Tag: Police Scotland

Warning over the sale of motorbikes online following thefts in West Lothian

POLICE officers are issuing a warning over the sale of motorbikes online following a number of thefts in the West Lothian area.

Recently we have received reports of motorbikes for sale on social media selling pages being taken for test drives and not returned.

Constable Grant Hillhouse, Livingston Police Station, said: “There has been an increase recently in the number of thefts reported of motorbikes being sold online.

“Typically this involves the potential buyer asking to take the bike for a test drive and not returning or paying for it.

“I’d urge anyone looking to sell online to ensure every precaution is taken to ensure the security of their property.”

You can find more advice on staying safe online and online shopping on our website: 

https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/cyber-related-financial-crime/

Hit and run on The Wisp: Police appeal

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious crash in Edinburgh yesterday (Saturday, 7 September, 2024).

Around 2.10pm officers were called to the collision involving a white van and a pedestrian on The Wisp.

The pedestrian, a 31-year-old woman, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where she remains in a serious but stable condition.

The van failed to stop and was seen making off in the direction of Old Dalkeith Road and Ferniehill Drive.

The road was closed while investigations were carried out and reopened around 6.15pm.

Enquiries are ongoing to trace the van and driver and officers are appealing for witnesses.

Road Policing Constable Andrew Crothers said: “It’s vital we trace the van involved in this incident and I’m appealing to the public for help.

“Were you in the area at the time and witnessed what happened? Did you see a white van in the Old Dalkeith Road or Ferniehill Drive areas? If so, please come forward.

“I’m also appealing to anyone with a dashcam, private CCTV or doorbell cameras to please review your footage and bring anything you think may be of significance to our attention.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1978 of 7 September. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Search for Jenny Hastings: Body found

Around 3.20pm this afternoon (Saturday, 7 September, 2024), the body of a woman was found in the Hound Point area of South Queensferry.

Formal identification is yet to take place but the family of missing woman Jenny Hastings has been informed.

There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Khasha Smith disappearance: Man charged

A man arrested by detectives investigating the disappearance of Khasha Smith has been charged.

Khasha, of Edinburgh, was last seen to be safe and well on a FaceTime call on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, aged 35.

Following extensive enquiries, Khasha is believed to be dead. However, her body is yet to be found.

A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with her death. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 9 September, 2024.

Khasha’s family have been made aware and have asked that their privacy is respected.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, is appealing to the public for information.

He said: “Our thoughts remain with Khasha’s family at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.

“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing to trace Khasha and I would again encourage anyone with any information regarding her disappearance to contact police, as a matter of urgency.

“Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital, so please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January 2024.

Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Khasha Smith investigation: Man arrested

Detectives investigating the disappearance of Khasha Smith have arrested a man as they continue to appeal for information.

Khasha, of Edinburgh, was last seen to be safe and well on a FaceTime call on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, aged 35.

Following extensive enquiries, Khasha is believed to be dead. However, her body is yet to be found.

A 39-year-old man has today, Friday, 6 September, 2024, been arrested in connection with her death and enquiries are ongoing.

Khasha’s family have been made aware and have asked that their privacy is respected.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, is appealing to the public for information.

He said: “Our thoughts are very much with Khasha’s family at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.

“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing to trace Khasha and I would again encourage anyone with any information regarding her disappearance to contact police, as a matter of urgency.

“Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital, so please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January 2024.

Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Hastings family ‘heartbroken’ as mum Jenny lost in Wardie Bay

Former Scotland rugby star Scott Hastings has confirmed his wife Jenny has been missing since disappearing while wild swimming at Wardie Bay on Tuesday afternoon.

HM Coastguard was alerted to Jenny Hastings’ disappearance shortly before 3pm but despite a swift and thorough response by emergency services she could not be found. The search was stood down on Tuesday evening.

Jenny Hastings has struggled with her mental health for a number of years and police are treating the incident as a ‘high risk missing person case’.

A statement issued on behalf of the family says:

The Hastings family are absolutely heart broken.

Jenny and Scott have a huge following of friends from all walks of life including those that work in the media and we ask that at this moment in time we are allowed to grieve privately with family members.

For the time being we request that you hold off from messaging us directly and/or posting on any social media until further news.

We know that you all care for us deeply and as soon as we hear any update from the police we will advise you accordingly.

We miss our Jenny. She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.

Scott, Corey, Daniel, Kerry-Anne & Ian

Khasha: The search continues

Officers conducting enquiries to locate missing woman Khasha Smith began searching in an area off Calder Road in Edinburgh today (Wednesday, 4 September, 2024).

The work includes specialist search trained officers as part of the investigation to locate Khasha who went missing almost a year ago, aged 35.

Extensive enquiries have been carried out but Khasha is still a missing person. We are continuing to support her family throughout this time.

Khasha was last seen to be safe and well on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023. She has never gone missing before. She is around 5ft, of slim build, with blue eyes and long, blonde hair.

She also has tattoos, one which is visible on her right wrist and says ‘Forever’.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said: “We continue to follow up several lines of enquiry and are working to find answers for Khasha’s family.

“As with every missing person inquiry, all aspects of Khasha’s life have been, and continue to be, explored. We know she would never miss events such as her daughter’s birthday and Christmas, and we have to consider the possibility that she may have come to harm.

“We are constantly evaluating and exploring all the information we have and remain open minded. We are doing everything we can to find her.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January 2024.

Fatal road crash: Man charged

A 58-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences following a fatal crash on the M8 near junction 1.

The crash happened around 9.10am on Monday, 18 December, 2023 involving a HGV and a car.

The driver of the car, a 41-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man is due to appear at court at a later date.

Seven year sentence for serial Edinburgh child rapist

A 20-year-old man has been jailed for seven years in connection with a series of serious sexual offences in Edinburgh.

Sam Brown was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Monday, 2 September, 2024) for sexual offences, including the rape of four girls between March and December 2022.

He was previously was found guilty of seven charges on Tuesday, 30 July, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

He was also issued with non-harassment orders against each of his victims indefinitely.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “Brown will now rightly face the consequences of his deplorable actions.

“I would like to commend the young women for their strength in coming forward during this investigation and helping us build a compelling case against him. I hope this outcome provides them with some sense of closure and allows them to move on from this horrendous ordeal.

“We are committed to creating a society where women and girls live free from violence, abuse, exploitation and harassment.

“If anyone is experiencing or has experienced any type of violence or sexual abuse, you are not alone, and we would encourage you to report it to us.

“You will be listened to and supported throughout the entire process by officers and our partner agencies, and together we will bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Man jailed for nine and a half years for series of sexual offences

A man has been jailed for more than nine years for violent and sexual offences against women in the Edinburgh and Midlothian areas.

Jamie Wilson, 34, was convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 27 June, 2024 of the offences between 2015 and 2022.

He was sentenced on Friday (30 August), at the same court, to nine and a half years in prison and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “Wilson now faces the consequences of a campaign of violent and sexual attacks on women spanning a significant period of time.

“I commend the strength of the women involved in coming forward to report his offending and throughout the legal proceedings. I hope the conviction and sentencing will bring them justice as they continue to move forward with their lives.

“Anyone who has been a victim of violent or sexual abuse is urged to report it to us, regardless of when it happened. We’re committed to fully investigating all reports and victims are supported throughout by our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”