Detectives in Edinburgh have released images of a man that they believe may have information that can assist with an ongoing investigation into a serious assault which took place at around 10.30pm on Saturday 18th November 2023 at George Street near to North Castle Street, Edinburgh.
The man police believe may be able to assist is described as white and in his 30s with dark-coloured hair. He was wearing a blue and white tie dye t-shirt, with jeans, and black and white trainers.
Detective Constable Christina Yeoman of Gayfield CID said: “This was an unprovoked attack at a busy time of night in the city centre.
“Violent crime such as this is of the utmost concern to police in Edinburgh so I would urge the male or anyone who recognises him to contact us as soon as possible through 101 quoting incident number 743 of 20 November.
“Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
Police Scotland today (Thursday, 14 December, 2023) announced plans to consult and engage the public on proposals to close a number of properties across the country.
The Service has published details of 29 police stations and other buildings which it says are now surplus to requirements, with officers and staff being moved to other locations. Of these buildings three are already vacant and 14 others have no public access.
The Edinburgh stations listed as ‘surplus to requirements’ are Balerno, Fettes, Leith, Portobello and West End.
In addition, Police Scotland will carry out consultation and engagement on a further 16 properties, which are all already vacant or are plots of land with no buildings. As such there is no public access to these properties.
Plans to close a further 14 properties will be brought forward at a later date.
Properties have been selected for potential disposal under the Service’s estate strategy, which seeks to move toward co-location with partners where possible to ensure services are delivered in the most efficient and effective way.
As part of the review, local Divisional Commanders have been asked to identify where they would want to locate their resources to better meet the demands of 21st century policing and to highlight any buildings in their areas that are underused, surplus to requirements or where there could be opportunities to rationalise buildings or co-locate with partners.
Deputy Chief Constable, Malcolm Graham said: “Our estate needs to be fit for 21st century policing, putting service enhancement, visibility, and engagement at the heart of the communities we serve.
“These are core components of the legitimacy and consent on which policing in Scotland relies.
“Our presence in communities is not defined by buildings but by the officers and staff who work there, and we have already introduced technology that enables our officers to remain in local areas, reducing the need for them to return to police stations to deal with paperwork.
“We are determined to continue to improve our visibility and accessibility, as well as to bring partners together to deliver services in the most efficient and effective way.
“The buildings in which our officers and staff work need to be safe, functional spaces, and they need to be sustainable and adaptable enough to meet changing public expectations and the changing nature of policing.”
He added: “Police Scotland inherited a very large and ageing estate, much of which was not fit for purpose, with high maintenance costs and environmental inefficiencies.
“The locations of many inherited buildings no longer meet the requirements of local communities and in some cases the organisation is currently maintaining multiple buildings in the same geographic area, less than five miles apart.
“Some of the buildings are just a few miles apart, others are used by only a handful of police officers or staff and have no public access, while many are rarely visited by a member of the public.
“For the majority of properties, the proposed moves will be an average of four miles from their current location.
“Local communities will therefore continue to receive the same high level of service from officers, and still from within their local area.
“We now have more than 60 co-locations with partners, providing more sustainable, more modern, and safer workspaces for our people.
“We have great examples of successful partnerships in the North East, Perthshire, Forth Valley, and Ayrshire among others and this will continue to be an important part of ensuring policing in Scotland is prepared for the future.
“We understand and are sensitive to community concerns around changes involving police buildings and as we bring forward proposals we wish to communicate our proposals to the public and our staff and seek their feedback. Please do view our plans and let us know your thoughts.”
The financial savings of these property disposals would be re-invested into providing policing services.
As part of our ongoing transformation work Police Scotland is in the early stages of progressing plans for other sites across the country. As plans are developed and submitted for approval to the Scottish Police Authority they will undertake consultation with local communities, key stakeholders and trade unions, statutory staff associations, and impacted staff.
Police Scotland added: ‘We they continuously review our estate as part of our normal business and this will continue. As part of this work, we may identify other properties that are considered surplus and appropriate engagement and consultation will be undertaken.’
To review the proposals and have your say visit our engagement hub:
The 29 buildings proposed for closure/disposal are:
Station
Local Policing Division
Current Front Counter / Opening hours
Front counter usage
Local Policing Base (Yes or No)
Proposed destination
Castlemilk
Greater Glasgow
Yes – 9am – 5pm Monday -Friday (not Wednesday)
Low
No. Community police drop-in facility only.
Cathcart
Saracen
Greater Glasgow
Yes – 9am – 5pm – Monday to Friday
Low
No
Baird St or Maryhill
Bishopbriggs
Greater Glasgow
Yes – Monday – Sunday 8am – 4pm
Low
Yes. Community policing, community campus, licensing
Kirkintilloch
Milngavie
Greater Glasgow
Yes – Monday – Sunday 8am – 4pm
Low
Yes. Community policing.
Kirkintilloch
Stewart Street
Greater Glasgow
Yes – 24/7 front counter service
High
Yes. Response, community policing, divisional management team and CID
Baird St
Gorbals
Greater Glasgow
Yes – 7am-12am all week
Medium / low
Yes. Response, community policing
Cathcart
Baillieston
Greater Glasgow
Temporarily closed.
N/A
Yes. Response, Community policing
Shettleston
Pacific Quay
Greater Glasgow
No
N/A
No. Base for corporate staff.
Dalmarnock
Paisley
Renfrewshire & Inverclyde
Yes – 24 hours
Medium
Yes. Response, community policing, divisional management team and CID
TBC
Ferguslie Park
Renfrewshire & Inverclyde
No
N/A
Community Policing / Alcohol and Violence Reduction Unit
TBC
Greenock
Renfrewshire & Inverclyde
Yes – 24 hours.
Medium
Yes. Response, community policing, divisional management team and CID
Yes. Response, community policing, divisional management team and CID
TBC
Alexandria
Argyll & West Dunbartonshire
No front counter or public access.
N/A
Yes, Response, Community policing
TBC
Ayr
Ayrshire
No
No
No. Already closed and new facility in Ayr has opened. Old site proposed for demolition.
N/A
Balerno
Edinburgh City
No
N/A
No. Building was used as a base for 10 officers for social distancing purposes during the pandemic but was previously vacant. Officers will be relocated nearby.
TBC
Fettes
Edinburgh City
Yes
Medium – High Most public footfall relates to Lost property /Productions / Firearms licensing enquiries.
Yes
TBC
Leith
Edinburgh City
Yes – 7am hours to midnight – however nine days per month only open 7am – 4pm
High – Public enquiries relate to lost/found property / reporting crime, neighbour disputes, MIT enquiries etc. Station also located on tram line and near to Edinburgh’s most densely populated community.
Yes
TBC
West End
Edinburgh City
Yes – Open Monday -Friday 9am-5pm
Medium –Public enquiries relate to lost/found property / reporting crime etc.
Yes
TBC
Portobello
Edinburgh City
TBC
Oakley
Fife
No
N/A
No. Used by Operational Support Division officers.
TBC
Muir of Ord
Highlands and Islands
No
N/A
No. Used by officer/staff member but not local policing.
Dingwall or Inverness
Mastrick
North East
No
N/A
Yes
TBC
Rosemount
North East
No
N/A
Not presently – no officers currently stationed nor deployed from there but used periodically as stop point.
NA
Seaton
North East
No
N/A
Yes
TBC
Whinhill
North East
No
N/A
Yes
TBC
Torry
North East
No
N/A
Yes
Nigg
Dundee Annexe
Tayside
Yes – no counter staff. Responded to by dept staff /officers.
Low
No
West Bell Street
Ryehill
Tayside
No
N/A
No – limited use of building.
West Bell Street
Hilltown
Tayside
Yes – public counter not staffed. Officers answer the door to members of the public.
Medium
No. Functions as a space for comfort breaks for operational officers.
West Bell Street
The 16 properties which are already vacant or are plots of land with no buildings are:
Station
Local Policing Division
Current Front Counter / Opening hours
Front counter usage
Local Policing Base (Yes or No)
Proposed destination
Anderston
Greater Glasgow
No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus
N/A
No. Building has been vacant for more than two years. Officers/staff who worked there now deploy from various police stations around Glasgow. Building is under offer, sale to complete this FY pending planning approval.
N/A
Partick (land)
Greater Glasgow
No – land has been declared Surplus
N/A
No. We are disposing of a pocket of land next to police station only as it is not required. Police station is being retained.
N/A
Maybole
Ayrshire
No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus
N/A
No. Building vacant since 2022 when Officers/staff moved to new co-location with South Ayrshire Council in 2022.
N/A
Kilwinning
Ayrshire
No – Building vacant and will be declared Surplus
N/A
No. Building vacant since 2023, officers and staff now deploy from Irvine
N/A
Kirkcudbright
Dumfries and Galloway
No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus
N/A
No. Building vacant for more three years, we are now co-located with SFRS in Kirkcudbright.
N/A
Tarbert Office
Argyll & West Dunbartonshire
No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus
N/A
No. Building vacant for more 5 years, officers deploy from Lochgilphead.
N/A
Dalmally
Argyll & West Dunbartonshire
No – Building vacant and will be declared Surplus
N/A
No. Building vacant, and local consultation is ongoing. Building is a small police house/station (1 police officer), the previous officer has moved out and this area will be resourced from Oban Police Station.
N/A
Port Glasgow
Renfrewshire & Inverclyde
No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus
N/A
No. Building vacant for more than five years, officers/staff now deploy from Greenock.
N/A
Burntisland
Fife
No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus
N/A
No. Building has been vacant for more than three years, officers who worked there now deploy from Kirkcaldy.Building under offer to complete this year.
N/A
Alloa
Forth Valley
No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus
N/A
No. This building is still in partial use by specialist officers although we expect to be vacated this month. Local officers vacated in 2021 to move into a co-location with Clackmannanshire Council.
N/A
Linlithgow
Lothians and Scottish Borders
No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus
N/A
No. Building has been vacant for more 6 years. Officer/staff deploy from other nearby police stations.Remarketing of the building is under way.
N/A
Coldstream
Lothians and Scottish Borders
No – Building vacant and will be declared Surplus
N/A
No. Building has been vacant for more than 4 years. Officer/staff deploy from other nearby police stations.
Whalsay
Highlands and Islands
No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus
Building is a small property on an island off Shetland that has been vacant for more than a year. Officer/staff located on mainland Shetland.Sale negotiations are ongoing.
N/A
Lairg
Highlands and Islands
No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus
No. Building has been vacant for more than three years. Officer/staff now deploy from other stations within the division. Re-marketing or auction to be progressed.
N/A
Peterhead
North East
No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus
No. Building has been vacant for more than 18 months, officers/staff deploying out of Buchan House where we co-locate with Aberdeenshire Council. Re-marketing or auction of building to be progressed.
N/A
Portlethen
North East
No – Building vacant and has been declared Surplus
No. Building has been vacant since this year, officers/staff now deploying from Stonehaven. Marketing under way.
Arrests and charges in connection with non-recent abuse at Edinburgh school
Five men, aged between 69 and 90, have been arrested and charged in connection with non-recent abuse incidents at Edinburgh Academy. Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.A sixth man, aged 74, will also be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
The abuse incidents are alleged to have taken place at the school between 1968 and 1992.
Detective Inspector Colin Moffat said: “We would like to thank everyone who has come forward and assisted our enquiries to date.
“While the investigation of child abuse, particularly non-recent offences, can be complex and challenging, anyone who reports this type of crime can be assured that we will listen and we will investigate all reports, no matter when those offences occurred or who committed them.
“If you have suffered abuse, or you know anyone who may have been the victim of child abuse then please call Police Scotland on 101.”
Twenty-six people have now been charged with a total of 51 offences following bonfire night disorder seen in Edinburgh on Sunday, 5 November, 2023.
A further individual will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with two charges, meaning a total number of 27 people have been identified for 53 offences.
The ages of those range between 12 and 34 years of age, with the majority aged in their mid to late teens.
A total of 31 charges against 15 individuals relates specifically to the significant disorder seen in the Niddrie area.
Within this, two men, aged 29 and 27 have been charged in connection with inciting violence. They are alleged to have filmed the events on mobile phones while encouraging youths to be violent towards police.
A 31-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were also charged in connection with supplying fireworks to youths.
The charges are a result of an extensive investigation which has been ongoing since bonfire night by a dedicated team of officers.
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “The events of bonfire night, especially in the East of the city, were wholly unacceptable.
“The scenes experienced are not reflective of the Niddrie community as a whole and were acts carried out by a minority.”
Police in Edinburgh are investigating a reported robbery which took place in the city centre and are urging two victims of the crime to come forward.
At around 8.20pm last night (Wednesday, 6 December, 2023), a woman witnessed a physical altercation between two male suspects and a man and a woman, described as being an older couple, which took place on South St Andrew Street.
One of the men has assaulted the older man and the suspects have stolen the man’s rucksack during the incident.
A number of witnesses and bystanders are reported to have helped the couple, however the pair have not been traced and no reported incident has come directly to police from the victims.
Officers are reviewing available CCTV in the area and are asking anyone who saw what happened to come forward.
Acting Detective Sergeant Mike Campbell from Gayfield CID said: “This incident happened in a busy area at the junction of St Andrew Square and West Register Street, outside a number of restaurants.
“It is imperative we trace the couple involved to ensure their welfare and I would ask them to get in touch with police.
“The suspects are reported to have been aged in their mid to late teens, dressed all in black, and may have left the scene in the area towards Waverley Steps.
“I’d ask anyone who saw what happened, or possibly the suspects leaving the area with a rucksack along Princes St towards Waverley Station, to get in touch.”
Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3450 of 6 December 2023. Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.
Road policing officers are appealing for information after a pedestrian was injured in a crash in Edinburgh.The incident happened on Slateford Road at the junction with Moat Street, around 5.15pm on Sunday, 26 November.
A 64-year-old male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and sustained injuries to his head and legs.
The driver of the red vehicle involved initially stopped to assist the man and later left the scene prior to emergency services attending.
Constable Adam Brearley said: “Enquiries remain ongoing into the circumstances of the crash and officers are appealing for witnesses and the driver of the red vehicle to come forward.
“We’re looking to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened or saw the vehicles before or during the crash.
“Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2447 of Sunday, 26 November, 2023.”
Police Scotland’s commitment to disrupting the activities of organised crime groups is unwavering, as latest figures show that millions of pounds worth of illegal drugs were seized between July and September 2023.
The Quarter 2 2023-24 Performance Report details activity by officers across the country, which saw cocaine, heroin and cannabis as well as quantities of cash being recovered. A number of arrests were also made.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “Police Scotland is committed to disrupting the activities of organised criminals, who trade in misery by selling and supplying illegal drugs, and making Scotland a hostile environment for them to operate.
“Our role, working in partnership with other others including the members of the country’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, is vital in preventing these drugs reaching our streets and adding to the terrible toll of drugs deaths.
“Activity detailed in the latest Performance Report underlines our commitment to reducing the harm caused to individuals, families and communities.
“The seizures will impact the activities of those involved and help keep our communities safe.”
Police Scotland is urging anyone targeted by sextortion to report it – so they can get the support they deserve.
Sextortion is sexual extortion and involves the threat of having sexual information, photos or videos shared with others. It is carried out to extort money or force a victim to do something against their will, control behaviour or obtain further images.
Figures published today, Friday, 1 December 2023, in Police Scotland’s 2023-24 Quarter 2 Performance Report, show an increase in reported crimes of threats and extortion compared to last year and since changes in crime recording introduced in April 2020.
Between April and September 2023 there were 1,430 crimes of threats and extortion compared to 819 in the same period last year (74%) and the five year mean of 443 or 223%. Analysis shows much of this relates to sextortion style crimes.
Assistant Chief Constable David Duncan said: “Sextortion is blackmail and those targeted should not pay, nor should they be embarrassed or scared to report it to police.
“We are experiencing an increase in the number of sextortion incidents being reported and although we are encouraged that victims appear more confident in coming forward, we know from our partners that it is still likely to be an under-reported offence.
“Criminals use the internet, social media, dating apps, web cams or pornography sites and fake identities to befriend people online and then threaten to send images to their family and friends.
“People shouldn’t panic, there is support available from policing and from third party organisations. We want people to know they will be treated with respect and dignity and the circumstances investigated professionally.
“There is information available on the Police Scotland website on ways you can stay safe online – such as not sharing intimate images.”
Sextortion can be committed by individuals however, organised crime gangs based overseas are also believed to be responsible.
The inclusion of threats and extortion, such as online sextortion, contributed to a rise in overall violent crime reported between April and September 2023.
Homicides, attempted murders and serious assaults remain at similar levels compared to last year and lower than the five year average, while our world leading detection rate for homicides continues.
The report provides insight into the depth and breadth of police work undertaken by committed and professional officers and staff and how the outcome of that work relates to our strategic outcomes.
Police in Edinburgh have launched Operation Winter City 2023 to keep everyone visiting, living and working in the city safe over the festive period.
Running between 17 November 2023 and 6 January 2024, dedicated officers will carry out high visibility patrols throughout the city centre to engage with the public and offer reassurance, deter criminal activity and respond to any incidents arising.
In addition to foot and mobile patrols, a “pop up” stall within Waverley Market will be in operation, with officers providing crime prevention and security advice.
Superintendent Sam Ainslie, Gold Commander for Operation Winter City, said: “As always we remain committed to keeping the public in Edinburgh safe and our presence within the city centre is enhanced over the festive period.
“We want locals and visitors alike to enjoy the various attractions safely, whether that be our green and cultural spaces, entertainment venues, or retail premises.
“In addition to our dedicated patrols, officers will also be at our police stall within the Waverley Mall and will be delighted to offer a range of crime prevention and security advice. I highly recommend that people come and speak to us”
“The public have a vital role to play in helping us to ensure that their and everyone’s visit is safe and enjoyable.
“Please help us to prevent crime by reporting anything they believe to be suspicious to us, and whilst it may seem overly simple, being mindful of the whereabouts of your personal belongings, planning your transportation for nights out in advance, making sure your mobile phone is charged, drinking responsibly and looking out for those you are out with, can all help.
“We want everyone to have an enjoyable night out, and I would ask that people remain aware of their limits when drinking, so as not to ruin their or someone else’s night out through over-consumption of alcohol.
“You will undoubtedly see our officers out on patrol, engaging with licensed premises staff and keeping Edinburgh’s communities safe
“Violent or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and on a cautionary note, should you become involved in a crime linked to alcohol, we can impose ‘Think Twice’ bail conditions, which will mean that you won’t be permitted to visit another pub, club or shop that sells alcohol in the city centre until the conclusion of your trial. Please don’t take the risk.
“We will be sharing crime prevention and personal safety advice and updates on our activities, so please follow Edinburgh Police Division on Facebook or Twitter @Edinburgh Police.
“On behalf of everyone here in Edinburgh Division, I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
An 84-year-old man has died following an explosion at a house in Baberton Mains Avenue in Edinburgh.
Officers received multiple reports following the incident around 10.25pm last night (Friday, 1 December, 2023).
Emergency services attended and a 43-year-old woman and 54-year-old man were taken to hospital for treatment.
Several properties were evacuated as a precaution and the road remains closed.
There are no suspicious circumstances and Police continue to work alongside partner agencies.
UPDATE
The 84-year-old man who died following an explosion at a house in Baberton Mains Avenue in Edinburgh can now be named as James Findlay Smith.
Officers were called to the incident in Baberton Mains Avenue around 10.25pm on Friday, 1 December, 2023.
In a statement released through Police Scotland, his family said: “It is with deep regret that our Father/ Papa/ Father in Law, James Findlay Smith, sadly lost his life in the tragic events at Baberton Mains Avenue on 1st December 2023.
“Our thoughts are with everyone involved and our well wishes go to the impacted families.
“We would like to thank the emergency services and the neighbours who went above and beyond for their support and help on the evening and following days.
“We request that you respect our privacy at this time.”
