POLICE are appealing for information after a large oil painting was taken from outside a property in the Quarry Cottages area of Newcraighall.
The incident happened between 1pm and 5pm on Saturday, 30 September, 2023.
The painting is a portrait of Lord Nelson in a gold frame and measures 1.4 metres by 1.4 metres. It is worth a five-figure sum.
Police Constable Richard Bradley said: “This is a large painting that was placed outside as work was being done within a property and the owner wanted to protect it from damage.
“We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious or who has seen the painting or knows where it is to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3572 of Saturday, 30 September, 2023, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Fearless – the youth service of Crimestoppers – have reported a huge increase in young people engaging with their recent youth violence and weapon possession campaign.
In just a three-week period, over 33,000 young people in Scotland swiped from Fearless’ latest Snapchat campaign to the charity’s website at Fearless.org Once there, young people were able to learn more about the common myths around weapon carrying, the Law and listen to podcasts from people with lived experience of serious violence.
Dozens of intel reports were submitted 100% anonymously to the charity about people carrying weapons and responsible for other serious crimes.
The campaign was launched in September at Eastbank Academy, Glasgow.
The highly successful Snapchat campaign content was designed entirely by a small group of young people from elsewhere in the city who volunteer with the charity.
Lyndsay McDade, National Youth Projects Coordinator at Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “I’m delighted by the results our youth violence campaign. It shows the sheer scale of young people’s willingness to engage; recognising that the issue of violence and weapon possession needs to improve and wanting to play their part in making their community safer.
“Young people have so much talent to offer. When we focus on a tiny fraction of young people making unsafe choices, it can be easy to forget that the vast majority want to be, and indeed are, part of the solution.
“Fearless provides a very clear call to action for young people. We make it easy to speak up about crime by providing a way to do so 100% anonymously through our website Fearless.org or by calling us on 0800 555 111.
“That means you don’t need to worry about the stigma sometimes associated with reporting, the potential retaliation and so on. We can’t track your IP address or any contact details so nobody will know the information came from you but you will make lives safer.
“I am immensely proud of the service we offer at Fearless.org and how we empower young people in Scotland to feel confident speaking up about crime.”
One young person who was involved in the design of the Snapchat content said: “I know people who are in gangs and have knives and stuff and I know someone my age who was stabbed recently.
“Something needs to be done and I cannae get rid of like the gangs or anything but helping with this was fine. I’m really happy there was a good response.”
Chief Superintendent Derek Frew from Police Scotland’s Partnerships, Preventions and Community Wellbeing Division said: “Carrying or using a knife can have a devastating impact on our communities.
“We remain committed to reducing the number of knife-related offences occurring within Scotland and working with partners to educate young people about the risks and consequences associated with such crimes.
“The Fearless campaign allows young people to anonymously report any concerns they have about someone carrying a knife, which, in turn, allows police to investigate and potentially prevent a violent crime involving a bladed weapon.
“We have been extremely encouraged by the engagement from young people throughout Scotland as part of the campaign and are grateful to those who have come forward and provided Fearless with information, for us to follow up on.”
UPDATE: A 32-year-old will be subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal following attempted robberies in Edinburgh.
The incidents happened on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, at St Mary’s Street, Market Street, Jeffrey Street and the High Street.
The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance with our enquiries.”
Detectives are appealing for witnesses to contact them following a series of attempted robberies in the city centre.Four crimes have been reported but officers believe a further two incidents, one in Market Street and one in the Royal Mile, were not reported to police.
The reported incidents occurred between 6pm and 7pm on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, at St Mary’s Street, Market Street, Jeffrey Street and the High Street. They all involved a man threatening members of the public and attempting to obtain money from them.
The man is described as white, around 5 ft. 8 – 5ft. 10 inches in height, with a medium build and brown, unkempt hair. He has dark facial hair with a beard and moustache.
He was wearing a dark jacket, grey-coloured jogging trousers and dark shoes. The man spoke with a local accent.
Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We believe other people were approached by this man near to the train station at Market Street and the Royal Mile at the junction with Jeffrey Street and I would ask them to contact us to report the circumstances.
“We are in the process of checking CCTV footage from the relevant areas but if anyone has any information about this man, please get in touch with us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3049 of 10 October 2023. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Road policing officers are appealing for information following a crash involving four cars on the A71, near to Calder Junction in Edinburgh.
The incident happened around 7.30am on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023.
Emergency services attended and the 53-year-old male driver of an orange Ford Ranger was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
The road was closed for collision investigation and reopened at 10.40am.
Sergeant Paul Ewing, of the East Road Policing Unit, said: “Our investigation to establish the full circumstances of this collision is ongoing and I would urge anyone who can help to come forward.
“We would like to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage or who saw the orange vehicle on the road prior to the crash.
“Anyone who can help is asked to call 101, quoting reference 0555 of 10 October.”
Scotland’s new Chief Constable Jo Farrell promised to prioritise trust, confidence, high performance, and officer and staff wellbeing as she took command of the national police service today (Monday, 9 October).
Chief Constable Farrell made a commitment to focus on threat, harm, and risk, and on prevention and problem solving, during a swearing in ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.
She also committed to prioritising the wellbeing of Police Scotland’s officers and support staff.
Chief Constable Farrell said: “I believe passionately in the value policing brings to our communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems, and reducing offending. We stand up for and with our communities, which strengthens them, improves their wellbeing, and allows them to prosper.
“My operational focus is on threat, harm, and risk. Police Scotland will focus on prevention, problem solving and proactivity, and on looking after our hard-working officers and staff so our people can deliver our vital public service.
“Police Scotland is a highly credible public sector organisation known for its compassion and it attracts huge public support. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of so many talented, professional, and courageous police officers, staff, and volunteers.”
She said: “I know the acknowledgement of institutional discrimination is a difficult message for many dedicated and honourable officers and staff.
“Having considered Sir Iain’s reasons, I agree Police Scotland is institutionally discriminatory. People with different backgrounds or experiences, including our officers and staff, have not always received the service that is their right.
“The onus is on us to challenge bad behaviour and prejudice, address gaps and eradicate bias, known or unwitting, at every level. Our Policing Together programme drives this moral, legal and operational imperative so that we maintain and build confidence with all communities.
“I will bring my support and leadership to this work and our success will be measured by the improved experiences of our officers and staff, and of the public.”
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance said: “I am delighted that the new Chief Constable Jo Farrell has been appointed to the role. It is very clear from the rigorous selection process, led by the Scottish Police Authority, that she has the leadership and skills that are essential to head our national police service and to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.
“There is much to be proud of within the UK’s second biggest police service – which is in a strong place as the new Chief takes up her role.
“Police Scotland’s officers and staff and their commitment to serving our communities are the bedrock of the service’s success. From crime, road policing, missing persons, prevention, partnership, dealing with increasing vulnerability in communities, and many other areas – their work should be a source of pride and confidence for our country.
“Both the First Minister and I look forward to formally welcoming the new Chief. I am sure we will forge a strong partnership, founded on a shared desire to continue the delivery of sustainable excellence within Scotland’s police service.”
Scottish Police Authority Chair Martyn Evans said: “The Authority is delighted the new Chief Constable is now in post and we look forward to working closely with her and the wider leadership team in the months ahead.”
Chief Constable Farrell led Durham Constabulary as Chief since 2019 having been Deputy since 2016 and having served in Northumbria Police since 2002. She started her career in Cambridgeshire Police in 1991.
Justice of the Peace Gillian Thomson accepted the Declaration of a Constable, an oath set out in law that every holder of the office of Constable in Scotland promises to faithfully discharge their duties with fairness, integrity, diligence, and impartiality, and to uphold human rights and accord equal respect to all people.
This morning, Chief Constable Farrell chaired a meeting with the Force Executive to set out her priorities and approach before meeting with probationary Constables and hosting a virtual session with Divisional Commanders in the afternoon.
Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information following two robberies and an attempted robbery in the Colinton area on Saturday.
Around 7.40pm on Saturday, 7 October, a man entered shop premises on Bridge Road, threatened a male member of staff with a knife, and demanded money. The suspect then left the premises with a three-figure sum of cash before making off in the direction of Colinton Village.
The suspect is described as a being aged between 30 – 40, 6’2”, athletic build with a local Scottish accent. He was wearing a distinctive light grey Adidas hooded top with a neon green trim, white face covering, light-coloured gloves, dark trousers, and dark trainers.
Around 7.50am on Sunday, 8 October, a man entered shop premises on Colinton Road, threatened a female member of staff with a knife and demanded she hand over money and cigarettes. He left empty-handed.
Shortly after, around 8.30am, the same described man entered shop premises in Ashley Terrace, in possession of a knife, threatened the staff, and again demanded money. He left the premises with a three-figure sum of cash.
He was wearing a black and white coloured face covering with a skull and cross-bone design, a black hooded top with an orange t-shirt underneath. He also wore camouflaged coloured jogging bottoms, and black and red/pink shoes, and was carrying a white string bag secured on both shoulders.
Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper from Edinburgh Division CID said: “The members of staff in all three incidents have been left badly shaken and it is vital that we trace the person involved.
“Due to the physical description of the suspect involved and the proximity of the premises it is believed the incidents are linked.
“We are appealing for anyone who may have seen the suspect in the surrounding areas before or after the incidents to please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3529 of the 7 October, 2023.
POLICE have released an image of a man who may be able to assist with an enquiry into an assault which took place in Edinburgh on Sunday, 4 June, 2023.The incident took place around 12.20am on Frederick Street.
The man is described as being white, 19-25 years of age, around 5ft 8in in height, with short dark hair shaved at the sides and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing black skinny jeans, a white t-shirt with black writing, and black trainers with white soles.
Police Constable Jordan Cowie of Howdenhall Police Station said: “We are keen to speak to this man who may have information to assist with our enquiries. I would encourage him, or anyone who recognises him, to please contact us.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0360 of Sunday, 4th June, 2023, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
A trailblazing woman, who was Edinburgh’s first ever female police driver, was welcomed back to her old beat on Friday (29 September), 70-years on from beginning her career.
Mary d’Arcy Kincaid, 91, broke gender barriers when she applied to become a trained police driver in 1956, having seen an advert encouraging officers to apply.
The advert had been intended to attract male applicants, but as no gender had been stated, Mary applied and following discussion with the Chief Inspector, she was accepted onto the course.
Mary would then go on to be one of four women from Scotland to take up a 12-month secondment opportunity in Cyprus in 1957 where she would help with the recruitment and training of female Cypriot officers, work within the control room and assist with the searching of women stopped at roadblocks. During this time she was promoted to Sergeant.
Upon her return to Edinburgh in 1958, she went back to working in the Southside before joining CID in 1960. In 1961, she was one of two women and four men selected to form the city’s Crime Team.
After leaving policing, Mary would later serve as a Magistrate in Westminster and now lives in Gloucestershire with her husband of 53 years.
Speaking of her time in uniform, Mary said: “I was so excited when I sat my entrance exams and passed, and so began my City of Edinburgh Police journey. When the memo circulated inviting applications for police drivers, I thought, why not – after all, they had not specified male or female Constables, so took my chance.
“I loved driving, and knew I could do it well, as part of my role. Despite some reluctance from some colleagues, I couldn’t believe it when I was invited to go for my driver training.
“I passed with flying colours, and so my driving as a Police Constable began. This really meant that I no longer needed a male Police Constable to drive me to a job, take a bus, or walk – I could drive one of the many CID vehicles.”
Senior officers, including Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond, were in attendance at St Leonards Police Station to greet Mary and her family before taking her on a tour of her former beat.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond paid tribute to the former officer for leading change for women in policing.
ACC Bond said: “Welcoming Mary and listening to her experiences and perspective was a real pleasure.
“Much has changed to improve the representation of women in all ranks and roles in policing over the course of the last few decades thanks to inspirational figures like Mary, quite literally, driving progress.
“Police Scotland is absolutely determined to continue to build on the progress led by trailblazers like Mary, to address sexism and discrimination in policing and across society and improve experiences for our officers and staff and the people who we serve,”
Almost one week on from when he was last seen, police continue to appeal for information to trace 70-year-old Martin Sinnett who is missing from Edinburgh.
Officers are checking a possible sighting in Musselburgh in the High Street and Harbour area.
There is also a confirmed sighting of Martin around 6.35am on Tuesday, 26 September outside the motorbike training centre on Seafield Road, Edinburgh.
At that time, he was wearing a wide-brimmed hat. He was also wearing a distinctive kilt jacket, blue jeans and black trainers with white soles. Officers have released a CCTV image.
Inspector Mike Smith said: “We are extremely concerned for Martin’s wellbeing and just want to know he is safe and well.
“I would ask residents in these areas to check their gardens, sheds and outbuildings in case Martin has sought shelter. If anyone has seen Martin or has any information on his whereabouts, please contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0708 of 26 September
