Total crime drops across Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

Total crimes and offences are down across Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire, with non-sexual crimes of violence down by 15%.

Crimes of dishonesty have also seen a significant drop and 32 fewer rapes have been recorded compared with the same period last year – a reduction of 40%.

Following the introduction of a Divisional Problem Solving Team, more bladed and offensive weapons have been taken off local streets.

Chief Superintendent John Paterson, commander of Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Division, said: “We know the pandemic is impacting policing demand, but the hard work of officers, staff and our partners has made a direct contribution to making Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire safer places to live and work.

“Common assaults are down by more than 100 and crimes of dishonesty are down by 234.

However, we have seen a concerning rise in crimes relating to the communication and disclosure of indecent images, a majority of which involve young people.  I would appeal to parents, and those who look after children and young people, to speak with them about this.  We need to make sure that the use of the Internet and digital devices are as safe as possible.

“We have recorded an increase in fraud from 176 cases to 303.  Fraud remains a national and local priority and we will continue to police in virtual spaces and maximise our specialist capability to protect people from such activity.  However, I would also ask members of the public to take all steps possible to protect themselves from unscrupulous individuals who seek to exploit safe use of the Internet and connected devices”.

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 Tuesday, 9 March, 2021. Associated Management Information is available on the Police Scotland website.

The data shows overall recorded crimes (groups 1-5) are down from 187,334 during the same period last year to 174,999 while detection rates are up from 52.1% to 56.5%.

However, increases are noted in some specific offences, including domestic abuse (up 1.8%), online child sexual abuse (up 13.4%) and fraud (up 43.4%).

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “The public health crisis continues to influence the needs of our communities, however it may be years before we fully understand the impact of coronavirus on crime and policing demand in Scotland.”