Multiple arrests made during retail crime operation in Leith including one man charged with 'possession of bladed article'
A number of officer from across the city took part in the task force in the Newkirkgate area of Leith
A number of arrests were made during a police-led retail crime operation in Leith including one connected to “possession of a bladed article”.
Police Scotland confirmed that a task force made up of 12 officers from around the city patrolled Newkirkgate and surrounding areas on Friday, June 5 following concerns from local businesses and the community.
During the operation, multiple people were arrested, including one man who was later charged for retail theft and possession of a bladed article.
He has been released on bail on interim condition not to return to the Newkirkgate area and will appear in court at a later date.
Another incident saw a woman arrested and charged with 21 retail theft offences.
Police Scotland said in a statement on social media: “In response to community and local business concerns, the Leith Community Policing Team led a retail crime operation on Friday, 05/06/26, focusing on the Newkirkgate and surrounding areas.
“These are some highlights of the operation, which involved 12 officers from across Edinburgh.
“1 male reported to the Procurator Fiscal (PF) for trading in the street without a street trading licence – Items seized.
“1 male issued a formal police warning for retail theft.
“1 female charged and reported to the PF for retail theft.
“1 male arrested and charged with retail theft; he was released on police bail to appear in court at a later date, with interim conditions not to return to the Newkirkgate.
“1 male arrested and charged for retail theft and possession of a bladed article. He was released on police bail to appear in court at a later date with interim conditions not to return to the Newkirkgate.
“1 female arrested and held in police custody to appear at court having been charged with 21 retail crime offences.
“10 stop searches were conducted of which 6 were positive for stolen property.”
The force said that all shoplifted items “were recovered and returned to the respective shops in a sellable condition”, adding: “Officers will continue to collaborate with partners to prevent, pursue and detect retail crime offenders, which is not a victimless crime.”