Masked youths armed with hammers smash cars in early morning rampage at Edinburgh student halls
The balaclava gang have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Masked youths armed with hammers threatened a security guard and vandalised vehicles during an early-hours rampage at an Edinburgh student accommodation complex.
The gang of three targeted the car park at Pollock Halls, on Holyrood Park Road, at about 2.15am on Wednesday.
They allegedly attempted to steal a motorcycle and threatened a security guard who confronted them, forcing him to retreat inside the building for his own safety.
The suspects, who were wearing balaclavas, then smashed several vehicles, reportedly causing thousands of pounds worth of damage and raising safety concerns at the student complex.
One member of the group is understood to have scouted out the car park on an e-bike a few hours before the attempted robbery, before returning with two accomplices.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2.15am on Wednesday, 26 August, 2026, we received a report of vandalism to cars at Holyrood Park Road in Edinburgh.
“Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0264 of 26 August, 2026.”
Pollock Halls of Residence, located on Holyrood Park Road, houses more than 2,000 students for most of the year.
Between May and September, the halls are converted into a hotel and is a popular base for Fringe performers. As the attack took place in the early hours when most residents would have been asleep, there is a concern for safety.
Pollock Halls Residence has been approached for comment.