Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery and a robbery in the Restalrig area on Saturday (12 August 2023).
Around 5.45 am, a 33-year-old woman was threatened by a man armed with a weapon as she was just about to get on a bus on Restalrig Road South. The man attempted to grab her bag but she managed to get on to the bus which drove off.
Around 6.30 am, a man threatened shop staff at a convenience store on Restalrig Road South with what was believed to be a bladed weapon. He demanded cash but only managed to grab other items as he was chased from the store.
The suspect for both incidents is described as white, 30-40 years of age, has a long and pointed nose which may have been broken previously, dark brown hair. He was wearing a black hooded long-sleeve jumper with a gold metallic North Face logo, grey jogging bottoms with the Adidas logo on left-hand side pocket and black trainers.
Detective Sergeant Steven Gray said: “Although thankfully, no one was injured, this was very frightening and distressing for those involved.
“Officers are checking CCTV in the area and making local enquiries however, we are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area between 5.30 am and 6.45 am that morning and who saw the man.
“It may be that he has either approached or threatened others in the area, or may have been hanging about the street, which we can see from CCTV was quite busy at that time.
“So, if you have any information about the incidents or recognise the description of the man, then call police at Gayfield Police Station via 101. Please quote reference number 0930 of Saturday, 12 August 2023. Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
UPDATE
A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with two robberies on Restalrig Road South, Edinburgh which took place on Saturday, 12 August, 2023.
They are expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 18 August, 2023
A Police Scotland Spokesperson said: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance with our inquiries following our earlier appeal.”
NSPCC urges tech companies and MPs to back Online Safety Bill following new research on scale of online grooming
Primary school children targeted in more than half of online grooming crimes in Scotland since social media regulation was first demanded
More than 3,500 online grooming crimes have been recorded by Police Scotland while children have been waiting for online safety laws, new figures published by the NSPCC reveal today.
Data from Police Scotland shows 593 Communicating Indecently with a Child offences were recorded last year (2022/23).
The new research shows that in Scotland, 1,873 offences took place against primary school children, with under-13s making up more than half of victims.
The new analysis of the scale of child sexual abuse taking place on social media comes ahead of MPs and Lords making final decisions on the Online Safety Bill next month.
The NSPCC first called for social media regulation to protect children from sexual abuse in 2017 and has been campaigning for robust legislation ever since.
The charity said the number of offences is likely to be far higher than those known to police. In response, they are urging politicians on all sides to support the Bill in its final stages and pass this vital legislation.
Aoife (19) from East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, was exploited online when she was 15 by an adult male who pretended to be a teenager.
The man convinced her to send him images of herself and blackmailed her with these to control her behaviour. When his demands became increasingly intense and frightening, Aoife plucked up the courage to tell her mum and teachers, who helped them to report it to the police.
Aoife said: “When I found out I’d been talking to an older man I was petrified. I remember it was 3am and I was sitting in my room, just shaking. I felt like I was the only person in the world and started crying.
“I wanted my mum, and while she was just in the room next door I thought I couldn’t tell her because it’s so embarrassing, but all I wanted was a hug from her.”
A draft Online Safety Bill was published over two years ago but regulation was first promised by Government in 2018 following the NSPCC’s call for action and the launch of its Wild West Web campaign.
The charity has been campaigning for strong legislation ever since, working closely with survivors, Government, Parliamentarians, and other civil society groups to ensure it effectively tackles the way social media and gaming sites contribute to child sexual abuse.
The legislation will mean tech companies have a legal duty of care for young users and must assess their products for child abuse risks and put mitigations in place to protect children.
It will give the regulator Ofcom powers to address significant abuse taking place in private messaging and require companies to put safeguards in place to identify and disrupt abuse in end-to-end encrypted environments.
The NSPCC said these measures are vital to effectively protect children from the most insidious abuse and recent polling shows they are backed by more than seven in ten voters.
Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive said: “Today’s research highlights the sheer scale of child abuse happening on social media and the human cost of fundamentally unsafe products.
“The number of offences must serve as a reminder of why the Online Safety Bill is so important and why the ground-breaking protections it will give children are desperately needed.
“We’re pleased the Government has listened and strengthened the legislation so companies must tackle how their sites contribute to child sexual abuse in a tough but proportionate way, including in private messaging.
“It’s now up to tech firms, including those highlighted by these stark figures today, to make sure their current sites and future services do not put children at unacceptable risk of abuse.”
As well as winning the commitment to legislate, the NSPCC has helped shape significant gains for children in the Online Safety Bill as it has passed through Parliament, including:
Senior tech bosses will be held criminally liable for significant failures that put children at risk of sexual abuse and other harm.
Girls will be given specific protections as Ofcom will produce guidance on tackling Violence Against Women and Girls for companies to follow.
Companies will have to crack down on so-called tribute pages and breadcrumbing that use legal but often stolen images of children and child accounts to form networks of offenders to facilitate child sexual abuse.
Sites will have to consider how grooming pathways travel across various social media apps and games and work together to prevent abuse spreading across different platforms.
The NSPCC is still seeking assurances that the legislation will effectively regulate AI and immersive technology and wants an online child safety advocacy body specifically to speak with and for children as part of the day-to-day regulatory regime. They argue that this will help spot emerging risks and fight for the interests and safety of children before tragedies arise.
The charity are asking campaigners to reach out to MPs with personal messages about why they should act to make the online world safer for children and pass a robust Online Safety Bill in the coming weeks.
First Minister Humza Yousaf has led tributes to Sir Iain Livingstone QPM who yesterday (August 10) retired from policing after 31 years, including six as Scotland’s Chief Constable.
Having brought stability to Police Scotland, the 56-year-old led the organisation through the delivery of major events and challenges including the Covid pandemic, the policing of COP26, and the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
Under his command, Police Scotland has delivered a world-leading homicide detection rate, clearly established a commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, and championed inclusion.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I would like to thank Sir Iain Livingstone for his outstanding leadership of Police Scotland over the past six years.
“During his time in charge, policing of the COVID pandemic, COP26 and the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II showcased all that is best about the qualities and traditions of Scottish policing.
“He has also shown courage and commitment in challenging the institutional and structural barriers that exist within Police Scotland. After 31 years of public service, I wish him well on his retirement.”
Martyn Evans, Chair of the Authority, said: “Sir Iain Livingstone has been integral to delivering the vision of a single national police service and transforming policing over the last decade. In doing so, he has shown great imagination, courage and created much needed stability.
“He has led Police Scotland with dignity, grace and distinction through significant major events and challenges. The Authority is immensely grateful for his contribution and leadership and we wish him well for this next chapter.”
Members of the force executive, probationary constables, and other colleagues, serving and retired, wished him well as he left Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.
Sir Iain said: “Leading our officers and staff as Scotland’s chief constable to keep the public safe has been the privilege of my professional life.
“I thank and pay tribute to all my colleagues for their dedication and professionalism and to my family for their love and support.
“With the strong and experienced leadership team in place and under the command of new Chief Constable Jo Farrell, I know Police Scotland will continue to deliver ethical and effective policing for our fellow citizens.”
Chief Constable Farrell will take up post on 9 October with Deputy Chief Constable Designate Fiona Taylor QPM taking on the responsibilities of Chief Constable in the interim period.
DCC Taylor said: “On behalf of our officers and staff I thank and pay tribute to Sir Iain for his outstanding public service and inspirational leadership. We wish him and his family the very best.”
A summary of Sir Iain’s career is available on the Police Scotland website here.
POLICE have released images of a man who may be able to assist with their enquiries into an assault which took place in Edinburgh on Saturday, 20 May 2023. The incident happened on Hanover Street at around 4.15am.
The man is described as aged between 20-30 years old, medium build, black hair with a tattoo on his left hand. He was wearing a grey and white two-tone puffer jacket, blue jeans and dark shoes.
Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We are keen to speak to this man who may have information which could assist with our enquiries. I would encourage him or anyone who may recognise him to contact us.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0804 of 20 May 2023.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM presented the plan to the Scottish Police Authority Board in March. It was then laid in the Scottish Parliament as required under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.
Our APP uses strategic outcomes and objectives to describe the impact that Police Scotland aims to make to the lives of people across Scotland. This aligns with the Joint Strategy for Policing, Policing for a Safe, Protected and Resilient Scotland, and our strategic planning framework.
It was developed with colleagues from across the service and describes how we will prioritise our resources towards the issues that cause the most harm to people and communities.
Progress will be reported across all the activities featured to describe and demonstrate the impact of policing on Scotland’s communities. Police Scotland’s Performance Framework is being refreshed and as in previous years, will fully align to the strategic outcomes and objectives set out in the Joint Strategy and the APP.
Policing for a Safe, Protected and Resilient Scotland
In 2020, the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland agreed and published our Joint Strategy for Policing (2020), Policing for a Safe Protected and Resilient Scotland. This strategy describes our ambitions for the future of policing in Scotland framed around five strategic outcomes.
Good progress has been made in developing our service since that point and the time is right to review our strategy. The Vision for Justice was published in 2022, and Scottish Government has recently reviewed and confirmed their Strategic Police Priorities for the next three years.
We are now keen to engage with our partners, stakeholders and members of the public to gain feedback on the draft document before we finalise it later this Spring.
The Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland have now launched a public engagement exercise on the draft Joint Strategy for Policing 2023-26.
The engagement exercise launched on 11 March 2023 and will run until 23 April 2023.
To find out more and to give us your feedback, please click here.
Police Scotland’s next Chief Constable, Jo Farrell, will take up post on 9 October.
Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM will leave office on 10 August with Deputy Chief Constable Designate Fiona Taylor QPM taking on the responsibilities of Chief Constable in the interim period.
The three senior officers met with Justice Secretary Angela Constance and Scottish Police Authority Chair Martyn Evans at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, yesterday (Tuesday, 1 August).
Sir Iain said: “An effective handover which maintains stability in Police Scotland was a key priority in my retirement plans and I will continue to work with Fiona and Jo to that end.”
DCC Designate Taylor said: “My focus will be on ensuring effective policing is maintained for the communities of Scotland and I will support the effective handover from Sir Iain to Chief Constable Farrell.”
Chief Constable Farrell said: “I thank Sir Iain and Fiona for their work to ensure a smooth transition when I take command of Police Scotland.”
The leadership arrangements were agreed by the Scottish Police Authority.
Chair Martyn Evans said: “An effective and stable handover during this leadership transition is a priority and I am grateful to Sir Iain and Jo Farrell for their commitment and support.”
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “I’m pleased to meet Jo Farrell ahead of her taking up post as Chief Constable and looking forward to working with her in the years to come.”
Police have launched their summer campaign to keep people safe throughout the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe 2023.
From Tuesday, 1 August, an enhanced policing presence will be deployed throughout the Capital’s city centre as part of Operation Summer City to engage with the public and offer a range of crime prevention and personal safety advice.
In addition, the dedicated patrols will deter and detect criminal activity and provide public reassurance.
Local officers from across Edinburgh will be supported throughout Operation Summer City by colleagues from neighbouring divisions, as well as a range of national and specialist departments within Police Scotland.
Each day there we be a mobile police station in the High Street, where the public can report any crime or suspicious activity they experience, or receive in-person safety information from the officers working within.
Throughout the duration of the campaign, the Edinburgh Division social media channels will be used to provide crime prevention advice and other guidance aimed at safeguarding the public from harm.
Local residents and visitors to the city alike are asked to follow Police Scotland Edinburgh on Facebook and @PSOSEdinburgh on Twitter.
Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton from Edinburgh Division said: “The Edinburgh Festivals form the largest festival in the world and turns an international spotlight on the Capital. As such, we must ensure that the policing response is adequate and proportionate during this time.
“From 1 August we will have increased foot patrols within the city centre and officers will provide a visible and reassuring presence to all of those who live, work and visit the area over the course of the Festival and Fringe.
“We benefit greatly from our ability to call upon additional resources from across Police Scotland and I am grateful to the officers coming from other local policing divisions and specialisms who will enhance our response capability for Operation Summer City. We also work closely with event organisers to ensure the event spaces are safe and enjoyable for everyone who attends.
“Throughout the duration of the Military Tattoo, there will be an Air Restriction Zone in place around the Castle esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket and Johnstone Terrace.
“The restriction operates from 4pm until midnight between Thursday, 3 August and Saturday, 26 August. This is to ensure the safety of all of the Tattoo performers and attendees and means that unauthorised drone flying within this area is strictly prohibited.
“Despite the population of Edinburgh doubling during the coming weeks, I am confident the Capital will remain a safe place for both tourists and local residents, but nonetheless, I would ask that anyone who sees anything suspicious during their time within the area reports their concerns to police immediately.
“In addition, I’d encourage the public to follow our social media channels so they can stay up to date with all relevant crime prevention and safety information we will be publishing.”
Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton, Operation Summer City Silver Commander, has shared the following message:
Yesterday we launched Operation Summer City 2023 to keep the public safe during the festival season.
POLICE are appealing for information following a crash on Ratcliffe Terrace at 8.45am on Thursday 26 January, involving a blue Vauxhall Corsa and a cyclist.
A man aged 27, the cyclist, was taken to ERI for treatment.
If you saw what happened or have dash-cam please call us on 101 – Incident 0654 of 26/1/23
ANGER AND CONFUSION OVER MANSE ROAD SAFETY MEASURES
Council officers have responded to an incident at the weekend involving vandalism and graffiti to a controversial trial bus gate on Manse Road, which left a pylon in a precarious and dangerous position.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “There’s no excuse for dangerous criminal behaviour like this. We are lucky a member of the public reported it to us early on Sunday morning so that our crews could quickly attend and make the column safe, and I’d like to thank them for this.
“The trial road safety measures in Corstorphine aim to address the fact the majority of local residents (67%) feel there is an issue with vehicles in area. Ultimately, however, improving safety in the street does have some impact on vehicle use – primarily for traffic cutting through the area on the way to somewhere else.
“Given that context, this type of reckless criminal behaviour is shameful, and I know that local people both for and against the scheme are concerned about what’s happened. The damage to council property and the graffiti is completely unacceptable and all it achieves is disruption, expense and a damaging effect on the reputation of a great local community.
“We’ll be reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to Police this week, and I’d urge anyone who knows who may be responsible for this senseless criminal act to reach out to Police too.
“Given the risk the damage posed to the people in the adjacent retirement housing, I hope those responsible are promptly brought to justice.”
The design for Corstorphine Connections was approved by the Transport and Environment Committee in August 2021.
As part of the development of the designs for the project the Council carried out a significant amount of engagement with the local community, many of whom highlighted concerns about the volume and speed of traffic in the area.
Independent market research carried out showed that 67% of people living in the area thought vehicle traffic was a problem, and those with disabilities were more likely to be concerned about the situation.
By limiting through traffic and providing spaces to sit, relax and interact, Corstorphine Connections aims to create a much safer and more welcoming environment for people living there.
Cllr Arthur added:“I know already that many parents have enjoyed being able to walk and cycle more easily with their children in the area since the Council started implementing the scheme, particularly during the recent warmer weather.
“The Council retained access for all residents travelling by car too, alongside these changes, so that those who choose to drive can still do so. It is now much harder, however, for delivery drivers etc to cut through the residential area on the way to somewhere else.
“There are plenty safe and sensible ways to share your views on this trial which we are keen to listen to. I have now attended the local Community Council twice to listen to residents, and I’ve made sure a Council Officer attended every time it met over the past year to answer questions and collect feedback.
“I have also said I will return whenever they want. Additionally, I have done the school run with a local parent, met with a second resident and have a further meeting with a local resident in the pipeline.”
About 1730hrs, on Sunday 2nd July 2023, a black Skoda has been travelling in convoy with a Silver Honda from Tesco, Meadow Place Road, westbound along Meadow Place Road towards Broomhouse roundabout and then onto Broomhouse Drive.
This vehicle has been involved in a road traffic collision.
If anyone has been in the area at that time and witnessed the incident or has dash cam footage of the vehicles, please contact 101 quoting incident number 2614 of 02/07/23.
