Tag: Police Scotland

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.”

Hunt for escaped prsioner continues

Appeal for information: Escaped prisoner from HMP Addiewell, Livingston

Police Scotland have released new images of 33-year-old escaped prisoner, Steven Ross, and continue to appeal for information to trace his whereabouts.

Around 5.20pm on Wednesday, 11 March, 2020, Steven escaped while on escort from HMP Addiewell to The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Recent enquires have confirmed that Mr Ross has travelled through to, and may still be in, the Greater Glasgow area. He is also known to have links to other areas of Scotland.

He is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall, slim build, dark brown hair with a distinctive tramline and when last seen he was wearing a black beanie hat, black jacket, black shorts and grey Nike trainers with a distinctive green sole.

Superintendent Mark Rennie, said: “It has now been a week since Steven escaped and we are continuing to appeal for any information that will help trace him.

“I would like to advise members of the public to not approach Steven Ross if you do see him, but instead, contact police immediately.

Police can be contacted on 101 quoting incident number 2686 of Wednesday, 11 March, 2020.

Information can also be passed via Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Witness appeal following collision on Nicholson Street

Police are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist was involved in a collision with a car on Nichoson Street.

The incident happened around 5.30pm on Friday (13 March). The cyclist was turning right from Nicholson Street onto West Nicholson Street and was involved in a collision with a black, medium sized car approaching from Clerk Street.

The cyclist fell to the ground and the 19-year-old man suffered a serious injury to his foot. He was wearing blue jeans, a black hooded top and a white helmet.

The driver stopped and spoke to the cyclist before leaving.

Constable Peter Scott, of the Road Policing Unit based at Fettes, said: “We’re appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident or was in the area around that time and has dash cam footage to come forward.

“We’re also looking to speak to the driver so we’re appealing for him to contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2834 of 13 March 2020.

Week of action to focus on vulnerable road users

Police Scotland’s Road Policing Division is carrying out a week of action this week focusing on the safety of vulnerable road users.

The campaign, which will run from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 March, will see officers carry out enhanced activity at locations with a higher number of cyclists and pedestrians, such as schools, colleges and universities as well as town centres.

The aim is to interact with drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to raise awareness about how they can all contribute to making our roads safer.

In Scotland in 2018, Police Scotland responded to 1,253 pedestrian casualties, with those aged 12-15 or over-70 being most impacted for fatalities and serious injuries respectively. In the same period, there were 637 pedal cyclist casualties, 87% of which took place on built-up roads.

Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Head of Road Policing, said: “Road safety is an absolute priority for Police Scotland and it is vital that everyone is aware of the risks associated with using our roads, whether you use them as a motorist, a pedestrian, cyclist or any other activity.

“This campaign provides us with an excellent opportunity to highlight our collective responsibilities as road users. Some simple steps, being readily visible to others, being alert to your own surroundings, being aware and courteous to other road users, all go a long way to improving road safety.”

Edinburgh woman convicted for smuggling drugs

A woman who illegally smuggled drugs in and out of the country has been convicted.

Following a multi-agency investigation by officers from the Organised Crime Partnership, a specialist team of Police Scotland and NCA officers, a package containing MDMA, sent by 40-year-old Xiao Ya Chen was intercepted in September last year on its way to Argentina.

Further enquiries established that Chen had received packages containing MDMA and herbal cannabis from Belgium in November of last year.

Officers arrested her on Tuesday, 26 November last year and a search of her home address in Edinburgh found further quantities of herbal cannabis along with £5000 in cash. The potential street value of controlled substances seized during the investigation totalled £277,100.

She was convicted at Edinburgh High Court on Friday (13 March 2020) after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of controlled substances and is due to be sentenced next month.

Members of the OCP, which includes Police Scotland and the National Crime Agency (NCA) operating under the agreement of the Lord Advocate, have now welcomed Chen’s conviction.

NCA Operations Manager, John McGowan of the Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland) said: “Drug trafficking is a major source of revenue for organised crime groups, many of whom are involved in multiple crime types.

“There is exploitation and violence involved at almost every level, from source countries to the streets of Scotland where these substances are sold. This is why we are determined to do all we can with our partners such as Police Scotland and Border Force to disrupt those involved in the importation and supply of controlled drugs.”

Detective Inspector Tom Gillan of the Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland) said: “This is another excellent example of partnership working with the Border Force, Organised Crime Partnership and Police Scotland Divisional policing as key stakeholders to prevent these dangerous controlled substances reaching Scottish communities.”

 

Wester Hailes incidents: two youths charged

Police have confirmed that two 16-year-old male youths have been charged in connection with wilful fire-raising in the Wester Hailes area.

They were both charged with a fire on Murrayburn Drive that was reported around 8pm on Friday, 13 March.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and they will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow (Monday, 16 March).

Enquiries are ongoing into the fire on Calder Crescent and officers are following positive lines of enquiry in relation to the instances of assault.

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the incidents and who may have any information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 3544 of 13 March.

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information following a series of assaults and wilful fires in the Wester Hailes area. The incidents occurred between 7pm and 9pm on Friday evening (13 March, 2020). 

Around 7.30pm a 30-year-old man was assaulted on the Union Canal path but sustained no injuries. The second assault also occurred on the Union Canal path around 8.30pm – a 37-year-old woman was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Officers also received report of a fire at Wester Hailes Education Centre on Murrayburn Drive around 8pm and a second fire was reported at Bridge 8 Hub and Paddle Cafe on Calder Crescent around 8.25pm. No-one was injured as a result of the fires but there has been catastrophic damage.

Police believe the incidents are linked and are following positive lines of enquiry.

Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time of the incidents and who may have any information to contact them on 101 quoting incident number 3544 of 13 March.