Policing Demand Returns But Housebreaking Falls in Glasgow
As Covid 19 restrictions were eased in the first quarter of 2021/2022, Greater Glasgow saw a return to near normal policing demands.
Crimes such as violence increased but other crimes like house-breaking are down markedly from 522 during the period last year to 294 this reporting period, while theft by shoplifting is up by 260 more reported incidents.
Serious assaults are up by 31 and there were four more homicides. This rise reflects the national and significant increase in overall reported violent crime compared to the same period last year. It was up 12.8% year on year (13,951 to 15,743), but down 2.1% on the five-year average.
Total drugs crimes are down by more than 370 fewer incidents while the supply of drugs has also dropped by 54 fewer crimes against the same reporting period last year.
Crimes involving the carrying of offensive/bladed weapons are also down against the same period from 781 incidents last year to 769 this reporting period.
There were eight more reports of sexual crimes, up from 519 last reporting period to 527 this quarter and as restrictions continue to ease a continued rise in sexual offending is anticipated.
Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow, Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland said: “The needs of our communities are still impacted by Covid-related restrictions but the effect is different compared to the same period last year when the most stringent measures were in place.
“During the height of the pandemic we were asked to fulfil a very specific role in support of public health and this new approach to policing is being well received by our partners. It involves the continued collaboration and engagement with them to ensure the right support is directed to the right people at the right time.
“We will maintain this approach to bring about better outcomes for the most vulnerable in our communities and ensure we are targeting our resources to the specific needs of the people of Greater Glasgow.”
Across the country, reported violent crime was up 12.8% year on year (13,951 to 15,743), but down 2.1% on the five-year average. The number of people killed in road traffic collisions rose to 24, up from 14 during the same period last year, but down around a third on the five-year average.
Public nuisance incidents reduced by 47.8% year-on-year (from 61,188 to 31,964), neighbour disputes fell by 20.6% (9,413 to 7,473) and noise complaints dropped 25.6% (18,632 to 13,856).
Reported anti-social behaviour incidents fell 28% (132,012 to 95,037) and complaints of disorder reduced by a third (104,170 to 69,651).
The Performance Report will be presented at the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee on Wednesday, 1 September.
