Grampian Police Latest News

Banff and Buchan cops get keys to new motor

29/07/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police are driving the crime reduction message home with the assistance of local car dealer, Park Garage in Boddam, in the form of a sponsored car.

PC Andy Sawers, crime reduction officer for Banff and Buchan has taken delivery of a Vauxhall Astra car which he will use to deliver the crime reduction message and assist frontline officers in their day to day work.

PC Sawers said: "Crime levels in Aberdeenshire remain relatively low and we understand that people's lives can be affected by various issues and especially those which are anti-social or affect their quality of life.

"Finding ways to get the crime reduction message across has always been a challenge. Much of the unit's work involves visiting companies and organisations across Aberdeenshire, resulting in the car being seen by many people.

"We are very grateful to Park Garage for their support and commitment. Sponsored vehicles have proved invaluable in the past and this will allow a continuation of our good work."

The Aberdeenshire crime reduction unit has three officers based in Inverurie, Stonehaven and Mintlaw respectively and provides security advice and information to the public and businesses whilst also developing and supporting problem-solving initiatives throughout the area.

Anyone who requires further information or advice should contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or visit the crime reduction page on the Force's website.

Breach of the Peace - Balnagask Road

29/07/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police are investigating an incident which occurred on Balnagask Road in the Torry area of Aberdeen about 7.00pm on Thursday 22nd July 2010, during which a bus driver was subject to racist verbal abuse from another motorist.

Police are keen to trace anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone who would have seen a white minibus parked on Balnagask Road near to Victoria Road at the time of the incident.

Constable Brown of the Torry Local Policing Team said: "I am particularly interested in speaking with an individual who offered their help to bus driver at the time and anyone else who was on the number 12 bus from Heatheryfold to Torry about 7.00pm.

"I would encourage them to make contact with Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or should they wish to remain anonymous, they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Drug Recovery at Stonehaven

29/07/2010 00:00:00

During the evening of Wednesday 28 July 2010 Officers from the Grampian Police Major Investigation Team apprehended a male in Stonehaven in relation the the supply of controlled drugs.

The male who was from the Liverpool area was found in possession of heroin with a value in the region of £11,300.

He is to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Thursday 29 July 2010.

Suspicious Fire, Queen Elizabeth Park, Stonehaven

29/07/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police are making enquiry into a suspicious fire that occurred around 2:20am on Thursday 29 July 2010 to a children's slide at the Queen Elizabeth Caravan Park, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire.

Grampian Fire and Rescue attended and extinguished the fire and considerable damage was caused to the slide. The exact value of the damage is yet to be established.

The incident was discovered by police officer on a routine patrol in the area. PC Kevin McGhee, who is investigating the incident, said:

"This was senseless act of vandalism which has deprived local children of the use of a facility. We are appealing to the local community to assist us with identifying the people responsible."

Grampian Police would like to hear from anyone who saw any persons or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the fire being reported.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.

Young Driver Roadshow to visit Stonehaven

28/07/2010 00:00:00

A unique road show is set to visit Stonehaven on Thursday evening in a bid to drive home the message of road safety to young motorists.

Visitors to the Young Driver Road Show will get the opportunity to sample a host of gadgets – such as a seatbelt convincer device, brake reaction timer and impairment goggles – in order to really understand the consequences of drink driving and not wearing a seatbelt.

There will also be the opportunity to have a demonstration drive with Grampian Police roads policing officers.

Representatives from other emergency services will also be there to discuss their experiences of dealing with serious and fatal road collisions and to offer safe driving tips and techniques.

Constable Raymond Neil of Road Safety Grampian said: "We have had a really good response from the young drivers who come along and this is encouraging to see.

"If the message we are providing is getting across to our young drivers – and we have managed to save the life of even one of those that attended – then it has all been worthwhile.

"I'd certainly encourage anyone interested to come along and see what's on offer and perhaps learn something new."

The road show will take place on Thursday 29 July at the Leisure Centre Car Park, Stonehaven between 6.30pm and 9.30pm.

Operation Scrambler – week four results

27/07/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police's crackdown on anti-social and illegal motorcycle use in Aberdeen continues, with yet more people being reported for a string of offences.

On 19 July, two males aged 16 and 18 were reported for careless driving, with the 18-year-old having his motorcycle seized under Anti-Social Behaviour Legislation.

The same day, an 18 year-old man was charged with reset of a stolen quad bike, which was later recovered.

The following day, an 18-year-old man reported in connection with a variety of road traffic offences, as well as disqualified driving, no insurance and assault. Also that day, a 41-year-old man was reported for having no insurance and failing to display L-plates.

Finally, on 21 July, a 17-year-old man was reported for riding a motorcycle without insurance and a license. A 20-year-old man was also charged that day with riding without insurance and a license and his motorcycle was seized.

Chief Inspector Nick Topping said: "Following various concerns raised by the community to their local officers, we stated at the start of Operation Scrambler that we would continue to crack down on those who are riding motorcycles illegally and irresponsibly. This is what we're doing and will continue to do.

"Officers in our local policing teams in areas across the city have taken on board the concerns of local people, reacted to it and the results speak for themselves.

"Officers on Operation Scrambler have also been making good use of body worn video cameras, which we've only recently started piloting.

"This has allowed us to capture additional evidence, identify those responsible and it is also hoped this this will save officers time in having to prepare additional paperwork and attending court, allowing them to spend more time working in their communities.

"We will carry on targeting and reporting those who take part in this form of anti-social behaviour and seizing their motorcycles. I would also appeal to local residents to continue to report any form of anti-social behaviour to their local officers."

Anyone with information should contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or the charity Crimestoppers, where calls are treated anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Banchory academy & pavillion vandalism

27/07/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police are investigating vandalisms to the Tillybrake Pavilion, Tillybrake Park, Banchory, and Banchory Academy, Raemoir Road, Banchory, Aberdeenshire.

The incidents occurred sometime between 4.00pm on Friday 23 July and 9.00am on Saturday 24 July 2010.

The estimated value of damage caused is believed to be a four-figure sum.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or who may have witnessed anything suspicious is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they wish to remain anonymous.

Male charged for Rosemount vandalism offences

27/07/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police can confirm that following a number of vandalisms to motor cars and street furniture in the Rosemount area of Aberdeen, in the early hours of 5 July 2010, a 17 year old male has been charged in connection with these incidents.

As a result of enquiries carried out by Grampian Police Vandalism Proactive Unit, a report will be forwarded to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to these crimes.

The Enquiry Officer Constable Mark Young said, "Approximately £2000 worth of damage has been caused to a number of motor vehicles and street furniture. It is disappointing to see that members of the public continue to behave in this manner. Grampian Police will not tolerate any form of mindless destruction to private or public property."

Missing Person - Frank Paterson, Ellon

26/07/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police is anxious to trace Frank Paterson, aged 54, who has been reported missing from his home address in Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

Mr Paterson was last seen in the Hospital Road area of Ellon by a friend but it is believed he may have travelled to the Dundee area.

Police are anxious to trace Mr Paterson because his disappearance is out of character.

Frank Paterson is described as being a white male, medium build, 5' 6" tall, short receding brown hair and when last seen was wearing blue denim jeans and a dark jacket. He may also be carrying a rucksack.

Police are appealing for Mr Paterson to contact them to confirm that he is safe and well.

Any person who believes they may know the whereabouts of Frank Paterson is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.

Assault - Belmont Street

26/07/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police are investigating an assault that occurred on Belmont Street, Aberdeen.

The incident occurred at 12.25am on Sunday 25th July 2010, on Belmont Street next to the Academy Shopping Centre, opposite the Armed Forces Career Office.

The victim, a 63 year old Kincorth man, who was wearing a white jacket at the time, was pushed to the ground by one of a group of three men. The incident appears to have been unprovoked and the victim suffered cuts and a broken arm. He was conveyed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary were he received treatment and was later released.

The group of three men are described as being black, aged in their early 20's, and all wearing dark clothing. They were last seen walking towards Schoolhill.

Grampian Police are keen to trace anyone who would have seen this assault or has any information regarding those responsible to contact them on 0845 600 5 700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.

Thefts from vehicles - Aberdeen area forest walks

25/07/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police is investigating thefts from vehicles in forestry car parks around the Aberdeen area.

Between 7pm and 7.40pm on 17 July, a car was broken-in to and a handbag and contents stolen while the car was left unattended at Countesswells Forest.

The same evening, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm, a car parked at Kirkhill Forest and a car parked at Brimmond Country Park were also broken-in to and items stolen.

Investigating officer, PC David Sibbald said: "I'd like to remind drivers to take every opportunity to place their valuables out of sight or remove them when they leave the vehicle."

"Anyone who may have information regarding these incidents, or who may have seen any suspicious people or vehicles in these areas around that time can contact us on 0845 600 5 700 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Force warns of weekend motorcycling concerns

23/07/2010 00:00:00

Road Safety Grampian are again highlighting the vulnerability of motorcyclists on north‑east roads as we approach a weekend with a good weather forecast.

During the past four months, the Force has been actively trying to reduce the levels of motorcycle collisions through Operation Zenith, which has provided information, advice and practical tips to motorcyclists on how to avoid becoming involved in a collision.

It has also highlighted to the motoring public how vulnerable motorcyclists are.

Collisions involving motorcycles are due to a range of factors, however what is clear is that the weekend period poses a significantly increased risk for two wheelers becoming involved in a collision.

Inspector Ian Kirkwood of the Grampian Police Road Policing Department commented: "Although we are fortunately seeing fewer motorcycle crashes resulting in fatal and serious injury this year, so far in June and July, seven of the 11 (64%) weekend (Saturday and Sunday) fatal and serious collisions have involved a motorcycle. This is a disproportionate amount of collisions for this group of road users.

"Part of our approach has been to have our motorcycle patrol officers travelling on the key routes which we know have a motorcycle collision history. In the past few months, there have been at least two instances of our Officers seeing members of the public riding motorcycles in the opposite direction, only for the Officers to be called to a serious collision involving the same motorcycles, on the same road within half and hour of them passing.

"All road users have to be aware of motorcycles and motorcycles have to be aware of other road users - it's a shared responsibility."

Man charged: RTC on King Street

23/07/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police can confirm that a man is expected to appear at Aberdeen Sherriff Court today in connection with a road traffic collision on King Street, Aberdeen on Monday 19 July 2010.

A 47 year old male is appearing in court from custody relating to road traffic offences and a 38 year old female has also been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the incident.

Constable Reg Geddes from Bucksburn Local Policing Team stated: "This is a great example of local policing teams within Aberdeen working together with the public to bring this enquiry to a positive conclusion. I would like to thank the public for their continued support of their Local Policing Teams and I am pleased that our communities have confidence to report information to us."

Test Purchase of Alcohol, Operation Caladium (Aberdeeen)

23/07/2010 00:00:00

On Friday 23 July, Seaton Local Policing Team carried out Operation Caladium, a crackdown on licensed premises who sell alcohol to people under the age of 18.

As part of the initiative a number of test purchase operations were carried out at licensed premises within the Seaton and Hanover area's of Aberdeen.

This operation was carried out with the assistance of a specially trained underage youth who attempted to purchase alcohol under the direction of police officers.

Eleven off-sales premises were tested and all but one of which passed the test by asking for proof of age and refusing to sell alcohol to the youths.

One shop sold four cans of strong lager to the youth and as a result a 54 year old man and 26 year old woman will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Sergeant Neil Grant said: "Although we are disappointed that one premises failed, generally we are very pleased with the results and remind staff in licensed premises to remain vigilant in their legal responsibilities.

"Under age drinking is strongly linked to anti-social behaviour and it is encouraging to see that the majority of licensees take this seriously. Our communities should be assured that we will continue to target those who break the law."

The operation was met positively by the other licensed premises who were all confident with their own policies.

Operation Yell - drugs success (Banff)

23/07/2010 00:00:00

A total of six people have been charged after a crackdown on drugs in the Banff area.

Operation Yell – using information from concerned members of the public – targeted drugs dealers across the area in a bid to force them out of business.

A 12-strong team of officers armed with search warrants hit eight addresses in Aberchirder, Portsoy and Banff during the three-day operation.

Detective Constable Scott Massie, who led the team, said: "Drug dealing and drug use create a climate of fear.

"Ordinary people are sick of the crime and anti-social behaviour drugs bring in their wake and we worked with our Local Policing Team to do something about it.

"This is not just about drugs being recovered or people being charged – it's about increasing community confidence.

"Operation Yell was a highly visible aspect of our long term work to combat drugs in the area.

"Drugs affect every community and we want people to have the confidence to come forward and tell us where drugs are being sold and taken.

"We will not let up on drugs and communities should be assured we will take direct action."

The senior officer for the Buchan and Banff and Buchan Local Policing Teams, Chief Inspector Gerry Cronin said: "Our communities expressed their concerns and we've acted.

"Our Local Policing Teams are proving to be a valuable tool for gathering the sort of information we need to disrupt, deter, detect and dismantle drug dealing operations.

"Operation Yell has been a great success and we're grateful to the public for their help.

"This operation has given us the opportunity to deal with some of the people concerned in drugs.

"But during operations like these, we always receive valuable intelligence which helps us to move forward – we'll be putting that information to good use in the future."

During Operation Yell, officers recovered heroin with an estimated street value of £750 as well as cannabis in personal use quantities.

Chief Inspector Cronin said that each phase of the operation was followed up with "Ditch the Dealer" leaflet drops by Community Wardens and house-to-house visits by police officers.

He added that those arrested were also given the opportunity to speak to NHS drugs counsellors to find routes out of drugs.

Chief Inspector Cronin added: "We know that police forces cannot tackle drugs on their own – it's a multi-pronged effort involving partners from the health service and voluntary agencies, as well as local authorities and communities themselves."

Anyone with information on drug dealers should contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or Crimestoppers, where calls are treated anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Junior wardens pound the beat

22/07/2010 00:00:00

An award winning initiative designed to give local children a sense of community pride and to show the effects of vandalism and antisocial behaviour has been increased to allow more youngsters the opportunity to "pound the beat".

Fraserburgh's Junior Warden Scheme was set up in November 2009 and sees primary school children aged between 10 and 12 given the opportunity to work alongside Community Wardens and Police Officers during the school holidays.

During the Easter holidays, earlier this year, 16 pupils took part, but the scheme has since been expanded to include all the village feeder schools to Fraserburgh Academy and so this holiday period has seen 24 pupils taking part, the largest intake since the scheme started.

Community Warden Andrew Mackie explains "The Junior Warden scheme lasts for 5 days and includes presentations by local emergency service personnel including police officers, community wardens, Grampian Fire and Rescue, Fraserburgh Lifeboat and various other partner agencies.

"As well as the presentations, this summer's activities included a visit to St Fergus Gas Terminal, where an environmental presentation and tour was given by TOTAL E&P UK Limited. This culminated in a presentation by Ministry of Defence police officers who are responsible for the day to day security at the plant.

"Other activities included was the use of the Aberdeenshire Street Sport football pitch on the Wednesday afternoon on Watermill Road. On hand were football, basketball, healthy eating and story telling. Extra assistance on the day came from Community Centre staff and FRANRA (Fraserburgh Neighbourhoods and Residents Association), plus sponsors Scotmid supplied a film crew to record the activities."

Area Inspector John Esson added, "The positive feedback following the inaugural Scheme in Fraserburgh from the Junior Wardens, their parents, the local schools and Fraserburgh residents was extremely encouraging and this has convinced everyone involved that this is a scheme which should be repeated.

"It's great to see these young people volunteering their own time to learn more about their community and how they can impact on it to make it a safe and enjoyable place to live."

TOTAL E&P UK Limited, Scotmid Co-operative, Fraserburgh Shopwatch and Aberdeenshire Community Safety Partnership all sponsor the Junior Warden Scheme.

The footprint of this scheme has increased to involve pupils from the surrounding villages of Inverallochy, Rathen, Sandhaven, Tyrie, St Combs, Crimond, Strichen and Rosehearty.

17 drivers caught for drink/drug driving in week 2 of Summer campaign

22/07/2010 00:00:00

The second week of the ACPOS Summer Drink and Drugs Driving Campaign saw Grampian Police detect 17 drivers for driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

This was a rise from the first week, which saw 13 drivers detected.

Commenting on the figures, Chief Inspector Ian Wallace of the the Force's Road Policing Department, said:

"We said we were on the look-out for drink drivers and despite our warning, some motorists have ignored what we said. It's very frustrating to see the figures increasing, particularly after the recent publicity we've undertaken to highlight the dangers associated with this irresponsible activity."

"Drink and drugs are completely at odds with responsible driving and those who participate in this activity pose a huge risk to other road users."

"While our officers detected a number of the offences while on patrol, I are very grateful to those members of the public who reported their suspicions to us, which led to the arrest of a significant number of those involved.

Of the 14 drink drive related offences, five drivers were under 25 years and under, 8 were between 26 and 55 and only 1 was over 55.

3 offences related to drug driving, all within the 26 - 55 age group.

Of the overall total, one included a 16 year old youth who has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with a number of alleged road traffic offences.

Warning to Moray motorists

21/07/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police in Elgin are warning motorists in the area to take extra care whilst driving today due to the weather.

Persistent rain is creating surface water on roads and drivers are urged to drive with their headlights on and take extra care on the roads.

Vandalism - Morven Court, Aberdeen

21/07/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police are investigating a vandalism which occurred at Morven Court in the Torry area of Aberdeen between 10.00pm and 10.30 pm on Tuesday 20th July 2010, whereby a window of a residential property was broken.

Police are keen to trace several youths who were seen within the area at the time. They are described as being in their early teens, one wearing a white hooded top and another wearing a blue T-shirt.

Seargent Brian Cumming of the Torry Local Policing Team said: "We are following a positive line of enquiry and I would appeal to the local community to contact the Police with the names of those responsible.

"This was a mindless and unneccessary act of vandalism and somebody will know who these people are. I would encourage them to make contact with Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or should they wish to remain anonymous, they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Suspicious Death, Greens Road, Newmachar

20/07/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police can confirm that they are investigating the suspicious death of a woman who was found within a property on Greens Road, Newmachar during the evening of Monday 19 July 2010.

She has been named as 63 year old Helen Hewer.

A 30 year old female has been charged in connection with the incident and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Detective Inspector Martin Dunn, who is leading the enquiry, said: "We appreciate that police activity in the area will be causing disruption to residents and I would like to thank local people for their patience and understanding today.

"People should be assured that we are working to return the street to normality as soon as possible.

"Officers are conducting enquiries in the area at the moment which includes house to house enquiries and searches.

"I would appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Greens Road area of Newmachar yesterday evening to contact the police as soon as possible."