Tag: Police Scotland

Drugs and driving don’t mix

  • Driving on drugs is never worth the risk
  • It’s illegal in Scotland, and immediate roadside testing can be carried out at any time.

Drugs can slow down your responses, making it more likely you’ll have a collision on the road. This can lead to severe injuries and even death.

The effects of drug driving can seriously ruin lives. Not just yours, but other road users and their families too.

If you’re caught and convicted of drug driving, here’s what you can expect to face as a minimum:

  • 12-month driving ban
  • 3 to 11 points on your licence
  • Up to six months in prison
  • Up to £5,000 fine
  • An offence that stays on your licence for 11 years
  • Causing death carries a maximum 14-year jail sentence
  • You could lose your car and even your job.

THE LAW IN SCOTLAND

  • It’s illegal to take drugs and drive in Scotland – and the punishments are severe
  • The law also includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs that you’re not meant to use whilst driving
  • The penalties for driving while on these drugs are exactly the same as having illegal substances in your system.

THE EFFECTS CAN LAST A LIFETIME

A drug driving conviction can change your life for years to come.

You could:

  • Lose your job, or business, if you can’t drive
  • Struggle to get another job because of your criminal conviction
  • Face a significant increase in your vehicle insurance
  • Have difficulty travelling abroad – especially to the USA

HOW YOU CAN BE CAUGHT

It’s easier than you think to get caught drug driving.

You could be:

  • Stopped by the police for a routine check
  • Stopped for another traffic offence – like not wearing a seatbelt or a faulty light
  • Involved in a crash, even one which is not your fault
  • Reported by someone who suspects you’ve been taking drugs

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET CAUGHT

  • If an officer reasonably suspects that you have taken or are under the influence of drugs whilst driving you may be arrested or required to carry out a roadside drug wipe test
  • You may also be required to carry out a preliminary impairment test
  • If the drug wipe is positive or the preliminary test indicates drugs in your system, it is likely you will be arrested and taken to a police station
  • At the station you will be required to provide a blood or urine sample which will be sent for testing. The result of this test will be used to make a decision about any prosecution

HOW DRUGS CAN AFFECT YOUR DRIVING

  • Depending on what’s been taken, drugs have different effects on driving ability
  • Many impair awareness, judgement and reaction times
  • Drugs can still be detected in your system quite a few days after they’ve been taken
  • Many prescription drugs can also make you drowsy and affect vision, coordination and concentration

For more information on the effects of specific drugs, read the content on release.org and changes to drug driving law on gov.uk.

PRESCRIPTION AND OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS

It’s illegal to drive using any medicines that affect your driving abilities. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Some medicines, like hay fever remedies, can cause drowsiness and impairment
  • The penalties for driving while impaired by prescribed drugs can be just as severe as illegal ones
  • It can be an offence to drive if you’re over the stated limits of certain drugs – whether they’re prescribed or over-the-counter
  • Always check the information leaflet, or ask the pharmacist for any driving restrictions

There are no issues if:

  • You’ve been prescribed the drug, and
  • It’s taken as prescribed, and
  • It doesn’t affect your driving.

Edinburgh’s Retail Crime Task Force gets to work

The Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force launched its first day of action last week in the North East of the city, focusing on Leith Walk and Fort Kinnaird.

This initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and supported by Crimestoppers Scotland , aims to tackle shoplifting and violence against retail workers.

The operation combined two key approaches – Prevent and Pursue:

✅ Plain-clothes officers targeted hotspot areas to identify and apprehend offenders.

✅ High-visibility patrols visited retailers to offer reassurance, crime prevention advice, and act as a visible deterrent.

Retailers have welcomed this proactive approach and the ongoing partnership to address prolific shoplifters.

PC Sarah Brotherston, who led the operation, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. We know the harm it causes to retailers and staff, and we’re committed to reducing theft and bringing offenders to justice.

“This day of action is just one piece of work that the Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force are involved in. Further days of action and targeting of those who are repeatedly involved in shoplifting will be taking place in the run up to Christmas”

If you have information about shoplifting or stolen property, report it anonymously at https://orlo.uk/3Fp70 or call 0800 555 111.

#NotaVictimlessCrime

#RetailCrimeTaskForce

Warning as children’s eScooter and eBike incidents spike

The Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow and Police Scotland have joined forces to warn parents about the dangers of eScooters and eBikes for children, as injuries rise sharply.
 
Over the past 12 months, the number of children attending Accident & Emergency in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde due to eScooter or eBike incidents has increased by more than 600%.
 
Between May and October 2025 alone, over 30 children required emergency care at the RHC – some admitted to intensive care. Injuries included major head trauma, broken femurs, chest injuries, and severe lacerations.
 
Children affected ranged in age from seven to 15 years old. This compares to just four cases during the same period in 2024.
 
Police Scotland officers visited the RHC to stand alongside the hospital’s Major Trauma Coordinators in urging parents to think twice before buying these vehicles as Christmas gifts for their children.

Mark Lilley, Major Trauma Coordinator at the RHC, said: “The rise in injuries this year is alarming. We know eScooters are popular and may feature on many Christmas wish lists, but the risks are significant.

“A fall at speed can cause life-changing head or brain injuries. We’ve seen the trauma these accidents bring to families, and we strongly urge parents to reconsider before buying one for their child.”

Privately owned eScooters cannot be used legally on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or other public spaces in Scotland. They are classed as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) and would require DVLA registration, insurance, a driving licence, and compliance with strict regulations – requirements most eScooters do not meet.

Sergeant Paul Mellis from Road Policing said: “We’re grateful to the Royal Hospital for Children for helping us share this vital message as we head into the festive period.

“We have seen a rise in the number of e-bikes and e-scooters being used illegally on roads across Scotland, including in Glasgow, and with that has come serious injuries to children from either falling off or being involved in a crash with another vehicle.

“These vehicles are not permitted on public roads, pavements or other spaces and anyone found riding a non-compliant e-bike or e-scooter on a public road will likely have it seized by officers.

“I’d urge parents and carers to consider the dangers e-scooters and e-bikes present before purchasing one for a child this Christmas.”

The Royal Hospital for Children and Police Scotland’s messages to parents this Christmas are:

  • Think twice before buying eScooters or eBikes for children.
  • eScooters are illegal to use in public spaces in Scotland. It is illegal for under 14s to ride on eBikes in Scotland.
  • The risk of serious injury is real and rising.

For more information on the eScooter or eBike guidance please visit Riding an electric bike: the rules – GOV.UK

Two arrested and charged following £1 million drugs recovery

Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a drugs recovery worth over £1 million in West Lothian.

Around 7.15am on Thursday, 27 November, 2025, officers attended a premises in the Redmill area of East Whitburn.

A cannabis cultivation was discovered within containing between 1000 and 1200 plants with an estimated street value of over £1 million.

A 47-year-old man and a 44-year-old man have been arrested and charged in connection. They were due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court yesterday – Friday, 28 November.

Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant John Irvine said: “This significant recovery underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. Taking drugs off the street is a priority for Police Scotland.

“Drugs cause misery in our communities, and the public has a vital role in helping us to trace those involved in the supply of illegal substances.

“Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact us via 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Child sexual abuser jailed

A 69-year-old man has been jailed for three years and nine months following an intelligence-led operation into online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Paul Chalmers was sentenced at Edinburgh High Court today – Friday, 28 November, 2025, for the offences, which included conspiracy to rape a child.

He has also been given an order of lifelong restriction.

Chalmers was arrested by officers on Thursday, 25 January, 2024 when he travelled to Edinburgh to meet with what he believed to be a child he had been engaging with online.

He pled guilty to the offences at Glasgow High Court on Monday, 3 February, 2025.

Detective Chief Inspector David Nairn said: “Paul Chalmers is a predatory individual and, as a result of our investigation, he now faces the consequences of his sickening actions.

“He may have believed that his offending would go undetected however there is no hiding place.

“Any form of child sexual abuse is a serious criminal offence, and we encourage anyone with concerns about a child as risk of abuse, or a potential victim to contact Police Scotland on 101.

“Police Scotland’s #GetHelpOrGetCaught campaign proactively targets those who are either already offending or at risk of offending online and provides signposts to available support.”

Crimestoppers launch campaign to protect retail workers

Independent charity Crimestoppers Scotland in partnership with Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce has launched a national campaign to help tackle the growing problem of organised theft and sale of stolen goods from Scotland’s shops.

With increasing reports of theft, violence and abuse targeting retail workers, the campaign aims to empower communities and the industry to report incidents anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers.

Scotland’s retail sector has seen a rise in theft linked to organised crime gangs.

Police Scotland figures show that between April 2024 and October 2025, goods worth an estimated £3.6-£5 million were reported stolen through shoplifting, which accounts for almost 40% of all recorded acquisitive crime across the country.

It is thought that organised crime groups are responsible for around a third of these thefts. Retail groups, believe the true cost is far higher, with losses across Scotland exceeding £170 million a year.

In response to the ongoing rise in retail offences, Police Scotland received a funding allocation of £3m for the year 2025/26 and used this capital to launch the Retail Crime Taskforce.

The unit is dedicated to ensuring police, retailers and stakeholders can work together to try to stop retail crime through crime prevention and deter people becoming involved in such offences through education and diversionary support.

Where retail crime occurs, the Taskforce seeks to help mitigate the impact by improving processes such as reporting of offences to Police Scotland and conducting regular enforcement activity to bring those responsible to justice.

Since April, dedicated Taskforce officers and operations supported by the Taskforce have helped detect more than 2000 retail offences within Scotland.

In addition to the financial impact of shoplifting, the human cost of retail theft is incalculable. As part of the Crimestoppers initiative, the charity spoke to the public and retail staff about the impact of theft from the shops they worked in.

Many said they felt ‘afraid’ and ‘anxious’ at work. Several who witnessed crimes were left unable to return to work. Some smaller, local businesses were considering closing because of the daily threat of thefts.

Two recent incidents shared by Retailers Against Crime underline the human impact:

  • A man was stopped by -staff, and this  caused him to produce a large kitchen knife before threatening them with it. The male then fled the premises, and the store called  the  police.  He  was  stopped,  arrested  and  the knife was retained.
  • Another worker was assaulted after confronting a man who had left a store without paying for items. The offender later returned and physically attacked the security guard. 

Angela Parker, National Manager of Crimestoppers Scotland said: “Our charity wants to empower communities and retail staff to pass on information anonymously about WHO is behind, organised shop theft.

“Your information could help prevent serious abuse and violent incidents and help Scotland’s shop workers feel safer at work. You will never be asked for your name or any personal details, and your information could make a real difference.”

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “The Scottish Government recognises the harm caused by retail crime to businesses and those that work there.

“Our budget for 2025/26 has made an additional £3 million available to Police Scotland to help tackle the issue, which has led to the establishment of their Retail Crime Taskforce.

“Alongside our partners we want to prevent such incidents and pursue those responsible. I commend Crimestoppers, Police Scotland and all involved for raising awareness of this important issue as we approach the festive season, and their continuing efforts in this area.”

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Strategic Lead for Acquisitive Crime, said: “We recognised that retail offences were contributing to the overwhelming majority of acquisitive crimes taking place across Scotland and having a significant impact on businesses and retail staff.  

“In response, and through engagement with the Scottish Government, we set out a strategy for addressing this.

“Thanks to a £3m funding allocation for the year 2025/26, we were able to establish the Retail Crime Taskforce and since April, this dedicated unit has supported local policing divisions across Scotland to address retail crime, work closely with those in the retail sector to consider and enhance their security measures and bring offenders to justice.

“We also know that partnership work, such as this campaign, helps raise the profile of retail crime, so all relevant groups and individuals can reflect on the role they can play in tackling offences of this nature.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jackie Knight from the Retail Crime Taskforce added: “Our mission statement could not be simpler. We must reduce retail crime in all its forms and ensure that we work closely with the retail sector and retail workers to mitigate against the devastating impact of retail crime on those affected.

“Enforcement plays a key role and over the last seven months, thousands  of offences have been detected by dedicated Taskforce resources supporting their local policing colleagues.

“However, Police cannot solve this problem alone and that is why we are collaborating with Crimestoppers to raise awareness around the impact of Retail Crime on retailers, their staff and local communities, and urge those who have information about individuals committing retail crime, or those selling and buying stolen retail property to report it.  Retail crime is not victimless and together we can make a difference”

Lucy Brown, Retail Industry Leadership Co Chair, said, on behalf of the Retail Industry Leaders Group (RILG) “I am pleased to see the progress the Retail Crime Task Force is making, and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Police Scotland and the Scottish Government to ensure its continued success.”

Stephanie Karte, CEO Retailers Against Crime: “Retail crime is not a victimless offence and partnership working is key to tackling the growing threat faced by retailers and their staff.

“At Retailers Against Crime, we are seeing a sharp rise in incidents across our member network, with offenders becoming increasingly bold and organised. By working together in partnership, we can address this problem more effectively.

“We are stronger together and we urge the public to report any activity that may help identify or deter those responsible. The more eyes and ears we have, the greater our ability to disrupt criminal behaviour and make a real difference in keeping our communities safe.”

Man jailed for five years for involvement in large-scale cannabis cultivations

A man has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in multiple large-scale cannabis cultivations across Scotland.

Afrim Krasniqi, 29, pled guilty in relation to 12 cannabis cultivations identified at both residential and commercial properties in the Glasgow, Edinburgh, Penicuik, Aberdeen, Ayrshire and Angus areas.

The cultivations had an estimated street value of up to £3.8million.

He pled guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 16 October, 2025, and was sentenced at High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday, 25 November.

Detective Constable Karen Maxwell said: “The scale of this criminal operation was substantial, and Krasniqi is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“This case demonstrates our commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy in identifying and dismantling organised networks involved in the supply and production of drugs.

“This type of criminality is not a victimless crime. Organised crime groups often rely on the exploitation of vulnerable people to support their activity, and it can cause extensive damage to the properties they operate from, as well as have a detrimental impact on the communities within which they are active.”

Anyone with concerns about drug-related activity in their area is encouraged to contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Despicable: Men jailed for serious assault and robbery of pensioners

Two men have been jailed following a serious assault and robbery in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Andrew Stobbs, 40, was sentenced to three years and five months and Jon Wood, 46, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison on Monday, 24 November 2025 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

A 79-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man sustained serious injuries as a result of attack and robbery, which happened on Saturday, 30 November, 2024 in High School Wynd.

Stobbs and Wood, who were wearing face coverings grabbed the woman’s bag and dragged her to the ground, causing serious injuries. The man attempted to intervene which saw him being punched.

Detective Constable Michael Campbell said: “This was a violent, needless and deeply distressing attack on the couple. I hope this sentence brings some measure of comfort to them.

“Violence of this nature will never be tolerated. We remain committed to protecting the public, supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice.”

Police E-Bike crackdown sees bikes seized and 13 men charged

POLICE Officers in Edinburgh have seized 13 e-bikes following complaints from residents about anti-social behaviour.

The South West Community Policing Team carried out the initiative between 20th and 23rd November in the areas of Fountain Park, Dundee Street and Morrison Road.

Thirteen males aged between 18 and 45 were charged with road traffic offences, with offences including no insurance, no licence and no helmets. Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

PC Bob Galbraith said: “We are committed to ensuring public safety following the concerns raised by residents regarding anti-social behaviour involving e-bike riders, particularity incidents of riding in pavements, travelling at excessive speed and causing alarm or inconvenience.

“We continue to encourage residents to report any incidents so we can respond. Anyone with any concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101. We worked closely with HM Immigration officers during the initiative.”

#SWCPT

#CommunityPolicing

Man found guilty of serious sexual assault in Princes Street Gardens

At the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday (19 November 2025), a man was found guilty of a serious sexual assault.

James Leckie, 27, was convicted of assaulting and raping a 16-year-old female in Princes Street Gardens on Saturday, 16 September, 2023.

Detective Inspector Stephanie Garnett said: “We strongly condemn Leckie’s actions, which caused profound trauma to this young female during this abhorrent crime. Our thoughts are with her, and we hope this conviction offers her some measure of justice.

“We have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences, and no matter how much time has passed, please report it. You can be assured that you will be fully supported by officers and our partner agencies.”