Key Points
- Police are appealing for information after a woman robbed a shop on Portobello High Street around 4.55pm on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
- The suspect threatened a staff member and fled with a three-figure sum of cash.
- She is described as white, aged 30 to 40, 5ft 4in tall, thin build, wearing a black puffer jacket with hood up, dark trousers and purple headband, speaking with a local accent.
- No injuries occurred but the staff member was left shaken and upset.
- Public asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 2197 of January 31, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Portobello (Edinburgh Daily News) February 2, 2026 – Police Scotland has launched an appeal for witnesses following a robbery at a shop on Portobello High Street in Edinburgh.
The incident unfolded around 4.55pm on Saturday, January 31, when a woman entered the premises, threatened a staff member and escaped with hundreds of pounds in cash, according to reports from STV News and The Edinburgh Reporter.
What happened during the robbery?
A woman walked into the store on Portobello High Street and confronted a member of staff, demanding money before fleeing on foot with a three-figure sum, as detailed by Police Scotland and North Edinburgh News.
The shop worker was left very shaken and upset by the ordeal, though no physical injuries were reported, according to STV News.
As reported by Detective Constable Luke Wilson of Police Scotland,
“Thankfully no one was injured but the staff member was left very shaken and upset by what happened.”
Who are police seeking in connection with the incident?
The suspect is described as a white woman aged between 30 and 40, approximately 5ft 4in tall with a thin build, wearing a black puffer-style jacket with the hood up, dark trousers and a purple headband.
She spoke with a local Edinburgh accent, according to descriptions provided by Police Scotland and echoed in coverage by Hello Rayo and STV News.
What details have been released about her appearance?
Investigators have urged anyone who recognises this description or saw a woman matching it in the Portobello area around the time of the robbery to come forward, as stated in the official Police Scotland appeal.
How can the public assist the investigation?
Police are requesting that witnesses in the area at the time contact them, and to check private CCTV footage for potential evidence that could aid the inquiry.
Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2197 of Saturday, January 31, 2026, or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, as emphasised across multiple reports including those from The NEN and Police Scotland.
