Grampian Police Latest News

Missing Person James Murray (42)

09/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police are anxious to trace James Murray, aged 42, who has been missing from the Buckie area since the afternoon of Monday 8 March 2010.

Mr Murray is described as being six foot tall, stocky build with a shaved head and when last seen he was wearing workwear comprising of green trousers and jumper, white trainers and a black fleece jacket.

Mr Murray is believed to be in possession of the purple Vauxhall Corsa motor car registered number L780 FSE.

There are genuine concerns for Mr Murray's wellbeing and anyone with information or knowledge of his whereabouts or that of his vehicle are asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700.

Two charged with robbery

09/03/2010 00:00:00

A 26 year old man and a 21 year old woman have been charged with two robberies which happened on Monday 8 March 2009 in Aberdeen city centre.

The man and woman are expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Tuesday 9 March 2009.

James Murray traced

09/03/2010 00:00:00

Missing Buckie man, James Murray - who was reported missing over Monday night - was traced safe and well in the Cullen area on Tuesday morning, 9 March 2010.

Mr Murray was later reunited with his family.

Theft of fuel - Harbour, Peterhead

08/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police is investigating a fuel theft that occurred in the harbour area of Peterhead.

The incident occurred sometime between 10pm on Saturday 6 March and 3am on Sunday 7 March 2010.

During that time, a shed was broken into and a quantity of diesel worth a low three-figure sum was stolen from a fuel tank at John A Smith and Sons on Seagate.

Officers are keen to trace a group of three males and one female, who may have been using a small red car, who were seen acting suspiciously in the area.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or who may have witnessed anything suspicious within that area 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.

Break-ins in Torry - man to Court

08/03/2010 00:00:00

A 29 year old man has been charged following break-ins to a flat and a car, which occurred between Saturday 19 December 2009 and Thursday 4 March 2010, in the Torry area of Aberdeen.

He was also charged with trying to break into a house and being found in a garden in suspicious circumstances.

Electrical goods and other items with a low three figure value were stolen.

The man is expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday 8 March 2010.

Break-in to Palace Hotel, Peterhead

08/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police in Peterhead is investigating a break-in to a room at the Palace Hotel, Prince Street, Peterhead.

The incident occurred between 9am and 5.30pm on Thursday 4 March 2010. As a result of the incident, a flat screen television was stolen, estimated to be valued at a mid three-figure sum.

Constable Alan Mitchell said: "With the Palace Hotel being located in the town centre, and the time the incident occurred, there must have been a number of people in the area at the time.

"I'm hoping someone might have seen something."

"This is the second time in as many weeks the hotel has been broken-in to and this can affect the day to day running of the business.

"I'm keen to trace anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time or anyone who has any knowledge of the incident."

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

Robbery on Queen Street, Woodside

08/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police can confirm we have been made aware that robbery victim Sheila Marnoch, 75, died in hospital on Sunday, March 7.

Detective Inspector Matt Mackay said: "Our sympathies are with Sheila's family and we are determined to trace those responsible for the recent robbery.

"As is normal in these circumstances, a post-mortem is being carried out and our enquiries are continuing.

"We are issuing a fresh appeal for anyone who has any information on this cowardly attack on a defenceless elderly lady to contact us as soon as possible."

Grampian Police can be contacted on 0845 600 5700. The charity Crimestoppers, where calls are treated anonymously, is on 0800 555 111.

Major drugs operation in City Centre

08/03/2010 00:00:00

A total of 17 people tested positive for drugs following a large-scale police operation over the weekend in Aberdeen city centre.

Officers using a hi-tech scanner tested more than 600 revellers for cocaine, MDMA and mephedrone at pubs and clubs across Aberdeen.

It is thought to be the first time a UK force has been able to test for mephedrone – known as M-CAT – at source.

Now all those detected as a result of the operation face bans from the 22 members of licensed trade association UNIGHT - and could also face criminal proceedings where they have been found in possession of a controlled substance.

Grampian Police city centre unit Sergeant David Bremner, who led the operation, said: "This was a highly successful operation and underlines the force's zero tolerance approach to drugs.

"People should be aware drugs are just not on in Aberdeen."

Sgt Bremner added: "Although mephedrone is not yet a controlled substance, its effects are similar to other controlled stimulants like cocaine.

"The effects of mephedrone are unpredictable, especially when combined with other drugs or alcohol.

"Just because it's legal doesn't make it safe."

A spokesman for popular nightclub Tiger Tiger, which volunteered to take part in the operation, said: "It's all good.

"We were delighted to assist Grampian Police in helping to detect drugs.

"It's in everyone's interests that the city centre is kept as drugs-free as possible and we'd be happy to take part in a similar operation again."

A total of five bags of what is suspected to be mephedrone were recovered as a result of the two-night operation, while others tested positive for controlled drugs.

The force used a mobile drug testing machine lent by oil company BP to carry out a total of 604 tests at ten licensed premises across the city centre.

The machine was specially re-calibrated to test for mephedrone by manufacturers GE Homeland Protection.

A total of a dozen officers, both uniformed and plain-clothes, were involved in the operation.

The tests were carried out over Friday and Saturday under the city centre crime-busting Operation Oak, with the full co-operation of the licensed trade.

Sgt Bremner said: "UNIGHT has already taken the responsible step of banning mephedrone from member premises.

"They have put down the marker that they won't tolerate drugs and neither will we.

"No police force can tackle drugs on its own and we need the cooperation of partners in health, education, local government and the licensed trade to deal with substance abuse and ensure our city centre is as safe and crime-free as possible."

Operation Tram - Wildlife Crime

08/03/2010 00:00:00

On Thursday 25 February 2010, three traditional Asian medicine premises in Aberdeen City were inspected by officers from Animal Health (DEFRA), Grampian Police and National Wildlife Crime Unit.

As a result of these inspections, plant-based products - controlled by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) - were seized at two of the three premises.

Dave MacKinnon, Force Wildlife Crime Officer, said: "This operation, conducted in Aberdeen, was Grampian Police's response to the international Operation Tram which focuses on the illegal trade in endangered species across the world connected with traditional Asian medicines.

"Although no significant seizures were made - unlike other areas in the UK - it just goes to show that even in the north east we need to be vigilant to any illegal trade in endangered species, be that animal or plant.

"Although most of our wildlife crime work centres on native species here in Grampian, we also play our part globally, and I urge people to think twice when buying items abroad that may be derived from endangered species."

As a result of the operation, two cases (for plant based products) are being prepared and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in Aberdeen.

Vandalism to cars in Corthan Crescent, Aberdeen

08/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police are investigating a number of vandalisms to motor vehicles in the Corthan Crescent area of Aberdeen.

These incidents occurred between 1930 hours on Saturday 06 March 2010 and 0930 hours on Sunday 07 March 2010.

As a result of the incidents, a number of cars have been damaged. The damage is valued at a four-figure sum.

It is believed a number of persons may have had their cars damaged who have not yet contacted police.

Grampian Police are keen to trace any person who may have had their car damaged.

They are also keen to trace any person who may have seen anybody in this area between this time or witnessed anyone Vandalising these vehicles.

Anyone with any 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.

£49,000 Drugs recovery in City Centre

08/03/2010 00:00:00

Following an incident in the city centre area of Aberdeen on Saturday 6 March 2010, Grampian Police recovered heroin with an approximate 'street' value of £49,000.

A 26-year-old local man has been arrested in connection with the recovery and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Break-in to Lossiemouth FC Social Club

08/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police are currently investigating a Theft by Housebreaking which occurred around 0130 hours on Monday 8 March 2010 at the Lossiemouth FC Social Club during which containers of money were stolen including a low three figure sum of money which was being collected to fund a dance for local elderly people.

Detective Constable Crawford who is investigating the theft said "to steal money in such a cold hearted manner which had been generously donated to help local people is disgusting and I appeal to the residents of Lossiemouth to assist me to bring those responsible to justice."

Anyone with information in relation to the theft is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or if the information is not urgent and they wish to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Robbery on St Clements Street, Aberdeen

08/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police are investigating a Robbery which occurred on St Clements Street, Aberdeen about 5.30pm on Monday 8 March 2010, where a male was threatened by two males and robbed of his money.

One male is described as aged in his twenties, with short fair hair, about 5ft 8" to 5ft 10", wearing a beige coloured tracksuit zip up top with three or four horizontal coloured stripes across it. He was wearing dark coloured trousers and light coloured trainers.

The other male is described as aged in his twenties, about 5ft 6", with short brown hair, wearing a black bomber jacket and blue denim jeans.

It is believed a female in a silver coloured vehicle stopped and may have witnessed the incident and Grampian Police are very keen for her to come forward to provide any information possible.

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.

Theft from car and attempted theft of car - Woodside area

07/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police are investigating a theft from a motor car and the attempted theft of another motor car in the Woodside area of Aberdeen.

The incident occurred between 8pm on Saturday 6 March 2010 and 8am on Sunday 7 March 2010, at Donbank Terrace in the Woodside area of Aberdeen

As a result of the incident, a quantity of electrical items valued at a three figure sum were stolen.

Investigating Officer, Constable Philip Duncan said, "A number of reports have been received by Grampian Police recently in relation to break-ins to vehicles in the Woodside area of Aberdeen. I would ask that all residents remove any valuable property from their vehicles and ensure that their vehicles are secure in order to try and prevent any further incidents occurring."

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.

Fireraising - Byron Square, Aberdeen

07/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police are investigating the destruction of a high value, black coloured Ssangyong Rodius motor car which was wilfully set on fire within the car park at the rear of the Byron Square shops on Deansloch Terrace, Aberdeen between 8pm and 9pm on Wednesday 24 February 2010.

The Mastrick based investigating officer, Constable Chris Delargy, stated

"The actions of the person or persons responsible for this crime appear to have been motiveless and moreover highly dangerous, given the close proximity to dwelling houses and public footpaths.

I'd ask anyone with information on this incident to come forward and contact us on 0845 600 5 700 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous."

Arnold Clark theft - man for Court

07/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police can confirm that a 22 year old man is expected to appear from custody at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday 8 March 2010, in connection with the break in and theft of 7 cars from Arnold Clark Garage, Langstracht, Aberdeen.

Detective Inspector Matt Mackay said "It is pleasing to recover all of the stolen vehicles and apprehend one of those responsible in such a short space of time. We have been, and continue to follow positive lines of enquiry regarding the other individuals involved in this crime. We thank the public for their vigilance and assistance."

Arnold Clark theft - second man for Court

07/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police can confirm that a second male aged 20 years, from Aberdeen, has been arrested this evening in connection with the break in and theft of 7 cars from Arnold Clark Garage, Langstracht Aberdeen. He is also expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday 8 March 2010.

Sergeant Ferguson from the CID Proactive Unit said "The public have been of great assistance throughout this enquiry. It is reassuring that they have come forward with information resulting in the recovery of these valuable motor cars and I wish to thank them for that."

Fatal RTC on A947, Banff

06/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police have confirmed that two people have died following a two vehicle road traffic collision that occurred on the A947 near Banff on Friday 5 March 2010.

The collision, which occurred around 5.20pm, involved a red Peugeot 206 motor car which was being driven northwards and a white Renault articulated lorry which was being driven south. As a result of the collision, the lorry left the road on the west side colliding with tress, before coming to rest on its side.

The driver of the Peugeot, a 19 year old female from the MacDuff area, and the driver of the lorry, a 62 year old male from the Huntly area, were both pronounced dead at the scene. No other persons were within the vehicles and no other vehicles were involved.

The A947 was closed whilst collision investigators carried out a detailed examination of the scene and remains closed to allow recovery of the lorry.

Sergeant Neil Morrison of Grampian Police Roads Policing Department who is in charge of the enquiry stated "Yet again we find ourselves dealing with another tragic incident on the north east roads. Our investigations are at a very early stage and I am unable to comment on the cause of the collision. This has been a particularly challenging situation and my thoughts are with the families of those involved."

Sergeant Morrison appealed for any witnesses to contact them who may have witnessed the collision or seen the lorry or car prior to the collision. He added "We are keen to speak to anyone who may have any information relating to this incident and in particular we would like to speak to the driver of a black coloured jeep style vehicle who may have witnessed the collision".

Anyone who has any information relating to the incident should contact Grampian

Donald MacDonald (59) - Missing from Peterhead

06/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police is anxious to trace Donald John MacDonald, aged 59, who was reported missing from Peterhead on Thursday 4 March 2010.

Mr MacDonald was last seen near Drummers Corner, Peterhead on Wednesday 3 March 2010. He is described as being 5'11" tall, slim build, with short, balding, grey hair. When last seen he was wearing a grey fleece and jeans. Mr MacDonald speaks with an Inveness-shire accent.

Anyone with information or knowledge of Mr MacDonald's whereabouts is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700.

Search for families of those who died in Police service

05/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police want to hear from the families of members of police staff who died while still serving with the Force or earlier Forces serving the area.

A Memorial Service is being held at 11am on Saturday 24 April 2010, in St Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen, to commemorate the lives of police officers and support staff who died while still employed by Grampian Police, Aberdeen City Police, Scottish North East Counties Constabulary (SNECC) and the earlier Burgh Constabularies which amalgamated to create SNECC.

This is the second year such a service has taken place.

The service will be led by Chief Constable Colin McKerracher and Force Chaplain, Rev David Swan.

Welfare Officer, Raymond Mack said: "The Force is to honour collectively our colleagues who have died in service. This is the second such event we have held to remember colleagues and to provide support for family and friends.

"We also want to record the names of those who died in a Book of Remembrance and to invite their families to join us in the memorial service.

"Although we have a record of those who died in recent years, we cannot be sure that we have up to date contact information for close families of the deceased.

"Last year, we were able to identify over 80 members of staff who died whilst employed by the Forces and we have contact details of family members for the majority of them, but we still do not have contact information for 14 people.

"We are appealing to present and past staff as well as relatives and friends of those who died in service, to get in touch with us, particularly if they have contact information for any family members of the names we still have outstanding."

The names of the 14 people can be found below, or by calling the Force's Welfare Officer Raymond Mack on 01224 306339 or e-mailing him at raymond.mack@grampian.pnn.police.uk

Grampian Police Chaplain, Rev David Swan commented: "Working for an organisation such as the police, we spend a lot of time with our colleagues and make friendships and relationships that last many years.

"The death of a colleague can be just as traumatic as the death of a close friend or family member and it is hoped that the service will bring comfort not only to the family members but also their friends and colleagues from their time working for the Force.

"The service will be inter-denominational with other faith groups involved during the service. A special memorial book will also be on display detailing all employees who have passed away."

Family members, former colleagues and current staff are invited to attend the service and the buffet lunch reception afterwards.

People to be traced