Tag: Police Scotland

Craigmillar murderer sentenced

A 47-year-old man has been jailed for life in connection with the death of Paul Smith, who died following a serious assault in the Craigmillar Court area in January 2021.

Paul Smith was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, around 2.20am on Wednesday, 6 January, 2021, where he subsequently died on Sunday, 10 January, 2021.

John Blyth was found guilty of murder at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, 15 March, 2024. At the High Court in Stirling today (Friday, 12 April, 2024), he was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 13 years.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “This was a brutal, senseless attack and John Blyth will now face the consequences of his actions.

“Whilst this sentencing cannot change what John Blyth did to Paul, I hope that it brings some kind of closure for Paul’s family and friends.

“I would also like to thank Paul’s family for their support throughout the investigation, as well as commend them for their strength and dignity throughout this ordeal.”

More than 7000 hate crimes reported in first week of Scotland’s new law

POLICE have issued data relating to the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021.

Data shows there were 7152 online hate reports received 1 April to 7 April.

During this period 240 hate crimes and 30 non-crime hate incidents were recorded.

View the data: https://orlo.uk/pXe8n

hate-crime-and-incidents-report-week-1-002Download

Operation Elite tackles drug crime and supports most vulnerable

In Edinburgh one of our priorities remains tackling drug-related crime and protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.

Following concerns raised by the public, officers in the North East of the city initiated Operation Elate to address drug-related harm in the Leith area.

Working with partners, we’re also supporting vulnerable individuals through effective intervention and outreach.

Throughout March, 2024 this operation led to 25 individuals being charged for drug related offences and drug seizures with a street value in excess of £55,000. 

The North East Support Team, made up of Special Police Constables alongside Road Policing colleagues, focused on drug related criminality on the road, including drink and drug driving. This resulted in the seizure of seven vehicles and numerous charges for road traffic offences.

There were 19 additional arrests relating to offensive weapons, crimes of dishonesty and outstanding warrants.

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “Thanks to the continued support from our communities, we have taken positive action in Leith to disrupt those who are involved in the supply of drugs on our streets and safeguard those who are vulnerable.

“Removing illegal drugs and targeting criminals who seek to profit from other people’s misery continues to be a priority for Edinburgh Division and Police Scotland.

“Operation Elate and wider officers across Edinburgh remain committed to tackling and reducing drug related crime, and we will continue to work to ensure offenders are dealt with robustly.

“As ever, we are grateful for the support of the public and we would urge anyone with any information in relation to drugs in their communities to contact 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

If you or anyone you know are affected by drug related harm, support and assistance are available via 0333 3 448 355 (Alcohol & Drugs Action).

Father and son plead guilty to Greendykes murders

A father and son have pleaded guilty to the murder of 37-year-old Derek Johnston and 66-year-old Desmond Rowlings.

Mr Johnston and Mr Rowlings were subjected to horrific crimes before their deaths at the hands of Ian MacLeod and Dean McLeod in November 2022 in Greendykes Road, Edinburgh.

The pair admitted murdering their victims when they appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Monday, 8 April, 2024.

Detective Superintendent Susan Balfour said: “My thoughts remain with Derek and Desmond’s families. They have had to endure unimaginable pain and trauma.

“These crimes were some of the most violent I have seen, and everyone involved was affected. There is no doubt in my mind that people are safer now that these two men are in prison.”

Appeal for information following serious assault in Charlotte Square

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information following a serious assault in the city.

Around 4.50pm yesterday (Sunday, 7 April) a 49-year-old man was assaulted by a group of men in Charlotte Square.

He was taken to The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

Detective Sergeant Mike Campbell of CID said: “This was a shocking attack on the victim. Our investigations so far have established five men that we would be keen to trace.

The first suspect is about 5”10” tall, large build, in his 50s with medium length grey hair, wearing a blue and purple polo shirt with white details around the collar, a light grey zip hooded top, light blue jeans and white trainers.

The second suspect is about 5”10” tall, medium build, in his 50s with very short greying hair, wearing a light blue/grey coloured collar shirt, light blue jeans and white trainers.

The third suspect is in his 50s, medium build, wearing a light-coloured T-shirt and a thin black puffer jacket.

The fourth suspect is about 6”0” tall, average build with short brown hair, wearing a beige/salmon coloured long sleeved shirt, black trousers and grey shoes.

The fifth man is about 6”0” tall, medium build, wearing a black baseball hat, black jacket, and grey shorts.

“We know the area was busy with passersby and motorists. We’re asking for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to please come forward.

“If you believe you could help our investigation, call 101 quoting reference 2423 of 7 April, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Corstorphine crash victim named

A man who died in a crash in Corstorphine last Saturday (30th March) has been named as 29-year-old Dylan Clack.

His family have asked for privacy and released the following statement: “Dylan, known as Dizzy, was a beloved son, brother, father, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.

“He will be sadly missed by all of us. Dylan will be remembered for his big smile.”

The incident happened around 11.50pm on Corstorphine Road at the junction with Balgreen Road when a silver VW Tiguan collided with a wall.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, a 17-year-old male, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where his condition is described as serious but stable.

Sergeant Louise Birrell, of the Edinburgh Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with Dylan’s family and friends at what is a very difficult time for them.

“Enquiries into the full circumstances continue and anyone who has not already spoken to officers is asked to call us on 101, quoting incident number 4595 of Saturday, 30 March, 2024.”

Police seek witnesses to serious assault in park

Officers are appealing for information following a serious assault at the Inch Park last night.

The incident happened around 9.20pm on Monday, 1 April, 2024, when a 21-year-old man was assaulted. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything to contact us.

“We also ask anyone driving in the area at the time who may have dash-cam footage to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 3625 of 1 April, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Witness appeal following Corstorphine Road fatality

Road policing officers are appealing for information following a fatal one-car crash in Edinburgh last night.

Police were called to Corstorphine Road at the junction with Balgreen Road around 10.50pm on Saturday, 30 March, 2024, after a silver Volkswagen Tiguan collided with a wall.

Emergency services attended and the driver, a 29-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

The passenger of the car, a 17-year-old man, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where his condition is described as critical.

The road was closed for around eight hours to allow collision investigation to be carried out.

Sergeant Louise Birrell of Edinburgh Road Policing said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family of the man who died and our investigation to establish the full circumstances is ongoing.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle before the crash or who has dash-cam footage that might help with our enquiries to get in touch.”

If you can help please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4595 of Saturday, 30 March, 2024.

Police: Tackling tool theft

🚨🔧🔨 There has been a rise in tool thefts from work vehicles, renovation sites, and construction areas. 🚨

We urge everyone to be extra cautious and take preventative measures to protect your valuable assets.

Here are some practical tips:

1️⃣Lock it up: Ensure your vehicle or site is securely locked when unattended.

2️⃣ Out of sight, out of mind: Keep tools hidden. The less visible they are, the less likely they are to be stolen.

3️⃣ Invest in secure storage: A tool safe or lockbox can provide an extra layer of security.

4️⃣ Mark your tools: Engraving or marking your tools can deter thieves and aid in recovering stolen items.

🚚In addition to these, when it comes to vehicle security: 🚚

5️⃣ Hide your valuables: Avoid leaving property on open display within your vehicle, including the boot.

6️⃣ Remove tools at night: If you or anyone you know stores work tools in their vehicles, please remove them at night. It might take some time, but it’s the most effective theft prevention method.

7️⃣ Upgrade your locks: Installing additional or stronger locks can deter thieves from attempting to break into a vehicle.

Stay alert, stay safe!

#CommunityAlert

#ToolTheft

#StaySafe