Young people riding motorbikes dangerously on our streets, green space, cycleways and even pavements has been causing anger and alarm in North Edinburgh for a long time now, so local residents will be delighted to hear that city police have launched a new operation dedicated to tackling motorbike theft and associated antisocial behaviour in the Capital. Continue reading Cracking down on motorbike crime
Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery at Craigleith Retail Park last night. Continue reading Boy assaulted and bike stolen at Craigleith Retail Park
Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in North Edinburgh on Thursday night. The incident happened at around 10.30pm on West Pilton Gardens. Continue reading Police seek witnesses following hammer threat
Man assaulted during motor scooter theft
Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery in Muirhouse. The incident happened at around 8.45pm on Saturday evening in Muirhouse Grove. Continue reading Police seek witnesses to Muirhouse assault and robbery
Heartless thieves could cost local primary school £1000
Forthview Primary School’s shed was broken into over the weekend – and the school needs your help to trace stolen bikes.
Forthview’s Tracey Berry said: “Bikes that we had borrowed, so that Bill Stobie could teach bike ability to P6, have been stolen, along with footballs and gardening equipment. We are responsibile for the bikes: it will cost us about £1000 to replace the them! Our fundraising is meant to be for outings and activities for Forthview Children not replacing things that thoughtless people have stolen.”
Tracey added: “The bikes look like this (above). If you find one please hand it to the school – the more we find the less money we have to pay out from the school funds.”
Can you help?
Last month a theft took place at an address in Afton Terrace during which the homeowner disturbed a male intruder in his house.
Following extensive enquiries police traced and interviewed a man who was subsequently charged with a number of offences including serious assault. He is due to appear at court today.
Partnership approach crackdown on stolen goods sales
Police in Edinburgh have launched ‘Tradewatch’, a partnership campaign with the city’s second-hand retailers to help tackle thieves’ attempts to sell on stolen goods.
As part of the new scheme, all stores in the Capital have committed to sharing information in relation to individuals attempting to sell on stolen goods.
A process has been agreed between the management from each business to alert one another as soon as anyone attempts to sell any tems, which are suspected of being stolen.
Police will also be contacted and will progress any information received to identify offenders and seize the stolen property.
Tradewatch was developed as a result of the continued engagement and dialogue between second-hand retailers and Edinburgh Division’s Search and Recovery Team.
To further assist the stores, each will be provided with a SmartWater Technology Ltd UV lamp, which can be used to examine any goods brought into the store and establish whether they have been stolen.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston said: “Those responsible for acquisitive crime will often attempt to sell on stolen goods for profit and regularly attempt to utilise second-hand retailers to dispose of valuable items.
“However, we have an excellent and long-standing relationship with these businesses in Edinburgh and staff regularly assist our Search and Recovery Team in reuniting stolen property with its rightful owner as well as helping us identify those responsible for the thefts.
“With the launch of ‘Tradewatch’, these premises will instantly and readily share information on any suspicious customers so that items that have been acquired illegally are not bought and sold within their stores.
“I would like to thank our second-hand retailer partners for their assistance and co-operation in helping to create this campaign.”
Chief Inspector Richard Horan said: “Tackling housebreaking and robbery is a priority across the city and the ‘Tradewatch’ initiative is yet another tool in our armoury to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.
“We continue to target and pursue those who steal through ongoing enforcement activity and partnership campaigns. The public also play a vital role in assisting us prevent these crimes, and making life difficult for criminals, by taking simple steps to safeguard their belongings.
“I would urge members of our communities to ensure their homes are always appropriately secured and that any items of value are stored safely out of public view. Details of the type of valuables within your property should never be disclosed to anyone you do not know or trust.
“Please remember that sheds, garages and other outbuilding are extensions of your home and should also be secured at all times.
“Our partnership with SmartWater Technology Ltd continues within the Capital and hundreds of homes have been issued with the unique chemical solutions to mark their property. However, additional home security measures such as alarms and motion-activated lighting should also be considered where possible. Your local community policing teams will be delighted to offer free crime prevention advice.”
David Patrick, CEO of Cash Converters UK, the UK’s largest second-hand retailer, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the police and a part of the new Tradewatch scheme as we are committed to tackling the issue of stolen goods in our stores.
“We have a zero tolerance policy towards stolen goods and a number of processes in place to deter criminals.
Anyone looking to sell an item to Cash Converters must present two forms of ID along with proof of address as per regulations set out by the Financial Conduct Authority. In addition they have to be photographed and sign an agreement confirming they are the legal owner of the goods.
We have a strong working relationship with Edinburgh Police and, as part of the Tradewatch scheme, are committed to sharing information with other businesses to help prevent crime and put a stop to stolen goods coming through our doors.”
It may be the season of goodwill, but Police Scotland would like to remind the public that not everyone has goodness in their heart …
Over recent months, there has been an increase in adverts on social media selling sites advertising high price mobile phones.
This scheme requires the victim to forward their mobile phone and a sum of money, in return a new high value mobile phone will be dispatched to you.
The truth is that no mobile phone arrives and you have lost your original phone and a sum of money.
Whilst not trying to undermine the entrepreneurism of sellers, Police Scotland would like to remind the general public that although many use social selling sites safely, use caution in any transaction they intend becoming involved in and do not provide bank details or send any high value items or cash to sellers in advance.
If anyone has any information about the incident they are encouraged to contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Police have appealed for witnesses after a teenager was assaulted and robbed on Blackhall cycle path on Wednesday evening.
The 16 year old youth was walking home and joined the cycle path at Wester Coates Terrace when he saw three males standing at the bridge area. He was approached by the trio who then grabbed and punched him to the head and face before stealing his mobile phone and rucksack.
Officers are urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.
The first suspect is described as white, late teens, 5ft 10ins tall with a skinny build, gaunt face and a short dark hair. He was wearing a read and white ‘snood’, dark cotton tracksuit, black gloves and spoke with a local accent.
The second and third suspects are both described as white, in their late teens, around 5ft 11ins tall with slim builds and wearing dark cotton tracksuits.
All three wore their hoods up during the robbery.
Detective Constable Chris Harding said: “The young victim was not seriously injured as a result of this incident but is understandably upset at the theft of his belongings. Anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity on the cycle path on Wednesday evening is asked to contact police immediately.
“I would also ask that anyone who can help us identify the suspects or who has any other information relevant to our enquiry also gets in touch. Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
News from Police Scotland … local opportunities to improve your cycle’s security
