Tag: theft

Three women arrested for city centre thefts

Police have arrested and charged two women for pickpocketing in the city centre and a third for theft of a handbag within a licensed premises.

On Thursday (12th December), officers observed two women acting suspiciously on Upper Bow. They were subsequently arrested for attempt theft and are due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court for pickpocketing offences.

In the early hours of yesterday morning, a third woman was arrested after staff at a licensed premises in the Cowgate identified her from CCTV stealing from a customer’s bag.

Inspector Trish Robertson from the West End Police Station said: “We are committed to ensuring that Edinburgh is a safe place to be, particularly at this time of year with the Christmas Market in full swing and people out shopping and celebrating.

“We have officers on patrol in uniform and in plain clothes, and one of our main focuses is acquisitive crime such as pickpocketing and thefts. Thankfully, due to the vigilance of the officers and staff involved in these incidents, three people have been arrested and charged.

“I’d like to remind everyone shopping or visiting the city centre to look after your belongings. Keep all of your bags and valuables safe and with you at all times. If you see anyone acting suspiciously, please report it. Keep your purses and wallets in a zipped inside pocket wherever possible and make sure any bags are closed and are in sight at all times.

“Anyone with information regarding such offences are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Record-breaking first week for Edinburgh’s Christmas

The rising popularity of Edinburgh’s Christmas has been welcomed by the city council’s ‘Capital Coalition’ leaders – despite public disquiet over the over-commercialisation of the city centre.

2019/20 Christmas

Footfall figures for the first 9 days (first Saturday to second Sunday) are 522,000 – that’s 13% up on the same period last year.

These figures build on the biggest ever opening weekend for the Capital’s festive markets which saw a third more people enjoy the first Saturday of the event than in 2018.  Continue reading Record-breaking first week for Edinburgh’s Christmas

Public warning after Asian gold housebreakings

Police Scotland are once again urging communities to be vigilant and homeowners to take appropriate security measures following a number of housebreakings across the country targeting Asian gold jewellery and cash.

Since April there have been 35 reports of break-ins to properties in Glasgow, Paisley, Renfrew, Ayrshire and Edinburgh, resulting in over £500,000 worth of jewellery and cash being stolen. Continue reading Public warning after Asian gold housebreakings

Police appeal after Slateford robbery

Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in the Slateford area. The incident happened around 7.50pm on Saturday outside an address on Hutchison Loan.

A 19-year-old woman was approached by a man, who stole her black handbag before running in the direction of Slateford Road.

The man is described as being white, in his 50s, 5ft 9 with an average build, short grey or black hair and stubble. He was wearing dark clothing, including a dark grey hoodie, with the hood down.

The victim was not injured in the incident.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Howat, of Corstorphine CID, said: “It is very fortunate that there were no injuries as a result of this robbery, but the victim has been left shaken and upset by the loss of her bag and its contents.

“Officers have been carrying out enquiries in the area and have established that the suspect was seen acting strangely in the front garden of a neighbouring property shortly before the incident took place.

“We would be keen to hear from anyone else who either witnessed the robbery itself or saw any suspicious activity in the area throughout the evening.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 3773 of 19 October. Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police appeal after Drylaw purse snatch

Police are appealing for witnesses after the theft of a purse on Groathill Drive North at around 12.30pm on Tuesday (22nd May). The purse was snatched from a woman’s hand by a male on a bicycle who then cycled off in the direction of Ferry Road. Continue reading Police appeal after Drylaw purse snatch