Serious and indecent assault down across Ayrshire

Ayrshire has recorded fewer crimes of serious assault and indecent assaults are down by 64 against the same reporting period last year. 

Drug related crimes are down from 1,720 to 1,674 and detection rates for the supply of drugs are up from 188, to 247, according to data published by Police Scotland.

Total crimes involving offensive/bladed weapons are up from 387 to 416 compared to the same period last year and detection rates have also increased from 331 to 360.

Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain, commander for Ayrshire Division said: “We have recorded 52 fewer incidents of serious assault while we continue to respond to the ongoing pandemic. Together with the drop in indecent assaults, this is welcome news for Ayrshire’s communities.

“Weapons carrying remains a priority and we are doing all we can with the powers we have to prevent people bringing them into communities and causing harm. Likewise with driving offences, where we are linking into the expertise of our roads policing department to help rid our roads of reckless drivers.

“Officers have been more visible and accessible and I hope that brings added assurance that we are always here and ready to respond. Their accessibility throughout the pandemic in particular has no doubt contributed to people engaging with them and reporting crime.

“I would ask communities across Ayrshire to keep talking to us and reporting your concerns. You can do this in person, by calling 101 or by visiting our website.”

A total of 1,237,689 incidents were recorded during the period, a reduction of 4.7% on the same period in 2019-20 (1,298,431) with reductions in concern for person and missing people incidents.

However, large increases in incidents of public nuisance (up from 56,936 to 123,979 or 117.8%), neighbour disputes (16,021 to 22,930 or 43.1%) and noise complaints (43,288 to 51,277 or 18.5%) were attributed to the challenges of coronavirus.

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.

“Officers and staff continue to play a key role in the national effort to combat the spread of coronavirus, while they face the same personal and professional challenges as their fellow citizens.

 “As the Chief Constable has made clear, the Police Service of Scotland will always be here to help the public who we serve.”