Crime falls and detection rate rises in Edinburgh
Almost 4,000 fewer crimes have been recorded in Edinburgh, while 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 shows that overall crime in the city has fallen by 3,810 incidents, compared to the same period the previous year.
In addition, overall crime detection has improved by 6% during this time.
With coronavirus restrictions having been in place throughout 2020, much of the Capital’s population remained at home for large parts of the year and this has played a role in reducing the number of domestic housebreaking, with 287 fewer reports being made.
However, non-domestic housebreaking, which includes businesses, sheds, garages and other outbuildings has risen, with 309 more incidents being recorded.
Tackling acquisitive crime remains a priority and it has fallen significantly with 3109 less crimes being reported. Motor vehicle crime specifically, has seen a very positive reduction with 478 fewer crimes reported.
There has once again been a rise in fraud offences, with over 200 more crimes reported during the third quarter of 2020/21. This increase is in line with the national increase in trend, which is linked mainly to online fraud.
A key focus for the division is tackling violent crime and the continued work around these offences has seen serious assaults reduce from 260 to 180, while there were almost 800 fewer common assaults recorded. The impactful crime of robbery has also seen a marked reduction, falling from 207 to 161 crimes.
Road Policing Officers have continued to actively police the city’s road network and this targeted focus has seen a 5% increase in overall detection for motoring offences and an increase in drivers being detected for drink driving and dangerous driving offences.
In terms of overall roads safety, the city has seen a welcome reduction of 54 serious injury casualties and 305 slight injury casualties. There have been 3 fatal collisions during the period.
Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “While I have no doubt that coronavirus has had some impact on our recorded crime numbers, a fall of almost 4,000 offences is welcome. In particular, I am very encouraged by the fall in acquisitive and violent crime, as well as the significant reduction in road casualties.
“Once again though, I am disappointed by the rise in drink-driving offences and want to make it clear that the chances of being caught driving while under the influence of both alcohol and drugs has never been higher. Please don’t risk it.
“Our continued increase in fraud offences mirrors the national trend and this remains an issue we are working hard to address by promoting crime prevention advice and learning from any new and emerging trends.
“As DCC Fiona Taylor has stated, there has been a reduction in overall crime in recent years but with a shift to more serious offences and increasingly complex and resource-intensive investigations. Policing must continue to enhance our specialist capacity and capability to protect the people of Scotland from threat, harm and risk in the public, private and virtual spaces.
“Edinburgh remains a safe place to live, work and visit and I want to thank all of my officers and staff for their ongoing hard work and professionalism, as well as our communities for their continued support of how we police the Capital.”
