Offensive weapon offences reduced across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde

The number of offensive weapon offences fell in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde – according to latest figures released by Police Scotland.

The Q4 Management Information for the period of 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 shows that the number of offensive weapons offences dropped by 30 (from 524 to 494).

Figures also show there was one less murder, a reduction in the number of attempted murders (from 23 to 16) and robberies (down 13 from 92 to 79) – compared with the same period last year.

The number of domestic abuse incidents has gone up slightly from 32 to 38– this reflects the increased proactive work by officers to target offenders who use a pattern of abuse against their victims - and the number of sexual crimes recorded rose from 477 to 567.

Chief Superintendent David Duncan, Divisional Commander for Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, said:

“The data continues to reflect the impact the pandemic had, and continues to have, on crime rates across the country

“While we have seen an increase in sexual crimes, this can also be attributed to the increased confidence of victims to report offences to our officers and to those we work in partnership with, as offending returns to pre-pandemic levels.

“We have seen fewer victims of the most serious types of violence and the reduction in offensive weapons offences is pleasing. However, we acknowledge that there is no room for complacency and our officers will continue their hard work to apprehend anyone in possession of weapons.

“The continued rise in the number of frauds, particularly those committed online, including extortion, reflects the changing landscape of criminal activity. We are committed to policing in the digital environment and officers across the division are working to support victims and partners, providing the best initial response we can using the new Cybercrime First Responder Guide.

“I welcome the reductions we have seen in housebreakings, vehicle crime, fire-raising and vandalism as well as the reduction in the number of assaults against emergency workers.”

The total number of housebreakings, including attempts, was down by 122 from 469 to 347. The number of assaults against emergency workers dropped to 361 from 429.

The number of offences and detections for supplying drugs reduced on the previous year’s figures – however proactive targeted activity by officers saw 11 detections for those associated with serious organised crime.

The 2021-22 Q4 Performance Report will be presented at the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee on Tuesday, 7 June 2022.