Public warned over Gumtree scam

Police in Edinburgh are investigating a series of robberies and assaults on people selling electronics online. Two of the thefts involved computers and a third involved a mobile phone – which had been advertised on the Gumtree website – and the robberies took place after sellers agreed to meet potential buyers in McDonald’s car park on Telford Road.

The most recent incident happened on Monday (18 February) when a 24-year-old man was threatened and robbed of an Apple computer he was attempting to sell. The other two incidents happened on Sunday 20 January and Monday 21 January.

Inspector Mark Rennie, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: “While no victims were injured, all were understandably distressed as a result of their respective ordeals, and we are carrying out inquiries in order to establish whether these incidents are linked. At the same time we are warning anyone conducting any transaction over Gumtree, or any similar website, to take precautions to ensure their safety.”

Lothian and Borders Police have issued advice for anyone who sells goods online, including to meet in a well-lit public place and get full contact details for any potential buyer you agree to meet.

Anyone with any information about these crimes should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Jewellery theft at Western General

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses following the theft of two rings worth £10,000 at the Western General Hospital last week.

The incident happened around 3.15pm last Tuesday (23 October). A 33-year-old woman was in one of the bathrooms and took off her wedding ring and eternity ring off to wash her hands. After leaving the bathroom, she realised she’d left her rings inside and when she returned to retrieve them, she found they were gone. Neither item was handed in to security, so the woman has contacted police to report them stolen.

The wedding ring is a platinum band with a single one carat diamond while the eternity ring is platinum with around 24 diamonds around the circumference. The rings (pictured below) have a combined value of around£10,000.

A police spokesman said: “The woman has been left devastated at the loss of her rings and is desperate to have them returned to her as soon as possible. Anyone who comes into possession of the rings is asked to hand them in to their local police station. We would also ask that anyone who can assist with our enquiries into this theft contacts police immediately.”

Anyone with information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Be alert to bike theft

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses following a recent spate of bike thefts in the North of Edinburgh. Between 16 May and Tuesday 5 June five bicycles were stolen from addresses in Inverleith Terrace, Comely Bank Avenue and Rodney Street. The combined value of the stolen cycles is around £1500.

Prior to each theft, individuals claiming to be delivering takeaway menus were allowed entry to the common stairs. Police believe these recent incidents are linked and are urging those who live within flat blocks to be vigilant when allowing people access to the building.

A police spokesman said: “The stolen bikes were used for recreation or for essential transport and the victims are all deeply upset and frustrated by these thefts. Officers have made enquiries with all local takeaways in the area and none of these businesses are currently leafleting. Residents within common stairs should always be wary of who they permit entry to and report any suspicious activity they witness to police.”

He continued: “Anyone who can assist us with our enquiries to identify those responsible for these recent thefts is also asked to come forward immediately. Members of our communities who would like crime prevention advice and information on protecting their possessions can contact their local policing team or visit our website at www.lbp.police.uk.”

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.