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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
The Met Office has issued an Amber warning for wind across parts of western and northern Scotland. The warning is in place between 9am on Sunday, 20 October, and 11.59pm on Sunday, 20 October, 2024.
The following areas are expected to be affected by the Amber warning:
Highlands and Eilean Siar (Highland, Na h-Eileanan Siar)
Strathclyde (Argyll and Bute)
A Yellow warning for wind affecting much of Scotland is also in place between 3am on Sunday, 20 October, and 11.59pm on Sunday, 20 October, 2024.
The following areas are expected to be affected by the Yellow warning:
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders (Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian)
Strathclyde (Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire)
Further information about the weather warnings and flood information is available on the Met Office and SEPA websites.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing, said: “The amber warning for high winds means that there is a strong likelihood of disruption on the road network and as such, motorists are advised to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.
“Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy, with tyre pressure and tread meeting legal requirements. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.
“Please do not ignore any road signage advising of changes to speed or closures to routes. These are in place for your safety and the safety of other road users and listen out for media broadcasts about the weather and how it may be impacting travel.
“Further information of the weather and road closures can be found by visiting the Met Office, Ready Scotland and Traffic Scotland websites and social media accounts.”
General advice for road users:
Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel
All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse weather
Consider delaying travel until conditions improve
If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions
Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
Follow @trafficscotland on X for up-to-date travel information.
Wind
HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.
Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.
Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should consider the risk of being blown over or into the path of other road users.
Detectives are renewing an appeal for information after two assaults on the Union Canal tow path in Edinburgh.
Both incidents happened on Sunday, 13 October.
The first happened near to Harrison Park around 7pm when a 31-year-old man was assaulted while cycling on the tow path. He was taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged.
The second happened near to Watson’s Rowing Club where a 50-year-old man walking on the path was assaulted. He was uninjured and did not require hospital treatment.
Officers are also investigating an incident around 5.40pm on the path near to Meggetland Bridge where a man acted in a threatening manner towards a woman walking in the area.
All three incident are being treated as linked.
Officers are working to identify a man described as being between 20 and 30-years-old, around 6ft tall, lean build, pale complexion, gaunt face, clean shaven, short dark hair with dark eyebrows.
He was wearing a dark blue hoodie and white trainers.
Detective Inspector Gordon Couper said: “We believe all three of these incidents are linked and would urge anyone with information to get in touch.
“We believe there were other people using the path around the time of these incidents and would urge anyone who witnessed anything to let us know. We’d also be keen to speak to anyone who have photographs or video footage from the area around these times.
“We would urge people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us. We have dedicated officers patrolling both the general area and the tow path specifically who you can speak to.
“Information can also be passed by calling 101, quoting incident number 2814 of Sunday, 13 October, 2024.
“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”
Police Scotland have released images of a man who may be able to assist them with their enquiries into an incident which occurred on Friday, 11 October, 2024, at around 9pm in the Stockbridge area.
The man (pictured) is described as white, heavy build, clean shaven and around 35 to 40 years old. He was seen to be wearing denim jeans, a dark baseball cap with writing on it and a black hooded top with ‘Hard Rock Café’ written on the front with further writing on the back.
The man pictured, anyone who may recognise him or anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3729 11 October 2024.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
