A 40-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with robberies at premises on Portobello High Street.
The first incident happened around 4.55pm on Saturday, 31 January, 2026 and the second around 10.40am on Sunday, 1 February, 2026.
She is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Tuesday, 3 February, 2026.
POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery at a premises in Portobello on Saturday, 31 January.
The incident happened around 4.55pm on Portobello High Street when a woman entered a shop, threatened a staff member and made off with a three-figure sum of money.
The woman is described as white, 30 to 40-years-old, around 5ft 4ins and of thin build. She was wearing a black puffer style jacket with the hood up, dark trousers and a purple headband. She spoke with a local accent.
Detective Constable Luke Wilson said: “Thankfully no one was injured but the staff member was left very shaken and upset by what happened.
“We are asking anyone in the area at the time who can help with our investigation to get in touch. Please check any private CCTV to see if anything has been captured that could assist officers.”
Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2197 of Saturday, 31 January, 2026, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police are appealing for information following a robbery in Edinburgh.
Around 4.10am on Wednesday, 12 November, 2025, a woman approached another woman on Crichton Street and threatened her with a knife before making off with the victim’s handbag.
Further CCTV enquiry traced the female suspect with a man on Nicolson Street. The pair are then seen to approach a couple on Nicolson Street, where it’s believed an attempted robbery occurred.
The second incident has not yet been reported to police and officers are appealing for the couple, and a member of the public who intervened, to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Mike Campbell said: “Although the victim of the robbery on Crichton Street was not injured, this was a frightening incident and we’re following a positive line of enquiry in identifying the suspects.
“We’re aware from enquiries carried out, the suspect met with a man and may have gone on to commit a further attempted robbery. I’d appeal to the victims of that incident to come forward. I’d also ask the member of the public who stepped in to help to contact police, as they may have vital information.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 0320 of 12 November 2025.
POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery at a premises on Slateford Road.
The incident happened around 6.15am on Sunday (9 November), when a man entered a store and threatened a staff member and demanded money.
He made off in the direction of Gorgie Park Road with a four-figure sum of cash and cigarettes. No one was injured.
The suspect is described as around 5ft 10ins, of slim build and spoke with an English accent.
He was wearing a royal blue fleece with grey side panels and grey cuffs and a black hoodie underneath, black Nike jogging bottoms with a double white stripe on the legs and dark-coloured trainers with a white sole and red flashes on the heel. His face was covered.
Detective Inspector Alan Sharp said: “Fortunately the staff member was not injured but he was left very upset by what happened.
“Enquiries are ongoing and we are asking anyone who saw what happened, saw the suspect or knows who he is to get in touch.
“Please also check any private CTV or dash-cam you might have and contact us if anything has been captured that could assist with our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on101, quoting incident number 0929 of Sunday, 9 November, 2025, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Retail trade union Usdaw has launched shocking statistics from its UK-wide annual survey during this year’s Respect Week, which runs from 10-16 November. Usdaw members are raising awareness of the union’s year-round ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign and talking to the public to promote a message of ‘respect for retail workers’.
Interim results from over 3,000 retail staff across the UK show that in the last twelve months (change from last year):
· 71% (-6) have experienced verbal abuse.
· 48% (-5) were threatened by a customer.
· 9% (-1) were assaulted.
Scottish voices from the frontline:
These are some of the comments Scottish retail workers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:
Central Scotland: “I got a knife pulled on me and was cut on the hand holding it away from him trying to stab me.” – “Sexual harassment, threats of violence for challenging theft and abusive behaviour, name calling.”
Glasgow: “Refused a customer alcohol because they were intoxicated – screamed abuse at me, told me I was a jobsworth.” – “Headbutted and pushed by customer.” – “Verbal abuse, called names, threatened to be hit etc.”
Highlands and Islands: “I have been spat on, called a faggot and loads of other names.” – “Pushed and threatened by shoplifter trying to steal spirits.” – “Customer shouting, throwing items and aggressive behaviour.”
Lothian: “Rude language, swearing, raised voices, intimidating behaviour.” – “Punched by an angry customer.” – “Customer threatened to cut us like fish. Every day, we have verbal abuse. Called names – cow, slag etc.” – “Told me to f**k off.”
Mid-Scotland and Fife: “Pushed, verbally harassed, customer gotten in my face.” – “Verbal abuse, cussing, homophobic and threats of harm.” – “Been swore at, sexual comments, followed to car.” – “Aggressive over being ID’d, stock thrown at me.”
North East Scotland: “Called an ignorant b*tch by a customer who was refused a refund.” – “Pushed by a customer in anger over prices.” – “Shouting, swearing, threatened with bottle person was stealing.”
South Scotland: “Coupons ripped up and thrown at me.” – “Hit by item of food. Threatened with a gun.” – “Customers swearing and threatening me when they have no receipt, can’t get a refund, have waited in the queue for too long.”
West Scotland: “Refused underage sale, tried to punch me.” – “Older man shouting at me at night to distract me so someone else could steal.” – “Called awful names, threatened to follow me after work.”
Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “Retail workers deserve far more respect than they receive and these experiences from Scottish retail workers make very difficult reading.
“This year’s UK-wide annual survey interim results show a welcome, but slight, downturn in the level of incidents retail workers are experiencing while doing their jobs. However, it remains shocking that nearly three-quarters of those working in retail are regularly facing abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence.
“Violence and abuse is not an acceptable part of the job and much more needs to be done to protect retail workers.
“We were delighted to have won the campaign for a protection of workers law in the Scottish Parliament, but that is the beginning – not the end. We have to ensure that the legislation is central to tackling a growing wave of retail crime, and Usdaw looks forward to working with Police Scotland to make that happen.
“This week, Usdaw activists will be campaigning in their workplaces and communities calling on the shopping public to ‘respect retail workers’ and ‘keep your cool’, particularly in the run-up to Christmas when the number of incidents increases as shops get busy and customers become frustrated.
“This is a hugely important issue for our members, and they are saying loud and clear that enough is enough.”
Police Scotland have had recent reports of people trying door handles to access flats after gaining access to the communal stair.
Please remember to secure your property and report any crimes to Police.
Advice on securing your property can be found at the below link:
Always dial 999 in an emergency.
For non-emergencies, contact 101 or 0300 426 0101 if calling from outwith the UK. Network charges may apply.
For issues of a non-serious nature, this can be reported by using our Contact Us form:
You can also keep yourself up to date with what’s going on in your area by signing up to Neighbourhood Watch Scotland alerts.
A 35-year-old man has been arrested & charged in connection with breaking into business premises in Dalry, Gorgie and the city centre.
Cafes, take-aways and food stores were broken into between Saturday 17 & Thursday 22 May.
He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday (2nd June).
Ecclesiastical Insurance is encouraging churches to take steps to prevent being a victim of theft as they welcome visitors over the Easter period.
With Easter considered the most important date in the Christian calendar, churches up and down the country will be hosting services and events., bringing together congregations and the wider community.
However, with the extra footfall, there is concern about opportunistic thieves potentially stealing cash and priceless items in the process.
Churches have long been targeted by thieves, often for lead and copper from church roofs, and earlier this year Ecclesiastical revealed more than £500,000 worth of silver was stolen from church premises in 2024.
In February St Andrews Church in Little Steeping, Lincolnshire had paintings removed by thieves, while police are looking for a man caught on CCTV stealing from St Gregory’s Church in Northampton in late March.
As a leading insurer of churches, specialist insurer Ecclesiastical is urging churches to take steps to protect themselves to avoid being a victim during this important time of year.
Helen Richards, church operations director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Theft from church buildings can have a heartbreaking impact, both on the volunteers and congregation who worship at the church – even more so during such an important time for Christians and the church.
“Sadly we’re seeing more incidents where churches are being targeted, with items such as silver, cash, statues, artwork, furniture and even paving stones being stolen. Thankfully there are steps churches can take to help protect themselves, including storing valuables in a high-quality modern safe in a secure area of the church when they’re not in use, or storing items off-site where suitable alternative security arrangements can be made and with the approval of church insurers.
“We want churches to be open to welcome their communities, congregations and potential visitors – especially during Easter – but we must all be aware of the risks. It is critically important that churches follow our risk management advice to protect themselves. Our team of experts is on hand to support customers and can be contacted on 0345 777 3322.”
Ecclesiastical’s risk management team has developed guidance as part of its call to review existing security arrangements and help churches protect themselves from potential break ins. The advice includes:
For any church customers concerned about potential theft, Ecclesiastical’s risk advice line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0345 600 7531 or they can e-mail risk.advice@ecclesiastical.com.
Police Scotland have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their ongoing enquiries into a robbery which occurred at around 2.15pm on Friday, 25 October, 2024, at a petrol station at Ferrymuir Gait, South Queensferry.
Officers believe the man shown in the images may have information that can assist the ongoing investigation.
He is described as white, 5ft 8ins -5ft 10ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing a black beanie style hat with grey trim, a grey snood which covered his mouth and nose, brown coat with fur trim collar and cuffs, blue jeans and white trainers. He was also wearing a black backpack and blue gloves.
Detective Sergeant Jennifer Hughes said: “Extensive enquiries into this incident remain ongoing.
“I would encourage this man, or anyone who may recognise him, to contact us as soon as possible.”
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.
Police Scotland have released images of two males who may be able to assist with their enquiries following a robbery which occurred on Thursday 31 October 2024.
The incident occurred at around 2.40am at the Gorgie Road and Wardlaw Street junction in Edinburgh.
Officers believe the males could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for them or anyone who may recognise them or has information about this incident to get in touch.
The first male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 19-20 years old and approximately 5’8” in height.
He has short, thick dark hair and facial hair. He was seen to be wearing a dark zip-up jumper with a Fred Perry logo on the left chest, socks but no shoes.
The second male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 18-19 years old and between approximately 5’11” and 6ft in height.
He has short brown hair styled up at the front.
He was seen to be wearing grey jogging bottoms, yellow and purple Nike Dunk style trainers and a black hooded jumper.
A Police Scotland representative said: “We urge the males pictured or anyone who may recognise them to contact us. If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch as soon as possible”.
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1439 of 31 October 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
