Police Scotland – Page 21 – The NEN

“Disgrace”: Eight in ten Edinburgh housebreakings go unsolved

Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has warned that SNP mismanagement has left policing in Edinburgh at breaking point as new figures reveal the majority of housebreakings go unsolved.

Latest recorded crime statistics show that in 2022-23 there were 1449 housebreakings recorded in the City of Edinburgh. In the same year a shocking 80 per cent of housebreakings were not cleared up.

A crime or offence is regarded as “cleared up” where there exists a sufficiency of evidence under Scots law to justify consideration of criminal proceedings – meaning the majority of housebreakings in Edinburgh have gone unsolved.

Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has said these figures expose the pressure policing in the City of Edinburgh is under, and warned the SNP-Green government against cuts in the area.

Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said: “The revelation that 8 out of 10 housebreakings in Edinburgh remain unsolved is nothing short of a disgrace.

“These shocking figures reveal the pressure police in Edinburgh are under, with years of SNP mismanagement pushing services to breaking point.

“Housebreaking can cause its victims both financial loss and serious distress, and it will add insult to injury that so many perpetrators get off scot-free.

“It is high time for our government to prioritise public safety, allocate adequate funding, and ensure that police have the resources they need to tackle crime and keep our city safe.

“The residents of Edinburgh deserve better.”

Recorded crime 2022-23 – housebreakings:

	Housebreakings2022-23	% Not Cleared	Number /10 not cleared
Scotland	8796	74.5	7
Aberdeen City	347	59.4	6
Aberdeenshire	168	75	8
Angus	160	61.9	6
Argyll & Bute	68	73.5	7
Clackmannanshire	67	85.1	9
Dumfries & Galloway	194	66	7
Dundee City	434	68.7	7
East Ayrshire	170	71.2	7
East Dunbartonshire	113	69.9	7
East Lothian	228	66.7	7
East Renfrewshire	129	80.6	8
Edinburgh, City of	1449	80.3	8
Falkirk	231	80.5	8
Fife	638	66.9	7
Glasgow City	1223	79.7	8
Highland	259	67.2	7
Inverclyde	145	69.7	7
Midlothian	201	82.1	8
Moray	122	65.6	7
Na h-Eileanan Siar	4	25	3
North Ayrshire	187	70.1	7
North Lanarkshire	561	76.8	8
Orkney Islands	5	40	4
Perth & Kinross	217	70	7
Renfrewshire	191	78.5	8
Scottish Borders	166	83.1	8
Shetland Islands	8	75	8
South Ayrshire	170	65.9	7
South Lanarkshire	388	76.8	8
Stirling	124	77.4	8
West Dunbartonshire	146	79.5	8
West Lothian	283	79.5	8

SourSource:ce https://www.gov.scot/publications/recorded-crime-scotland-2022-23/

Police seek witnesses as two pedestrians injured in road accident

Police are appealing for witnesses after a collision between a car and two pedestrians in Edinburgh yesterday (Saturday, 24 June 2023).

Around 1.30 pm, an 88-year-old man and an 86-year-old woman were struck by a black Subaru whilst crossing West Mains Road at Mayfield Road.

The couple were taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where they remain for treatment. Medical staff describe their condition as stable.

The 80-year-old female driver of the Subaru was not injured following the incident.

Sergeant Scott Kirkpatrick, Roads Policing Unit, Livingston, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any information, including dash-cam footage.

“If you have not yet come forward to police, then please call officers via 101 quoting reference number 2103 of Saturday, 24 June 2023.”

Police appeal following car fire

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a car was deliberately set on fire in Greendykes Road.

The incident happened around 11pm on Wednesday, 21 June, 2023, when a silver BMW was found on fire. The fire was put out by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and no one was injured.

Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn said: “It is fortunate that no one was hurt.

“We are appealing for anyone with dash-cam or private CCTV footage that could assist us with our investigation to contact us.”

If you can assist officers, please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4699 of Wednesday, 21 June, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Re-appeal for information on Sean McGovern who absconded from HMP Castle Huntly

POLICE are re-appealing for information on the whereabouts of 39-year-old Sean McGovern, a prisoner who absconded from HMP Castle Huntly.

Sean was reported missing to police around 10pm on Sunday, 11 June. The most recent information provided to police is that he may have travelled to the Edinburgh or Lothian area. However, despite extensive enquiries and searches, he has not yet been traced.

He is described as white, around 5ft 8ins in height and of stocky build with a scar on his right cheek.

When he absconded he was wearing a dark-coloured woollen hat and a dark-coloured long sleeved top, with light-coloured trousers and trainers.

Officers are again advising members of the public not to approach him if they see him but to contact police.

Anyone who has seen Sean since Sunday evening, or who has any information on his whereabouts is urged to contact 101 with reference 4025 of 11 June. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers through 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Police offer motorcycle training

Get on your bike and join us – Road Policing East and road safety partners are holding Rider Refinement motorcycle training courses to promote responsible riding and reduce road casualties.

More: https://ow.ly/qSZX50OLBWB

Best Bar None Scotland 2023 launched

A successful multi-agency scheme aimed at improving standards and safety in licensed premises across Scotland has launched for 2023.

Best Bar None Scotland is a national accreditation and award scheme, which creates a safe day and night-time economy through awarding pubs, bars, nightclubs, and specialist entertainment venues, which provide high standards of safety for their staff and customers.

Participating venues are given the opportunity to demonstrate they can meet a number of objectives, set in consultation with Scottish Government and alcohol industry.

Best Bar None is led by Retailers Against Crime and supported by Police Scotland, Scottish Government and alcohol industry sponsors. It rewards safe and well-managed premises with a commemorative plaque which can be used to promote the venue.

The scheme follows five key objectives set out in the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. These are; prevention of crime and disorder, protection of public safety, protection of the environment, promotion of public health and protection of children from harm.

The aim is for partner agencies to work with licensed premises in creating safer and welcoming night-time economy, which assists Police Scotland reducing criminal activity within these venues.

The launch event for Best Bar None 2023 scheme took place at the Bag O’Nails pub in Glasgow. The venue won the Best Late Night Bar category in 2022.

Police Scotland’s Chief Inspector Steven McKinnon said: “The public has a right to enjoy a safe night out within any of Scotland’s licensed premises, while, at the same time, staff working within these venues are also entitled to carry out their duties without fear of falling victim to a crime.

“The Best Bar None scheme has a number of different categories that venues can strive to achieve success in and in doing so, they will gain national recognition for their efforts.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping the public safe and reducing incidents of public space and alcohol-related violence. Best Bar None is a really important initiative in helping us achieve this goal and we will continue to work with all relevant partners to further enhance the safety of Scotland’s night-time economy.”

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “I am pleased to continue our support for the Best Bar None Scheme in Scotland. The scheme helps highlight the positive role that that pubs, clubs and bars can play to support community well-being.

“It’s important to give safety in the night time economy its rightful focus and the scheme is an excellent opportunity for establishments to show what sort of venues they are running, how responsible they are and that they value their customers safety as much as their patronage.”

Jack Gemmell, Chairman of the Best Bar None Board added: “I am proud to recognise the hard work from all the participants of the Best Bar none Scheme in what continues to be a challenging business environment.

“The national winners we are announcing today are real examples of the benefits of taking part in the scheme. This has never just been about improving one bar or nightclub; it’s been about raising up the whole night-time economy to provide safe and fun venues for people to share convivial moments.

“The data behind the benefits of the scheme are well known but the winners here today demonstrate the real human value in providing the best of hospitality in the safest possible way.”

Maxine Fraser, Managing Director for Retailers Against Crime, added: “Retailers Against Crime are privileged to be the new administrators of Best Bar None Scotland.

“I would encourage all licensed premises to become involved in Best Bar None Scotland. Together we can all make a difference in helping to keep the day and night-time economy in our towns and cities vibrant and safe places to visit.”

Jo Farrell will be Police Scotland’s next Chief Constable

The Scottish Police Authority has announced that Jo Farrell will be Police Scotland’s next Chief Constable following Sir Iain Livingstone QPM’s decision to retire this August.

Jo Farrell has been Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary since 2019 having been Deputy at Durham since 2016 and having served in Northumbria Police since 2002.

Chief Constable Farrell joined policing as Constable in Cambridge in 1991 after a degree in business at Sheffield Polytechnic.

Chief Constable Farrell said: “This really is a day of mixed emotions. I am immensely proud to have served as Chief Constable of Durham and equally proud of everything the force has achieved over that time.

“Over the last six years, I have worked with some extraordinarily talented and committed people, dedicated to keeping County Durham and Darlington safe, and it has been a very difficult decision to leave.

“But as Chief Constable of Police Scotland I have been offered a unique opportunity to take on one of the most exciting and challenging jobs in UK policing.”

Chief Constable Farrell’s appointment was made by the Scottish Police Authority and approved by Scottish Ministers in accordance with the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 and follows a robust assessment and selection process.

The appointment will be for a fixed term of 4-years with the possibility of extension in line with legislation.

Martyn Evans, Chair of the Authority and the Selection Panel who interviewed candidates for the role, said: “I am delighted to have had such a strong calibre of applicants to this important role and now announce the appointment of Jo Farrell as the next Chief Constable of Police Scotland.

“Jo is an outstanding and highly experienced senior police leader who has made an exceptional contribution to policing over her extensive career. With a proven history of innovative policing, Ms Farrell has led Durham Constabulary for the last 4-years where it was graded as ‘outstanding’ for its disruption of organised crime and how it achieves value for money. She also has UK wide experience heading the demanding Digital Data and Technology portfolio for the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

“As Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Jo Farrell will bring exceptional professionalism, building on the high level of policing operational stability and effectiveness achieved in recent years and further accelerate the culture change programmes. I look forward to working with her.”

In February Sir Iain Livingstone QPM, who was appointed Chief Constable in August 2018 and served as Interim Chief from September 2017, announced he would retire from policing after 31 years.

Sir Iain said: “I congratulate Jo Farrell and look forward to working with her to ensure an effective handover that will maintain stability in Police Scotland.

“Leading our outstanding officers and staff as Scotland’s Chief Constable is an enormous privilege. I have great confidence Jo will continue to develop our service to protect and serve our fellow citizens.”

Justice Secretary Angela Constance has welcomed the appointment of Jo Farrell as Police Scotland’s first female Chief Constable.

The current Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary, Ms Farrell was appointed by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) following a robust six-week assessment process and will take up the post later this year, replacing Sir Iain Livingstone QPM, who is retiring in August.

Ms Constance, who approved the SPA’s appointment, said: “I am delighted that Jo Farrell has been appointed as Police Scotland’s new Chief Constable following the Scottish Police Authority’s rigorous selection process.

“Jo is the first women to be appointed to this role. As the force marks its 10^th anniversary year, she has shown she has the skills needed to lead the service into the next decade and meet the challenges ahead.

“Thanks to the dedication and work of the police, recorded crime rates overall are at record low levels and we have a service that is unique in the UK with an embedded human rights focus.

“Policing will continue to be an absolute priority for this government, as evidenced by the £1.45 billion we have allocated to support it in 2023-24. I look forward to working with the new Chief Constable as the service continues to build on its significant strengths.

“I also want to pay tribute to Sir Iain for his bold leadership and wider service to keeping communities safe during a lengthy, distinguished career in policing. He leaves Police Scotland in great shape after leading it through unprecedented times.”

Read the full SPA announcement here.

Witness appeal following serious assault in St Marks Park

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after a 39-year-old was seriously assaulted in St Marks Park yesterday (Wednesday, 14 June, 2023).

The incident occurred around 12.30pm and took place near to the play park.

The man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

Detective Constable Christina Yeoman, from Gayfield CID, said: “This attack took place in broad daylight, within a busy area, so it is likely that members of the public either witnessed the incident or may have seen those responsible.

“We are asking for anyone with information to please come forward. If you believe you can assist our enquiries, please call police on 101, quoting incident 1997 of 14 June, 2023. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Police seek witnesses to Jane Street fire incident

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information and witnesses following a fire near to a property and a vehicle in Leith.

The incident took place on Jane Street, at around 10.35pm on Sunday, 11 June, 2023.

Officers assisted their partners at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at the scene. Whilst significant damage was caused, no injuries have been reported.

Enquiries to establish the cause of the fire are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Christina Yeoman, from Gayfield CID, said: “We can be thankful that no one was hurt as a result of this fire.

“As our investigation continues, we are keen to hear from anyone who may have information, or potential CCTV or dashcam footage from the area.

“If you believe you can assist our enquiries, please call police on 101, quoting incident 4183 of 11 June, 2023.”

Portobello Beach Safety Markers

The City of Edinburgh Council installed location markers at Portobello Beach as part of a beach safety partnership with the Edinburgh Police Division and Maritime and Coastguard Agency in April 2021.

Numbered signs 1-6 have been attached to existing beach defence groynes and yellow circular signs to the sea wall. The emergency services can use these numbered markers to plot your location in an emergency.

Marker 1 – Pipe Lane

Marker 2 – Bath Street

Marker 3 – Bellfield Street

Marker 4 – John Street

Marker 5 – Bedford Terrace

Marker 6 – End of the promenade at Joppa Road

The signage has been used numerous times over the last few years, including search & rescue incidents.

Feedback from emergency responders and partner agencies has been very positive: “The numbered signs worked well, giving a direct place to attend, which in my view, saved vital minutes in our attendance.”

Please stay safe on our coastline. Further information on water safety can be found with our RNLI partners at https://ow.ly/txu250OLkfM

In a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

#RespectTheWater