Police probe after masked vandals target Securitas and Leonardo UK offices in Edinburgh
Police in Edinburgh have launched an investigation after masked vandals attacked offices belonging to Securitas and Leonardo UK, allegedly over links to Israel’s defence industry. The incidents occurred in the early hours of 5 October, prompting condemnation from both firms.
- Police Scotland are investigating after masked vandals attacked two businesses in Edinburgh early on 5 October 2025.
- The offices of Securitas and Leonardo UK were vandalised, with windows smashed and graffiti referring to the Israel–Gaza conflict.
- Both companies condemned the incidents and confirmed they were cooperating with the ongoing police investigation.
Police have launched an investigation after masked individuals vandalised two business premises in Edinburgh early on Sunday, 5 October 2025.
The incidents took place at the offices of security firm Securitas and aerospace company Leonardo UK. According to Police Scotland, officers were alerted around 1.50am to a report of red paint sprayed on a building in Crewe Road North, followed by another report around 3am of smashed windows at Cliftonhall Industrial Estate.
Footage shared on social media showed individuals wearing balaclavas smashing windows and desks with hammers and spray painting slogans on walls. One message read “drop Leonardo now”.
A post accompanying the footage on X alleged that Leonardo UK was targeted for manufacturing technology used by Israel’s armed forces and that Securitas provided security services to the company.
BREAKING: An autonomous group target the offices of security firm, Securitas, in Scotland.
— The Aftershock (@The_Aftershock_) October 5, 2025
Securitas provide security and cover for Leonardo's Edinburgh factory, which makes laser targeting systems for Israel's F-35 fighter jets. pic.twitter.com/Hh7zjPEePG
Police Scotland confirmed to The Daily Record that enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible. A spokesperson said: “An investigation is under way following two reports of vandalism in Edinburgh on Sunday, 5 October 2025. Enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.”
A Leonardo UK spokesperson told BBC Scotland that the company operates under UK government export controls and does not supply equipment directly to Israel. “Our main customer is the UK Armed Forces and we are proud to manufacture technology that supports our service personnel and helps to keep them safe,” the spokesperson said.
Securitas UK also confirmed that one of its regional offices was damaged during the incident. “Whilst we cannot share further details due to the ongoing investigation, the safety of our people, as well as the protection of our property and assets, remains our highest priority,” a company spokesperson stated.
The investigation comes amid growing scrutiny of defence companies with indirect links to Israel amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Activist groups have increasingly targeted such firms with protests and acts of vandalism across the UK in recent months.
No arrests have been made so far, and Police Scotland have appealed for information from the public.
