Police Scotland launches new THAT GUY sex 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 yesterday, 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 Woman: Body found on Cramond Island

Around 2.50pm today (Monday 17 October, 2022) the body of a woman was found on Cramond Island as part of ongoing inquiries to locate a missing person.

No formal identification has taken place, however the family of 47-year-old Averil Shepley, reported missing from Edinburgh, has been notified.

Officers remain at the scene and enquiries are ongoing.

Appeal for witnesses following Cowgate assault

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information following an assault in the Cowgate.

In the early hours of Friday (14 October, 2022) a 43-year-old man was pushed over following a verbal altercation between the Cowgate and Candlemaker Row. 

The man sustained serious injuries and was later treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, of Edinburgh CID, said: “The victim sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident and our enquiries are ongoing.

“We believe that members of the public assisted the man following the incident and we would urge those who assisted to contact officers as soon as possible.

“Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information that can assist with our investigation should contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0350 of Friday, 14 October, 2022. Alternatively, a call can be made anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police seek two men following London Road collision with police vehicle

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a stolen car failed to stop when signalled to do so by officers.

The vehicle, which had been reported stolen from Paisley Avenue around 8.40am on Thursday (13 October 2022) was asked to stop by officers in Whitehill Road around 9.50am the same day.

The Grey VW Golf GTI was pursued and subsequently brought to a stop on London Road after a collision involving a marked police vehicle.

A 19-year-old man, the driver, has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident and was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Friday, 14 October 2022).

Two other men, passengers in the car, left the scene and enquiries are ongoing to trace them:

Male 1 – white, late teens, skinny build and average height. He was wearing a black beanie hat with a black puffer style jacket and grey cotton type jogging bottoms and dark trainers.

Male 2 – white, late teens, average height and build, wearing all dark clothing

Detective Inspector George Calder said: “As part of our ongoing enquiries we are keen to speak to the passengers who were in this car. I am appealing to anyone who knows who they are or where they might be to get in touch.

“In addition, anyone with dash-cam or private CCTV that might show which direction they took after leaving the car in London Road is asked to speak with us.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0835 of Thursday, 13 October, 2022. Or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

CCTV appeal following serious assault

CCTV appeal following a serious assault around 11pm on 18 July 2022 at Brighton Place, Portobello

Police in Edinburgh have issued images of a male they believe may have information that can assist them with their investigation into a serious assault that occurred around 11pm in Portobello on Monday the 18 July 2022.

The male is described as being white, around 40 years old, around 6ft2” tall, bald head, thin build. He is shown in the image as wearing a light coloured t-shirt with a design on the front and shorts.

Detective Constable Mark Walker of Gayfield CID said: “I would urge the male, or anyone who has information relating to the male, depicted in these images to make contact with the Police.

“Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via the 101 non-emergency telephone number quoting incident number 3631 of 22 July 2022. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Appeal for witnesses following early morning police pursuit in Edinburgh

Road policing officers in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after a car was seen travelling the wrong way on the A720 Edinburgh City bypass and later refused to stop.

Around 1.10am this morning (Tuesday, 11 October, 2022), officers received a report of the movements of a blue Vauxhall Astra car.

Roads policing officers attended and following a pursuit, deployed tactics to bring the car to a stop on the M9 between Junction 1A and 2.

The M9 was closed at 2am and reopened shortly after 5.30am.

Three police officers were taken to Forth Valley Hospital to be checked over.

Inspector Stephen Quinn said: “Our enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the vehicle which failed to stop are ongoing.

“I would urge anyone who may have witnessed this vehicle’s movements or was in the area around the time of the pursuit to contact police.

“Also, anyone with dash-cam footage which could assist our investigation should get in touch.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting incident number 0115 of 11 October.

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Have you seen Connor?

Police are seeking the assistance of the public in trying to locate a 28-year-old male, missing from Edinburgh. 

Connor Murray was last seen around 5.30am in Longstone Street, Wester Hailes.

Connor is white with a slim build and short blond hair. He may be wearing black jogging trousers and carrying a blue rucksack.

A number of searches are under way to locate Connor, with officers also checking relevant CCTV footage from in and around the area.

Connor Murray

Inspector Keith Scott said: “Connor’s family is understandably very worried about him and they just want him home safe and well.

“We are currently completing extensive enquiries with all his family and friends for any information which could assist us in finding him. If anyone has seen Connor or has any information as to his whereabouts, please contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 850 of 8 October, 2022.

UPDATE

MISSING PERSON – TRACED

We are pleased to confirm that Connor Murray has been traced safe and well. We would like to thank the public for their assistance.

CCTV appeal following fatal crash on Easter Road

Police Scotland has released images of two women they believe may hold information which might assist in relation to a fatal road traffic collision which occurred around 2.40am on Sunday, 19 June, 2022 on Easter Road.

A 21-year-old man died as a result of the collision and 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the collision.

The first woman is described as white, aged between 30-40 years, large build, blonde hair with darker roots tied up in a bun, wearing glasses, light clothing, carrying two full “bags for life” and a mobile phone.

The second woman is described as white, aged between 50-60 years, very skinny build, dark hair, dark trousers and possibly a maroon jacket, carrying a large dark handbag and was seen struggling to walk.

Constable Joanna Murphy, from the Edinburgh Road Policing team, said: “I would urge the women, or anyone who has information relating to the women, depicted in these images to make contact with the Police.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting incident 0590 of Sunday, 19 June 2022.  Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed on anonymously.”