Hundreds more crimes linked to drugs and violence detected in Tayside
Proactive policing in Tayside has helped detect nearly 400 extra crimes linked to drugs and violence as efforts have continued to relentlessly pursue those who profit from the sale and supply of controlled drugs, while continuing to protect vulnerable people and help keep our communities safe.
386 additional ‘Group 5’ crimes – which includes all drug offences and incidents involving offensive weapons – were recorded during the most recent Quarter 3 period (April to December 2020), while a 91.5% detection rate was recorded. Meanwhile there have also been reductions in acquisitive crimes, serious assaults and sexual offences – all priority areas within the Division’s local policing plans.
Proactive operations were launched across Tayside during the Q3 period to identify offenders and support vulnerable people, in particular individuals identified as victims of cuckooing. This included Operation Hilltown which was successfully launched in Dundee last August to tackle drug crime, violence and anti-social crime, and Operation Stung in Perth & Kinross to combat anti-social behaviour. Meanwhile, our officers, staff and Special Constables have been continuing to support the national effort to combat the spread of coronavirus as restrictions remain in place.
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Andrew Todd said: “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, which has undoubtedly changed demand on policing across Scotland, we are still listening to the needs of our communities and addressing your concerns. Further operations are planned and will be launched in the coming weeks to ensure that the response to the people we serve remains robust during this challenging time.
“I would like to take this opportunity today to urge the public to continue telling us your concerns so that action can be taken. Identifying supressed vulnerability also remains a priority as we reach the one year mark of social distancing. There was an increase in the number of domestic abuse incidents recorded by officers during the Q3 period and we continue to encourage anyone at risk of any harm to contact Police for help and support. Proactive steps continue to be taken by a wide range of agencies to prevent harm and we continue to monitor the potential impact on victims and families.”
Police Scotland also published its Performance Report today which revealed that the force received an additional 25,000 calls between April and December compared to the same period last year, taking the total number of 999 and 101 contacts to almost 2 million during the first three-quarters of 2020-21. Our service centres are operating successfully with reduced capacity due to physical distancing requirements, while also coping with increased call demand from the public seeking guidance on coronavirus related issues.
Nationally, large increases in incidents of public nuisance (up 117.8%), neighbour disputes (43.1%) and noise complaints (18.5%) were recorded, attributed to the challenges of coronavirus. Fraud crimes also continue to increase significantly across Scotland, with 872 incidents reported during this Q3 period in Tayside compared to 488 the previous year. We ask the public to remain vigilant.
Chief Superintendent Todd added: “As DCC Fiona Taylor said today, Police Scotland will always be here to help the public we serve. This has undoubtedly been a challenging and unprecedented time for everyone, and it could be many years before we fully understand the impact of coronavirus on policing generally in Scotland.
“What I can guarantee though is that our officers, staff and Special Constables remain committed to keeping you safe while facing the same personal and professional challenges as their fellow citizens. I would like to thank all our communities for the support and co-operation you continue to show Tayside Division.”
The 2020-21 Quarter 3 Performance Report has been published on the Scottish Police Authority website ahead of a public meeting of the Authority’s Policing Performance Committee on 9 March, 2021. Associated Management Information is available on the Police Scotland website.
