Police in Edinburgh launched an initiative today, targeting bogus caller crimes in the Capital.
‘Operation Aristotle’ is intended to help prevent people falling victim to bogus callers, while at the same time targeting offenders who prey on vulnerable members of the community.
The six-month initiative will see Lothian and Borders Police work with partner agencies to raise awareness about the dangers posed by bogus callers.
This will include identifying vulnerable residents who could be at risk from such crimes, and providing them with the appropriate information and advice.
At the same time, officers will take action to catch offenders through targeted patrols and road checks, in addition to acting on information received through intelligence.
This enforcement activity, which is already underway, has resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old man who has been charged in connection with a total of 12 alleged bogus caller crimes that happened in the north of the city. He appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 9 February .
Detective Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan, who is leading the initiative, said:- “Bogus callers deliberately prey on vulnerable members of the community, using a variety of ruses in order to rob people who allow them into their homes in good faith.
“Operation Aristotle has been launched to ensure a co-ordinated approach towards dealing with bogus callers, and this will include working with partners in local communities, to educate those who are at risk, of what to do when they receive an unsolicited call at their home.
“At the same time, we want people in local communities to be vigilant, and to call police immediately if they notice any suspicious activity taking place in their street.
“This is particularly important for anyone with elderly or vulnerable neighbours, and we would urge people to look out for friends and neighbours who may be at risk.
“Further information on how to guard against falling victim to bogus callers is available on the Lothian and Borders Police website.”
| Guidance on Bogus Callers |
City of Edinburgh Council Community safety leader, Councillor Paul Edie, said:
“Bogus caller crimes are extremely distressing, especially when the victims are elderly or vulnerable. Criminals see them as an easy target and it’s important that all the agencies work together to educate everyone about simple steps that can be taken to prevent these heartless acts.
“Just last week we heard about the successful arrests made by Lothian and Borders Police, thanks to information provided by the public. I would encourage all of our communities to look out for the elderly and vulnerable.
“If you have any suspicions about criminal activity then contact the police immediately. Together we can stop more people falling victim to this type of despicable crime.”
Anyone with any information about bogus callers operating in their area should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111
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Lothian and Borders Police are releasing CCTV images of armed robberies from various bookmakers and off-licences in Edinburgh, as enquiries continue to identify those responsible.
Between June and October last year, seven robberies have taken place within business premises in the capital.
On each occasion a handgun was presented before the stores were robbed of sums of cash from the tills and safes.
Detectives continue to appeal for witnesses for each of these incidents and anyone with information that can assist with their investigation is asked to contact police immediately.
The CCTV images, released today, capture the robberies taking place and each show a man making a demand for cash.
Police are keeping an open mind as to whether these robberies are linked and anyone who recognises the person or people within these images is urged to come forward.
Detective Inspector Dave Pinkney said: “In each of these robberies, a man walks into the premises, produces a handgun and robs the store of its takings.
“The CCTV footage we have obtained does not conclusively prove the same individual is responsible for these crimes and so the assistance of the public is vital for identifying the suspect, or indeed, suspects.
“There was approximately a six week gap between the robberies in June and those in August and then roughly another six week gap between the last incident, which happened in October.
“This may or may not be significant and so we are eager to hear from anyone who can assist us with the various lines of enquiry we are following at this time.”
The armed robberies took place at the following locations:
- Appellation Wines, Dalry Road (2 June)
- Meadows Wine, Melville Drive (3 June)
- Spirited Wines, North West Circus Place (13 June)
- William Hill, Leith Walk (3 August)
- Ladbrokes, West Maitland Street (12 August)
- William Hill, Lothian Road (29 August)
- Ladbrokes, Home Street (22 October)
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