Lanarkshire records drop in overall crime groups
Crime has dropped across Lanarkshire by more than 2,670 fewer incidents according to figures released by Police Scotland today.
Serious assaults are down by more than 30 and there were six fewer homicides.
Housebreakings have dropped by 167 fewer incidents and crimes involving the use of offensive or bladed weapons are down by more than 90.
Recorded incidents of breach of the peace (including stalking) are also down by 577 against the same period last year while indecent sexual assault is up by 36 and there were 49 more incidents of common assault.
Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Alan Waddell said: “These latest statistics show the changing policing needs of Lanarkshire’s communities and will form the basis of localised policing plans to address priority areas.
“Online crime is still prevalent across the country and, locally, we have seen 151 more crimes of fraud which our cyber strategy will help us address as well as other crimes being committed in the virtual wold.
“As we head into the festive season our communities can expect to see greater visibility of officers on foot and mobile patrol and I hope the return of resources to the division will help strengthen public reassurance.”
Police Scotland’s Performance Report describes how recorded crime for crime types that typically contain an ‘online element’ – fraud, threats and extortion, communications and image offences, and stalking – have increased by more than 60% since 2018-19.
The report also outlines concerns raised by members of the public through Your Police Survey which received 1,308 responses during 1 July- 30 September including the experiences of women and the harm caused by drugs.
It describes some of the work being undertaking in relation to these matters, including the ThatGuy sexual offending prevention campaign and the test of change during which almost 650 officers volunteered to carry Naloxone which can save lives where someone has overdosed.
The report is published today and will be presented to the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee on Thursday, 9 December. It will show the demand and challenges experienced in the Contact, Command and Control Division which has led to increased 101 average answer times as emergency 999 calls continue to be prioritised.
Measures have been introduced to manage the ongoing high demand on the non-emergency 101 service including changes to overtime payments for service centre staff. It is anticipated these changes will increase uptake of overtime and further support ability to manage peaks in demand.
