Latest figures reveal local policing needs for Dumfries and Galloway’s communities

Figures released by Police Scotland today show a mixed picture of local policing priorities following a highly demanding summer period.

Recorded incidents of indecent sexual assaults are up by 36 in the area and mirror the national picture where overall sexual crime is up 13.4% year on year and up 17.3% on the five year average.

Dumfries and Galloway recorded 42 more crimes of common assault, a rise which is also in line with the national statistics being driven by the re-opening of licensed premises and more large gatherings.

According to the latest Performance Report there were 72 fewer crimes of common theft and 45 more incidents of theft by shoplifting against the same period last year.

While total drugs crimes are up by 129, detections are also up by 66 and that number is expected to rise following results of toxicology tests.

Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Carol McGuire said: “These latest figures will inform local policing action plans to address priority areas and improve the wellbeing of our communities.

“Dumfries and Galloway’s Alcohol and Drugs Partnership has been working incredibly hard to address and support the issue of drugs use in the area and a recent multi-agency campaign delivered a new dedicated website to help in that regard.

“The rise in sexual crime is an indication that people are feeling more confident in reporting it to us and I welcome that trend. We take all reports of sexual assault very seriously whether these are historic or recent – time is no barrier to reporting.

“As Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said, the demand and challenges experienced in our Contact, Command and Control Division has led to increased 101 average answer times as we continue to prioritise emergency 999 calls. A range of measures have been introduced to manage the ongoing high demand on our non-emergency 101 service.

“The recent launch of our national, festive drink drug driving campaign will bolster our local festive safety plan to help ensure we are doing all we can to keep Dumfries and Galloway safe throughout this period.”

The 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 the 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 under way in relation to these matters, including ThatGuy sexual offending prevention campaign.

The Performance Report is published today and will be presented to the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee on Thursday, 9 December. Associated Management Information is available on Police Scotland’s website.