Tag: Police Scotland

Police Scotland launches new THAT GUY sexual crime prevention campaign

Be a mate, don’t be THAT GUY

Men are being challenged to be a mate, to step in and put a stop to behaviour that might put their friends at risk of sexual offending.

Last year, Police Scotland’s viral THAT GUY campaign challenged men’s attitudes and behaviour towards women. It put the cause of sexual offending where it belongs – with men.

This year’s campaign, launched today, urges men to be the solution to preventing sexual offending by having those difficult conversations with a friend who may have crossed the line.

Launching the campaign Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, Police Scotland, said: “Last year’s campaign asked men to reflect on their own behaviours and attitudes – and those of their friends, family and colleagues – towards women, to prevent rape, sexual assault and harassment.

“We held up the mirror to harassing and abusive behaviours that impact on women. Now we are focusing on a solution.

“Our new campaign is about what men can do. It asks them to think about the impact their friend’s behaviour has on women, and to step in, to be that friend. Be the mate who takes a friend aside, and has that quiet word. It’s about stopping a friend doing something they will regret.

“Of course not all men go on to offend but all men have a responsibility and a role to play in ending sexual violence against women and girls.

“This isn’t about shaming. We are asking men to be a mate, look out for your friends, to join the conversation and to stop sexual offending before it starts.”

THAT GUY builds on previous Police Scotland sexual crime prevention campaigns, targeting men aged 18 – 35 years who are most likely to commit sexual offences.

Its aim is to urge men to take responsibility for their actions and language to help effect a culture change to tackle sexual crime against women.

The campaign features a new advert which will run on several online platforms, including social media.

Watch the new THAT GUY video here

Visit the THAT GUY website for advice and resources

Missing Man: Have you seen Selim?

*** UPDATE – SELIM HAS BEEN TRACED SAFE AND WELL ***

POLICE are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 58-year-old man reported missing from the Leith area.

Selim El-Syed was last seen on the afternoon of Wednesday, 23 October, 2024, in East Hermitage Place and concerns are growing for his welfare.

He is described as around 5ft 4ins, of medium build with short black hair. He may be wearing a yellow jacket and green trousers.

Selim has a bus pass. He is known to travel around Edinburgh and further afield by bus. It is believed he may have travelled to the Peebles area.

Inspector Scott Currie said: “We need to make sure Selim is safe and well and we are asking anyone who has seen him or knows where he might be to get in touch. If you are out and about please keep an eye out for him and call us if you see him.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 1133 of Saturday, 26 October, 2024.

Appeal after man injured following disturbance on Rannoch Road

Detectives are appealing for information after a man was injured following a disturbance in the Clermiston area last night (Friday, 25 October, 2024).

Around 10.50pm, officers were called to Rannoch Road where a 23-year-old man was found injured.

He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he is being treated for a laceration.

Enquiries are also ongoing to trace a second man who may have received a minor injury during this disturbance.

Detective Sergeant Jen Hughes said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and trace everyone involved.

“If you were in the Rannoch Road area around the time of the incident on Friday night and you haven’t yet spoken to police, I urge you to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who was driving in the area and has dashcam footage or if you have any personal footage that may assist our investigation to please come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference number 4488 of 25 October. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Drug dealer jailed for offences committed in prison

A 34-year-old man has been jailed for organised crime offences whilst in prison.

Christopher Smith was sentenced at the High Court in Livingston on Thursday (24 October) after pleading guilty to organising the supply of controlled drugs.

Smith’s offences occured at HMP Edinburgh and at addresses across Edinburgh, Inverness and Nairn between March 2018 and November 2019.

He will now spend seven years and five months in prison.

He was also issued with a Serious Crime Prevention Order, which will last for three years, to help prevent him returning to crime when he is released from jail.

Detective Inspector Angus Morrison said: “This conviction and sentencing highlights our ongoing commitment to disrupting the illegal and harmful supply of illegal drugs in our communities.

“I hope it sends a message to those involved in serious and organised crime that you will be caught and you will face the consequences.

“There is no place for this type of criminality in our communities. Such operations underline our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. We will continue to work with partner agencies to tackle this issue and make our communities safer.

“Information from the public is absolutely crucial to our work and we would continue to urge anyone with knowledge or concerns about drugs activity in their area to contact Police Scotland on 101.

“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Appeal for witnesses following petrol station robbery in South Queensferry

Detectives are appealing for information following a robbery in South Queensferry.

Around 2.15pm yesterday (Friday, 25 October, 2024), a man was seen outside a petrol station at Ferrymuir Gait.

A short time later he entered the premises, presented a weapon and demanded money.

The male staff member was unhurt and did not require medical treatment.

The suspect is described as being between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins and of medium build. He was wearing a black beanie style hat with a grey trim, a grey snood which covered his mouth and nose. He was also wearing a brown coat with a fur trim collar and cuffs, blue jeans and white trainers. He wore blue gloves with writing on the rear of the left hand, was carrying a black backpack and he spoke with a local accent.

Detective Sergeant Martin Smith said: “The staff member was understandably shocked at what happened, but thankfully uninjured.

“Reviewing CCTV is key part of this enquiry and officers are extensively working through all available footage. If you have local CCTV or were in the area and have dash-cam footage, please get in touch as you may have captured something that can assist our investigation.

“Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2072 of 25 October, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Operation Crackle: Fireworks Dispersal Zone dates set

Dispersal Zones for #OpCrackle have been set up across Edinburgh and will be enforceable from 1400 hours on 01/11/2024 to 0000 hours on 05/11/2024.

These will be in place within: Gorgie, Saughton, Oxgangs, Liberton, Gilmerton, Gracemount, Portobello, Niddrie, Moredun, Muirhouse, Craigentinny, Pilton and Edinburgh City Centre.

We use this power where we have reasonable grounds to believe that the presence or behaviour of a group of two or more people in any public place is causing, or likely to cause, alarm or distress to any members of the public.

An officer utilising Dispersal Zone powers may give:

1. A direction requiring persons in the group to disperse.

2. A direction requiring any of those persons whose place of residence is not within the relevant locality to leave the relevant locaility.

3. A direction prohibiting any of those persons whose place of residence is not within the relevant locality from returning to the relevant locality or any part of it during such period (not exceeding 24 hours) from giving of the direction as the constable may specify.

If you knowingly contravene a direction given by an officer within a Dispersal Zone under these powers, you can be subject to an arrest without warrant.

#KeepingPeopleSafe

Police: Have you seen Henry?

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for assistance in tracing Henry Hunter (51yrs) who has been reported missing from Lothian Road area.

Henry was last seen about 1330 hours 21/10/24 in Craigour Place, Edinburgh. Henry’s current whereabouts are unknown and family are becoming increasingly concerned.

Henry is described as being a white male, 6ft tall, stocky build, balding with a short fair / grey stubble beard and habitually wears glasses.

He was last known to be wearing a grey wool flat / penny cap, blue shirt, and black jacket, black trousers, black business shoes.

He was driving a Black Toyota Coupe registration number BG62ZPN.

Inspector Stephen Quinn from Howdenhall Police station says “Henry has been missing for a number of days now, and his family are understandably worried about him.

“We have a number of police resources out looking for him and I am now looking for the assistance from the public in tracing both Henry and the vehicle he was driving. “

If you believe you have seen Henry or have any information please contact 101 quoting incident no. 2181 of the 22/10/2024.

Police launch Operation Moonbeam

Specially trained Public Order Officers will again be deployed during Bonfire Night to protect local policing teams from attack.

As part of Police Scotland’s Operation Moonbeam, existing resources across Scotland can be supplemented with public order officers whenever they respond to fireworks offences taking place.

Since Operation Moonbeam was first launched in 2018, the number of criminal incidents involving fireworks has decreased. However, last year officers responding to reports of disorder and antisocial behaviour in certain parts of the country were subjected to unprecedented levels of aggression and violence.

In total, 62 officers sustained a range of injuries after being struck by, or in proximity of, a firework that was thrown towards them.

This year’s Operation Moonbeam was launched at a joint event in Glasgow Green, alongside Crimestoppers and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, who both launched their own initiatives aimed at deterring the criminal and reckless use of fireworks.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “What we saw last year was an unacceptable level of hostility and violence, which was primarily directed at police officers and, for the most, was instigated by adults linked to organised crime, who provided young people with fireworks and other weapons and encouraged them to attack officers.

“This horrific behaviour jeopardised the safety and wellbeing of those who were trying to keep communities safe. Significant investigation was undertaken in the weeks and months that followed and numerous people were charged in connection with these incidents.

“I want to make it clear that those responsible for endangering the lives of police officers, other emergency service workers, or members of the public will be identified, and they will be brought to justice. In the event you avoid being caught on the night, you can expect a visit from us once we have conducted our inquiries.

“I would ask the public to work alongside us in helping make Bonfire Night a safe and enjoyable occasion and to report any criminality you witness, or any suspicions you may have that others are seeking to do harm within our communities.”

Man faces court following crime spree across Lothians and Borders

A 26-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an extensive investigation into a series of housebreakings and thefts across the Lothians and Borders.

The incidents took place in Tranent, Prestonpans, Galashiels, Selkirk, Livingston, Gorebridge and Stow, between Friday, 6 September and Thursday, 10 October, 2024.

The man has been charged in connection with a number of offences, including 13 housebreakings, four attempted housebreakings and five vehicle thefts.

He is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Tuesday, 22 October, 2024. Further enquiries remain ongoing.

Detective Inspector Debbie Duncan said: “Crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the victims, causing them to question the safety and security of their own homes, and I would like to commend the work of the officers investigating this crime series.

“I would also like to thank the various local communities for their assistance with our enquiries to date and reassure the public that any reports of criminality will be investigated thoroughly by Police Scotland.”

Latest Police recruits ready to join communities across Scotland

Chief Constable Jo Farrell congratulated 250 new officers as they marked the end of their training in front of family and loved ones.

Police Scotland’s newest cohort of officers took part in their passing out parade at our headquarters, Tulliallan, today, Friday, 18 October 2024 and now are ready to report for duty in communities across Scotland.

The course was the first to trial non-residential training to enable officers with caring demands and responsibilities to return home each day.

The opportunity to complete the majority of training in a non-residential setting can provide real benefit for those who would otherwise have been unable to consider a role in policing. The trial will be evaluated for future consideration.

Chief Constable Farrell thanked the officers for stepping forward in their commitment to public service. She said: “Policing is a hugely rewarding and demanding vocation, and I congratulate our latest cohort of officers for successfully completing their training.

“I want to thank these officers for making a commitment to public service and for stepping up to help keep Scotland’s communities safe.

“They are now ready to deploy to our communities to discharge their duties in line with Police Scotland’s values of integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to uphold human rights.

“I thank them for their dedication to deliver an excellent service to the public.”

The recruits passing out comprised of 170 male officers and 80 female officers.

If you are interested in a career with Police Scotland, please visit the recruitment section of our website.