Overall crime is down in Argyll & West Dunbartonshire
Figures released by Police Scotland today reveal a drop in overall crime across Argyll and West Dunbartonshire.
A drop of more than 4% was recorded across the area with 148 fewer crimes, down from 3,491 to 3,343 against the same period last year.
Drugs-related crimes are down by 285 while crimes involving the possession of drugs are down by 254 fewer incidents. Crimes relating to the supply of drugs are also down 26.
Housebreakings have dropped by more than 25% with 40 fewer incidents and there were more than 2,000 fewer recorded crimes of anti-social behaviour, down 27% against the same reporting period last year.
Total sexual crimes are down by 3% from 226 to 219 and detections in this area are up from 92 to 107 against the same period.
According to the national picture, overall sexual crime continues to be recorded at a high level with 7,519 reported in the first two quarters of 2021-22, up 13.4% year on year (6,629) and up 17.3% on the five year average. In Argyll and West Dunbartonshire, there were 12 more reports of rape and attempted rape.
Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent John Paterson said: ‘While I am pleased that recorded crime is down across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire, I give my personal assurance that the police officers and staff who work tirelessly every day in our communities will continue to do their very best to address the priorities our communities want us to focus on.
“As we head into the festive period, I also want to reassure the public that there will be a visible police presence on our streets and we will continue to work with our partners to make sure that Argyll & West Dunbartonshire remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”
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 the Your Police Survey which received 1,308 responses during Q2 (1 July- 30 September) including the experiences of women and the harm caused by drugs.
It describes some of the work Police Scotland is 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 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.
