The body of Marilyn McLellan, 60, was discovered in a communal garden behind her terraced flat in Warrender Park Road, Marchmont.

Police have launched a probe into her death, which is being treated as unexplained.

Marilyn McLellan’s body was found in a communal garden behind her flat in Marchmont, Edinburgh

A neighbour discovered Ms McLellan’s body in a communal garden behind flats in the street at 8.30am on Sunday morning.

A worker at a nearby pizza shop said: “Yes, Marilyn died this morning
- the police told me.

“She was very quiet but troubled  – she never worked, she just tended the garden.

“She would always say hello to me though. She was very petite in appearance.”

It is thought Ms Mclellan had a son, James and daughter, Mhairi.

A neighbour added: “I woke up just before 7.30am on Sunday and heard an argument going on along the street outside the house.

“A woman was arguing and shouting at someone else.

“There was definitely more than one person involved.

“Students were up all night partying because they had finished exams but it was definitely someone older and not them.

“The whole thing onle lasted about ten minutes then I went back to bed.

“I have only lived here a few months but what I heard was definitely out of character for the area.”

A police spokesman said: “Police were called to an address in Warrender Park Road on Sunday morning upon the discovery of a woman’s body.

“The death is being treated as unexplained.”

No third party is thought to be involved and the death is not being treated as suspicious but a spokesman said inquiries were ongoing and asked for anyone with information to get in touch.

THIEVES have stolen thousands of pounds of cigarettes from the back of a lorry.

The vehicle was making a delivery to the Co-op in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian at around 1.10pm on Sunday.

The driver realised that the back door of the lorry was open and the cigarettes, worth £2500, missing.

A police spokesman said: “It is possible that whoever was responsible had got into the trailer when it stopped at the traffic lights at the crossroads in Lothian Street, before jumping out with the goods on the lorry’s arrival at the Co-op car park.”

Police are looking to trace a man who was seen at the back of the vehicle on its arrival, described as white, with mousy brown hair, medium build, and wearing a high-visibility vest with a long-sleeved blue jumper underneath, and black trousers.

They are also keen to speak to anyone who noticed a silver 4×4 vehicle that may have been following the lorry through Bonnyrigg.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the area of the Co-op car park between 1pm and 1.20pm, who noticed any suspicious activity, to contact us immediately. “Similarly, anyone else who has any other information that can assist our inquiries should also get in touch.” Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Police said both men were badly shaken by the ordeal

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two men were assaulted at a flat in West Lothian.

The incident took place on Saturday evening at a property in Beechwood Road, Blackburn.

The victims, aged 35 and 26, were sprayed in the face with a noxious substance and punched several times before the suspects left the property.

Police are urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.

A police spokesman said “Both men were left badly shaken by what was a terrifying ordeal. Thankfully though neither was seriously injured. Anyone who was in or around Beechwood Road on Saturday evening and remembers seeing anything suspicious and is asked to contact police immediately.”

The first suspect is described as white with a stocky build, shaved head and wearing all black clothing. The second suspect is described as white with a slim build and also wearing all dark clothing.

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward

POLICE are hunting a man after a ‘sickening’ sex attack on a 16-year-old woman last night (Mon).

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward following the assault in Edinburgh’s Broomhouse Road.

Police said the woman was standing at a bus stop around 9.10pm when a man in his early 30s approached her.

He asked her to follow him to the back of a nearby changing pavilion where she was attacked.

The suspect is described as being white, of skinny build, and was wearing a dark jacket and dark jeans.

The man had a white carrier bag with red cans of beer inside.

Lothian and Borders police have stepped up patrols in the area to reassure locals.

Officers are checking CCTV footage around the area, and are particularly keen to speak to dogh walkers who may have been in the area at the time.

The bus stop is near the blue changing pavilion on Broomhouse Road.

Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn said: “This has been a sickening attack on a young girl, and a full inquiry team has been established to trace the man responsible.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have been in the Broomhouse  area last night, and who may recognise the description of the suspect, to come forward.

“Although it was quite late, the area is popular with dog walkers, so there is a chance they may have seen or heard something suspicious around that time.”

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Tanasak Sopatai allowed his flat to be used as a brothel by prostitutes

A THAI man is facing jail after he allowed his Edinburgh city centre flat to be used as a brothel by prostitutes.

Tanasak Sopatai let women use his home to provide sexual services, it was heard at the city’s sheriff court today (Tue).

But the 27-year-old’s flat was raided after a surveillance sting by police.

And almost 700 condoms and a number of sex toys were found at the address by detectives, the court heard.

Sopatai pleaded guilty to allowing the flat at 3/1 Castle Terrace to be used for the purposes of habitual prostitution on June 23 this year, during a brief court hearing today.

Fiscal depute Melanie Ward said “directed surveillance” was being carried out at the address in June.

Police officers were watching the outside of the address when at about 5pm they saw an oriental woman looking out of the window, the fiscal said.

She then left in the direction of nearby Lothian Road, she added.

Then two minutes later a man approached the block of flats. He was on his mobile phone attempting to gain access to the stairwell, the fiscal said.

“Two minutes after that the police saw the female who had just left the address return and meet with the male and told him she was called Joanna,” the fiscal added.

“The female then described that she was wearing very little and told him she wanted £140 for one hour of sex.

“This was now within the property and as she undressed the male relayed that he only had £60 and therefore the sexual services offered was less than full sex,” the fiscal added.

Police officers then saw the woman opening the door for the man as he left the premises, the fiscal said.

Officers then identified themselves and said they had a warrant to search the premises, added the depute.

“It was noticed that the female was wearing only a towel and standing behind the door. When they entered they found Mr Sopatai and two other females within,” the fiscal added.

Sopatai confirmed to police that he lived at the address with the woman who called herself Joanna, the fiscal said.

“The search of the premises then took place, which included the finding of a number of mobile phones, money, sex toys and 687 condoms,” said the fiscal. “It was discovered that Sopatai had just rented the property and it’s also confirmed that he was aware the females within the premises were using it for the provision of sexual services.”

Sopatai had also faced claims he lived off the earnings of prostitution between March 1 and June 13 this year at five addresses, including the Castle Street flat. But that charge was dropped by the Crown after Sopatai pleaded not guilty.

Sheriff Paul Arthurson QC deferred sentence on Sopatai, described as a prisoner in Edinburgh, until later this month for reports.

Police are investigating a number of incidents

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.

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

Anne was last seen in Montrose

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.”

The woman was attacked in a Glasgow park

A WOMAN has been robbed and sexually assaulted in a Glasgow park.

The 49-year-old was walking to work through Cranhill Park at around 7.25am on Sunday when a man pushed her to the ground.

He hit her around the face and forced her to hand over her jewellery and handbag.

He then subjected the woman to a sexual assault.The suspect then made off towards Crowlin Crescent.

The woman managed to make her way home and contacted friends and family.  She was later treated in hospital for facial and arm injuries.

SUSPECT

The man is described as being Scottish, around 20 years old, 5ft 8, with a slim build and blond hair. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing a light-coloured tracksuit.

Speaking today from London Road Police Office Constable Gillian Erskine said: ”Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the suspect who subjected this lady to a terrible assault which has naturally left her very shaken.

“As well as conducting door to door enquires and checking local CCTV, I would like to appeal to anyone who was in and around Cranhill Park on Sunday morning and may have seen this man or the assault take place to contact me as soon as possible, as it is vital that we trace the suspect as soon as possible.”

Officers searched the woman at Holmsgarth ferry terminal

POLICE in Shetland have seized more that £4000 of heroin.

The drug was taken from a 20-year-old woman after she was searched at a ferry terminal in Lerwick.

Officers found her to be carrying heroin with a street value of £4,200.

The matter has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in Lerwick.

Police are dealing with fewer cases involving children

A NEW initiative aimed at reducing the number of young people committing crimes throughout Aberdeen has seen a 23% reduction in young people committing offences and led to a 40% reduction in the number of cases being referred to the Children’s Reporter.

The Aberdeen Youth Justice Development Programme (AYJDP) has released figures, as part of an interim report, which suggest that the introduction of the initiative has led to a wide range of improvements.

Developed as part of the national Reducing Reoffending Programme, the initiative has been funded by the Scottish Government to look at new ways to tackle offending by young people.

The scheme, which is a partnership between criminal and youth justice agencies including the local authority and voluntary sector, focuses on early and sustained intervention for young people involved in anti-social and criminal behaviour.

BENEFITS

Assistant Chief Constable Colin Menzies, who leads the multi-agency group delivering the programme in Aberdeen, said: “The benefits generated by the programme can be clearly seen in three specific areas – improvements in the range of services for young people, better communication between agencies and as a result more efficient working practices.

“Young people are now receiving the right service, when they need it. Where it is appropriate, they are included in decisions about the support that they need.

“This greater involvement of young people, their families and the whole system approach can result in better outcomes leading to a better quality of life as opposed to the revolving door of the criminal justice system.”

Since the pilot was introduced, fewer offenders are being referred through the children’s hearings and courts system, cases are being dealt with more quickly and efficiently and in cases where a court appearance is inevitable the delay, in some cases, has been reduced from 6 months to just four weeks.

To date there have been 360 fewer referrals for offences made to the Reporter for the Children’s Panel – 684 in 2010-11 compared to 1,044 for the previous year.

Where it has been decided to report an offence only 254 children were referred to the Aberdeen City Children’s Reporter compared to 425 the previous year – a drop of 40%.

CONSIDERABLE COST

Inspector Lyn Ross, who manages the programme, added: “Although the numbers of young people involved in offending are not significant, the cost of dealing with crime is considerable, which when linked to the price of care, supervision and detention puts a huge burden on the public purse. Our aim must be to prevent and reduce reoffending at the earliest opportunity, before the behaviour becomes entrenched so that young people have the best chance of a positive future.

“Identifying the cause of offending behaviour and taking immediate direct action not only frees up resources in the criminal justice system, it can divert young people into playing a more positive role in the community they live in.”

Aberdeen city councillor and Northern Community Justice Authority member Councillor Jim Kiddie said: “The success of the programme just goes to show how much can be achieved by different agencies working closely together with a common aim.

“The reduction in the number of young people committing crimes is very heartening and will be warmly welcomed in all of our communities for whom youth offending is very serious issue.”

Councillor Anne Robertson, Convener of the Northern Community Justice Authority (NCJA), is keen to see the benefits of the city’s ‘whole system approach’ extended still further with the range of the programme broadened geographically to include Aberdeenshire, Moray and the Highlands and Islands.

She said: “There is overwhelming support and passion for this programme, and there is a real momentum to continue to develop, extend and improve on the current position. This is down the positive and effective partnership working which is key to the success so far.

“We believe that the differences created, even in such a short time scale are significant and the return to previous practices is not an option. However we must be realistic and recognise that this is a work in progress and significant effort is still required to both maintain and extend the programme.”

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY POLICE

TWO ducks have been stolen in a night time raid.

The birds were stolen from Barnhill Springs, Moffat, sometime between 9.30pm on Tuesday, September 20 and 7am on Wednesday, September 21.

A PROPERTY on Cove Place, Gretna had a window damaged sometime overnight between Tuesday, September 20 and 7am on Wednesday, September 21.

POLICE are seeking a driver who was seen driving erratically on the Dumfries bypass.

The dark coloured people carrier, possibly driven by a man aged 40 – 45 years old, caused several cars to swerve to avoid him on a stretch of road between the Bloomfield and Glasgow Road roundabouts.

The vehicle was last seen heading towards Locharbriggs at around 6.15pm.

GRAMPIAN POLICE

OFFICE equipment worth tens of thousands of pounds has been stolen from Aberdeen.

The items were inside two shipping containers, which were loaded on the back of a flatbed lorry.

Thieves took the vehicle from Greenbank road sometime between Saturday morning and Tuesday.

Investigating Officer PC Steve said, “We are keen to speak to anyone that may have any information regarding the whereabouts of the trailer, containers or contents. Likewise we would be keen to hear from anyone who has been offered a quantity of office equipment.”

POLICE are searching for prescription drugs lost on a street in Elgin.

The anti-psychotic and sedative tablets went missing at around 11am yesterday (wed) on the town’s High Street.

Police say the medication, Olanzapine and Diazepam, are potentially harmful to someone they have not been prescribed for and urge anyone finding the drugs to hand them in.

POLICE are searching for a tanker which was stolen from Inverurie at the weekend.

The vehicle was taken from an industrial yard in the Keithhall Road area of the town at around 7pm last Friday.

Police tracked the vehicle through Inverurie and Port Elphinstone and onwards towards Aberdeen but are unaware of its current location.

The vehicle is white in colour and is distinctive due to its large size.

Grampian Police would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the tanker at that time or who saw any suspicious persons or vehicles in the area.

A MAN has been assaulted on a disused railway line.

Four men attacked the 24-year-old victim, leaving him with cuts to his head.

The incident occurred between 5pm and 5:45pm on Tuesday, September 20 on the Old Railway Line near to the where the Copper Beach licensed premises used to stand.

POLICE are investigating a house breaking which occurred between 4.45pm and 8.30 pm on Tuesday, September 20 on High Street, Fraserburgh.

During the incident a window was damaged but nothing was stolen.

A GREEN Peugeot 206 was stolen from a farm near Fettercairn.

The car was taken at around 3pm yesterday (wed) from a farm cottage near Balbegno, Fettercairn.

It was later found abandoned on the B966 near to Balbegno Castle.

Grampian Police are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area or passing the area at the time.

A CAR and a motorcycle have collided on a country road.

A NEW initiative aimed at reducing the number of young people committing crimes throughout Aberdeen has seen a 23% reduction in young people committing offences and led to a 40% reduction in the number of cases being referred to the Children’s Reporter.

LOTHIAN AND BORDERS POLICE

POLICE searching for a missing Wick man believe he could have travelled to Edinburgh.

NORTHERN CONSTABULARY

POLICE in Shetland have seized more that £4000 of heroin.

POLICE are seeking an elderly couple who may have helped a woman after she was assaulted.

They believe the pair may have taken the injured woman to an address in Portland Place, Inverness.

The woman was allegedly assaulted in the Blackbridge area of Inverness sometime between Thursday, September 15 and Friday,  September 16.

The injured female was wearing a blue shirt, black jumper and dark trousers .

Police are keen to trace anyone who may have witnessed the incident and in particular an elderly couple who are believed to have provided assistance to the woman.

A CYCLIST who died in a Highland road accident has been named as Elaine Dunne.

MS Dunne, who was 30 years old and from Leicester, was fatally injured in the accident on the A99 road.

A male cyclist involved in the collision remains in a serious condition.

STRATHCLYDE POLICE

A WOMAN has been robbed and sexually assaulted in a Glasgow park.

THREE masked men stole hundreds of pounds after robbing a supermarket at knifepoint.

Two staff members were unloading goods at the back entrance of a Glasgow Farmfoods when the men entered and demanded they open the safe.

They made off towards the Kirkton flats

The incident happened at around 8am yesterday (wed) on Anniesland Road, Knightswood.

Shop staff were left uninjured but extremely distressed.

The suspects are described as being between 18 and 23, all three wore black balaclavas and the man brandishing the knife spoke with an English accent.

Detective Sergeant Charlie Craig, at Drumchapel Police Office, would like to speak to anyone who has any information that could assist him in identifying the suspects who carried out this robbery. He would like to speak to anyone who may have seen them hanging around outside the shop prior to the robbery taking place or anyone who may have seen them running towards the Kirkton Flats.

TAYSIDE POLICE

A VIOLENT convict who failed to return to prison is being hunted by police