CENTRAL SCOTLAND POLICE
POLICE are appealing for information after a garden in Avonbridge was damaged.
The incident occurred sometime between 7pm on Tuesday September 20 and 7.30am on Wednesday September 21 in Falkirk Road.
Police believe a number of people had been in this area and are keen to trace them.
Inspector Ian Scott said: “There can be nothing worse in the community than disrespecting others and their property. This lady has a beautiful garden and has invested time and money for the benefit of everyone in the village. I am sure someone knows who did this and I would ask them to contact us so that we prevent this happening again in the future.”
DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY POLICE
A STRIMMER was stolen from a shed in Seaforth Avenue, Annan sometime between 3.15pm on Wednesday 21 and 7.45am on Thursday 22 September.
TWO window wiper blades were stolen from a vehicle parked on St Andrew Street , Castle Douglas sometime between 11.30pm on Thursday 22 and 6.30am on Friday 23 September.
TWO fire extinguishers were stolen from the Tesco petrol station on Scotts Street, Annan sometime during Sunday 18 September.
Police are keen to trace four youths aged around 14 or 15 seen acting suspiciously in the area.
POLICE are keen to trace the occupants of a white coloured Mercedes Vito van that was seen near a farmhouse at Shawhead during the morning of Friday 23 September. A nearby brass statue was damaged sometime before 10.50am on Sunday 25 September and the occupants of the van may have been responsible
POLICE are keen to trace the owner of a black and white collie dog that nipped a husky dog at around 2.50pm on Friday 23 September.
The incident occurred as the owner of the husky walked at the grassed area near Mcdonalds on Lochside Road, Dumfries. The husky sustained a slight injury in the incident.
The collie was with two males at the time of the incident. Dog owners are reminded to keep proper control of their pets and ensure they are on a lead at the appropriate times.
A WINDOW was smashed from a purple Ford Fiesta parked on Ochtrelure Way, Stranraer sometime between 10pm on Tuesday 20 and 6.30pm on Saturday 24 September.
A DRIVER has suffered serious injuries following a crash near Crossmichael.
A Vauxhall Astra and a Renault Kangoo Van collided on the A713 at around 6.20pm on Friday.
The 47 year old male driver of the van sustained serious injuries in the collision.
He was taken to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary to receive treatment and his current condition is described as serious but stable.
The 78 year old female driver of the Astra sustained minor injuries in the collision. She was also taken to hospital.
A DOOR was damaged at a property on Loanworth Road, Gretna at around 8pm on Friday 23 September.
Police are keen to speak to a male seen in the area around the time of the incident. He is described as wearing white trainers and grey tracksuit bottoms
A WINDOW was smashed at a property on Howgill Brae, Annan at around 8pm on Friday 23 September.
Police are keen to trace a group of children seen in the area around the time of the incident.
A NUMBER plate was taken from a Peugeot 308 that was parked behind Greyfriars Church on Buccleuch Street, Dumfries sometime between 10pm on Friday 23 and 00.05am on Saturday 24 September.
A PROPERTY was broken into on Boreland Street, Kirkcudbright sometime between 4pm on Friday 23 and 00.15am on Saturday 24 September.
A watch and several ornaments were stolen in the incident.
A WINDOW was smashed at the Spar on Bridge Street, Lockerbie sometime between 10pm on Friday 23 and 6.15am on Saturday 24 September.
A BLUE Volvo S40 sustained damage to a number plate as it was parked on Irish Street, Dumfries sometime between 10pm on Friday 23 and 10.00am on Saturday 24 September.
A NUMBER plate was taken from a Skoda Fabia as it was parked on Glebe Street, Dumfries sometime between 4.30pm on Friday 23 September and 12.20pm on Saturday 24 September.
A SWAN ornament was stolen from outside a property on Holm Avenue, Dumfries sometime overnight between Friday 23 and Saturday 24 September
A BLACK Audi A3 was scratched as it was parked in a car park on Loreburn Street, Dumfries sometime between 1.30pm and 2.40pm on Saturday 24 September.
A WINDOW was smashed at a property on Wallamhill Road, Dumfries at around 7pm on Saturday 24 September.
Police are keen to trace two males seen in the area around the time of the incident. They are described as being aged around 30, one with short dark hair and a medium build and wearing a black jacket and one with a very tanned appearance and skinny build. He was wearing a white tracksuit top and had his short black hair brushed back.
A WINDOW was smashed at a property on Goldie Avenue, Dumfries at around 9pm on Saturday 24 September.
A WINDOW was smashed at the Co-operative on Butts Street, Annan sometime between 11pm and 11.35pm on Saturday 24 September.
A HANDBAG was stolen within The Custom House on North Strand Street, Stranraer at around 1am on Sunday 25 September.
The handbag was later recovered with an amount of cash missing.
Police are keen to speak to a male seen acting suspiciously in the premises around that time. He is described as being around five foot nine inches tall, with a stock or heavy build.
He had a goatie beard and short balding hair. He was seen wearing a red or pink tshirt, jeans and white trainers or shoes.
POLICE are keen to trace a small group of males, one of which was seen to damage the wing mirrors of four vehicles parked in Criffel Road, Dumfries at around 5.50am on Sunday 25 September.
The vehicles involved included a green coloured Honda Accord, white Mazda, a black Rover and a silver Renault Clio.
There were three or four males in the group, one of which is described as 20-30 years old, tall, thin and was wearing jeans and black jacket with a hood.
The group were last seen heading towards the field near Lochside
FUEL card and some cigarettes were stolen from a parked van on Brodie Avenue, Dumfries sometime between 1am and 7.40am on Sunday 25 September.
POLICE are keen to speak to anyone who may know how a Dumfries 42 year old man sustained a number of minor cuts during the early hours on Sunday 25 September.
The man woke in his property at around 8am with no recollection on how he sustained the injuries.
The man was out the previous night and anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the town centre during the evening of Saturday 25 September is asked to contact police.
A SELECTION of prescription drugs was lost whilst in a bag outside the Queensberry Hotel, Annan sometime between 9.30am and 10.00am on Sunday 25 September.
A WALLET and a pair of binoculars were stolen from a silver coloured parked vehicle on Albert Road, Dumfries sometime between 9.30pm on Saturday 24 and 10.00am on Sunday 25 September.
A DOOR was damaged at a flat on King Street, Castle Douglas sometime between 11.45pm on Saturday 24 and midnight on Sunday 25 September.
A WINDOW was smashed at a property on College Street, Dumfries sometime between 1am and 11.00am on Sunday 25 September.
A CITREON C1 was scratched as it was parked on Newbridge Drive, Dumfries sometime overnight between Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September.
PAINT was thrown over a door at a property on Park Road, Stranraer sometime during the afternoon of Sunday 25 September.
A LOCAL 51 year old man was assaulted by a male whilst he was at the Clydesdale Bank on the High Street, Dumfries sometime between 10pm and 10.30pm on Sunday 25 September.
The man was not injured in the assault. There were no attempts by the male to obtain money or cash card.
THE Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill, will be in Dumfries on Wednesday, 28th September, for the National Launch of the Whole Systems Approach in relation to young people who are involved in offending.
The Whole Systems Approach (WSA) will aim to ensure that only those people under 18 who really need formal measures – such as compulsory supervision by the Children’s Hearings System, prosecution, secure care or custody – are taken through this process. Brian McClafferty the Youth Justice Manager stated that it was a privilege for Dumfries to be chosen for this launch and that he believes that this is recognition of the excellent strategy and practice developed over the years in Dumfries and Galloway. Brian went on to say that much of the existing practice in Dumfries and Galloway is line with the recommendations of the Whole Systems Approach and that this would therefore provide a strong base for future development and implementation.
The Chief Constable Patrick Shearer, who chairs the Youth Justice Strategy for Dumfries and Galloway, also said it was an honour for this launch to be brought to Dumfries. Mr Shearer stated that he felt it was in someway recognition of the excellent practice and real reductions in youth offending achieved in Dumfries and Galloway. Mr Shearer went on to say that.
“Moving to a Whole Systems Approach in Dumfries and Galloway is a natural development of our Youth Justice Strategy. We are committed to a multi-agency approach to reducing the offending and re-offending of our young people whilst ensuring that we address the needs and risks surrounding their behaviour”.
GRAMPIAN POLICE
POLICE are investigating a hit and Run incident in Peterhead.
At about 2.30pm on Sunday, September 18 a dark blue Vauxhall Astra damaged a red Toyota while reversing into a parking space.
The Vauxhall Astra is believed to have a black roof rack and it registration starts with the letter ‘W’.
To date the driver of this vehicle has not come forward. Should any person have any information as to who is responsible or any knowledge of the vehicle, they are requested to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5700 or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A WOMAN is in a serious condition in hospital after a crash in the Moray area.
The collision occurred about 5pm on Friday, September 23 on the A941 Dufftown to Craigellachie road and involved three vehicles.
A Red Kia Piccanto and a red Renault Clio collided head-on, resulting in injuries to a 69-year-old woman who was airlifted from the scene to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness where she was assessed to be in a serious but stable condition.
A MAN has suffered an eye injury after being attacked in Dyce.
The 63-year-old victim required hospital treatment following the apparently unprovoked attack.
The assault happened on Sluie Drive between 11.30pm on September 23 and 1am on September 24.
Three youths aged 16-20 years were involved in the incident and police request that anyone with any information, or who was in the area at this time and may have seen anything of the incident get in contact.
A SCHOOL bus crashed into a car on a Peterhead roundabout.
The accident occurred about 3.20pm on Friday junction on Kirk Street.
As a result of the collision the motor car received extensive damage to it’s passenger side whilst the school bus had minor damage to it’s drivers side, there were no injuries reported.
Police are eager to trace the drivers of two motor cars who were directly behind the school bus as it entered the roundabout junction prior to the collision.
A STRIMMER and a chainsaw have been stolen during a break in Aberdeen.
A garage on Milleath Walk in the Dyce area of the city was forced open between 6pm on Friday and 7am on Sunday.
The green strimmer and a blue old style chainsaw with an eighteen inch cutting blade were among the items taken.
It is thought that these items could possibly have been abandoned nearby.
POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an assault that happened in the Spital area of Aberdeen.
The incident took place between 11:20 pm and 11:45 pm on Saturday, September 24 2011 on the Spital.
The assailant is described as being in his mid 20’s, black or Asian in appearance, 5’10” in height, English accent, wearing a dark coloured zipped hooded top, black scarf and blue jeans.
POLICE are appealing for a dog walker to come forward after a woman was robbed in Aberdeen.
The 19 year old had her handbag stolen as she walked on the steps leading to the Grandholm Footbridge from Gordon’s Mills Road at around 6.30pm on Sunday.
It was recovered nearby a short time later and nothing was taken from the handbag.
Investigating Officer, Constable Craig Scott said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area around this time and in particular we would be like to hear from a female who was on Grandholm Bridge walking her dog and who may have witnessed the incident.”
The suspect is described as a white male in his late teens, about 5ft 8″ tall, of medium build and was wearing a dark blue hooded top with dark tracksuit bottoms. He was last seen heading towards Grandholm Village.
THIEVES have targeted an honesty box at a children’s play park.
Police estimate the money taken from the area known as The Den The Den in the village of Auchenblae to total around £5.
A storage shed on the site was also damaged and it’s estimated it will cost hundreds of pounds to repair.
The incidents occurred between Friday, September 2 and Thursday, September 15.
Investigating Officer, Constable Grant Hardie said, “This is a popular community facility which relies on the honesty and goodwill of the local community.
“This was a mindless act and I would ask members of the community to come forward if they have any information or if they saw anything suspicious around the time of the incident.”
LOTHIAN AND BORDERS POLICE
A TAXI driver is in a serious condition in hospital after being found with head injuries in a layby.
A MAN has suffered a broken jaw in an apparent homophobic attack in Edinburgh.
THE public services partnership group, which promotes the City of Edinburgh Road Safety Plan under the banner of ‘Safer Streets’, is hosting a road safety event aimed at reducing the number of young driver casualties on our roads.
Officers from Lothian and Borders Police will join forces with the City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service as well as a host of other agencies at the five-day event to be held in the Edinburgh Corn Exchange.
The event, which will be compeered by Radio Forth’s Mark Martin, begins today (Monday) and will be attended by 2500 S6 pupils from Edinburgh, who have just gained or are looking to gain their licence.
Attendees will be given driving advice by police officers and will hear from the relative of a road collision victim to highlight the consequences of inappropriate driving behaviour.
They will then take part in various workshops hosted by the City of Edinburgh Council, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service, the Brain Injury Trust and qualified driving instructors.
The Baldy Bane Theatre Group will also put on a performance, which shows ‘how the dreams and ambitions of young people can be utterly shattered, in a moment, by someone driving carelessly’.
Superintendent David Carradice from Lothian and Borders Police said: “In 2010, young drivers (16 – 25 year-olds) accounted for 23% of all road casualties in Edinburgh and it has been shown they are more likely to cause injury to others than drivers in other age groups.
“A driving licence provides incredible freedom to a young driver, but it comes with great responsibility.
“All drivers must ensure that when they get behind the wheel, they drive in a manner which doesn’t put themselves or others in danger.
“The partners involved in Safer Streets, are committed to reducing the number of casualties on our roads, particularly young drivers who are still over-represented in our serious injury statistics.
“Events like this are an excellent opportunity to engage with young drivers and educate them on the risks and, as has been proven, time and time again, education is one of the main keys to prevention.”
Steve Gourlay, Group Commander, LBFRS said: “Engaging with young drivers as they start to gain the skills and experience required to be safe on our roads is vitally important.
“Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service is delighted to be a key partner in the planning and delivery of this event.
“By highlighting the risks and consequences associated with inexperienced drivers the intention is to reduce the number of casualties and make the streets of Edinburgh safer.”
City Education Leader Cllr Marilyne MacLaren said: “Learning to drive and venturing onto the roads is exciting for any young person but that excitement and enthusiasm, coupled with a lack of experience, carries risks.
“We want our young people to take care and look after themselves and their passengers. We hope that the important messages coming out of this event will have a lasting impact on young people that will stay with them on the many journeys they make in the future.”
NORTHERN CONSTABULARY
A COMMEMORATIVE bench has been stolen from a beauty spot near Alness.
The mahogany-coloured bench commemorated the life of a 19-year-old student nurse who died in a car crash.
The bench, bearing a plaque reading “In loving memory of Debbie Garrow who passed away 19th June 2005. Donated by those who care.” Was taken overnight between Saturday and Sunday.
POLICE are issuing a warning to young people across the Highlands about the dangers of solvent and aerosol abuse as a number of cases have been reported over the past few weeks.
Officers are also aware of incidents of thefts of aerosols (deodorant) recently and have information that youngsters are inhaling such substances.
Police want parents to be aware of the dangers which exist around this activity.
There is evidence that inhaling these substances can have serious medical implications for the user and tragically up to 10 young people die in Scotland each year as a result of solvent or lighter fuel abuse.
Police are also warning shop keepers to be more vigilant, given the recent thefts of aerosols.
A 24 hour helpline exists for young people who are dependant on solvents. The site, www.thelost.org.uk, offers people support and encouragement to kick the habit. A phone number for The LOST (Lee O’Brien Solvent Trust), which was set up by the family of 16-year-old Lee O¿Brien who died after inhaling lighter fuel, is also available – 07910483525.
TAYSIDE POLICE
POLICE are appealling for help in finding a woman who has been missing for more than a week.
Anne Baillie, 35, was last seen in the Montrose area about 3.30 pm on Thursday, September 15.
Anne is described as 5’4″, small build, with long brown hair and brown eyes. When last seen, she was wearing a khaki military style jacket, black jumper with pink or purple stripes, and blue jeans. She was carrying a black shoulder bag.
Anne is known to frequent the Arbroath and Montrose areas.
Anyone who has any information which could assist Tayside Police in tracing Anne should call 0300 111 2222 or speak to any Officer.
CARNOUSTIE and Monifieth join Pubwatch on Tuesday, September 27, and in so doing join several other Angus towns who have successfully established local schemes.
The aim of this initiative is designed to enhance the safety of the night time economy for both patrons and staff within the town.
Ten licensed premises have already signed up to be part of Carnoustie and Monifieth Pubwatch, with interest being shown from many other premises within the town.
Pubwatch is operated by local licensed premises and, in simple terms, allows staff at premises in the town to communicate with each other to deter violence and anti-social behaviour in their establishments. It also provides licensed premises with a direct link to Tayside Police, where they can discuss individuals who are causing problems in the pubs, bars and clubs.
All premises that are part of Pubwatch are easily identified by the posters displayed at their entrances.
The benefit of this close working is that those who are identified as being involved in violent, disruptive criminal or anti-social behaviour will be banned from ALL Pubwatch premises in Carnoustie and Monifieth, reducing the threat or fear to the majority who simply want to enjoy their night out.
Inspector Kenny Hart, Community Safety confirmed that alcohol is a contributory factor in many of the incidents which occur over the weekend and the police have to deal with.
He said: “Tayside Police fully supports any initiative that aims to reduce criminal activity. It is encouraging to see such a large number of licensed premises within the town taking a proactive approach to ensure the safety of both their patrons and staff.
“The launch of Pubwatch in Carnoustie and Monifieth emphasises alcohol fuelled violence and disorder will not be tolerated in the town and working together will ensure everybody will have a safe and enjoyable night out.”