Police are appealing for information after two cars were deliberately set on fire in the Colinton area.
The incident happened around 11.30pm on Wednesday (14 July 2021) on the driveway of a property in Spylaw Park.
Officers are keen to speak to two men seen at the time, both wearing grey tracksuits and dark-coloured trainers. One is described as around 6ft, the other as around 5ft 10ins and he was riding a mountain bike and carrying a rucksack.
The men may also have been in Lanark Road and Spylaw Avenue around the time of the incident.
Detective Constable Sam Gillies, of Edinburgh CID, said: “Fortunately no one was injured but this was a deliberate and reckless act that has destroyed two cars and could have caused more extensive damage if the fire had not been put out quickly by the fire service.
“We are asking anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area at the time of the incident to get in touch, including if you were driving and have dash-cam footage that could help with our investigation.
“If you can help please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4203 of Wednesday, 14 July, 2021, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Motorcycles and scooters are an easy target for thieves. While these criminals are becoming more sophisticated in their methods, by following a few simple steps, you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
– Ensure your bike is fitted with a combined alarm and immobiliser which will deter thieves when the alarm sounds.
– Attach both a disc lock and U-lock. Do not rely on one device, the more security placed on your bike, the less attractive it is to a thief.
– Try to park under street lights- When applying your locks, ensure they are secured to a solid anchor point or a permanent piece of street furniture. Keep the lock off the ground where possible as this makes it difficult to cut off.
– Cover your motorcycle and ensure the cover is attached to the security device.
– If possible, use ‘Thatcham’ or ‘sold secure’ approved devices. These have been tested by the industry.
– Ensure you always activate the steering lock.
– Avoid leaving your helmet or other possessions on the motorcycle, in luggage space or panniers.
– Look out for car parks that are accredited to the ‘Parkmark’ scheme, as they are safer places to park vehicles. Log onto www.parkmark.co.uk for a list of car parks on your area.
– Be vigilant, ensure that you are not being followed home and check for suspicious items attached to your motorcycle or transporting vehicle/trailer that could be used to track your whereabouts.
– Tracking Devices are an effective covert security measure. They may not prevent your motorcycle from being stolen, it will assist in tracing and recovering the vehicle quickly.
– Marking and Identification Systems such as Datatag ID which can be attached to various parts of your motorcycle.
Datatag assists in identifying the owner of the vehicle should it be stolen and later recovered even if the motorcycle has been taken apart.
Three men charged in connection with an attempted murder in West Pilton are expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court later today (Thursday 15 July).
The men were arrested and charged after a 34-year-old man was found seriously injured in a communal stairwell in West Pilton Grove on Friday 18 June.
Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor, said: “We would like to thank those who have come forward and assisted with our enquiries. “I would like to reassure the members of the community that this was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider public. “Our officers and partners will continue to engage with local residents to provide reassurance and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns surrounding crime in the area to get in contact with police. “Police can be contacted on 101 or alternatively the charity Crime stoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Police are appealing for information to help trace Skye Fraser, a 13 year old girl ale missing from the Ferry Road Avenue area.
Skye was last seen around 4pm yesterday (Thursday 8th July) and her family are concerned as they have not heard from her since then.
She is described as 4’0, slim build with blonde hair, usually in a ponytail. She has blue eyes and was wearing a black jumper when she was last seen.
Inspector Forrester, Drylaw Police Station, said, “We are concerned for Skye’s welfare, therefore if anyone has information that could help us find her, please call us on ‘101’, quoting reference 0078 of 9th July 2021.
“Likewise, if Skye sees this appeal, please call your family or police on ‘101’ to let us know you are safe, thank you.”
Here’s the latest Capital Cops column from Chief Inspector Sam Ainslie, Local Area Commander for South East Edinburgh:
The city centre and South East of Edinburgh is a diverse locality, incorporating homes, businesses and a large number of leisure facilities and visitor attractions, ranging from easily accessible green spaces to the vast majority of the city’s night-time economy.
Local Edinburgh residents welcome the responsible use of our fantastic green spaces and amenities. However, disappointingly, these areas can experience incidences of antisocial behaviour and even disorder, particularly during periods of good weather, where excessive drinking has been a contributory factor.
You may be aware of some issues within the Meadows area during the Easter weekend, and I raise it here, for a number of reasons.
First to provide reassurance, that it was obvious that a small group of individuals attended with the express purpose of causing disorder.
Second, being acutely aware of the negative impact on local communities, South East Community Improvement Partnership developed a comprehensive action plan, calling on expertise and resource from across a range of Police, voluntary organisations, and City of Edinburgh Council functions.
This multi-agency response was then utilised successfully over a number of subsequent weekends.
Third, I wish to highlight the success of our dedicated investigation team, formed to specifically target those responsible for the pockets of disorder that weekend, and I am delighted to report that 14 of 17 key individual have been traced, arrested and reported to the Procurator Fiscal and suffice to say efforts will continue to hold the remainder to account.
Please continue to use these spaces respectfully.
While Edinburgh is a safe city, we are never complacent in respect of violence or anti-social behaviour in any of its forms, and as the night-time economy gradually returns, officers are once again providing a high visibility policing presence within the city centre during weekend periods, providing reassurance to our local communities, preventing issues and robustly dealing with incidents, should they occur.
Keeping with prevention, we have started to see a rise in thefts from vehicles, homes, sheds and businesses, and as a recurring theme, these are often opportunistic in nature, with thieves capitalising on a door or window being left unlocked.
Items of choice include, purses, handbags, laptops and bikes. Police Scotland’s website www.scotland.police.uk provides lots of great security advice, so please give it a visit.
Road safety matters remain an area of focus, and with Police Scotland’s Summer Drink/ Drug Drive Campaign having started on Monday – please follow us on our social media channels for information and updates.
I want to thank you for your ongoing support and ask that you continue to contact us to report suspected criminality and relevant concerns.
Information can also be passed to local officers, 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, and as ever, we will continue to post policing updates via @EdinPolSE Twitter account.
If you haven’t already done so, please follow us to receive regular information on what’s happening in your local area.
Chief Inspector Sam Ainslie is Local Area Commander, South East Edinburgh
A 17-year-old male youth has been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted murder and serious assault which happened in Edinburgh on Saturday (3 July, 2021).
The incident happened at Granton Square at around 1.10am.
Two men, aged 19 and 21, were found with serious injuries and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
He is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 7 July, 2021.
Detective Sergeant Mark McGraw of CID in Edinburgh said : “I want to reassure the public that this was an isolated incident and at no point were they at risk. Enquiries are continuing and I would like to thank the public for the assistance already provided.”
Bring your pedal cycle down to the @Ocean_Terminal shopping centre on Saturday (10th July 2021) between 10am and 2pm and ask #LeithCommunityCops to mark your bike for extra security!
Operation Boxy will run in the Pentland Hills Regional Park from 5 July to 31 July 2021 and will focus on the Edinburgh side of the hills: Bonaly Country Park, Harlaw, Torduff, Clubbiedean and Threipmuir reservoirs/areas.
The purpose of the Operation is to combat anti-social behaviour and encourage responsible access and use of the Pentland Hills, including the reservoirs.
There will be daily patrols during this time where Police Officers and PHRP Officers will engage with members of the public with the purpose of education and prevention – but, where necessary, there will be enforcement of the law.
To report any criminal issues please call 101, 999 in an emergency, and advise the call handler that the call relates to ‘Operation Boxy’.
Using the ‘what3words’ smartphone application is proving extremely effective in pinpointing exact locations.
Visiting reservoirs in the Pentland Hills
Please follow our advice on how to access reservoirs safely and responsibly:
Be safe: reservoirs are dangerous places to swim – read our safety advice and be aware of the risks. Note Blue-green algae bloom warnings.
Be considerate: keep clear of anglers – do not enter the water or let your dog in the water near anglers fishing from the bank and do not approach boats in the water. A fishing line can be cast out several metres from the angler.
Share the space: remember whatever your chosen activity is, either on the water or on the reservoir shores, that you share this space with others. Respect each other and give each other space.
Leave no trace: always take your litter to the nearest bin or home with you.
Respect wildlife: reservoir shores and islands are often preferred locations for some ground nesting birds. Avoid nesting sites during the breeding season (Apr-Jul), tread carefully and do not linger if birds sound repeated alarm calls.
Police are warning drivers who are enjoying a drink during the summer months not to get behind the wheel: even one drink can be one too many.
Officers will target drink drivers as part of a week of activity, starting today – Monday 5 July.
Police Scotland regularly carry out intelligence-led high visibility patrols and roadside checks to detect those who choose to put others at risk by driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
Police Scotland, Head of Road Policing, Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock said: “With many families opting for a staycation this summer, traffic levels are expected to be higher than in previous years.
“If you’re heading out to socialise over the summer months and intend drinking alcohol, please plan ahead and consider how you will get home safely, whether it’s walking, catching the bus, train or arranging a taxi.
“Do not take the risk of getting behind the wheel if you have consumed drugs or alcohol. I would ask friends, family and members of the public who suspect someone of driving under the influence of drink or drugs to have the courage to contact the Police and our officers will take action.”
Around 1.10am on Saturday, 3 July, 2021 officer were called to Granton Square, Edinburgh following a report of a disturbance.
Two men, aged 19 and 21, were found with serious injuries and taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary to be treated.
Detective Sergeant Dougal Begg, said: “These men received serious injuries and therefore it is imperative that we establish exactly how they came about them.
“We are currently carrying out enquiries into the matter, however would appeal for anyone with any information to come forward.
“Passing taxis or private hire vehicles that were in the area may also have dash-cam footage that could be vital in our enquiry. We would urge you to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information should contact Police via 101, quoting incident number 0261 of Saturday, 3 July, 2021. Alternatively you can contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where information can be given in confidence.
