Grampian Police Latest News

Fatal RTC: family statements

10/03/2010 00:00:00

Following the fatal road traffic collision which occured on the A947, near Huntly, Grampian Police have released the following statements from the families of Stacey King (19) from Macduff (pictured right), and Douglas Gray (62) from Glass, Huntly (pictured left):

Stacey's mother Caroline said: "She was a wonderful daughter and she will be sadly missed.

"She was just loved by everyone who knew her.

"Stacey had just completed an English as a foreign language teaching course and was hoping to go out to Spain to teach English.

"She was just starting out in life - everything was going her way and she was tragically taken from us."

Stacey, 19, was a former pupil of Banff Academy and worked in Spain after leaving school. She returned home in 2008 and worked in a cafe before becoming a receptionist at an Aberdeen hotel. Stacey was only recently promoted to reception supervisor.

Douglas' daughter, Gail Stewart, said: "He was a loving, wonderful son, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, as well as a friend to many. He was devoted to his family and he will be much missed.

"Dad was a character, with a big personality who always said it like it was.

"He made a lot of friends through his work, but his weekends were spent on his hobby of steam trains, where he also made a lot of friends."

Douglas' other hobbies included photography, film-making and spending time with his family. He and wife Leslie had three daughters and one son.

Douglas worked as a stoker and later driver on the railways after leaving Gordon Academy in Huntly.

Gail said: "He was an experienced trucker who had worked for Harbro for many years, following an earlier career on the railways, which sparked his lifelong love of steam trains."

Harbro managing director Graham Baxter said: "Dougie was a highly-valued driver with the company for almost 20 years and he will be sadly missed by all his colleagues and the many customers who knew him."

Fatal Fire, Hilton Drive, Aberdeen

10/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police, along with Grampian Fire and Rescue, attended the scene of a fire in a first floor flat on Hilton Drive, Aberdeen, at around 6.20pm, on Tuesday 9 March 2010.

The 66 year old female occupant was rescued from the flat, however she died a short time later at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary as a result of her injuries.

Grampian Police are not treating the fire as suspicious, however enquiries are ongoing with Grampian Fire and Rescue Service.

As is normal practice in these circumstances a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Housebreaking, Gamies, Upper Powburn, Fordoun

10/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police is investigating a break-in at Gammies Ground Care and Construction Equipment, Upper Powburn, Fordoun.

The incident occurred shortly after 7pm on Tuesday 9 March 2010, whereby ground care equipment and power tools amounting to a low to mid four-figure sum was stolen.

Anyone with information or knowledge of the break-in is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Theft by housebreaking, March Lane, Buckie

10/03/2010 00:00:00

Grampian Police is investigating a break-in that occurred to a business premises in March Lane, March Road Industrial Estate, Buckie.

Between 8pm on Monday 8 March and 5am on Tuesday 9 March 2010, entry was gained to a garage premises and a three figure sum of cash was stolen.

A red Ford Transit, registration number S850 NSR, was also stolen from from outside the premises.

Grampian Police is appealing for anyone who has information regarding this incident to contact them on 0845 600 5700 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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.

The public are thanked for their assistance.

Fatal RTC, A947 Banff

09/03/2010 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, and the driver of the lorry, a 62 year old male, were both pronounced dead at the scene. They have been named as Stacey King from Macduff and Douglas Gray from Glass, Huntly.

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 anyone who may have witnessed the collision or seen the lorry or car prior to the collision to contact the Police.

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 Police on 0845 600 5700 or through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where calls can be treated anonymously.

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."