vandalism – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Potterrow incident: Do you know these men?

Police Scotland has released images of two males who they believe may be able to assist with their ongoing inquiries into an incident that occurred between 9.40pm and 10.05pm on Friday, 16 January 2026, at a building in the Potterrow area.

The first man is described as white, between 18-25-years-old and of slim build. He was wearing a white tracksuit with the hood over his head, dark sunglasses, a grey and blue striped scarf and black and red Nike basketball-style trainers.

The second man is described as white, between 18-25-years-old and of slim build. He had short dark-coloured hair and was wearing black framed glasses, a dark coloured baseball cap with a white motif on the front, a light-blue denim jacket with a grey t-shirt underneath, light coloured trousers and light brown ‘Ugg’-style boots.

Police Constable Neil Mackay said: “As part of our investigation we are eager to trace the two men pictured. They are believed to have left the Potterrow area in the direction of West Nicholson Street. I’d ask anyone who can help to come forward as soon as possible.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference 1217 of Saturday, 17 January 2026. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Fet-Lor closed today

Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to close FetLor today due to the Vandalism, Disrespect and Anti-social behaviour the young people carried out during and after The Boys Club last night.

The attitude towards staff, the building and community was unacceptable.

We take great pride in providing a free, safe and positive space for young people, but this behaviour has made it impossible for us to operate safely.

Our priority is always the wellbeing of everyone who uses the club, and we must take this step to protect our staff, our building and our community.

There will be NO boys club until January.

PYCP Community Garden Attacked

CRAIGROYSTON HIGH SCHOOL’S GARDEN ALSO HIT BY VANDALISM

Community Garden Vandalism

We’re really saddened and frustrated to share that nearly all of our garden beds have been damaged. The wood has been broken, and many of the plants and vegetables that young people and volunteers worked so hard to grow have been pulled out.

This garden means a lot to our community, and it’s disheartening to see so much hard work destroyed. If anyone saw anything or knows who was involved, please get in touch.

We’re determined to repair the damage and keep this space thriving

Craigroyston Community High School has been hit by an attack. The school responded to PYCP:

Awful We’re about to post the same thing about our garden in the SfL department. It’s so disheartening when we try so hard to keep it good and our young people are working in it

Witness appeal following garden sheds break-ins in Stenhouse

Between 2300hrs on 4th March and 0630 hrs on 5th March a number of garden sheds were broken into in Stenhouse Terrace.

Spray paint stolen from one of the sheds was then used to vandalise property in the street.

Did you see or hear anything? Do you know who is responsible?

If so, please call 101 and quote Incident 0375 of 05/03/25.

Thank you for your support.

Deliberate damage at Craigroyston

Last weekend, deliberate damage was done to our SFL garden area and a lot of mess made. This included broken fences and plant pots as well as damage to two scooters – so much so they are beyond repair

We don’t mind young people hanging around in our area at all as we want them to be safe, but we ask two things:

*Be respectful so things are not damaged

*Use the bins provided for any rubbish

We hope everyone in the Craigroyston community can help support us in this!

Four sought following bank incident

Police Scotland has released images of four people officers believe may be able to assist in connection with their investigation into threatening behaviour and damage to a bank.

The incident happened on Princes Street around 1.30am on Thursday, 12 September 2024.

Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and officers believe the three men and one woman pictured may be able to help with their investigation.

The first man is described as white, around 6ft tall, of slim build with black hair worn in a top knot. He may have a moustache and/or goatee beard. He was wearing a headtorch, a two-tone blue waterproof jacket, a yellow t-shirt, grey trousers, navy trainers and carrying a plain black rucksack. He had a black mountain bike with white forks and a solid black chainring guard.

The second man is described as white, also around 6ft and of slim build. He was wearing a surgical face mask, black baseball cap, black hooded top, brown trousers and navy shoes. He had a dark coloured mountain bike with a distinctive green section at the bottom of the front forks.

The third man is described as white, of heavy build, around 6ft, with short dark hair and a short dark beard. He was wearing a black baseball cap with a large symbol on the front, red jacket with black panels on the inside arms and flanks, bottle green jogging bottoms and dark shoes. He had a black electric pedal bike.

The woman is described as white, around 5ft 5ins, of slight build with short dark hair. She was wearing a navy jumper and beige trousers. She had a distinctive white women’s bike with white front and rear mud guards.

Police Constable Callum Johnston said: “I would urge these people or anyone who knows who they are to get in contact with us.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0211 of Thursday 12 September 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”

Three charged following Bonfire Night disorder

Three people have been charged in connection with offences that took place in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night.

On Thursday, 7 November, officers investigating the significant disorder in Calder Road arrested a 38-year-old man following an incident where fireworks were set off within a common stair in Dunsire House North.

The male will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 5 December.

A 13-year-old boy was then arrested today (Friday, 8 November) in connection with vandalism that took place at the Macklin Motors car dealership on Calder Road that resulted in damage estimated at over £20,000 being caused to vehicles.

He will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 10 December.

During the evening of Bonfire Night, a car was observed stopping amongst a group of young people, who then took possession of a quantity of fireworks from inside the vehicle. These were then used to cause disorder and antisocial behaviour within the Gracemount area.

As a result of inquiries to trace the driver, a 40-year-old man was also arrested today and he will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 10 December.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder from Edinburgh CID said: “We made it clear following the disorder that put our communities in a state of alarm on Bonfire Night, that we would be unrelenting in our pursuit of those responsible and these arrests are just the first of many, as we continue to pursue various positive lines of inquiry.

“You might think you have evaded arrest, because we’ve not yet come to your door, but we will be doing so imminently.

“The public still have a vital role to play in helping us identify everyone involved in the criminality that took place on 5 November by providing us with photographic, or video evidence, via our Major Incident Public Portal.

“Please submit your footage to https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S16-PO1.”

Police statement: Halloween horror

INQUIRIES CONTINUE INTO HALLOWEEN DISORDER

Police in Edinburgh are continuing with their inquiries to identify those involved in disorder that took place across various parts of the city last night on Halloween evening.

Local officers, supported by specialist colleagues from Operation Moonbeam, responded to the Hay Avenue area of Edinburgh, where groups of youths were involved in a range of offences involving fireworks.

While in attendance, police vehicles were also attacked with fireworks and other projectiles, including bricks.

A police officer was injured after the window of the vehicle she was within was struck by a brick, causing the window to smash.

Further incidents of fireworks related disorder were also responded at Moredunvale Road, Southhouse Road and Captains Road as well as West Pilton Park, where a number of busses were targeted.

A 14-year-old male has been arrested and charged in connection with fireworks offences. Further enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved in the disorder.

Following intelligence relating to planned disorder, a warrant was executed at an address in Magdalene Gardens during the afternoon of Thursday, 31 October. A quantity of fireworks and two cans of petrol were recovered from inside. Enquiries into this recovery are ongoing.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, commander for Edinburgh Division said: “The disorder witnessed this evening was carried out by a minority of individuals intent on causing fear and alarm within their communities and subjecting emergency service workers to horrific levels of violence and aggression.

“Thankfully, local policing teams were bolstered with specialist colleagues, who helped bring these incidents to a safe conclusion and investigations are underway to identify everyone who was involved.

“I want to make it clear to anyone who thinks they will evade justice because they weren’t apprehended this evening, they are very much mistaken. You will be identified during our inquiries, and you will be held to account for your actions.

“Our local policing teams will continue to be supported by Operation Moonbeam resources over the next week to ensure any further incidents of disorder or fireworks-related criminality are appropriately dealt with.”

Anyone with information is asked to come forward and enquiries are continuing to identify those responsible.

The public are thanked for their assistance and support during our response.

Vandalism in St Andrew Square: Police release CCTV images

Officers in Edinburgh have released images of a man they would like to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into an incident that involved vandalism within St Andrew Square.

The incident happened at about 4.50pm last Saturday (9 December, 2023).

The man in the images is described as white and aged between 20 – 30 years old with short brown hair. He was wearing a flat cap, knee-length coat, blue jeans and carrying a backpack.

Anyone who can help in identifying and tracing the man should report this to Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2618 of 9 December, 2023.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Consultation open for Desecration of War Memorials Prevention (Scotland) Bill

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Meghan Gallacher MSP yesterday (Wednesday) launched her Proposed Desecration of War Memorials Prevention Scotland Members Bill for consultation at Holyrood.

The legislation would ensure that attacks on war memorials – which have been on the rise over the last decade – are actively discouraged by amending vandalism law to recognise the desecration of these monuments as a specific offence, which would bring Scotland into line with England and Wales.

The consultation will run from now until December 19.

In the early hours of Monday 14^th November the war memorial in front of Edinburgh City Council was vandalised in what was a mindless act of vandalism.

Miles Briggs asked an FMQ at the Scottish Parliament that Thursday describing the incident as an “absolutely appalling insult to our fallen war heroes”.

Groups including the Friends of Dennistoun War Memorial have campaigned tirelessly for this legislation, which has also secured the support of veterans’ organisations, past and present British Armed Forces personnel – including Simon Weston – veterans campaigners, community action groups, and leading veteran charities.

Miles Briggs is now encouraging people to make their views known through the consultation so that Scotland’s War Memorials will receive the protection that they deserve.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “I fully support my colleague Meghan Gallacher’s proposed bill to protect our war memorials in Scotland.

“Vandalising war memorials is an abhorrent act and those who damage these memorials should be punished appropriately.

“I encourage everyone in the Lothians to engage with this consultation to prevent our war memorials from being vandalised .”