Detections up for serious assault as fraud rises in Highland and Islands

Serious assault and sexual crime detection figures are up while the number of fraud related incidents in the Highland and Islands are rising, according to the latest report.

The number of recorded fraud incidents are up from 476 in 2020/21 to 606. This local rise reflects a widespread increase across the country.

Detections for serious assaults are up to 92.6 per cent and average detection rates for all sexual crimes, including sexual assault and indecent communication, are above 70 per cent.

Police Scotland’s Quarter 4 Performance Report has been released for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022.

Recorded incidents of drug supply and possession are down while detections remain above 90 per cent.

Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett, divisional commander for the Highland and Islands, said:

“Fraud is increasing across Scotland and our communities are also affected by this rise. Prevention is a key part of tackling fraud and I would encourage people to seek advice, which can be found on our website, and share this with family and friends.

“Recorded incidents of driving offences continue to increase in line with a return to normality. Our commitment to tackling drink and drug drivers remains unchanged, highlighted by a rise in our recorded incidents and detection rates.

“I would encourage people to continue engaging with us, whether that’s talking to officers on the street or using our surveys to give us meaningful insight to help shape local policing.”

Police Scotland’s Quarter 4 Performance Report shows a continued increase in fraud across the country against the last reporting period and reaffirms that online policing is increasingly a key part of frontline policing. Advice can be found on our website: https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/

Work to disrupt the activities of criminals and protect the public has continued, with £6.46 million of fraud being prevented through the Banking Protocol alone.

The report is published today and will be presented at the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee on 7 June.