Tag: Police Scotland

Police launch Operation Winter City

POLICE in Edinburgh have launched their annual campaign to keep the public safe throughout the festive period.

Operation Winter City 2024 will run between 15 November, 2024 and 5 January, 2025 and will see officers provide high-visibility patrols to offer reassurance to the public who are visiting, or work within the city centre area.

Throughout the operation, local policing teams in the Capital will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring divisions and a range of specialist resources can also be called upon to provide additional assistance if required.

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Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson, Gold Commander for Operation Winter City, said: “The festive period is always an exciting time in Edinburgh and the city centre is buzzing with locals and visitors Christmas shopping, socialising, and enjoying the events that are taking place over the coming weeks.

“We will have increased high-visibility patrols throughout the city centre and officers will be on hand to provide the public with any assistance they require.

“There are simple steps we can all take to stay safe during the festive period. Looking after your personal belongings when you’re in town, planning your transportation for nights out in advance, drinking responsibly and ensuring your home and any outbuildings are appropriately secured, will help prevent you from falling victim to crime, or coming into contact with the emergency services for any reason.

“Crime prevention and personal safety advice is available on our website and will be provided on our social media channels throughout Operation Winter City.

“On behalf of everyone at Edinburgh Division, have a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year.”

Four sought following bank incident

Police Scotland has released images of four people officers believe may be able to assist in connection with their investigation into threatening behaviour and damage to a bank.

The incident happened on Princes Street around 1.30am on Thursday, 12 September 2024.

Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and officers believe the three men and one woman pictured may be able to help with their investigation.

The first man is described as white, around 6ft tall, of slim build with black hair worn in a top knot. He may have a moustache and/or goatee beard. He was wearing a headtorch, a two-tone blue waterproof jacket, a yellow t-shirt, grey trousers, navy trainers and carrying a plain black rucksack. He had a black mountain bike with white forks and a solid black chainring guard.

The second man is described as white, also around 6ft and of slim build. He was wearing a surgical face mask, black baseball cap, black hooded top, brown trousers and navy shoes. He had a dark coloured mountain bike with a distinctive green section at the bottom of the front forks.

The third man is described as white, of heavy build, around 6ft, with short dark hair and a short dark beard. He was wearing a black baseball cap with a large symbol on the front, red jacket with black panels on the inside arms and flanks, bottle green jogging bottoms and dark shoes. He had a black electric pedal bike.

The woman is described as white, around 5ft 5ins, of slight build with short dark hair. She was wearing a navy jumper and beige trousers. She had a distinctive white women’s bike with white front and rear mud guards.

Police Constable Callum Johnston said: “I would urge these people or anyone who knows who they are to get in contact with us.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0211 of Thursday 12 September 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”

Four more arrests following Bonfire Night disorder in Edinburgh

Four more people have been arrested following disorder in Edinburgh during Bonfire Night.

A full criminal investigation into the incidents that arose during the evening of 5 November began the following day and as a result of these inquiries three further individuals were charged in connection with the disturbances on Calder Road that saw fireworks and projectiles thrown at the public, police officers and various busses.

A 16-year-old male was charged on Tuesday, 12 November, while two 17-year-old males were charged on Wednesday, 13 November.

All three will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 3 December.

A 15-year-old male was also arrested on Wednesday following incidents that took place on Captain’s Road, where projectiles were thrown at Public Order Officers. He will appear in court on an undertaking at a later date.

To date, 13 people have been charged, five homes searched, and two vehicles seized following the offences that took place between Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Further arrests are expected as inquiries continue.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “We want the arrests made so far to provide reassurance to our communities that we are committed to bringing all those responsible for the crimes that took place to justice.

“Equally, they should serve as a very real reminder to everyone who was involved that we are actively pursuing them, and they can expect a visit from us imminently.

“We still have lots of excellent CCTV footage and other evidence gathered on Halloween and Bonfire Night to go through and we are confident this will help us identify and charge more offenders in due course.

“Members of the public who have video or photographic evidence can still submit it to https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S16-PO1.”

13 years for ‘prolific’ sex offender

A 37-year-old man will spend the next 13 years in prison after he was sentenced for serious sexual offences, violence and abusive behaviour.

Anthony Gibson came to the attention of police in November 2020 when it was discovered he had abused two women.

Following initial inquiries, it was apparent Gibson had subjected other women to his abusive behaviour. His offences occurred in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Lanarkshire and Fife.

As a result of the ongoing enquiries, Gibson was arrested and charged in connection with serious sexual assaults, violence and abusive and controlling behaviour.

He was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday, 11 November, 2024.

Detective Inspector Frank Keegan : “Gibson is a prolific offender. I can only hope that the women he harmed take some solace in knowing he can no longer inflict his violent and abusive behaviour on them or any other women.

“It is incredibly difficult for anyone to stand up and confront an abuser and I would like to thank the women for their strength and resilience in speaking with us. I would encourage anyone who has been or is being subjected to violence and abuse to report it to us.”

Assault in George Street: Do you know this man?

Police Scotland has released images of a man officers believe may be able to assist with their investigation into an assault in Edinburgh city centre.

The incident took place on George Street around 1.20am on Sunday, 29 September, 2024.

The man is described as of average build, around 5ft 10ins, in his mid-20’s with medium length dark hair and a moustache. He was wearing a black hooded jacket, blue jeans and dark trainers with a brown over-the-shoulder bag.

Detective Sergeant Rob Finch, of Gayfield CID, said: “I would urge the man pictured, or anyone who has information relating to him, to contact the police.

“If you have any information that can assist with our investigation then please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0294 of 29 September 2024. Alternatively, make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Grassmarket assault: Do you know this man?

POLICE Scotland have released an image of a man they wish to speak to who may be able to assist their enquiries into an assault which took place on Thursday 26 September 2024 at the Grassmarket.

The man is described as being white, slim build, approximately 6ft in height, with short red hair. He was wearing a grey tracksuit and a black jacket.

Detective Constable Mark Richmond said “ I would urge the man pictured or anyone who may recognise him or has information about this incident to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1768 of 27 September 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

CCTV appeal following wilful fire at The Wisp

Detectives in Edinburgh have released CCTV images of a man they believe may be able to assist with enquiries into a wilful fire which occurred on Hammond Place, The Wisp, around 4.50am on Sunday, 6 October, 2024

Officers believe that the man pictured may hold information that will assist their ongoing investigation.

He is described as: white, between 18-30 years of age, around 5ft 11ins in height and of medium build. He was wearing dark-coloured clothing and riding a mountain bike.

Detective Constable Paul Henderson said: “I would urge the man pictured, or anyone who recognises him, to contact the police.

“If you have any information that can assist with our investigation then please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0861 of 6 October.

“Alternatively, make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Pedestrian death on Easter Road: Dangerous driver jailed

A 26-year-old man has been jailed for four years and six months for causing death by dangerous driving in Leith.

Ralph Fairhurst was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, 7 November, 2024. 

Officers were called to the fatal collision involving a car and a pedestrian on Easter Road around 2.40am on Sunday, 19 June, 2022.

The pedestrian, a 21-year-old man, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh however he died on Wednesday, 29 June, 2022. 

Fairhurst, the driver of the car, fled the area and was traced by officers later that day. 

Road Policing Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our thoughts remain with family and friends of the young man that lost his life, and I hope that today’s sentencing brings them some comfort and allows them to move forward.

“Ralph Fairhurst showed absolutely no regard for the law and his reckless actions highlight the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and the lasting impact it has on those involved, along with their families and friends.”

Three charged following Bonfire Night disorder

Three people have been charged in connection with offences that took place in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night.

On Thursday, 7 November, officers investigating the significant disorder in Calder Road arrested a 38-year-old man following an incident where fireworks were set off within a common stair in Dunsire House North.

The male will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 5 December.

A 13-year-old boy was then arrested today (Friday, 8 November) in connection with vandalism that took place at the Macklin Motors car dealership on Calder Road that resulted in damage estimated at over £20,000 being caused to vehicles.

He will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 10 December.

During the evening of Bonfire Night, a car was observed stopping amongst a group of young people, who then took possession of a quantity of fireworks from inside the vehicle. These were then used to cause disorder and antisocial behaviour within the Gracemount area.

As a result of inquiries to trace the driver, a 40-year-old man was also arrested today and he will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 10 December.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder from Edinburgh CID said: “We made it clear following the disorder that put our communities in a state of alarm on Bonfire Night, that we would be unrelenting in our pursuit of those responsible and these arrests are just the first of many, as we continue to pursue various positive lines of inquiry.

“You might think you have evaded arrest, because we’ve not yet come to your door, but we will be doing so imminently.

“The public still have a vital role to play in helping us identify everyone involved in the criminality that took place on 5 November by providing us with photographic, or video evidence, via our Major Incident Public Portal.

“Please submit your footage to https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S16-PO1.”

Appeal for information following fatal crash on City Bypass

Road policing officers in Edinburgh are appealing for information following a fatal crash on the city bypass.

Around 9.10am yesterday (Thursday, 7 November, 2024), police were called to a report of a three-car crash on the A720 between Gogar roundabout and Hermiston Gait, Edinburgh.

The crash involved a grey Volkswagen Transporter campervan, a grey Volkswagen Tiguan and a red Vauxhall Corsa.

Emergency services attended and the driver of the Corsa, a 53-year-old man, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he died a short time later.

The driver of the Tiguan was taken to hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the campervan was not injured.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash ongoing.

Sergeant Grant Hastie said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man at this difficult time, and we will support them throughout the investigation.

“We would ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or who may have dash-cam footage, and has not yet spoken to or provided this information to officers, to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 4275 of 7 November, 2024.