Tag: Police Scotland

“Stones were rattling off the side of the fire appliance”

EMERGENCY SERVICES BRACED FOR GUY FAWKES NIGHT

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

An Ayrshire firefighter has recalled stones “rattling off the side” of a fire appliance as he and his colleagues came under attack ahead of Bonfire Night last year.

Crew Commander Jonny Milliken was leading a response to a spate of grass fires in Troon on 3 November 2023 when his crew were turned on by youths attempting to climb the fire appliance and throwing bricks and stones at them.

CC Milliken, an on call firefighter, said he and colleagues are “local people trying to do their best for their town” and shouldn’t face this type of behaviour.

He said: “The stones were rattling off the side of the fire appliance.

“We decided to keep all crew inside the appliance to ensure their safety. After being bombarded with stones, we had to retreat and leave the area.

“The last thing I wanted as a Crew Commander was for anyone to get injured.

“We are well aware antisocial behaviour comes from a very small minority, but we were all completely shocked.”

“As on call firefighters, we live and work in our community. All the firefighters that attended that incident were from Troon.

“We are just local guys trying to do the absolute best we can for our town. We are real people, with real lives in our local community and we deserve to be respected and allowed to do our job properly.”

5 November is typically one of the busiest nights of the year for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and last year, firefighters across Scotland came under attack nine times in eight hours.

SFRS received 892 calls on Bonfire Night in 2023, with Operations Control staff mobilising to 355 bonfires.

Crews working to protect communities across Scotland want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night and the public is being urged to attend public events wherever possible and a list is available on the SFRS website. This is by far the safest way to watch fireworks.

Statistics released by Care of Burns in Scotland (COBIS) show that 37 people accessed emergency treatment between 4 and 6 November last year for fireworks related injuries.

Deputy Chief Officer Andy Watt is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness. He said: “We want people to enjoy themselves at times of celebration, but we want them to do so safely and think of others, including our crews who are working hard to respond to emergencies. 

“Bonfires and fireworks go hand in hand at this time of year, and we advise people to go to an organised event wherever possible. This is the safest way to enjoy firework displays and bonfires.” 

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Fire crews and other emergency services workers do an outstanding job protecting communities over the Bonfire Night period and any attack on them is utterly despicable.

“Such assaults endanger 999 workers and can prevent crews from reaching those in emergency situations who desperately need help.

“Attacks on 999 crews using fireworks or pyrotechnics are aggravating factors that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders.

“We have also introduced a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s and provided local authorities with powers to designate firework control zones within their boundaries. These new powers will be used for the first time this year in areas across Edinburgh over the Bonfire Night period.”

SFRS encourages everyone to attend public events in their area. If deciding to have a display at home, is encouraged to make sure they are aware of the environment and the Fireworks Code.

It is essential to read all packet instructions on each firework, light fireworks at arm’s length and stand well back. Never return to a firework that has already been lit.

It is illegal for anyone to supply someone under the age of 18 with fireworks. Additionally, it is illegal to set off fireworks in public spaces, such as streets, roads and parks.

Fireworks are restricted in terms of use between 6pm and 11pm, and this is extended until midnight on November 5.

Additionally, for the first time, there are Firework Control Zones implemented in Balerno and in the Niddrie, Seafield and Calton Hill areas of Edinburgh. This means it is against the law to set off fireworks at any time between the 1st and the 10th of November.

SFRS also encourage anyone who may be having a bonfire at home to ensure it is kept away from buildings, vehicles and trees. Any bonfire which is unsafe, or where people are behaving irresponsibly, will be extinguished and made safe.

Police:

Our Multi-Agency Control Room in Edinburgh is in operation over the next two days for Operation Moonbeam.

Specialist resources are on hand to support local policing teams across the country in responding to fireworks-related crime taking place.

On Thursday, 31 October, a 14-year-old boy was charged in connection with fireworks offences, following reports of disorder in the Capital. A 17-year-old male was then arrested on Sunday, 3 November, following an attack on a police vehicle in the Niddrie area of the city, where an officer was injured.

He has been remanded in custody for the next seven days.

Our officers are out in communities to keep the public safe. Please help us stop fireworks offences and attacks on emergency service workers.

If you have any information about planned offences, contact us on 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police re-appeal for information following serious assault

Detectives are continuing enquiries into the serious assault of a 26-year-old woman in Dalkeith and are re-appealing for information and people to come forward.

The incident happened between 5.30pm and 6pm on Friday, 4 October 2024 when a woman was approached by a man who attacked her on a path within a wooded area on Abbey Road, Dalkeith.

Officers have established there were several people in the area around the time of the incident who have yet to speak to police.

Detective Inspector Diane Barr said: “We would like to thank the local community for their assistance so far and ask those that were in the area on that day that have still to speak to the police to come forward, even if you believe you have nothing to report, your information could prove vital.”

The injured woman was taken to hospital but has since been released.

The man is described as white, in his late 30s with stubble. He was wearing black trousers, a black waterproof jacket and had a dog lead around his neck, but it is not believed he had a dog with him.

Officers continue to examine CCTV footage from in and around the area for any small detail which could assist the investigation. Enquiries are continuing and an increased police presence remains in the area.

The online portal remains in place for anyone who has any information. https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S09-PO1

Alternatively, contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference number 3107 of 4 October or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Cowgate incident: Witness appeal

A 74-year-old man has died after being struck by a single-decker bus in the Cowgate area last night.

Officers were called to the incident around 7.25pm on Saturday, 2 November.

A number of roads in the area were closed to allow officers to carry out their investigation, however the roads have since re-opened.

Sergeant Louise Birrell, Road Policing Unit, Edinburgh: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

“Officers have spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time and work is ongoing to check public and private CCTV footage.

“We are still keen to hear from anyone who has not yet spoken to police. If you have any information about what happened, then please get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to call the police via 101. Please quote incident number 3395 of Saturday, 2 November 2024.”

Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the local area commander, said: “We are aware of videos and images circulating on social media which are causing distress to the deceased’s family and those viewing them inadvertently.

“We would ask members of the public not to share them out of respect for his family, and to report them to the relevant social media platform to prevent further circulation.

“There has been a lot of speculation, and I would like to reassure the local community that this was an isolated incident and there is no risk to the wider public.

“This was a tragic incident. We are investigating a crash, and our road policing officers, assisted by local officers, are continuing to carry out enquiries.”

“Anyone with concerns or any information which could assist the investigation should contact police.”

Police Scotland provides reassurance to communities as Bonfire Night approaches

Enhanced patrols and resources have been deployed across this weekend as 5 November draws nearer, with Firework Control Zones and Dispersal Orders available to officers in order to manage any potential issues.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, commander for Edinburgh division, said; “Enquiries are continuing following disorder in the capital on Thursday, 31 October, and efforts are underway to identify those responsible for carrying out several violent attacks on buses and police officers during that evening. A police officer was injured when the window of the vehicle she was in was hit by a brick, causing the window to smash.

“As a result of these investigations, a 17-year-old male has been arrested and charged in connection with the disorder in the Hay Avenue and Niddrie Mains Road area of Edinburgh.

“We also continue to appeal to the public to come forward with any information about any disorder which has already taken place, or which they may be aware of being planned for the coming days. This can be passed to our officers via 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.”

Thousands of online grooming crimes in Scotland during past five years

  • More than 3,000 Communicating Indecently with a Child offences have been recorded by Police Scotland during the past five years
  • NSPCC urges Ofcom to significantly strengthen its approach to child sexual abuse and for the UK Government to ensure the regulator can tackle grooming in private messaging

Over 3,000 online grooming crimes across Scotland have been recorded by Police Scotland during the past five years, new data compiled by the NSPCC has revealed.   

The figures provided by Police Scotland show 3,234 Communicating Indecently with a Child offences were recorded since 2019, with 672 offences recorded last year (2023/24) – an increase of 13% from the previous year.  

The NSPCC has issued these findings a year on from the Online Safety Act being passed.

The charity is urging Ofcom to significantly strengthen the rules social media platforms must follow to tackle child sexual abuse on their products.

They say the regulator currently puts too much focus on acting after harm has taken place rather than being proactive to ensure the design features of social media apps are not contributing to abuse.

The NSPCC is also calling on the Government to strengthen legislation to ensure child sexual abuse is disrupted in private messages such as on Snapchat and WhatsApp.

The charity’s Voice of Online Youth young people’s group were not surprised at the prevalence of Snapchat in offences.

Liidia, 13 from Glasgow, said: “Snapchat has disappearing messages, and that makes it easier for people to hide things they shouldn’t be doing.

“Another problem is that Snapchat has this feature where you can show your location to everyone. If you’re not careful, you might end up showing where you are to people you don’t know, which is super risky.

“And honestly, not all the rules in Snapchat are strict, so some people take advantage of that to do bad things. Apps should have better ways for us to report bad things, and they should always get updated to protect us better with the latest security tech.”

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “One year since the Online Safety Act became law and we are still waiting for tech companies to make their platforms safe for children.

“We need ambitious regulation by Ofcom who must significantly strengthen their current approach to make companies address how their products are being exploited by offenders.

“It is clear that much of this abuse is taking place in private messaging which is why we also need the UK Government to strengthen the Online Safety Act to give Ofcom more legal certainty to tackle child sexual abuse on the likes of Snapchat and WhatsApp.”

National Police Chief’s Council Lead for Child Protection and Abuse Investigations (CPAI) Becky Riggs said: “The numbers in this NSPCC data are shocking and policing joins partners in urging tech companies and Ofcom to fulfil their legal and moral obligations to keep children safe from harm within the online communities they have created.

“A year on from the Online Safety Act being passed, it is imperative that the responsibility of safeguarding children online is placed with the companies who create spaces for them, and the regulator strengthens rules that social media platforms must follow.

“Policing will not stop in its fight against those who commit these horrific crimes. We cannot do this alone, so while we continue to pursue and prosecute those who abuse and exploit children, we repeat our call for more to be done by companies in this space.”

Police statement: Halloween horror

INQUIRIES CONTINUE INTO HALLOWEEN DISORDER

Police in Edinburgh are continuing with their inquiries to identify those involved in disorder that took place across various parts of the city last night on Halloween evening.

Local officers, supported by specialist colleagues from Operation Moonbeam, responded to the Hay Avenue area of Edinburgh, where groups of youths were involved in a range of offences involving fireworks.

While in attendance, police vehicles were also attacked with fireworks and other projectiles, including bricks.

A police officer was injured after the window of the vehicle she was within was struck by a brick, causing the window to smash.

Further incidents of fireworks related disorder were also responded at Moredunvale Road, Southhouse Road and Captains Road as well as West Pilton Park, where a number of busses were targeted.

A 14-year-old male has been arrested and charged in connection with fireworks offences. Further enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved in the disorder.

Following intelligence relating to planned disorder, a warrant was executed at an address in Magdalene Gardens during the afternoon of Thursday, 31 October. A quantity of fireworks and two cans of petrol were recovered from inside. Enquiries into this recovery are ongoing.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, commander for Edinburgh Division said: “The disorder witnessed this evening was carried out by a minority of individuals intent on causing fear and alarm within their communities and subjecting emergency service workers to horrific levels of violence and aggression.

“Thankfully, local policing teams were bolstered with specialist colleagues, who helped bring these incidents to a safe conclusion and investigations are underway to identify everyone who was involved.

“I want to make it clear to anyone who thinks they will evade justice because they weren’t apprehended this evening, they are very much mistaken. You will be identified during our inquiries, and you will be held to account for your actions.

“Our local policing teams will continue to be supported by Operation Moonbeam resources over the next week to ensure any further incidents of disorder or fireworks-related criminality are appropriately dealt with.”

Anyone with information is asked to come forward and enquiries are continuing to identify those responsible.

The public are thanked for their assistance and support during our response.

Man charged in connection with fatal crash in Loanhead

A 51-year-old man has been charged in connection with a fatal road crash that took place in Loanhead on Tuesday, 19 December, 2023.

The crash took place on Knivensknowe Road where an 88-year-old man was struck by a Honda Civic car. He was taken to hospital where he died as a result of his injuries on Saturday, 23 December, 2023.

The 51-year-old driver of the car has been charged in connection with a road traffic offence.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Warning about ticket fraud after significant number of reports this year

POLICE are warning the public to be vigilant of fraudulent online ticket sales following a significant number of reports over the past nine months.

Between January and September, 2024 there were 313 reported incidents of frauds across Scotland involving the online sale of tickets for major events. This equates to 6% of all cyber fraud incidents.

60% relate to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in Edinburgh with others for concerts and sporting events.

These frauds are not connected to the artists, venues, promoters or reputable ticket sale sites. The majority take place on social media and online marketplace platforms by individuals and groups looking to exploit members of the public for financial gain.

According to the figures, woman between the ages of 18 and 24 are most at risk from this type of fraud.

Inspector Alasdair Penny, Cybercrime Harm Prevention, said: “We’ve noticed a trend in this type of crime reported around major events happening in Scotland. The figures represent a significant proportion of cybercrime, but we believe these types of incidents are underreported and the true figure will be much higher.

“Reports relating to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour have made up the majority and we’re aware there are a number of highly anticipated events next year, including the Oasis tour and TRNSMT.

“We have publicly raised the threat of cyber criminality and the increase in online offending and have put plans in place to address it. The Chief Constable unveiled a new vision for Police Scotland, including a commitment to establish a new Cyber Command and increase our capabilities to tackle online fraud.

“We want to make sure the public is aware of potential fraudulent sales and provide advice around how to spot it. Our message is: be vigilant. If a price or offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

“Before purchasing, carefully review the ticket details for authenticity. Check for accurate event information, including the date, time, and venue. Pay attention to the seating section or assigned seats, which can indicate fraudulent tickets.

“Buy from legitimate sources, check bank details provided and use secure payment methods. Credit cards and reputable online payment platforms offer additional protection against fraudulent transactions. Avoid paying with cash, wire transfers, or unsecured payment methods.

“Please report any fraudulent activity to police. We will fully investigate and we work alongside partners to raise awareness and tackle those involved in such offences.”

More information on online safety can be found on our website at:

https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/student-online-safety-guide/

or on the Trading Standards Scotland website:

Secondary ticket sales

Further arrests made in connection with disorder following Hibs vs Motherwell football match

Officers investigating disorder following the Hibernian versus Motherwell football match that took place in Edinburgh on Saturday, 5 October, 2024, have made more arrests.

Four men, two aged 19, one aged 18 and one aged 24, along with a 16-year-old male youth, have been arrested and charged in connection with incidents in the St Andrew Square area.

They have been released on an undertaking to appear in court on a later date. Football banning orders are being sought.

Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson said: “Officers work hard to create a safe environment not just at football matches but also after the event.

“These arrests send a strong message that we will not tolerate football related disorder in any form.”

Appeal for information after man and woman assaulted and robbed on Leith Street

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man and a woman were assaulted and robbed in the city centre.

A 50-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were at the pedestrian crossing at Leith Street and Princes Street junction around 10pm on Monday, 28 October, 2024 when they were assaulted and robbed by a group of people.

They were both taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.

The suspects ran off towards St James Quarter and Multrees Walk.

Detective Sergeant Steven Gray of CID said: “This appears to have been a shockingly unprovoked and random attack, which left the victims requiring medical treatment. We are keen to trace three males and a female.

“The first male youth is described as aged between 14 and 16 years of age, tanned complexion, of medium build, with light curly hair which was short on top. He was wearing a black snood, a blue zipped jacket with white down the side.

“The second male is aged between 16 and 20 years of age, with dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing and white trainers.

“The third male is aged between 16-20 years of age, with dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing with white writing across the chest.

“The female is aged between 16 and 20 years of age, five-foot one inch tall, with blonde hair. She was wearing a white jacket.

“As part of our enquiries, we are reviewing CCTV to identify those responsible. We would ask if any has footage of the incident to please come forward.

“If you believe you could help our investigation, please call 101 quoting reference 4015 of 28 October, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”