Police appeal following attempted dog robbery in Balerno

KNIFE ATTACK ON DOG WALKER

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after two men tried to steal a dog from a man before assaulting him in Balerno.

The 43-year-old was walking in a field near to National Cycle Route 75 and Lanark Road West between 5.15pm and 5.30pm on Tuesday, 13 February, 2024. One of the men tried to take the dog and the other assaulted the owner with a knife.

He was later taken by ambulance to Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

Officers are keen to trace the two men. The first is described as: white, around 50, stocky build, 5’ 6”, ginger greying beard, wearing a black thermal beanie hat, black puffer jacket and with a local accent.

The second is described as: white, slim build, 5’ 10”, 20-to-30-years old, clean shaven, wearing a hat, a black jacket with green writing, pale blue denim jeans, tan coloured boots.

They made off towards Ravelrig Road and were lost to sight.

Detective Inspector Martin Smith, of Edinburgh CID, said: “This appears to be an attempt to rob the man of his dog, and it is vital that we establish the full circumstances of what happened and trace the men responsible.

“I would like to speak to anyone who was in the area between 5pm and 6pm on Tuesday who saw or heard anything suspicious. Similarly, anyone with private CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam of the area is urged to review the footage and bring anything significant to our attention.

“Officers will be carrying out additional patrols in the area and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.”

Anyone with any information can call 101, quoting incident 2591 of Tuesday, 13 February, 2024.

Police meet deaf community at Holyrood event

Edinburgh Division held a ‘Meet the Police’ event today in the Scottish Parliament for the Deaf community and BSL users.

A variety of topics were discussed ranging from the role of the police, hate crime, home security and online safety.

The presentation was delivered by two Police Scotland officers with BSL skills, PS Grant Robertson (E Division), and PC Stephanie Rose (PPCW).

This event allowed members of the community to communicate directly with a police officer. We were very pleased to see a great turn out and some very good questions were put to officers.

A future event will be planned in the coming months, but in the meantime if any member of the Deaf community, or a BSL user needs to contact the police, we can be reached in an emergency using the ‘999 BSL Emergency Video Relay Service for Deaf People’ and for any non-emergencies (101) via the ContactScotlandBSL Video Relay Service.

Further details can be obtained via the links below:

999 BSL: 999bsl.co.uk

Contact Scotland: contactscotland-bsl.org

Murrayburn robbery: Witness appeal

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery which took place in Edinburgh on the evening of Monday, 5 February, 2024.

Around 10.55pm a male delivery driver on a moped was dropping off an order at a property in Murrayburn Gardens.

When he approached the delivery address he noticed a male youth had got onto his moped.

He asked the youth to get off and another male youth appeared and threatened him with what appeared to be a firearm.

The youths took the victim’s phone and moped keys and made off on the vehicle heading along Murrayburn Gardens towards Westside Plaza.

Police were contacted and the moped was recovered two hours later in Morvenside in the Wester Hailes area.

The first suspect is described as a white male, aged 15 to 16 years old, of skinny build and wearing a black balaclava, a black jacket, black joggers, black shoes and black gloves. He had Scottish accent and was softly spoken.

The second suspect is described as a white male, aged 15 to 16 years old, 5ft9, of skinny build and wearing a black balaclava, a black jacket, black joggers, black shoes and black gloves. He also had a Scottish accent and was softly spoken.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “This was a terrifying experience for the victim and it is vital that we trace the two individuals responsible.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in Murrayburn Gardens or the surrounding area on Monday evening who may have noticed anything suspicious to please get in touch.

“We would also urge anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage of two males riding on a moped in the Wester Hailes area to pass this on to officers.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3790 of Monday, 5 February, 2024. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Security Minister visits visits Cyber and Fraud Centre Scotland

MBE VR MP Tom Tugendhat Minister of Security visited the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland in Edinburgh this week alongside centre partner Police Scotland, to discuss current and next steps to support Scotland’s businesses when it comes to combatting cyber fraud.

As cyber and fraud crime continues to raise major concerns throughout the country, the National Cyber Security Centre announced last week that they strongly urge UK businesses to strengthen their cyber security measures as much as possible.

The Triage Hub aims to bring cyber security partners, including Police Scotland, leading financial institutions and Cyber Fraud Centre – Scotland’s incident response team together to collaborate, share intelligence, disrupt large criminal gang activity, deliver support to victims and recover stolen funds.

Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett, Police Scotland’s lead for its Policing in a Digital World Programme, said: “The visit by the UK’s Security Minister recognises the important role played by Police Scotland, the Cyber and Fraud Centre and other partners, including our national law enforcement colleagues, in tackling the increase in cybercrime and fraud across the country, not just Scotland.

“The nature of criminality continues to change, and we know criminals will take every opportunity to exploit our communities. Police Scotland is also changing and continues to work in partnership with organisations such as the Cyber and Fraud Centre to advise businesses and the wider community on how to prevent becoming a victim of cybercrime and investigate any reported crimes.

“The recent success of the Cyber and Fraud Triage Hub shows what can be done and underlines the collective commitment to keeping people and businesses safe in the digital world while continuing to disrupt the activities who commit crimes in this environment.”

Read more here: https://cyberfraudcentre.com/uk-security-minister-visits…

Anchor Inn shooting: Fourth person arrested and charged

A fourth person has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a 38-year-old man in Granton.

Emergency services were called around 11.50pm on Sunday, 31 December, 2023, after a firearm was discharged in West Granton Road.

Two men, aged 38 and 39, were taken to hospital. The 38-year-old man, Marc Webley, was pronounced dead a short time later.

A 20-year-old man has now been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow -Friday, 2 February, 2024.

A 32-year-old man and 25-year-old woman have previously been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Both appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 8 January, 2024.

A 33-year-old woman was also arrested and charged in connection with the incident. She was released pending further enquiries.

Police appeal following Buckstone bike thefts

Police are appealing for information after two bicycles were stolen in Edinburgh.

They were stolen from a garden shed at an address in Buckstone Avenue around 6.45pm on Thursday, 25 January, 2024.

The first is a green/bronze coloured Ragley Mountain Bike with purple handle bar end caps and the second is a blue coloured Giant Fantom Mountain Bike.

Inspector Keith Forrester said: “One of the bikes holds a great deal of sentimental value to the family as it belonged to their 18-year-old son who died in February 2023.

“The family are distraught and described the bike as their late son’s pride and joy and provided them with many fond memories.

“We are appealing for anyone who has any information to come forward. If you were in the area and have private CCTV or dash-cam footage which could help, please get in touch.

“If you have unknowingly bought one of the stolen bikes recently, it would mean so much to the family to get the bikes back.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference incident 3430 of 25 January.”

Police CCTV appeal following assault and robbery at Inchmickery Court 

POLICE have released images of two men who may be able to assist with enquiries into an assault and robbery which occurred around 9.30pm on Saturday, 20 January, at the Inchmickery Court area in Muirhouse.

Both men are thought to be Eastern European.

The first man is described as white and 20- 30 years of age. He was wearing a black and red jacket, black trousers and a white baseball cap. The second man is described as white and 30-40 years of age. He was wearing a black jacket, jeans and black shoes.

Detective Constable William Doughty said: “I urge the men or anyone who may recognise them to contact us.

“If you have any information about this incident, please contact us through 101 quoting incident number 1095 of 21 January 2024. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”

Man arrested and charged in connection with Edinburgh bus attack

A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an investigation into an assault on board a bus at Inverleith Gardens, Edinburgh.

The incident took place around 4.20pm on Saturday, 9 December, 2023.

The man has been released on an undertaking and is expected to appear at court at a later date.

Constable Rachael McIntyre said: “I would like to thank the public for their assistance with our enquiries into this incident.”

Police issue CCTV appeal following assault on board bus at Inverleith

Police Scotland have released images of a man they wish to speak to who may be able to assist with enquiries into an assault which took place on board a number 9 bus on Saturday, 9 December, 2023.

The incident on the took place whilst the bus was at Inverleith Gardens at around 4:20pm.

The man is described as white, slim build, brown hair and facial hair and aged between 25 to 30 years old. He was wearing a dark grey suit with a purple tie.

Constable Rachael McIntyre said: “We are keen to speak to this man, who may be able to assist us with our enquiries. I would encourage him or anyone who may recognise him to contact us as soon as possible”.

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2431 of 9 December, 2023.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Police appeal following Southhouse incident

ASSAULT AND ROBBERY FOLLOWING FRACAS IN SOUTHHOUSE

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information after two men were assaulted and a car was stolen in Southhouse.

Around 8.35pm on Friday, 26 January 2024, emergency services attended Southhouse Square, following reports of a disturbance involving several men.

One man, aged 25, was found seriously injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. A second man, aged 24, was also injured in the altercation and sought medical treatment

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and are checking for relevant CCTV footage for any additional information on those involved.

Enquiries have established a black BMW car, with the registration YF13 OWK, was also stolen. Officers are asking people with dash cams or recording equipment in the area at the time to check their footage as there may be images which could assist the investigation.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the Southhouse Square area last night.

“The motive for these attacks is unknown and it is imperative we trace those responsible. Our enquiries have revealed that a group of up to five men were involved in a disturbance, which has resulted in two men being seriously injured.

“I would ask anyone who has any information regarding this incident to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3666 of 26 January 2024. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with the assurance that you can give your information anonymously.

Missing: Have you seen Kevin?

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for assistance in tracing Kevin Sweeney (33yrs) who has been reported missing from the Leith area of the City.

Kevin was last seen on 7th January 2024 in Pilrig Street, Edinburgh. His current whereabouts are unknown and we are becoming increasingly concerned for him.

Kevin is described as being male, white, 5ft 9 tall, average build with an auburn beard and short fair hair.

If you believe you have seen Kevin or have any information please contact 101 quoting incident no. 1669 of the 19/01/24.