Tackling threat, harm and risk

Murder of Caroline Glachan - convictions
Caroline Glachan was 14 years old when her body was found on the water’s edge of the River Leven on Sunday, 25 August, 1996. Caroline had been walking with a friend near shops in Bonhill, West Dunbartonshire, but never made it home.
During a reinvestigation in 2019, officers from our Major Investigations Team re-examined and researched all statements and documentation from the original inquiry. More than 200 statements were taken from people who had not previously provided one to police. From this, officers built up a picture of evidence which discredited the alibi of the accused and ultimately led to the convictions of Robbie O’Brien, Andrew Kelly and Donna Brand who were found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow.
We know that at the heart of this tragedy is a mother, a father, extended family and friends who have endured years of not knowing who killed Caroline. Nothing can undo that pain but I hope this important outcome provides some level of comfort.

Death of Ann Coll - arrest
The death of 61-year-old Ann Coll in Rutherglen just before Christmas shocked the community and extensive enquiries were carried out throughout the festive and New Year period. A 37-year-old woman was arrested earlier this month in connection with the death.

Death of Keith Rollinson - arrest
Our officers also responded to the death of 58-year-old bus driver Keith Rollinson, who died following an assault in Elgin at the beginning of February. A 15-year-old was arrested and charged in connection with the incident very quickly however we are aware of the ripple effect something like this has in a community and our officers continue to work with partners to ensure support is in place.

Death of Marc Webley - arrests
In Edinburgh on New Year's Eve 38-year-old Marc Webley lost his life, and a 39-year-old was injured, after a shooting in West Granton Road, Edinburgh. Four people have now been arrested in connection with this incident and enquiries remain ongoing.

Online sexual offences against children - conviction
On Wednesday, 20 December, 41-year-old Benjamin Young was convicted of serious sexual offences against children in the Argyll area following an investigation by our National Child Abuse Investigation Unit. He is due to be sentenced next month.
Young's horrific offending will have lasting impacts. This investigation and conviction underlines our commitment to supporting victims of sexual crime and protecting children from harm and abuse. We know our duty to give victims of abuse confidence to speak to police knowing they will be listened to, treated with respect and fully supported.

Drug enforcement
During the early weeks of 2024, Police Scotland officers seized cannabis plants worth a combined total of over £10 million.
Action took place right across Scotland including four seven-figure seizures, including cannabis worth £3.6 million recovered in Greenock and a further quantity worth £2.25 million recovered in Dundee. There were also significant recoveries in Falkirk, Dumfries, Ayrshire, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Aberdeenshire, Inverness and Shetland.
Arrests have been made in relation to the majority of the seizures and enquiries are ongoing into the remaining incidents.
In December, three men were jailed following the recovery of over £1 million in cash and drugs with a street value of almost £40,000 in Lanarkshire. This followed an intelligence led operation during which officers executed warrants at various addresses between Airdrie and Shotts and undoubtedly has caused significant disruption to the local supply chain of illegal substances.
Working in partnership with other others, including the members of the country’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, our role is vital in preventing these drugs reaching our streets and adding to the terrible toll of drugs deaths.