a new Leith Police Station within a colocation premises, which would enhance public service provision and make financial sense.

Therefore, I am writing to state that I think Victoria Quay could potentially provide an ideal location for a new Leith Police Station, collocated with other public services.

“The under-utilisation of Victoria Quay is well known and I have previously liaised with the Permanent Secretary about how it could be used going forward, to potentially provide more for Leith and the wider needs of the public and local economy.

“I would be grateful if the Scottish Government and Police Scotland could consider the creation of a new Leith Police Station to be established in Victoria Quay?

“I have copied the this correspondence to the Edinburgh Commander (Police Scotland) and the Permanent Secretary. “

Police Scotland seizes over £8.5 million worth of cannabis since start of 2024

Police Scotland has seized cannabis plants worth a combined total of over £8.5 million since the start of 2024, sending a clear message to criminals that drugs have no place in any of our communities.

In January alone so far, officers have intercepted various quantities of the Class B drug with an estimated street value of £8,624,000.

This month’s activity took place right across Scotland including two seven-figure seizures, with cannabis worth £3.6 million recovered in Greenock and a further quantity worth £2.25 million recovered in Dundee.

There were also significant recoveries in Dumfries, Ayrshire, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Aberdeen, Inverness and Shetland.

Arrests have been made in relation to the majority of the seizures and enquiries are ongoing into the remaining incidents.

Detective Superintendent Craig Willison from Police Scotland’s Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit said: “This year we have already seen some very significant recoveries across the country which demonstrates that no community is safe from the harm caused by illegal drugs.

“Police Scotland remains committed to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy, and our officers are determined to protect members of the public from this type of criminality.

“Anyone who brings drugs into our communities for their own illicit gain should be in absolutely no doubt that we will rigorously pursue every means possible to disrupt this activity – we will find you and bring you to justice.

“Information and support from members of the public is vital to our work and I would encourage anyone with concerns about drugs activity in their area to contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”