Police Scotland is aware of concerns being shared on social media about filming around playparks.
We have charged two men in connection with an alleged breach of the peace in Paisley.
In an unconnected incident, a man has been charged in connection with an alleged breach of the peace following concerns raised in Rutherglen.
Officers have also investigated a small number of unconnected reports of filming, these have been found to be parents filming their own children or other individuals who were not filming children and no criminality was established.
Police Scotland takes reports seriously and will investigate any matters reported to us.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “Given concerns about filming, I would ask people to remind anyone videoing or photographing in public to respect those around them.
“Police officers balance the rights of people to film with the potential to cause fear or alarm and make decisions based on individual circumstances.
“I would encourage responsible use of social media and ask people not to share speculation or inaccurate information. Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources.
“It is not illegal to take photographs or video footage in public places unless it is for criminal purposes.”
Detectives are appealing for information after a house was deliberately set on fire in Hay Drive in the early hours of this morning.
Around 1.20am on Friday, 4 April, 2025, officers were made aware of a fire, which also spread to a neighbouring property. Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished.
There were no reports of any injuries but substantial damage has been caused to both properties.
Extensive enquiries are ongoing and from our investigations so far, officers believe this incident may be linked to the recent discharge of firearms and other fire-raising incidents in the city.
Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “It is vital that we trace whoever is responsible for this reckless act as soon as possible.
“While we believe this was a targeted attack, the fire has spread to a neighbouring property and the consequences could have been far more serious.
“Our enquiries suggest this incident is linked to groups who are actively targeting each other but we understand this will be concerning for the local community.
“Please be assured we are working hard to trace those involved. Our action this week demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.”
A motorbike carrying 2 individuals was seen in the area around the time of the fire and officers are keen to anyone who may have seen this vehicle.
Detective Superintendent Grainger added: “We would urge anyone with information, or anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, to review it and get in touch with officers.
“I am keen to hear from anyone who saw this motorbike in the area.
“Please think back – did you see this vehicle? Or did you see anything suspicious in the area around the time?
“If you have any information at all, please contact us.
“Plain-clothed and uniform officers will remain in the area while our investigations continue.
“Anyone with any concerns, or any information, can approach these officers.”
Two further arrests have been made after more warrants were executed this week in Edinburgh following this series of incidents.
On Thursday, 3 April, divisional officers from Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, supported by specialist resources from Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism and firearms officers, attended at five addresses across Edinburgh and Musselburgh.
A number of items relevant to the investigation, including weapons, were seized, along with drugs and cash.
Two men, aged 25 and 33, were arrested and charged with drugs offences. Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. A 38-year-old man was also reported to the Procurator Fiscal, and a 30-year-old man was given two recorded police warnings, for drugs offences.
Detectives, supported by firearms officers, also executed two additional firearms search warrants in the Leith area of Edinburgh this morning (Friday, 4 April).The activity was part of an ongoing investigation into the discharge of firearms and fire-raising incidents in the city last month.
So far officers have arrested six people in total, checked around 1600 vehicles and recovered eight which had been stolen. Around 2400 hours of CCTV footage are being examined and officers on patrol have delivered 500 leaflets in the community to reassure them.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “These incidents could have had much more serious consequences and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Significant enquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“We will continue to carry out additional high-visibility patrols and disruption activity across the city and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers, so we can take action.
“If anyone has information that can help with our enquiries then please contact us immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Four people have been arrested after warrants were executed at five properties as part of a pre-planned operation following a series of incidents in Edinburgh.
Yesterday, Wednesday, 2 April, divisional officers from Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, supported by specialist resources from Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism and firearms officers, attended at addresses across Edinburgh.
A number of items relevant to the investigation were seized at four of the five properties, including a stolen Range Rover.
A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with threatening and abusive behaviour following an incident on Thursday, 20 March, 2025. He is due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 3 April, 2025.
A 38-year-old man was arrested and charged for reset of a stolen motor vehicle. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Thursday, 3 April, 2025.
A 34-year-old woman was also arrested in connection with a stolen vehicle but was released pending further enquiries.
A 16-year-old man was arrested for reset of a stolen vehicle, various road traffic offences, and being in possession of an offensive weapon for incidents which occurred on Friday, 7 March, 2025. He has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
The activity was part of an ongoing investigation into the discharge of firearms and fire-raising incidents in the city last month.
So far officers have gathered intelligence around 1600 vehicles and recovered seven which had been stolen. Around 2400 hours of CCTV footage are being examined and officers on patrol have delivered 500 leaflets in the community to reassure them.
Extensive enquiries are ongoing and from our investigations so far, we believe the discharge of firearms and fire-raising incidents may be linked to groups who are actively targeting each other.
Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “It is imperative that we trace whoever is responsible for these reckless acts as soon as possible.
“I want to reassure the community that we have a team of detectives working on this investigation and our action today demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.
“This operation is a result of extensive investigatory work over a number of weeks and we will continue to utilise detectives and specialists from across Police Scotland as this continues.
“Disruption is just one area of our work and we will continue to use every tactic at our disposal to relentlessly pursue individuals who engage in violence within this city.
“If you have any information that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “These incidents could have had much more serious consequences and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Significant enquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“We will continue to carry out additional high-visibility patrols and disruption activity across the city and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers, so we can take action.
“If anyone has information that can help with our enquiries then please contact us immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
The East Retail Crime Task Force has launched following increased offending against retailers.
Two women (both 42) arrested in separate incidents will appear in court facing 25 charges including theft, police assault, breach of bail and offences against retail workers.
POLICE are continuing to appeal for information to help trace Coen Bust, two weeks on since he was reported missing.
Mr Bust, 47, travelled to the Dunkeld area by train from Edinburgh on Thursday, 13 March. There have been no confirmed sightings since he arrived at Dunkeld train station at 10.18am.
Police officers were at Edinburgh Waverley and Dunkeld train stations yesterday to speak to commuters and try to get more information about Mr Bust’s whereabouts. Anyone who has any information is urged to get in touch.
Mr Bust is described as white, of heavy build, with a long, grey beard. He is thought to be wearing a mustard-yellow jacket and carrying a rucksack and a red/orange metal water bottle.
Inspector James Longden, Blairgowrie Police Office, said: “Since Mr Bust was reported missing, we have carried out extensive and specialist searches and enquiries across the area, but unfortunately, we have not yet been able to trace him.
“Two weeks on these searches continue in the Dunkeld and Birnam areas and we are continuing to ask for any information that could help us locate him.
“Anyone with any information of where Mr Bust is or could be should call Police Scotland on 101 and quote reference 2616 of Thursday, 13 March.”
Police Scotland’s national roll out of body worn video started yesterday (Wednesday 26 March), with the first officers equipped with the new cameras on duty in Tayside.
Around 750 Tayside officers, including road policing officers and dog handlers, will be equipped with the new devices over the coming weeks.
As the roll out progresses, more than 10,500 Home Office approved Motorola Solutions VB400 cameras will be issued to frontline officers from constable to inspector ranks, and to police custody staff, across the country.
Since taking command in October 2023, Chief Constable Jo Farrell has prioritised the introduction of body worn video.
The equipment can help to de-escalate incidents, improve public trust in policing and reduce complaints, support officer and staff safety, and bring wider benefits to the criminal justice system.
Chief Constable Farrell said: “The national roll out of body worn video has commenced with the first police officers out on patrol in Tayside today. All frontline officers and custody staff in Tayside Division will be equipped over the coming weeks.
“During the next 18 months, you will see a gradual increase in officers with body worn video cameras across Scotland. In cities and rural communities, in our communities on the roads, hospitals and schools and anywhere else they are required to carry out their duties.
“Body worn video can significantly enhance public confidence and support officer and public safety by providing effective and transparent evidence of police and public interactions.
“The technology will also improve the quality of evidence presented in court to deliver faster justice for victims by increasing early guilty pleas and reducing time spent at court for victims, witnesses and police officers.
“There is strong public and partner support for body worn video in Scotland and we will continue to explain our use of this important technology including assurance around data privacy and human rights considerations.”
A national roll out was a key recommendation of Lady Elish Angiolini’s independent review of police complaints.
Our national public consultation on body worn video received more than 9,000 responses and showed overwhelming support for its introduction, with 81 per cent agreeing that it would increase public confidence in policing.
Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, said: “I am very pleased that the Scottish Government’s record investment in Police Scotland is continuing to support the national roll-out of body worn video for officers and staff.
“Body worn video can increase public confidence in policing and improve safety for police officers and staff. It can also benefit victims and witnesses of crime by allowing cases to be brought to court sooner.
“The use of body worn video is supported by a world-leading £33 million Scottish Government initiative for sharing digital evidence from crime scene to court room. Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC), which is also being rolled out across Scotland, is leading to efficiencies across the criminal justice system, delivering benefits for victims, police officers, prosecutors, defence lawyers, court staff and judges.”
Fiona McQueen, CBE, Scottish Police Authority Interim Chair said: “The roll out of BWV to frontline officers has been a longstanding aspiration for policing in Scotland and this marks an important milestone in that journey.
“The benefits of this technology are well documented. It will benefit the safety of our officers and the public and wider criminal justice system in terms of the effectiveness of investigations.”
Fergus Mayne, UK and Ireland country manager at Motorola Solutions said: “Our Motorola Solutions body cameras are both designed and assembled in Scotland, and we’re proud of our close collaboration with Police Scotland in this important nationwide deployment.
“The new levels of insight and awareness captured by officers’ video footage will help enable greater policing efficiencies and public safety outcomes. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and innovation for all Scotland’s communities.”
Every frontline uniformed police officer, including Special Constables, will be expected to wear a video camera on their uniform while on duty and to activate it when using police powers, whether a stop and search, an arrest of a suspect or executing a search warrant.
Police staff in custody suites will also use cameras when interacting with people in custody.
The footage may be used as evidence, but it will not replace existing procedures and requirements when gathering all available information. It will remain a matter for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to review and determine competence on a case-by-case basis.
Video footage will be uploaded to secure police systems and the evidence will be shared with the COPFS using the new Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC) system.
The introduction of body worn video is not intended to encourage the greater use of single police officer deployments or alter current deployment models for policing in Scotland.
Body worn video is expected to be introduced to the Highlands and Islands and North East in summer 2025 before moving into the east of the country in the autumn.
POLICE are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 29-year-old woman reported missing from the Penicuik area.
Toni McNelis was last seen around midnight on Friday, 14 March, in the Edinburgh Road area of the town.
She has been spoken to on the phone by officers, however there are still concerns and we need to trace her.
Toni is described as being around 5ft 4in tall, of slim build, with long blonde hair. It is not known what she was wearing.
She may have travelled to the Glasgow area and also has links to Edinburgh.
Inspector Carlyn Simpson, Dalkeith Police Station, said: “We are concerned for Toni’s welfare and are asking anyone who knows where she might be to come forward.
“Her family and friends are extremely worried and just want to know she is safe and well.
“I would also appeal directly to Toni – if you see this, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1545 of 20 March.
POSSIBLE LINK TO THIRD INCIDENT NOW BEING INVESTIGATED
The major investigation into the discharge of firearms and associated criminal incidents in Edinburgh is continuing.
A team of detectives, along with specialist and divisional officers, are working on this inquiry. Significant CCTV footage has also been collected which is being scrutinised and officers continue to gather additional information via door-to-door enquiries.
On Saturday afternoon, officers conducted road and vehicle checks in the Ferry Road, Niddrie and Pennywell areas. These road checks will continue as part of the ongoing investigation.
A report of a suspicious fire in Hay Drive today – Sunday, 23 March – is now also being investigated.
Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “We understand this will be concerning for local communities, but I want to reassure everyone that we are pursuing those involved and are using every tool and tactic at our disposal.
“We are taking strong action to disrupt this criminal activity and a lot of work, which may not always be visible, is ongoing. Additional officers are currently deployed to specifically target criminals and disrupt their activities.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing into a number of incidents in Edinburgh. From our investigations so far, we believe these are linked to groups who are actively targeting each other.
“The local division and senior management are being provided with support from our national Specialist Crime Division and Operational Support Division.
“We are carrying out additional high-visibility patrols and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers.
“We understand the significant impact this has had on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.
“Finding those who carried out these reckless acts is paramount. If you know anything that could help, please do the right thing and speak to police.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
