Crime down and detection rates up in Forth Valley
Overall crime has fallen in Forth Valley as the country continues to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Police Scotland has today issued its Q3 Management Information data for the period of April 1 to December 31, 2020, which show that 655 fewer incidents were recorded in the division, compared with the same period of the previous year.
In addition, the total detection rate for crimes occurring within Forth Valley has risen by two percentage points during this time.
With continued coronavirus restrictions in place, large numbers of the region’s population have remained at home and this has contributed to a reduction of domestic housebreakings, which are down from 254, to 150.
However, tackling housebreaking remains a priority and extensive work has taken place to reduce break-ins at homes, businesses and outbuildings.
This has resulted in a reduction of all housebreaking offences, with the total number of incidents, including attempted housebreakings, falling from 537 to 362.
Across Scotland, antisocial behaviour has risen and this was the case in Forth Valley, with more than 4,000 more incidents being recorded for overall antisocial behaviour incidents.
Once again, reports of fraud have risen, with almost 300 more incidents having been recorded in comparison with the third quarter of 2019/20. The continued rise in fraud is also in line with national trends.
Another area that has seen an increase in recorded incidents within Forth Valley is overall drug crime. While 1,522 offences were recorded last year, 1,630 were recorded this year.
Overall offences involving a weapon or bladed article have, however, fallen within the division, with almost 100 fewer crimes occurring this year.
Despite COVID restrictions limiting travel, there has been on overall rise in motoring offences, including drink-driving, speeding and driving without a licence. In addition, there was one more fatal in Forth Valley, compared with last year’s third quarter. However, reductions have been noted in terms of the number of serious and slight injury casualties.
Chief Superintendent Alan Gibson, Divisional Commander for Forth Valley, said: “While I am very encouraged by the overall reduction in crime, I am fully aware that the ongoing impact of coronavirus, is likely to have played a part in the number of offences occurring.
“DCC Fiona Taylor has reiterated the Chief’s commitment to Police Scotland always be here to help the public who we serve and I am grateful for the continued dedication and professionalism of all policing teams within the division for helping keep Forth Valley a safe place to live, work and visit.
“Nationally, fraud and antisocial behaviour are on the rise and the effect of this has also been felt within Forth Valley, but I want to encourage communities to keep coming forward and reporting these crimes, so they can be properly investigated.
“Tackling violence and promoting road safety are both national and divisional priorities and while I welcome the reduction in offences using a weapon, I am once again disappointed that motoring offences, including drink-driving, have risen.
“I want to make it clear that getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated. If you choose to do so, you will be caught, you will be arrested and you will lose your licence.
“Please help us make the Forth Valley road network safe for all who use it.”
