Tag: Police Scotland

Police issue email scam warning

We’re aware of an email scam going around which appears as if from the Government and NHS, asking for charitable donations to help fund their efforts.

Criminals will use any opportunity they can to defraud the public out of money, often impersonating professional and legitimate organisations.

  • Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into donating money, and never make donations by cash or gift card, or send money through transfer agents such as Western Union or Moneygram.
  • Be sceptical if you receive an email, text or WhatsApp in relation to #Coronavirus, and never click on any attachments or links.
  • Never provide personal data such as your full name, address and date of birth – scammers can use this information to steal your identity.

Further information on dealing with scams and fraud is available from Trading Standards Scotland and Citizens Advice Scotland or visit: http://ow.ly/G5yg50yQ4qu

#COVID19
#ShutOutScammers

Police appeal for info following Harthill Services fatality

Police Scotland is appealing for information following a fatal crash at Harthill Services on the M8.

The incident happened around 2.20am on Sunday (29 March) when a black Renault Laguna was involved in a collision with a stationary lorry in the HGV park at the service station in Shotts.

In particular officers are keen to speak to anyone who has dash-cam footage of the car as it travelled westbound towards Glasgow before taking the slip road to the westbound Harthill services.

Sadly a 36-year-old man died at the scene of the crash.

Sergeant John Tait, of the Road Policing Unit at Motherwell, said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the car as it was travelling westbound towards Harthill services and who may also have dash-cam footage.

“The car entered the slip road, mounted a grass verge and crashed into the lorry which was stationary at the time, parked in the HGV lorry park. Enquires are continuing to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

“Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0218 of Sunday, 29 March.”

Nearly 1700 offences in first year of Domestic Abuse Act

Nearly 1700 offences were recorded by Police Scotland in the first year of the new Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act.

As of 29 March 2020, 1673 domestic abuse offences had been recorded under the new law. Of those, 1569 offences were recorded where the victim was a woman. In 94 per cent of these cases the abuser was male. Of the remaining, 104 recorded crimes, the victim was a man.

ACC Duncan Sloan/DCS Sam McCluskey, lead for Major Crime and Public Protection/Head of Public Protection, Police Scotland, said: “Recognising, within law, the full range of behaviours used by abusers to control, coerce, and instil fear in their victims, has been the single most significant step in our efforts to tackle domestic abuse in Scotland.

“More than 14,000 of our officers and staff have now been trained to recognise that domestic abuse isn’t always violent or physical. It is often psychological: disempowering and isolating victims and removing them from the support of family and friends, which can have the most devastating impact.

“As an organisation we are developing a workplace culture where there is no tolerance for domestic abuse and which recognises that the responsibility for domestic abuse lies solely with the perpetrator.

“Abusers should understand, we will respond to all reports of domestic abuse. We will delve into their histories, we will speak to previous partners, and we will use all of the powers at our disposal to ensure they face the full consequences of their behaviour.

“During this time of uncertainty, as we manage the challenges and dynamic circumstances presented by COVID-19, our response to domestic abuse remains unchanged. Our officers will continue to work to prevent harm by identifying people who may be at risk of domestic abuse.”

Introduced on 1 April 2019, the Act brought in a new domestic abuse offence which recognised that abuse was often a course of conduct, and that abusive behaviours included violent, physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse. The offence carries a maximum tariff of 14 years.

People are being asked to contact the police or partner agencies, if they, or anyone they know, is or may be at risk of domestic abuse. Please call 101, or 999 in an emergency. Or contact the domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline on 0800 027 1234, where support is available 24/7.

Police Scotland: ‘vast majority complying with Coronavirus measures’

Police Scotland has thanked members of the public and businesses for complying with a new law designed to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Officers were given the power on Friday, 27 March, to fine people who refuse to stay at home and only go outside if they have a ‘reasonable excuse’.

Initial indications show that officers had to issue penalty notices on only 25 occasions across the country.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “We’ve had high visibility patrols in place right across the country since we were given these enforcement powers.

“But it’s clear that the vast majority of people are complying with the measures. They know the message is to stay at home, and by and large, they’re doing that.

“Where our officers have encountered people outside, they’ve been able to engage with them or educate them on why it’s so important to follow the guidance from our public health experts in order to save lives and protect the NHS.

“There will always be people who refuse to comply, but the low number of penalty notices shows they are in the minority and in those cases we’ve had to use enforcement as a last resort. This is a big change to the way people live their lives and they need to adjust to that.

“There were issues with people driving to some outdoor spaces such as parks and we will address this, working with our partners in local authorities where appropriate.

 “We have been given extraordinary powers in an extraordinary situation, powers we would not normally wish to have, but I’d like to thank the public for helping and supporting us. We police with the consent of the communities we serve, so a positive relationship with those communities is of huge importance to us.”

To enforce social distancing, people in Scotland are being asked to stay at home and only go outside if they have a ‘reasonable excuse’. These include shopping for necessary food, household and medical supplies, travelling to and from work where working from home is not an option, and daily exercise that adheres to social distancing guidance.

Full details of the measures are available here.

Police Scotland can issue penalty notices of £30, rising to £60 if not paid within 28 days, where they have reason to believe there has been an offence under the regulations. These penalties are doubled for each repeat offence up to a £960 cap, with no reduction for early payment. Due to the exceptional nature of these powers, the regulations will be reviewed at least every 21 days to ensure they are still necessary.

Police recruits take oath of office

The largest intake of probationary constables ever to join Police Scotland has been thanked for their commitment to public service as they took the oath of office yesterday.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone welcomed the cohort of 348 recruits into the Police Service of Scotland and told them they had joined at a time of “national significance”.

The Chief Constable said: “This is a moment of national significance and policing has a crucial role in protecting the people of Scotland.

“I recognise that by coming here together for your training, there is a potential risk. We are asking you to put yourself in a position that we do not ask of other citizens.

“Putting yourself in harm’s way to protect others goes to the very heart of what it means to be a police officer.

“Your colleagues are on the streets, right now, demonstrating that commitment for the good of their fellow citizens.

“You are joining that shared mission and I thank all police officers and staff who are contributing to the national effort to protect people from the spread of coronavirus.

The Chief Constable added: “The response to coronavirus may continue for some time and we must maintain and support the frontline.

“That is why we pressed on with our plan to recruit you and why we are looking at how we can make you, as police officers, available to that visible response, with appropriate supervision, at an earlier stage of your training than would normally be the case.

“I wish to assure you that we are doing all we can to support our people on the frontline, including redirecting resources and providing the equipment you need.

“The service has received and distributed masks, goggles, disposable suits, boot covers and gloves and more is on its way, as well as thousands of bottles of hand sanitiser for those who can’t readily access hand washing facilities.

“There is a demand, across all essential services, for personal protective equipment and we will continue to work to secure and supply it to our people.”

A further 22 special constables also took the oath of office and the Chief Constable said policing’s link with our communities has never been more critical.

The Chief Constable said: “We gain our authority and legitimacy through the consent of our fellow citizens and I thank the overwhelming majority of people, from all walks of life, who are complying with very clear guidance to stay at home.

“We know this is a challenging time for people who have to adjust their daily habits and we know the police service will be required to take on additional responsibilities. Everything we do will be done in a fair, reasonable and proportionate manner.

“Those who persistently and blatantly defy the law, however, must know we will enforce the law.”

Shut out the Scammers

Police Scotland is advising the public to be cautious of strangers offering bogus services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Social distancing and self-isolation mean more people than usual are in their homes at the moment. This presents an ideal opportunity for criminals to take advantage of elderly and vulnerable people, in particular.

Across the UK there is evidence fraudsters are increasingly targeting members of the public, as well as organisations of all sizes, with emails, texts, telephone calls and social media messages offering advice and treatments for coronavirus (COVID-19).

Scammers have set up fake websites to sell products and offer so-called cures or testing kits, as well as requesting donations to help victims. In some instances, cold callers have contacted organisations suggesting a legal requirement to have certain measures in place by a specific deadline.

Launching the campaign, Chief Superintendent David Duncan, Safer Communities Division said: “We are aware that community groups are being set up to help vulnerable members of our communities and we do not, in any way, want to impact on the good work being carried out.

“However it is imperative that we are all aware that vulnerable people can be seen as easy targets by criminals seeking to take advantage of this unprecedented and dynamic situation.

“Anyone can be a victim of doorstep crime – it is nothing to be embarrassed about. Criminals can be very clever, and play on your emotions and insecurities. If someone comes to your door claiming to be from a legitimate organisation, always ask for identification.

“Don’t give people money or your bank details if they come to your door and offer to do shopping for you if you don’t know them. And never give your debit or credit card and PIN to anyone.

“If you are self-isolating, let friends and family know and if in doubt about anyone offering services at your door, step back and take a few minutes to contact them for advice. You can also visit the Police Scotland website for more information.”

Between April and September 2019, more than £600,000 has been taken from householders in 306 instances of doorstep and bogus crime.

Fiona Richardson, Chief Officer of Trading Standards Scotland said: “Trading Standards is at the forefront of tackling consumer related scams.

“Working in partnership with the police and other Shut out Scammers partners means that we are better able to protect our most vulnerable citizens from COVID related scams.”

Police Scotland is working with a number of partners on the Shut Out Scammers campaign to signpost the public to relevant prevention advice and support services. These include: Trading Standards Scotland; Advice Direct Scotland; Neighbourhood Watch Alert; Age Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

If you want to read more of our advice and guidance on preventing crime, visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/personal-safety/Shut-Out-Scammers.

A video of Chief Superintendent David Duncan speaking about the campaign is available via this link: https://we.tl/t-i53gCyIlS0

Police Scotland appeals to Special Constables to increase their hours

Police Scotland is asking employers to consider providing paid leave to members of staff who volunteer as Special Constables to allow them to support the national effort to tackle the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The service faces unprecedented challenges to maintain policing while managing rising levels of sickness and self-isolation among officers and staff.

Special Constables are warranted officers with all the powers of regular police officers who volunteer their services. They are deployed in local communities to support daily operations and provide resilience at critical times.

Police Scotland is appealing to Special Constables to increase their volunteering hours wherever possible and to ask employers to consider paid leave to allow staff to support Local Policing over the coming 12 weeks.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “This is an extraordinary moment and one that requires a collective response.  It is a moment when the ethos of the Special Constabulary – supporting Scottish communities and local policing – has never been more relevant. 

“The coronavirus pandemic is presenting an unprecedented and dynamic set of challenges and, to support health professionals and maximise public safety, the policing response is crucial.

“The coming weeks and months will be demanding and there will be significant additional duties that we are required to discharge during this critical period. To support our overall response, we would like to include our valued  Special Constables in our resourcing plans.

“We have written to all our volunteers and their employers seeking support to provide additional volunteering hours over the coming 12 weeks, however I should stress there is no requirement being placed on anyone.”

Police warn of coronavirus scams

Police Scotland warn that there has been an emerging trend of criminals taking advantage of the increasing concern around the spread of the Coronavirus in the UK.

Reports include people visiting homes posing as police officers and health officials in an effort to scam the occupants or gain entry.

Tactics used include the criminals offering fake Coronavirus testing and fake services to assist those who are unable to leave their homes including the delivery of shopping and other essentials. 

Vulnerable individuals including the elderly have been specifically targeted.

Please be vigilant and share this information.

Police can be contacted on 101 or 999 in an emergency or please call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Crime, justice and Covid-19

Scotland’s Lord Advocate and the Chief Constable of Police Scotland have set clear priorities for the investigation and prosecution of crime as measures to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak come in to force.

In a joint statement, Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC and Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM stress their commitment to keeping people safe from harm and dealing effectively with those who break the law.

To support the public health guidance new arrangements for court business are being put in place aimed at significantly reducing social contact. Justice system partners have agreed measures that ensure the prioritisation of essential casework while maintaining public safety and protecting public health.

The police will continue to deal effectively with criminality, and to report cases to the procurator fiscal in the usual way. Prosecutors will continue to process cases in accordance with the Scottish Prosecution Code. In order to minimise the need for attendance at court, steps are being taken to reduce substantially the number of trials.

There will be a focus on cases where the accused is in custody. In addition, there may be some non-custody trials where witnesses are available, with those likely to be limited to cases relating to domestic abuse, sexual offending and violence.

Steps will be taken, so far as possible, within existing rules, to minimise the need for attendance at court. In other cases, trials will be deferred until after the current situation is over.

In addition, there will be revised, rigorous guidelines, focused on public safety, for the police to apply in the liberation of an arrested person pending further investigation or action.

This situation is evolving and work is being done across the criminal justice system and Scottish Government to enable the effective administration of justice to continue.

It is appreciated that uncertainty over court proceedings can have a serious impact on those affected by crime and further information for witnesses, victims and those accused of crime is available on the COPFS website.

Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC said: “My firm commitment, now as always, is to keeping the public safe from harm and maintaining the rule of law.

“Scotland’s prosecution service is working with justice partners on a system-wide response to the challenges of the coming months which are unprecedented in modern times.

“That response will be focused on public safety and on maintaining the fair and effective administration of justice within the constraints of health guidance.

“The police and prosecutors will continue to respond effectively, robustly and fairly to criminality at all levels. We are working with the courts and with Scottish Government on a range of measures which will respond to the demands posed by the present circumstances.”

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “Scotland, like the rest of the world, is dealing with unprecedented challenges and demands as we respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

“The Police Service of Scotland is working closely with the Crown Office and the wider justice system to protect people from crime and the threat of Covid-19, while also upholding people’s human rights.

“My priority is, as always, to ensure the people of Scotland are protected and policed effectively.

“Those breaking the law will be dealt with appropriately to ensure the public is kept safe from risk and harm through rigorous conditions for release and, where necessary, holding people in custody for court.

“These measures allow us to carry out our duties in the most effective way during this critical period.

“Our officers and staff are working around the clock to support the magnificent work of health professionals and, crucially, our fellow citizens as we all face the difficult days ahead together.

“I am confident that by working together we can respond to this outbreak and keep our communities safe.”

Further detailed information on this is available on the COPFS and SCTS websites.

Further information

Custody cases will continue to be called in court where there is a concern about public safety and COPFS is recommending that the accused be remanded in custody.

With the restricted courtroom activity reserved for essential trials, emphasis will be placed on judicial case management and proactive engagement between prosecution and defence agents to enable cases to be resolved, where possible, without the need for a trial and witnesses being called. Where a trial is necessary, all efforts will be made to minimise the need for attendance at court.

Cases that are already in progress will run to the conclusion of the trial, if practical to do so.

Pub closures: Police comment

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM said: “I fully support the instruction from the UK and Scottish Governments for public houses, cafes, restaurants and other entertainment venues to close.
“I would like to thank the overwhelming majority of people who are already complying for their assistance and co-operation.
“The response to coronavirus has been fast moving and I would urge everyone to do what they can to comply with the advice from government and the health service to keep people safe.
“You should also stay informed about developments and reflect on the implications of them on how you go about your lives during these difficult days.
“To be clear, no public houses or other entertainment venues should be opening for patrons until further notice.
“Our dedicated officers and staff are working round the clock to support the magnificent work of health professionals and wider society as we work collectively to protect our fellow citizens.
“I urge everyone to play their part in the national effort.
“We are aware of proposed legislation in relation to COVID-19 and are carefully monitoring its progress and considering what the implications for policing will be.
“In the meantime, those breaking the law will be dealt with appropriately to ensure the public is kept safe from risk and harm as we continue to police the country.
“I am grateful to all our officers and staff who continue to deliver an absolutely first class service in these challenging conditions for their continued dedication, hard work and support.
“We will continue to focus on public service and, by working together, we will come through this.”