We are however in the meantime listing below various Constabulary media releases and reports on crime matters from other sources
Dumfries thefts
We are investigating a string of thefts in the past few days in the Dumfries area. Sometime overnight Sunday /Monday a Raleigh bicycle and a bag of assorted fishing equipment were stolen from a shed at a house in Annan Road in Dumfries. The value of the property stolen is over £300. In a second theft, a Ryobi lawnmower, a Stihl petrol strimmer, a Paslode nail gun and a Dolmar chainsaw were stolen from a shed at a house in Laghall Court, Kingholm Quay. This theft took place sometime overnight Monday /Tuesday and the value of the property stolen is over £1400. In a third theft, tools were stolen from a white coloured Vauxhall van parked in a driveway at a house in Dalswinton Avenue in Dumfries. This theft took place sometime overnight Tuesday /Wednesday . The tools stolen included a Stihl concrete cutting saw, a Stihl petrol hedge trimmer and an orange coloured leaf blower. The value of the tools stolen is around £1400.
Sergeant Ron Matthews at Dumfries said "once again tools appear to be getting targeted in thefts across the Dumfries area. I would urge householders to ensure sheds and vehicle are always locked when storing such items. Anyone with any information which might assist us in these investigations is asked to call police on the 101 number quoting the reference number 0684 21/5."
Theft of tools - Hoddom
Officers at Lockerbie are investigating the theft of tools from two locations at Hoddom. In the first, a store at the Hoddom Cross Garden Centre was broken into sometime overnight Tuesday /Wednesday. A tool box and tools, and a red and black coloured compressor were stolen in the raid. In a second theft, this time at premises at Mainholm, Hoddom, a red coloured Honda quad bike with a trailer, a Honda petrol strimmer and a Husqvarna chainsaw were all stolen. This theft took place at outbuildings and again happened overnight Tuesday/Wednesday.
Constable Lee Barnfather at Lockerbie said "both thefts happened in the same area and over the same period of time so we are clearly looking at a link here. The value of the property stolen runs into thousands of pounds. Our appeal to the public is to call us at the time if they see anything suspicious when they are out and about. Any strange vehicles, unusual vehicle movements or parked cars/vans seen, or unusual callers at their door can indicate that something just isn't right. We are more than happy to take calls in this regard and check them out at the time, as opposed to a few days later when we put out appeals for witnesses. Anyone who may have any information about these thefts is asked to call us on the 101 number quoting the reference number 1608 22/5."
23.05.19
PURSE THEFT - CASTLE DOUGLAS
Police in Castle Douglas want to trace the following described two men following the theft of a purse from a woman's handbag in the Co-operative Store in Castle Douglas on Friday 17 May 2019. The theft happened just after 9 am on Friday morning while the 92 year old woman was shopping in the Co-operative Store in Cotton Street. She was distracted by a male person whilst a second male has taken her purse from her bag in her shopping trolley. The purse, a purple leather one contained almost £100 in cash and and bank cards.
Constable Nicola Wallace stated "this is a despicable theft from an elderly woman going about her shopping. The two men we want to trace in relation to this crime are described as (1) 6' tall, slim build, black hair with stubble, and was wearing a black V-neck jumper and had a foreign accent. (2) This man is again described as being about 6' tall, large build with a bald head. He was wearing a grey body warmer. Anyone who may have been in the shop on Friday morning and saw anything which might help us trace these two men is asked to call police on the 101 number, quoting the reference number 1180 17/5."
20.05.19
Officers are investigating the theft of about 500 litres of red diesel from Dindinnie Quarry near Stranraer. The theft happened sometime overnight Wednesday 8/Thursday 9 May 2019 and the diesel was stolen from vehicles on the site. The value of the diesel is about £375. Constable Steven McDowall at Stranraer said "we are looking for the public's help to identify any vehicles coming or going from the area around the quarry over this period. Anyone who as any information which might assist in this investigation is asked to call Police Scotland on the 101 number, and quote the reference 0534 9/5."
SCAM ALERT - FACEBOOK MESSENGER
We have seen a number of people fall victim to a Facebook messenger scam in recent days.
It appears fraudsters are taking over users accounts and then sending the users friends a request for money to help pay a bill via Facebook messenger. The victims have then been making the payments to the fraudsters believing they are helping a friend.
If you receive a similar message we would suggest you contact the person directly and confirm if it is authentic.
LASER PEN INCIDENT - ARREST
In January 2019 a laser pen was allegedly pointed at a search and rescue helicopter flying over Sanquhar.
A 17 year old male youth from Sanquhar has now been arrested and charged in connection with this incident. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
14.05.19
STOLEN TRAILER - NEWTON STEWART
A single axel, light blue/green trailer with a green tarpaulin on it was stolen from a layby on the Newton Stewart bypass (A75).
The trailer was stolen between 8:45 PM on Saturday 11th and 7:40 AM on Sunday 12th May 2019.
We are appealing for witnesses, did you see the trailer or someone taking it? There is a unique metal ammunition type box welded to the tow bar and it should be easily identified.
Anyone with any information should contact Police at Newton Stewart on 101.
ARREST - VEHICLE BREAK-INS
A 34 year old man has been arrested in relation to thefts from several vehicles in Annan and Gretna.
Anyone who lives in either town and noticed items missing from their vehicle over the course of this weekend should contact Police Scotland on 101.
13.05.19
DISAPPEARANCE / DEATH OF EMMA FAULDS - KILMARNOCK
Detectives searching for missing person Emma Faulds from Kilmarnock have been conducting enquiries in the South Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway border in an attempt to locate her body.
Police are keen to trace the movements of motor vehicles on the A714 Girvan to Newton Stewart road on Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th April 2019. They are particularly interested in sightings of Jaguar and Mercedes type vehicles.
Detectives are urging people to think back and consider if they saw something a little odd or out of place on Monday 29 April and Tuesday 30 April 2019 in the area of Burrill, particularly along the A714.
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Fergus said:
“This is a harrowing time for Emma’s family. They are in shock and are in the process of dealing with the fact that Emma will not be coming home. I am therefore seeking the public’s help in trying to find Emma’s body.
“I am appealing for anyone who may have been travelling along the A714, either north or south between Girvan and Newton Stewart. Did you see something a little odd or out of place, perhaps you noticed a car in a lay by, do you remember anything which struck you as odd at the time?
“I am also keen to speak to anyone who travels this route regularly, northbound or southbound. If any motorists have dash cams, please check the footage as it may have captured something which could prove vital to our ongoing enquiries to locate Emma.”
10.05.19
Suspicioius incident
Officers in Gretna are asking for the public's help to trace the occupants of a red and white coloured ice-cream van which was seen in the village last night. Following the report of a suspicious incident, where a 13 year old girl was asked to enter the van following a brief conversation with the occupants, a male and a female, officers are keen to hear of sightings or other contact anyone may have had with the van.
Sergeant Scott McDowall said "this incident happened at around 10.35pm on Wednesday evening whilst the girl was at the bus stop at the junction of Annan Road and Central Avenue in Gretna. The man is described as being white, in his 40s, balding grey hair and spoke with an English accent. The female is also white, in her 40s, brown shoulder length brown hair and also spoke with an English accent. We are asking anyone who may have seen this van or can help identify the occupants to get in touch with us through the 101 number quoting the reference number 4015 8/5. We would also welcome a call from the occupants of the van itself if they would want to explain their actions to us."
09.05.19
THEFT OF JEWELLERY
Officers at Newton Stewart want to trace the following described two people in relation to the theft t of a quantity of jewellery from the shop known as Traditions in North main Street, Wigtown, on Tuesday 7 May 2019. The theft happened at around 3.20pm when a man and woman entered the shop seeking to purchase a quantity of jewellery.
Following a distraction with the shop owner, the two left the shop intimating they would later return to collect some items of jewellery, however failed to do so, and it was then that the theft was discovered. Items stolen include a gold necklaces, cuff links, a bangle, a bracelet and rings. The value of the jewellery stolen is over £6000.
Constable Nicola Crosbie said "we want to trace two people, a male and a female who entered the shop at around 3.20pm on Tuesday afternoon. The man is described as being of Asian appearance, around 60 years of age.about 6' tall, slim build, stubble on his face, greying short hair. The female is also described as being of Asian appearance, about 30/40 years old, black hair, and had long nails which had gem stones in the middle. Anyone who can help us identify these two is asked to call us on the 101 number quoting the reference number 2788 7/5."
EVENT: Motorcyclist Road Safety Event
LOCATION: Lockerbie Police Station
DATE/TIME: Sunday 12th May 2019 - between 10 AM - 2 PM
Roads Policing Officers from Police Scotland will be holding a motorcycle safety event at Lockerbie Police Station on Sunday 12th May.
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than many other road users and continue to represent a high proportion of those either seriously injured or killed on our roads. This event aims to improve bikers’ skills, knowledge and hazard awareness – and ultimately reduce the number of collisions involving motorcyclists.
Riders will also be able to undertake short assessed rides for free and discounted RoadSmart courses will be available on the day.
We will also be joined by staff from The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service, Safety Cameras Scotland, Collision Investigation Unit, D&G Blood Bikes and Police Scotland motorbikes.
08.05.19
GENERATOR STOLEN FROM SCOUT HUT - BEATTOCK
Officers are investigating the theft of a generator from a Scout campsite at Raehills, near Beattock. The theft happened sometime over the past two weeks and was only discovered stolen on Friday 3 May 2019. The generator is diesel powered, is blue in colour and is mounted on two wheels.
Constable Lee Barnfather said "we are appealing to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity or unusual vehicles in Raehills area, just off the A701 Dumfries to Moffat road over the past few weeks. The generator was stored in a lock fast, purpose build shed at the camp site, and is valued at around £4000. Clearly a vehicle would have had to have been used in the removal of this machine.
Anyone who has any information which might assist us in the investigation is asked to call Police Scotland on the 101 number, quoting the reference number 2169 3/5."
HAMMER THROWN AT CAR SMASHES WINDSCREEN - DUMFRIES
Police in Dumfries are appealing for witnesses after a claw hammer was thrown into a car windscreen as it was driven passed a group of persons in Gledhill Crescent, Locharbriggs.
The incident happened around 10:30 PM on Saturday 4th May 2019 as the victim drove past a group of 4-5 people standing on the grass near to the pavement.
Constable John Donnelly said "Throwing a hammer at a moving vehicle is a very dangerous act and something we are treating very seriously. The hammer was thrown with such force that it has smashed and then embedded itself in the windscreen.
I am keen to speak to anyone that witnessed a group of 4 - 5 persons standing in the playground area just off Auchencrieff Road between 10 PM and 10:30 on Saturday night. I am particularly keen to speak to a male, described as 6 foot tall, large built wearing dark clothes and it is possible drivers in the area may have caught the male or the group on their dash cameras.
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 4181 of 4th May 2019.
06.05.19
THEFT OF BOW AND ARROWS - DUMFRIES
A 4ft purple and black bow and a number of 18 inch arrows were stolen from a shed in Maple Avenue, Dumfries sometime between 8:30 PM on Wednesday 1st and 9:30 AM on Thursdayy 2nd May 2019.
Anyone that can assist police, or knows the whereabouts of the bow or arrows should contact Police Scotland on 101.
ITEMS STOLEN FROM CAR - CASTLE DOUGLAS & ANNAN
Police are investigating after a handbag and purse were stolen from a Black Volvo while it was parked in Academy Street in Castle Douglas.
The theft took place sometime between 7:45 PM on Wednesday 1st and 7 AM on Thursday 2nd May 2019. The bag is described as black and beige leather and the purse is described as a River Island Navy/Tan/Cram.
In a second incident, a purse and child's school bag was stolen from a grey VW Tiguan parked Silverhill, Annan. This theft occurred between 8:15 PM on Wednesday 1st and 7:30 AM on Thursday 2nd May 2019.
Anyone who can help police with either theft should contact Police Scotland on 101.
03.05.19
STOLEN VEHICLE - HAVE YOU SEEN IT?
An orange Ranger pickup vehicle registration number YS64 OTK was stolen from a farm near Wigtown sometime overnight.
The vehicle was discovered missing around 5:30 AM this morning (Wednesday 1st May 2019) and we are keen to speak to anyone that may have seen the vehicle since then.
You can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 0515 of 1st May 2019.
Police in Dumfries are investigating after a towbar was stolen from a from White Ford Transit Tipper van parked within a compound off Irongray Road in the town.
The towbar, valued at £200 was stolen in the early hours of Thursday 25th April 2019.
Police are keen to identify two males, described as slim build, 5ft 7" tall, wearing hooded top and the second male slightly heavier set, 5ft 10" tall wearing hooded top that were seen in the compound around the time.
Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0569 of 25th April 2019.
01.05.19
DUMFRIES THEFTS - WITNESS APPEAL
Police in Dumfries are appealing for witnesses after two thefts from commercial premises in the town.
Around 11:20 PM on Tuesday 23rd April 2019, a customised power washer, valued at £2,000 was stolen from the industrial site in Brownrigg Loaning.
In a second theft, £1,700 worth of vehicle parts including Alloy wheels and used car batteries were stolen from Arnold Clark on Annan Road around the same time.
Constable Gemma Mazur said "We know these thefts took place shortly after one another and we believe they are linked. As part of our investigation we are keen to speak to anyone that saw a white Transit van in the area or three males, all described as slim build and wearing dark clothing.
Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 0315 of 24th April 2019
25.04.19
An orange Husqvarna 560 XP Mark 1 chain saw valued at £400 was stolen from a garden shed in Craigmath in Dalbeattie sometime between 6 PM on Friday 19th and 8 AM on Monday 22nd April
If you have any information regarding the theft, please contact Police Scotland on 101 #DGCrime
23.04.19
TAKEAWAY BROKEN INTO - LOCKERBIE
Sometime between 4 PM on Saturday 20th and 1:15 AM on Monday 22nd April 2019, a takeaway premises in Station Road, Lockerbie was broken into.
Those responsible have stolen the till from the premises. Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 0352 of 22/04/2019.
STOLEN VEHICLE - EAGLESFIELD
A Blue Citron Berlingo displaying registration plate PX14 0GT was stolen from the driveway of a house in Eaglesfield sometime between 3 PM on Friday 19th and 10 AM on Saturday 20th April.
Have you seen the vehicle since then? If you can help, contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 1909 of 20/04/2019
SIX DRIVERS ARRESTED FOR DRINK DRIVING THIS WEEKEND
Despite several high profile campaigns highlighting the dangers of drinking and driving, officers continue to stop motorists who have ignored the risks and got behind the wheel while under the influence. Since Friday we have arrested 6 people for drink driving on the regions roads.
Our message is simple – there is no safe limit. If you need to drive then do not drink at all.
Anyone with concerns about a suspected drink driver can call Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency situation.
SERIOUS ASSAULT - DUMFRIES
Officers in Dumfries are appealing for witnesses following an incident on Buccleuch Street Bridge that left a 61 year old man with a fractured thumb.
Around 10:15 PM on Saturday 20th April 2019, the victim and his wife were walking across the bridge when they became involved in a confrontation with a man on a bike.
The cyclist thereafter assaulted the victim and fled towards Palmerston Café.
The suspect is described as being in his 30’s, slim/medium build, short brown hair, wearing a white t-shirt with epaulettes and blue jeans. He was using a grey/black mountain bike.
Anyone who was in the area and witnessed the assault or can identify the suspect should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 1808 of 21/04/2019.
We want the public to take extra care during this period of hot weather to avoid any accidental grass fires.
During hot and dry weather the risk of grass fires increases, but by being alert to the risk you can help prevent accidental fires.
This fire at Kelloholm was thought to have been started by discarded cigarette.
When in the countryside
• Making sure any barbecue or disposable barbecue is only used in a suitable location and is extinguished properly after use
• Extinguishing cigarettes completely and not throwing cigarette ends on the ground
• Not leaving bottles or glass in woodland – sunlight shining through glass can start fires
22.04.19
Appeal for Witnesses - Langholm
Police in Annan are investigating two linked incidents that occurred in Kiln Green Park, Langholm around 5pm on Saturday 12 April 2019. It is believed that a 13 year old boy has said something derogatory to an adult man. The man has retaliated by assaulting the boy.
The man is been described as Asian appearance, aged in his 40s, approx. 6ft tall and of slim build.
If you can help then please call 101, or pop into any Police Station quoting PDG0079360419
19.04.19
Officers in Dumfries are carrying out enquiries into the theft of a trailer and tools from a farm in Dumfries. The trailer, an Ifor Williams, was loaded with a Mosa make welder generator, a Honda pressure washer and a Honda magic screed. The total value of the stolen property is almost £10,000. The trailer was stolen from Hightown of Craigs Farm in Dumfries sometime overnight Monday 15/Tuesday 16 April 2019.
Constable Jordan Glendinning at Dumfries said "we are keen to hear from anyone who may have been around the High Craigs Road area in Dumfries over this period of time and perhaps saw anything suspicious in that area. Clearly a vehicle would have had to have been used in this theft, and again any sightings of vehicles in this area could be helpful. Callers can contact us at Dumfries on the 101 number, and should quote the reference number 0895 of 16/4."
17.04.19
ARREST - ANNAN - CHECK YOUR VEHICLES
A 34 year old man has been arrested in connection with a number of thefts from vehicles in the Annan area overnight.
We are asking residents of Annan to check their vehicles and report any new thefts or damage to police as soon as possible. Callers should quote incident reference 0228 when contacting Police Scotland on the 101 number.
TAXI VANDALISED - DUMFRIES
Between 9:15 PM on Sunday 14th and 7 AM on Monday 15th, a black coloured Vauxhall Insignia Taxi was vandalised while parked in Lincluden Road, Dumfries.
Both the front and rear windscreens on the Insignia had been smashed and this is the second time this year the vehicle has been damaged.
If you can help, contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 0533.
Police are investigating after this yellow mini JCB Track Dumper was stolen from a yard 2 miles north of Moffat just off the B719.
The theft occurred around 9:40 PM, last night (Monday 15th) and we are keen to speak to anyone that was in the area at that time and witnessed anything suspicious.
Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 4269 of 15 April 2019.
ROBBERY - LOCKERBIE
Police Scotland is seeking witnesses following the report of a robbery in Lockerbie at the weekend. Sometime between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on Saturday 13 April 2019 a 28 year old man was assaulted and robbed in his home in Sydney Gardens in the town. The victim has been treated for minor injuries following the attack. At this stage it is thought that two men were involved, and jewellery and cash with a value of over £4000 were taken in the raid.
Detective Inspector Dean Little said "at this time we are carrying out door to door enquiries in the immediate area of Sydney Gardens in Lockerbie. We are particularly keen to hear about any sightings of the following two men who were seen in Sydney Gardens on Saturday afternoon. The first is described as being about 5'9" tall, between 22-30 years in age with blondish coloured hair. He was wearing a Hi Viz yellow jacket, dark boiler suit, hard hat and ear muffs, and was carrying some sort of tool bag. The second is again described as being between 22 to 30 years of age, slim build and had black hair. This man was wearing a navy blue coloured Adidas tracksuit. Both men spoke with west of Scotland accents.
"This type of crime is very rare indeed for our area and a team of detectives are now working on the case with a view of catching those responsible. We are asking anyone who lives in Sydney Gardens, or the surrounding area to get in touch with us if they saw either of the two men described. Likewise we would be keen to hear about any strange vehicles which might have been seen entering or leaving, or even parked up in the area of Sydney Gardens or surrounding streets on Saturday. We are also reviewing CCTV footage from cameras in the area, and any dash cam footage which anyone has while driving in the area would be welcomed. . Callers can contact Police Scotland on the 101 number, and should quote the reference number 0301 of 15/04/2019
