Tag: Police Scotland

Meet the Police at Tesco Duke Street

Edinburgh police officers are inviting local children to an arts and crafts and face painting session at the Tesco store in Duke Street on Saturday 4th March.

The officers will be at the store between 11am and 4pm giving away wristbands, pencils and pens and refreshments supplied by the store. Children will be invited to dress up as police officers and sit in the police car, and there will also be a DJ and other fun activities provided by Tesco at their 80’s themed event.

This event is a follow-on from two successful community-based ‘Meet the Police’ pilot projects at the Sheriff Court and Stenhouse Primary School aimed at building trust between communities and the police with a particular emphasis on children.

Police Constable Tracey Gunn said: “We want to encourage children and families to think about the ways the police keep them safe but also to raise awareness of the rights and responsibilities of the police towards the public and vice versa.

“We will also showcase our work with offenders and their families, in particular our booklet ‘My Daddy and the Police’ and will gather feedback as to how better to build trust within the communities we serve. I am looking forward to meeting families at Tesco’s on Saturday 4th March and hope they will find it a fun and informative day.”

Tracey is the driving force behind the creation of the Police Liaison Officer position at HMP Edinburgh. It was the first in Scotland and initiatives and ways of working she has introduced have been adopted at other prisons in the country. It’s key in developing positive working relationships between local police and the prison.

If you regularly follow Police Scotland’s Facebook page you may have seen Tracey’s flagship scheme, “Meet the Police”, which is being rolled out in prisons across Scotland and local communities through events at courts, supermarkets, libraries and schools.

Tracey continues to develop her work and is currently working on a short film made with prisoners that aims to steer young people who are involved in low level offending or those at risk of offending away from more serious crime, by showing them the harsh realities of being involved in organised crime and prison life.

Seven face Court following derby day violence

Seven men have been arrested in connection with a large-scale disturbance in the city centre last week following the Hearts v Hibs cup clash at Tynecastle.

Following the derby game on Sunday 12th February, police received reports of disorder and violence taking place outside a pub on Brougham Place. As a result of this incident two men required treatment for facial and head injuries.

On Wednesday 22nd February officers carried out enforcement activity in the Oxgangs, Newington and Meadowbank areas of the city, as well as within Newtongrange, Ormiston and Aberfeldy. Seven men aged 16, 20, 26, 33, 33, 48 and 48 were all subsequently charged and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow.

Chief Superintendent Kenny MacDonald, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “The disorder on Brougham Place was football-related and caused a great deal ofconcern to local residents, businesses and patrons in the area.

“We will not tolerate such offences and will actively pursue anyone believed to be involved to ensure they are brought to justice.

“The vast majority of supporters of both Hearts and Hibernian are regularly a credit to their clubs and behave responsibly whenever their teams are in action. However, a small minority behave in a manner, which puts themselves and others at risk.

“The replay of the Scottish Cup match takes place tonight and we’ll have an appropriate presence in place to ensure the safety of all spectators and maintain order in and around the stadium.

“In addition, police will be assisting stewards to check for contraband items such as alcohol, weapons and flares and anyone in possession of such things will be prevented from entering the ground and may be arrested.

“Following the match, officers will be out on patrol and any offences identified will be dealt with robustly.”

 

Hunt is on for city centre police impersonators

Police in Edinburgh are investigating a series of incidents where three men have impersonated police officers.Six incidents have been reported to police, with one occurring last Friday, another on Saturday and four taking place on Monday this week.

In all cases they have targeted tourists with a view to extracting money from the victim, with two incidents resulting in the theft of money from visitors.

The first incident happened at around 1.20pm on Friday, February 3, in the Grassmarket. A Chilean man was approached by a man who asked him to take his photograph in King’s Stables Road. Both men were then approached by two male suspects claiming to be police officers who demanded to search them.

After this, the two suspects got into a silver or grey Seat hatchback and drove away. The other male who was also searched walked into the Grassmarket and was lost to sight. It was later discovered that a three figure sum of money had been stolen from the Chilean man.

The second incident happened around 5.30pm on Monday, February 13, in Market Street. Two Chinese tourists were approached by two men who showed them a form of ID and stated that they were undercover police officers. They asked to search the tourist and subsequently stole a four figure sum of cash.

There have been several descriptions given to police, however in all cases they are described as men of Southern European origin who operate in groups of either two or three.

They also deliberately target people who look like foreign national tourists and operate in tourist areas.

The other incidents have occurred in Chambers Street, Castle Street, and in the Calton Hill area.

Police Sergeant Mark Hamilton of West End Police Station said: “These men are purposely targeting tourists who are visiting the City Centre in a bid to steal money from them.

“Impersonating a police officer is not only inappropriate, it is illegal. We would advise that if you are stopped by someone claiming to be a Police Scotland officer, request their collar number and ask to see a warrant card. 

“All our officers are happy to provide this information to the public and it should be offered readily.

“I would ask that anyone with information regarding these incidents contact us immediately, and would also urge those visiting the city to be aware of this activity and report any suspicions to police.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The incidents occurred as follows:

  • Friday, February 3, around 1.20pm in the Grassmarket. A three figure sum of money was taken as a result of this encounter.

  • Saturday, February 11, around 4pm, in Castle Street. Nothing was taken.

  • Monday, February 13, around 2.15pm, in the Calton Hill area. Nothing was taken.

  • Monday, February 13, around 3.25pm, outside the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Nothing was taken.

  • Monday, February 13, around 4.50pm, in the Calton Hill area. Nothing was taken.

  • Monday, February 13, around 5.30pm, in Market Street. A four figure sum of money was taken.