Tag: Police Scotland

Cold call crackdown success

cold call

Special zones which help ‘stamp out doorstep crime’ have been hailed a success as the city passes the 100 mark of ‘No Cold Calling Zones’ (NCCZ).

Following a successful Trading Standards campaign during the summer, supported by Police Scotland, all City of Edinburgh Council Sheltered Housing complexes have been designated NCCZ’s and a number of other zones have also been established.

A No Cold Calling Zone is an area in which a majority of residents have stated that they do not want traders to call at their homes without being invited. These areas help local residents to have the confidence to say “NO” to uninvited salespeople and to warn rogue traders and cold-callers that they are not welcome.

Community Safety Leader Councillor Cammy Day visited one of the most recently set up zones in Barnton. He said: “I’m delighted at the response from our residents working with the Trading Standards team to protect vulnerable neighbours by forming No Cold Calling Zones. The feedback from existing zones indicated that 92% of residents have noticed a drop in cold callers, and a satisfaction rate of 100%.

“Cold callers can often be a precursor to doorstep crime incidents, and the formation of these zones encourages neighbours to be aware and gives them the confidence to challenge traders calling within a zone. Traders identified as calling within a zone will be dealt with robustly by our Trading Standards team.”

Street signs have been installed in the area and residents can be provided with stickers to display on their front doors. A stencil was sprayed on the pavement of the street to make callers aware that the area is a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ and that the residents will not deal with them.

Inspector David Happs, Police Scotland Prevention, Intervention and Partnership Department said: “The creation of these ‘No Cold Calling Zones’ right across Edinburgh illustrates the willingness of local communities to work in partnership with Police Scotland, Trading Standards and others to stamp out doorstep crime. It is a crime that can affect anyone and we want to equip our community in how to keep cold callers out of their homes and protect themselves against doorstep crime. Those responsible, like bogus callers and rogue traders, are often extremely convincing in how they approach and interact with potential victims. ‘No Cold Calling Zones’ really sends out a strong message that these criminals are not welcome in Edinburgh.

“Police Scotland is committed to continuing to work with our partners to tackle this unscrupulous crime and urge you to report it. Please report any suspicious activity to Police on 101, or your local Trading Standards Department. If the person refuses to leave your door, or you feel threatened or scared – call 999 and ask for the Police.”

If you would like to find out more about setting up a No Cold Calling Zone on your street, ContactEdinburgh’s Trading Standards team on 0131 529 3030 or email trading.standards@edinburgh.gov.uk for more information. Continue reading Cold call crackdown success

Man shot in Leith

Cables Wynd cordoned off

banana flats

A man is being treated in the Royal Infirmary for serious leg injuries following a shooting in Leith late last night. Police found the victim when they responded to a report of a disturbance in Cables Wynd just after 11pm.

Police believe this was an isolated attack and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Detectives are currently pursuing various lines of inquiry and have appealed for information.

Detective Inspector Alan O’Brien told the BBC: “An extensive investigation is now under way into this incident. Although this is at an early stage I’m satisfied this was an isolated attack and there is no ongoing threat to the wider public.

“An area of Cables Wynd is presently cordoned off as our investigation progresses and I thank the local community for their patience and co-operation. I can also reassure local residents that we will use every resource at our disposal to trace and arrest anyone involved in this crime as quickly as possible.”

If you have any information contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

One year on: did you see Saima Ahmed?

ahmed

City police are distributing posters to festival visitors and rail users in an effort to uncover fresh information into the death of a London woman whose body was found on the outskirts of the city earlier this year.

Saima Ahmed was discovered on the afternoon of Saturday, January 9th, off Gogarstone Road. It is believed the 36-year-old had travelled by rail from her home in Wembley to the Scottish Capital a year ago this month.

Detectives from Edinburgh CID are continuing with their investigation regarding Saima’s death and are hoping to gather new information from rail passengers who might have seen or spoken to her.

Police will be distributing posters and leaflets to visitors to the Unofficial Fringe Venue 999 in East Princes Street Gardens until the end of the festival next week. In addition, officers from Police Scotland, assisted by officers from British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police Service will be handing out posters on Tuesday 30th August in the Wembley area of London, train stations in Hemel Hempsted and Birmingham as well as Waverley station and elsewhere in Edinburgh.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin MacLean, Head of Crime Operations for Edinburgh CID, said: “There are several outstanding lines of enquiry in what has been a painstaking investigation. We still need to establish why Saima came to Scotland and Edinburgh and the circumstances that led to her death.

“The information gathered thus far certainly indicates that Saima left her home on Sunday, August 30th, last year and travelled by train to Edinburgh. Now, almost one year on, Edinburgh is again in the midst of hosting the International Festival and there will be a number of people returning to the city who may remember Saima. It’s my hope that these posters might help jog some memories and we can gain vital information to assist with our investigation.”

He added: “We continue to provide Saima’s family with regular updates and I again thank them for their patience and assistance in helping us keep Saima’s case in the public eye.”

Saima Ahmed’s exact movements as she journeyed to Scotland remain unconfirmed however detectives believe she bought a Birmingham to Edinburgh rail ticket at Birmingham New Street Station at around 5pm on Sunday, August 30th, 2015. 

Thereafter, there is a strong possibility that she boarded one of two Edinburgh bound services scheduled for later the same day:

–  Either the 5:15pm Virgin service due to arrive at Edinburgh Waverley at 10:22pm

This stopped at the following locations: Sandwell & Dudley, Wolverhampton, Crewe, Warrington, Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Preston, Lancaster. Passengers travelling onto Edinburgh then switched services and boarded the 7:14pm stopping at Oxenholme Lake District, Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Haymarket and Waverley.

OR

–  The 5:30pm Virgin Cross Country Network (via York), which was due to arrive at 10:21pm.

This service stopped at: Derby, Sheffield, Doncaster, York, Darlington, Durham, Newcastle and Waverley. Continue reading One year on: did you see Saima Ahmed?