Police Scotland – Page 180 – The NEN

Speak up, speak out: giving our children the best possible start

Partnership approach to support children affected by substance misuse

Happy, healthy children from Cowgate Under 5’s Centre in Edinburgh today helped launch a campaign to raise awareness of the misery caused when adults misuse alcohol or drugs.

Speak Up Speak Out has been launched by the City of Edinburgh Council, NHS Lothian and Police Scotland to offer help, support and advice to youngsters whose lives are being affected by addiction.

The latest strand of the awareness campaign was unveiled to coincide with national Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day.

Scottish Government figures for 2013 reveal that:

22% of all concerns recorded at child protection case conferences were for parental alcohol misuse or drug misuse

53% of all concerns recorded for children on the Child Protection Register were for parental alcohol misuse or drug misuse

51% of children on the Child Protection Register had either one or both of the concerns for drug or alcohol misuse recorded.

Examples of people who have raised concerns about these issues include: “I’m worried about the family next door, the adults drink and take drugs and the kids seem to look after themselves,” and “my mum forgets about me when she drinks.”

As well as offering support to children who have problems at home, Speak Up Speak Out is aimed at pregnant women, advising them to avoid drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Parents and carers can also get advice about talking to children, while teenagers who are either worried about being pressured to take drugs, or are worried about friends, can also seek help.

Councillor Paul Godzik, Children and Families Convener, said: “The children we see here in this nursery today are happy and healthy, but others don’t enjoy as good a start in their lives.

“The aim of this campaign is to reduce the impact of alcohol and drug use on youngsters, see fewer young people using drugs, and also choosing to start drinking alcohol later in life. We also want to make sure that those in need, whether they are the adult or the child, get appropriate support for their problems.

“We will continue to work closely with NHS Lothian and Police Scotland on Speak Up Speak Out to ensure that children have the best start in life and are protected from harm.”

Sarah Ballard-Smith, Nurse Director, NHS Lothian, said: “We need to ensure that all children whose families are affected by alcohol and substance misuse are protected and are given the support and help they need.

“We provide a range of services to make sure that children get the best possible start in life and that adults are able to access the support and help they require.

“This campaign is vitally important for the next generation and aims to raise awareness and the importance of seeking help. By speaking up and speaking out, it will help ensure thatunborn babies, children and young people are kept safe and healthy.”

Police Scotland Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Mark Williams said: “Drugs and alcohol are, sadly, a blight on many families and communities, and by working together through ‘Speak Up Speak Out’ we can identify those children and young people who are affected and offer them targeted help and support.

“Police Scotland recently began a campaign to tackle New Psychoactive Substances, sometimes known as Legal Highs, which will see local community officers visiting schools, youth groups and community events to help raise awareness and educate young people on their dangers, alongside enforcement action with partners at premises found to be selling these unregulated and potentially lethal substances.”

Speak Up Speak Out was launched last August by the 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. Today’s launch was the fifth so far in a series of topics.

One of the key messages 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.

Contact details:

Police Scotland 101 (or in an emergency call 999)
ChildLine 0800 1111
NHS Inform 0800 22 44 88 (for health information)
Social Care Direct – The City of Edinburgh Council’s social work service: 0131 200 2324, email socialcaredirect@edinburgh.gov.uk

Police appeal following Leith rape

Woman attacked as she walked to walk

Police are appealing for witnesses following the rape of a young woman as she walked to work in the early hours of Saturday morning. The 20-year-old was attacked at the entrance to Swanfield Industrial Estate off Bonnington Road at around 4.30am.

The attacker is described as in his mid-to-late 20s, 5ft 7ins to 6ft tall with a slim build. He had a gaunt appearance with a pock-marked complexion, short blonde receding hair combed forward and an eastern European accent. He was wearing light-coloured jeans and a black long-sleeved jacket with a hood.

Police have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the area and have appealed for information.

Detective Chief Inspector Alwyn Bell, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a violent sexual assault on a young woman as she was walking to her work. Specially-trained officers are providing help and support to the victim.

“Such an attack is extremely rare and it is essential we catch this man as soon as possible and bring him to justice.

I am appealing to anyone who was in the area in the early hours of Saturday morning and who saw, or heard, anything unusual to contact us as soon as possible on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Additional officers will be on patrol in the area to help us in the investigation and to provide added visibility and reassurance to the local community.”

Police target stores selling ‘legal highs’

Shop raids mark start of ‘legal highs’ campaign

Police in Edinburgh yesterday executed search warrants at three premises following intelligence that New Psychoactive Substances – so-called ‘legal highs’ – were being sold there.

Around 70 officers from across the city were involved in the activity, which took place in the Leith Walk, Newington and Wester Hailes areas as part of a national operation to stem the sales of these items and to raise awareness as to their risks.

Representatives from Scotland Fire and Rescue, City of Edinburgh Council Trading Standards and Environmental Health also carried out visits to a further eight premises to provide appropriate guidance on legislation and licensing issues relating to NPS.

Over 3,000 sachets of substances were seized from the three stores and have been sent for further analysis.

The operation is being backed by a two-week nationwide campaign to help raise awareness of the dangers of taking New Psychoactive Substances.

The campaign is aimed at young people aged 11-18 year-old as well as their parents and teachers. It also targets young professionals aged 25-35 years and will include a national radio commercial.

Posters and screens highlighting this issue will also be on display in train stations and on local buses across the country.

Furthermore, a range of initiatives are taking place with local community officers visiting schools, youth groups and community events to help raise awareness and educate young people on the dangers of NPS.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston, who led yesterday’s activity said: “Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and to stopping the sale of any substances, which may cause harm to our communities.

“The items seized during the operation will now be subject to detailed analysis and we will be continuing to engage with our various partner agencies throughout.

“Enforcement, however, is only a small part of this operation and we are keen to educate the public on all the associated risks of NPS so that less people are inclined to buy and consume them.

“School Liaison Officers and Community Policing Teams will be engaging heavily with the public in the coming weeks in relation to the dangers of New Psychoactive Substances.

“I would strongly urge our communities never to consume any of the NPS material currently being sold at premises across the country. They may contain extremely harmful chemicals, which could seriously impact upon your long-term health.”

Further information on NPS can be found at:

If you have any information about NPS, or indeed any drug activity, contact the police on 101 or, in an emergency by dialling 999.

Information can also be reported anonymously and in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you are a young person, information can also be reported anonymously atFearless.org.

Local arrest following Operation Wolf activity

A Drylaw man is one of seven men arrested and charged for domestic abuse and sexual offences following an Operation Wolf day of action in Edinburgh this week.

Wednesday’s activity saw officers from the Public Protection Unit and the Divisional Violence Reduction Unit target a number of individuals for various crimes including rape, indecent assault, lewd and libidinous practises and assaults.

The 31-year-old man from the Drylaw area was charged with a number of domestic assaults.

Other arrests included a 44-year-old man from the Duddingston area, who was detained following reports of historic sexual assaults which were made in May this year. He was subsequently charged for numerous offences relating to six separate victims.

A 40-year-old Bo’Ness man was also arrested, two men aged 38 and 64 from the Restalrig area were both apprehended and charged in connection with historic sexual offences against children and will appear in court at a later date,

A 13-year-old male from the Craigmount area was charged in connection with a recent sexual assault on a female youth. He has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal and Children’s Reporter.

Last year, Police Scotland received a report of historic domestic violence and serious sexual assault and enquiries were undertaken into these crimes. As a result, a 29-year-old man from Bathgate was arrested and is also due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Public Protection officers had also been investigating numerous reports of historic sexual abuse that took place at various areas within Edinburgh in previous years.

Detective Chief Inspector Alwyn Bell said: “Police Scotland is committed to tackling violent crimes such as domestic abuse and any offences of a sexual nature.

“As part of the ongoing Operation Wolf, various activity was carried out across Edinburgh and in West Lothian and a number of males are now subject to legal proceedings for a range of crimes including rape, indecent assault and domestic violence.

“These arrests should send a clear message to our communities that regardless of when a crime takes place, we will investigate the matter thoroughly and anyone found to be responsible will be brought to justice.

“I would urge anyone who wishes to report a crime to come forward and rest assured that your report will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.”

Anyone wishing to report a crime can do so by contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

150 more reasons not to drink and drive

More than 150 drink drivers in Scotland had their motor vehicles seized then sold or scrapped between April 2013 and March 2014, according to figures released by the Crown Office.

An average of three vehicles a week were forfeited by repeat drink and drug driving offenders, first offenders driving or attempting to drive with a high alcohol reading and those who refused to give a sample of breath to the police without a reasonable excuse.

Court Orders for vehicle forfeiture included small hatchback cars, luxury saloons, high performance cars, four-wheel drive vehicles, vans and also a motorcycle. Those of any value were sold at auction by Police Scotland and others were scrapped for their metal value, with all proceeds paid to the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

The Lord Advocate, Frank Mulholland QC repeated his warning, given at the launch of this summer’s drink driving campaign, of the often tragic consequences of the offence. He said: “Drivers whose selfish actions result in the deaths of others when they drive under the influence of drink or drugs bring misery and devastation to families and loved ones throughout our communities. My message is very clear: you will be caught and when you are, you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law”.

He added: “Motorists in Scotland should also be aware of the tough legal and personal consequences of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, not only could you lose your vehicle but you will receive a minimum 20 year criminal record.”

If anyone suspects someone of drink driving, or attempting to drink and drive, they can contact their local police office on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. They can also dial 999 in an emergency.

Renewed appeal to trace missing man

Have you seen John Coleman?

Police in Edinburgh have issued a renewed appeal to trace a man reported missing in the Capital five years ago.

As part of Police Scotland’s commitment to the continued review of missing person cases, officers are currently looking at the disappearance of John Coleman, who was last seen in Leith Street on 1st May 2009.

The 57-year-old (52 at the time he went missing) was known to visit various areas of Scotland including Montrose, Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee and Perth, as well as Northern Ireland. However, no positive sightings have ever been confirmed to police.

Officers are now urging anyone who believes they know of John’s current whereabouts to come forward.

He is described as white, around 5ft 9in tall with a medium build, brown eyes and medium-length brown hair. He speaks with a Glasgow accent, and was last seen wearing a beige jacket.

In addition, he also has the word “John” and a rose, dagger and Irish harp all tattooed on his left arm.

Detective Inspector John Kavanagh said: “We have never given up with our efforts to trace John and will continue to review his disappearance.

“Several years have now passed since he was last seen however, I would ask anyone who believes they have information that can assist with this enquiry to contact police immediately.

“In addition, we continue to urge John to make contact with friends, family or police and let us know he is safe and well.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101.

Contact Details

Call 101 for non-emergencies and general enquiries, in an emergency call 999. If you have information about a crime you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Witness appeal as man falls from moving van

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 24-year-old man fell from a moving vehicle which then sped away from the scene. The incident took place on Raeburn Place at 5.25pm on Friday evening. Police said the vehicle, believed to be a Ford Transit van, was seen being driven erratically through Stockbridge streets after the incident.

The man who fell from the van was taken to hospital but did not suffer any serious injuries.

Two men are understood to have been in the van at the time of the incident – one, the driver, was wearing a white tee-shirt. Stockbridge was busy at the time of the incident and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Det Sgt Bob Williamson said: “Our officers are working hard and making extensive inquiries to establish the full circumstances of what happened. The events described and the irresponsible actions of the van driver are obviously concerning and we would urge members of the public who may be able to identify the vehicle or its occupants to come forward immediately.”

“Anyone with information that could help the investigation should contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, phone the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police seek ‘distinctive’ thief following Stockbridge robbery

A thief who held up an Edinburgh off-licence with a needle before stealing a three-figure cash sum is being sought by police. The robber entered Vino on North West Circus Place at 21:35 on Wednesday evening and demanded the till contents before making off in the direction of Stockbridge.

Police have a good description of the man. He is described as white, 6ft 3ins to 6ft 4ins tall and having a Scottish accent, 30 to 40 years old, with short dark hair, a receding hairline and bald on the crown. He had a small vertical curved mark or scar on his right cheek.

He was wearing a royal blue hooded jacket, dark bottoms with a single light coloured stripe down each side and red trainers, and carried a large brown holdall with a broken shoulder strap

Det Sgt Bob Richardson, of Police Scotland, said: “The suspect was wearing distinctive red trainers and a blue hoodie, and we ask that anyone who saw a man fitting that description at the time of the robbery, or who witnessed the incident, to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Man detained after girl hit by motorcycle

A nineteen year old man has been detained by police following a motorcycle collision with a young girl near Marine Drive. The incident happened at around 5pm last night.

A spokesman said: “Police Scotland was called to an incident in Silverknowes, near to Marine Drive, at around 5pm on Wednesday after a motorcyclist collided with a six-year-old girl. The girl sustained minor injuries and a 19-year-old man has been traced and detained. Inquiries are ongoing and there is no further information available at this time.”

Westminster and Holyrood pledge more aid to Gaza

Greening: ‘the situation in Gaza is dire’

Police Scotland calls for demonstrators to protest ‘within the law’

Both the UK and the Scottish governments are to increase their aid to Gaza, it hsa been announced. The UK has announced £3 million in new funding so the World Food Programme can get emergency food to more than 300,000 people in Gaza, while Holyrood will provide a further £500,000 to aid stricken civilians there.

And as tension rises Police Scotland today warned protestors that while peaceful demonstrations are acceptable, illegal actions will not be tolerated.

News of the increased aid comes after reports of further bloodshed in Gaza – the UN says that Israel has attacked a UN-run school housing refugees in Gaza despite warnings that civilians were there, killing fifteen people and injuring many more.

The UK is stepping up its humanitarian response to the Gaza crisis with an additional £3 million for the World Food Programme’s emergency appeal to help deal with food shortages, Prime Minister David Cameron announced today.

This £3 million boost will provide emergency food for more than 300,000 people for one month, and the latest commitment from the UK brings to £10 million the amount released to help Gaza since the latest crisis began.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening said:”After more than three weeks of fighting, the death toll in Gaza is rising and more than 200,000 people, many of them children, have been displaced from their homes. We urgently need to stop the bloodshed: we continue to call for an unconditional and immediate humanitarian ceasefire to prevent any more needless suffering.

“The situation in Gaza is dire. The UK is helping to meet immediate needs, including with this latest contribution of £3 million which will get food to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people.

“All sides must adhere to International Humanitarian Law, all feasible precautions must be taken to avoid harm to civilians, and all sides must allow aid agencies unimpeded access to get to those in desperate need.”

Displacement of families from their homes is a huge problem that is affecting more than 200,000 people at the latest count. This has a significant impact on all aspects of day-to-day life as people rely on UN shelters and aid agencies for all their needs.

Access to food is an increasing issue of concern in Gaza. The latest reports from the UN show that food shortages are being reported in Gaza, with sharp increases in the prices of certain products.

To address the humanitarian needs in Gaza the UK government is pushing for better humanitarian access so that aid agencies can get supplies and personnel into and out of Gaza and a sustainable political solution, which must include the gradual lifting of the economic restrictions.

The UK is the third biggest donor to UNRWA’s General Fund, contributing £107 million between 2011 and 2015. UNRWA is a crucial service provider to the 70 per cent of the Gazan population who are Palestinian refugees. Our support is enabling UNRWA to continue providing basic health services during this conflict through 19 of its 21 clinics.

The Scottish Government has also pledged more support for the beleaguered people of Gaza – it is providing half a million pounds to help people affected by the crisis, External Affairs Minister Humza Yousaf announced today.

The funding, which will be routed through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Gaza Flash Appeal, will help support the immediate needs of people in Gaza.

Mr Yousaf also reiterated his backing for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and called on the UK Government to take more urgent action with international partners to bring a cessation in violence. He also highlighted that the Scottish Government is continuing to work with relevant governments and local agencies to help some of those injured in the current conflict who might benefit most from treatment in Scotland.

Mr Yousaf said: “The escalating violence in Gaza has already caused far too many lives to be lost and people to be injured. The UN has called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and it is crucial that this is delivered.

“Rocket attacks being fired by militants in Gaza is wrong, and must stop, however, the Israeli response has been heavily disproportionate as demonstrated by the unacceptable and mounting loss of civilian life.

“There is also increasing evidence that the humanitarian situation is continuing to deteriorate and that is why the Scottish Government is providing £500,000 funding to help the United Nations provide the water, food shelter and medical assistance people in Gaza need.

“The Prime Minister has described Gaza as “an open air prison”. He and the international community must do more in order to stop any further loss of innocent lives. There must be an immediate lifting of the blockade and siege of Gaza which is tantamount to collective punishment.

“The Scottish Government has already made clear to the UK Government that we stand ready to help where we can and we have offered medical treatment in the Scottish NHS for those who would benefit from that, as well as offering to house refugees from Gaza in Scotland.

“We will continue to work with others and support efforts to help people affected, however an immediate end to the violence and lifting of the blockade are needed to resolve the situation and we will continue to press the UK Government to do more to try to achieve this.”

Senior police officers understand the anger caused by the conflict, but they have asked those members of the public who choose to demonstrate to keep their protests within the law.

Police Scotland’s Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, who is Edinburgh’s Divisional Commander, said today: “We are aware that ongoing issues with the Gaza conflict have understandably raised concerns within our community. There have been a number of incidents reported to Police Scotland involving people using legal and illegal means to show their frustration at the humanitarian crisis.

“We are aware that people may wish to demonstrate and we will facilitate peaceful demonstrations, balancing the needs and rights of protesters with those impacted by the event in Edinburgh and beyond. Our communities will rightly expect that we will not tolerate criminal activity and deal appropriately with anyone engaged in such acts.

“Police Scotland are committed to keeping all communities safe and will continue to work with partners to uphold the law, maintain public order and protect life and property, maintaining confidence and the high reputation of policing in Scotland.

“Police Scotland are proud of the strong links we have with our communities, our local officers will be available to communicate with businesses and community groups in order to pass on any relevant information and help alleviate any concerns.”

Yesterday marked the start of Eid,but instead of the usual day of celebration Gaza’s children woke up to an Eid marked by death and destruction, with no apparent end in sight.

Twenty one days into this conflict, children in Gaza are still paying the highest price. One in four Palestinians killed in the conflict are children, and a child is killed on average almost every hour. Instead of playing in the streets as they normally do when celebrating the end of Ramadan, thousands of children in Gaza are mourning their parents at the graveyards, hundreds are buried with their families. Instead of experiencing the joy of Eid, these children are now facing uncertainty and despair.

At least 194,000 children in Gaza now need specialised psychological support, many having witnessed family deaths, injuries and displacement.

More than 100,000 children have been displaced with their families, the majority of them in schools. A total of 130 schools have been damaged and 22 health facilities have been damaged or destroyed. For Gaza’s estimated 45,000 pregnant women of whom 5,000 have been displaced, access to maternity care is extremely restricted. Local organisations report premature births doubling because of the women’s trauma.

Thousands of explosive remnants of war are left in civilian areas in Gaza, posing a further major threat to children and their families. Save the Children and local partners are taking every opportunity to reach as many of the affected families as possible, but with no clear commitment for a ceasefire, distributing aid on the ground puts our staff at serious risk.

“Children in Gaza and Israel are paying the price of political failure,” said Save the Children’s country director David Hassell. “The international community has so far failed these children, through its inability to use all its diplomatic influence to bring about an immediate end to the bloodshed. Ending the violence, as called for by the UN Security Council, is the first and immediate priority. A sustainable solution, ensuring the wellbeing of both Palestinians and Israelis, will require agreement by the parties to long-term measures that address the legitimate grievances of Palestinians, including an end to the blockade.

“Children never start wars, yet they are the ones that are killed, maimed, traumatised and left homeless, terrified and permanently scarred.”

“Save the children will not stop until innocent children are no longer under fire and the root causes of this conflict are addressed. If the international community does not take action now, the violence against children in Gaza will haunt our generation forever.”