Tag: Police Scotland

City clubbers urged to ‘speak up, speak out’ over abuse

clubbers3A public protection campaign against abuse is to target city night-clubbers on what is said to be the worst night of the year for violent behaviour.

Leaflets highlighting the multi-agency Speak Up Speak Out campaign will be handed out in clubs tonight (19 December). The last Friday before Christmas typically sees a rise in violence, including domestic abuse.

Speak up Speak Out was launched in August 2013 by the City of Edinburgh Council, NHS Lothian and Police Scotland to encourage those who are affected by abuse to come forward and find out about the wide range of support that is available to them.

The Council is also supporting Police Scotland’s annual festive domestic abuse campaign, which was launched this week.

Domestic abuse can be carried out by partners or ex-partners and can be physical, sexual, psychological or emotional.

Councillor Ricky Henderson, Convener of Health, Social Care and Housing, said: “We want to make sure that everyone has a good time this festive season and I urge revellers enjoying the last weekend before Christmas to think about their behaviour and how it can affect their loved ones.

“Nobody should have to suffer domestic abuse, whatever form it takes. We are reaching out to the people who are affected by domestic abuse, or anyone who has concerns about others who are being harmed in this way, urging them to Speak Up and Speak Out.

“Agencies will continue to work together on this ongoing campaign over the next year to make sure that families affected by abuse will be protected from harm.”

clubbers4Superintendent Liz McAinsh said: “Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for Police Scotland and in Edinburgh officers will continue to pursue those responsible for crimes of this nature.

“We are also committed to providing victims of domestic abuse with all the necessary assistance and support they require.”

Extensive work by the Council is ongoing to ensure that children and adults who have been affected by domestic abuse feel safe, have access to appropriate support and advice networks and feel confident in reporting issues.

Recent developments include a clear pathway from initial reporting to the police, to support for the victim, including a comprehensive risk assessment and the provision of multi-agency services. Edinburgh has also seen a welcome roll-out of the pilot domestic abuse court to the whole city.

One of the key messages of Speak Up Speak Out is that anyone can suffer from abuse, regardless of their age, gender or the colour of their skin. It can happen anywhere and be caused by friends, relatives, colleagues or strangers. By encouraging people to be open about their concerns and talk to care professionals, it is hoped that more adults and children can be protected from harm.

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Stay safe online

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Police in Edinburgh are urging members of the public to stay safe online after a number of recent reports of people being extorted for money on social media.

Over the last month Police Scotland has received reports from members of the public who have communicated with unsolicited individuals on social media platforms. These communications have then encouraged the victim to compromise themselves, leading to demands for money.

Detective Inspector Alan O’Brien said: “In the incidents that we are aware of, the victims were all young men who frequently use social media and who were contacted by someone they were led to believe was genuine to undertake sexually explicit acts.

“I would urge everyone to exercise caution whenever they engage in conversation with someone online who they do not personally know.

“Never give out any personal information or send out anything that may leave you in a vulnerable position.

“Anyone who has had a similar approach online or wishes to report falling victim to this scam is asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police appeal after 'despicable' robbery in Kirkgate

PolicePolice are appealing for information after an elderly woman was robbed in Leith yesterday morning (Friday 12 December).

The incident happened around 9.30am when the 84 year old victim was walking in the Kirkgate towards the steps at the rear of Linksview House. She was approached from behind by two men, one of whom grabbed her purple Radley handbag, causing the victim to fall to the ground. The suspects ran up the steps towards Linksview House and were lost to sight.

Both men are described as white, early 20s, between 5ft 6in and 5ft 8 in tall. One man was wearing a grey hoodie while the other was wearing a charcoal hoodie.

Police are now appealing for anyone with information to contact police on 101.

Detective Sergeant Lynsey Thomson said: “This was a despicable robbery which resulted in the elderly victim falling to the ground. Thankfully she wasn’t injured but her handbag was stolen which contained a number of personal items.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the Kirkgate this morning around 9.30am and who may have seen the two suspects or witnessed this robbery, to get in touch with Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

'Tis the season … for mobile phone scams

It may be the season of goodwill, but Police Scotland would like to remind the public that not everyone has goodness in their heart …

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Over recent months, there has been an increase in adverts on social media selling sites advertising high price mobile phones.

This scheme requires the victim to forward their mobile phone and a sum of money, in return a new high value mobile phone will be dispatched to you.

The truth is that no mobile phone arrives and you have lost your original phone and a sum of money.

Whilst not trying to undermine the entrepreneurism of sellers, Police Scotland would like to remind the general public that although many use social selling sites safely, use caution in any transaction they intend becoming involved in and do not provide bank details or send any high value items or cash to sellers in advance.

If anyone has any information about the incident they are encouraged to contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Police seek three men following cycle path robbery

Police have appealed for witnesses after a teenager was assaulted and robbed on Blackhall cycle path on Wednesday evening.

police (2)The 16 year old youth was walking home and joined the cycle path at Wester Coates Terrace when he saw three males standing at the bridge area. He was approached by the trio who then grabbed and punched him to the head and face before stealing his mobile phone and rucksack.

Officers are urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.

The first suspect is described as white, late teens, 5ft 10ins tall with a skinny build, gaunt face and a short dark hair. He was wearing a read and white ‘snood’, dark cotton tracksuit, black gloves and spoke with a local accent.

The second and third suspects are both described as white, in their late teens, around 5ft 11ins tall with slim builds and wearing dark cotton tracksuits.

All three wore their hoods up during the robbery.

Detective Constable Chris Harding said: “The young victim was not seriously injured as a result of this incident but is understandably upset at the theft of his belongings. Anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity on the cycle path on Wednesday evening is asked to contact police immediately.

“I would also ask that anyone who can help us identify the suspects or who has any other information relevant to our enquiry also gets in touch. Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

St Paul's fire: 14 year old charged

fire6A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with a fire at the St Paul’s RC church in Muirhouse Avenue on Sunday evening. 

He will now be reported to the Children’s Reporter.

Enquiries are ongoing to trace others believed to be involved in this incident and anyone with information that can assist officers with their investigation is asked to come forward.

Did you witness D Mains hit and run?

policecarPolice are appealing for witnesses following a hit and run incident in Davidson’s Mains last Sunday (30 November).

A thirteen-year-old boy was on a push-along scooter in Main Street at around 8.10pm when the collision occurred after the car mounted the pavement. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

The vehicle failed to stop at the scene of the incident and was last seen heading towards the Drylaw area, and anyone who can assist officers with their ongoing enquiry is asked to come forward.

The vehicle is described as a dark-coloured people carrier type similar to a Citroen C4 hatchback.

Inspector Chris Scobbie said: “Fortunately, the boy was not more seriously injured as a result of this incident, but he still required treatment at hospital. The driver failed to stop and we are conducting local enquiries to trace this individual.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the collision and who may have information relevant to this investigation. In addition, I would urge the driver to come forward as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information regarding these incidents should contact Police Scotland immediately on 101 or through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

St Paul's: do you have information?

Police keen to speak to group of youths

DSCF3750Police are appealing for witnesses following the fire at St Paul’s church in Muirhouse on Sunday night. A  joint investigation by police and specialist fire investigators took place yesterday and the incident is being treated as ‘suspicious’.

Inspector Alan Carson said: “This was an appalling attack on a religious building which, despite its closure, was still of importance to the local community in Muirhouse. It was a reckless act which could well have resulted in serious injury or worse.

“We are eager to talk to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious around the church on Sunday night.

“We are particularly keen to trace a group of youths who were seen near the church less than an hour before the fire was reported. Tracing these young people would significantly help us with our enquiries.

“Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland immediately on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews from Crewe Toll, McDonald Road, Tollcross, Sighthill and Marionville attended the incident at9.30 on Sunday evening and brought the blaze under control just after midnight. No-one was injured.

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St Paul's smoulders as investigation begins

 ‘What we had feared and predicted has happened tonight’

fire1St Paul’s lies a blackened ruin this morning following a major fire at the former RC church in Muirhouse last night. An investigation has been launched and an expert forensic team is expected on the scene at first light. The fire is being treated as ‘suspicious’.

Emergency services were alerted at 9.30pm last night and at one point seven fire engines were on the scene. Police also closed off a section of Pennywell Road as firefighters battled to control the blaze.

One Pennywell resident said: “I was making a cup of tea when I noticed there was a weird red glow in the sky. I was just going to ask my wife to have a look when she came through and told me that my son had been on the phone to say St Paul’s was on fire.”

fire5A crowd of onlookers gathered and flames could be seen shooting high into the air through the roof of the church. It’s though the building will now be demolished for safety reasons.

It’s a tragic end for a building that’s been at the heart of the Muirhouse community since the 1960’s. St Paul’s closed in October despite a community campaign to keep the church alive, and the building was quickly put up for sale – described by the selling agents as a ‘Re-development Opportunity’.

St PaulsThe fire has come as no surprise to some members of the local community. George Reavley was one of organisers of the Save St Paul’s campaign. Speaking last night, he said: ” Over forty years of history and fond memories for local families has been desecrated in one night by mindless, thoughtless creatures.

“What we had feared and predicted has happened tonight. St Paul’s Church was torched and went up in a huge blaze. We told the Parish Priest NOT to board the church up when it was closed. He told the Archdiocese this as well but they went ahead and boarded it up anyway. It was always on the cards. This is what happens when you don’t heed local advice.”

Unfortunate accident or foul play? We’ll find out more once investigators get to work.

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Police seek witnesses to South Queensferry accident

Police are seeking witnesses to an accident that resulted in the death of of a bin lorry driver in South Queensferry on Saturday afternoon. The 58-year old man died after being crushed by his own truck when he tried to stop it rolling out of a car park.

The man, who has been named as Maurice Willis, was pinned against a wall by his lorry which then hit a parked car and mounted a pavement before ploughing through a fence and coming to a stop on Hawes Pier. He later died in hospital.

aftermathPolice Scotland’s Sgt Brian Smith said: “This tragic accident happened as the driver tried to stop his lorry from rolling out of the car park of the Hawes Inn.

“He was crushed against the wall by the lorry, which then hit a parked Jaguar car before rolling across the road and mounting the pavement. demolishing a bench and fencing before it came to rest hanging over the edge of the pier.

“Although this is a busy road, with a number of pedestrians in the area at the time, fortunately no-one else was injured. We are carrying out a full investigation and I am appealing for any witnesses who have not already spoken to us, to call Police Scotland on 101.”

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