Tag: Police Scotland

Former teacher jailed for child sexual abuse offences

A 72-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years after pleading guilty to several non-recent sexual abuse offences at the High Court in Glasgow.
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William Bain from Crieff offended over a 21-year-period between 1978 to 1999.

An investigation was launched in 2021 following evidence heard at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
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As part of the investigation, 11 victims were identified, aged between 11 and 14. The offences occurred at various locations including Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dumbarton.
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In October 2022, Bain was arrested by officers.

Detective Sergeant Alan Macdougall said: “Bain is a prolific sexual predator. He used his position of power to inflict pain and harm on his young victims. The scale of his offending is horrendous.
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“I would like to commend those involved in the investigation for speaking to us. The impact of such crimes is deeply felt and long lasting and I understand how difficult it is to relive such horror.
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“We remain committed to tackling all forms of sexual crimes, regardless of when they occurred. I would encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward, knowing we will fully investigate and you will be supported by our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “The men in this case who Bain targeted as young boys have shown incredible bravery in coming forward to give evidence and help bring him to justice. after living with the impact of his abuse for many years.

“As a teacher Bain held a position of trust, which he grossly exploited for more than two decades to sexually abuse boys in his care. 

“Child sexual abuse can have a profound and long-lasting impact on victims, and it is vital they feel able to speak out and can receive the specialist support they need to help them move forwards with their lives.”

Anyone concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 for help and advice or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Children can contact Childline for help and support on 0800 1111 or via childline.org.uk.

Campaign launches to tackle youth street drinking

Street disorder and youth drinking are to be tackled in a summer campaign across Scotland.

What began as a pilot designed by the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership a decade ago in North Lanarkshire, “It’ll Cost You” is now a nation-wide campaign fronted by Police Scotland.

The clear message of the campaign is that buying alcohol for minors could land you with a fine, a jail sentence or both.

Police Scotland is working with retailers and alcohol companies to drive home the stark message that buying alcohol for children, proxy purchase, is a criminal offence.

Evaluations of the previous campaigns have shown a steady increase in awareness about the implications of supplying alcohol to minors, but it remains a serious issue with detections being made by police across Scotland during the course of last year’s campaign.

The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign is a collaboration between Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership and Community Alcohol Partnerships.

This year’s campaign will run from 30 June in communities across Scotland.

Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland, said: “This campaign showcases the benefits of key partners working together to inform the public of dangers associated with underage drinking, as well as the criminal consequences for supplying those under 18 with alcohol.”

Luke McGarty, Chair of the SAIP Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “Retailers are the first line of defence in reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.

“Our members are robust in ensuring that under 18’s can’t buy alcohol from their stores, so it’s vital that customers support those efforts and are aware of the dangers of proxy purchasing’.  

“The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign fits perfectly with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”

Grahame Clarke, Community Alcohol Partnership Coordinator, said: “The campaign gives us an opportunity to spread the “It’ll Cost You!” message in local communities, highlighting the dangers of buying alcohol for young people.

“We look forward to working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers to make sure that this messaging is carried through all our engagement activity this summer.”

Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown, said: “To have run this campaign for ten years is a strong example of partnership working to help reduce crime and make our communities safer.

“‘It’ll Cost You’ reinforces the message that buying alcohol for someone under the age of 18, regardless of your relationship to them, is illegal.

“It can put them at risk of becoming vulnerable or involved in antisocial behaviour and if you buy drink for them, you could be fined, imprisoned, or both.

“This campaign highlights the dangers of underage drinking and sends a strong message that this is not acceptable.”

Edinburgh armed robber jailed

A man has been sentenced to four years in prison for armed robbery in Edinburgh.

John Clark, 20, pled guilty at The High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, 26 March, 2025. He was sentenced at the same court on Friday (27 June).

Around 7.15am on 24 September, 2023, Clark entered a Post Office in Milton Road West, Edinburgh, armed with an imitation gun. He made threats to the member of staff working there and made off with a sum of money.

Detective Constable Chris Stewart said: “This was a terrifying experience for those involved, and Clark will now face the consequences of his actions. I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victims.

“We remain committed to thoroughly investigating violent crime and ensuring those responsible are held to account.”

Shoplifter faces more jail time

A man has been arrested in connection with a spate of shopliftings in the Southside.

As a result of proactive inquiries conducted by the Retail Crime Taskforce, the 34-year-old was traced to an address in Buccleuch Street on Tuesday (24 June).

It was then established that he was in breach of bail conditions imposed following his release from prison in the Greater Manchester area.

He has been recalled to prison and will be reported for a total of 18 offences that took place at various Sainsbury’s convenience stores.

Inspector David Duthie said: “This was a terrific piece of investigative work by members of the Edinburgh Retail Crime Taskforce and as a result we’ve detected a significant number of shoplifting crimes that were reported within the Southside.

“I want to make it clear to anyone committing retail crime offences throughout the city that their actions will not be tolerated and whether it’s local policing resources, or members of the Taskforce, we’ll continue to gather evidence and bring you to justice.

“We will also continue to support the city’s retailers in enhancing their own security and crime prevention measures as we strive to reduce the number of retail crime incidents occurring.”

#RetailCrimeTaskforce

#NotAVictimlessCrime

Three charged after day of action in Edinburgh to tackle retail crime

Three people have been charged following a day of action in Edinburgh city centre to address retail crime.

On Wednesday, 18 June, local policing officers joined colleagues from the Retail Crime Taskforce to undertake high-visibility patrols and visit retail premises to deter offences such as shoplifting and identify those involved in criminal activity affecting the area’s shops and businesses.

As a result, 13 stop and searches were conducted and three people are now subject to reports to the Procurator Fiscal.

A 49-year-old man was found in possession of drugs, which have been sent for analysis.

A 40-year-old male was stopped following a shoplifting and was arrested and charged with conditions not to enter the city centre. Stolen property worth £400 was recovered at this time.

A 24-year-old female was also charged with theft following the recovery of £50 worth of stolen goods.

Over 30 premises were visited, and extensive intelligence was also gathered for further inquiry throughout the day of action.

Inspector Gordon Duff said: “Our day of action was supported by key partners at Retailers Against Crime, Essential Edinburgh, BTP, Lothian Busses and the retailers operating within the city centre.

“We want activity like this to send a very clear message that retail crime is being treated as a priority and extensive time and resource is being dedicated to reducing offences and bring those responsible to justice.

“I’m grateful to all of the officers and partners that provided vital assistance, and the public can rest assured further activity will take place as we actively target all of those involved in the various forms of retail crime affecting Edinburgh’s businesses.”

Missing Man: Have you seen Keiran?

POLICE are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 25-year-old man reported missing in Edinburgh.

Kieran Maloney was last seen around 0.10am on Sunday, 22 June on Ferry Road near the junction with North Junction Street.

He is described as around 6ft 1ins, of medium build, with short, red hair. When last seen he was wearing a navy blue bomber jacket and jeans.

Inspector Grant McCulloch said: “Concerns are growing for Kieran’s welfare and we want to make sure he is safe and well.

“I am asking anyone who has seen Kieran or knows where he might be to get in touch.”

Anyone who can help should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0908 of Sunday, 22 June, 2025.

Missing Boy: Have you seen Haiden?

*** UPDATE – HAIDEN HAS BEEN TRACED ***

POLICE are asking for the help of the public to trace a 10-year-old boy reported missing in Edinburgh.

Haiden Crawford was last seen around midday on Friday, 20 June, in the Glenalmond Place area.

He is described as around 4ft 10ins, of average build with short orange coloured hair.

Inspector Quentin Russell said: “Concerns are growing for Haiden’s welfare and it is vital that we find him to make sure he is safe and well.

“He may have taken a bus and travelled around the city.

“We are asking anyone who has seen Haiden or knows where he might be to get in touch with us immediately.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0064 of Saturday, 21 June, 2025.

Section of Queensferry Road will be closed TONIGHT

Queensferry Road will be closed in both directions between Drumbrae North and Clermiston Road North from 10pm on Thursday, 19 June until 1am on Friday, 20 June, 2025.

The closure is to allow for a collision reconstruction as part of enquiries into a crash which happened on Tuesday, 8 April, 2025.

Diversions will be in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

Police Scotland thank the public for their patience and their understanding.

Drug dealer jailed

A man has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison in relation to drugs offences in Edinburgh.

Ardit Mazrreku, 27, was sentenced today at the High Court for being concerned in drug dealing in the capital in September 2024.

On 19 September 2024, officers acting on intelligence, officers searched the property on Ratcliffe Terrace in the city during the morning of Wednesday, 25 September and recovered cannabis and cocaine with an estimated street value of £165,000.

Sergeant Mark Walker said: “Police Scotland is committed to removing illegal substances from our communities and we will take all measures to disrupt those involved in the drug trade.

“This arrest and conviction underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Recoveries such as this rely on information from people who do not tolerate the scourge of drugs in their neighbourhoods.

“Anyone with concerns about drugs in their community can contact us via 101, or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

More than £8 million worth of drugs removed from Scotland’s streets since May

More than £8 million worth of drugs have been removed from Scotland’s streets since the beginning of May.

In the last week alone, more than £3 million worth of illegal substances have been seized following significant recoveries across the country.

Cannabis worth £640,000 was found after officers executed warrants in the Church Street area of Alloa on Tuesday, 10 June.

On Wednesday, cocaine worth £250,000 was seized after officers stopped a car on the M74 near Lockerbie and £340,000 worth of cannabis was discovered at an address in Uphall.

Almost £1 million worth of cannabis was also seized from an address in the High Street area of Shotts on Thursday.

And in the Simshill area of Glasgow on Friday, officers discovered a cannabis cultivation with plants worth £120,000.

Almost £5 million worth of drugs were seized in total from across Glasgow, Oban, Aberdeen, Denny, Cowdenbeath, Ayrshire, Stepps and Dunfermline last month (May).

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “Some of these were significant seizures and highlight our dedication to tackling drug crime in Scotland.

“Controlled substances are dangerous and cause real harm to individuals, families and communities. They are illegal for that very reason.

“Working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting individuals and organised crime groups, who selfishly exploit vulnerable people solely for their own financial gain.

“Results like these shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“We rely on information from the public and anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”