Reports of rape and attempted rape have decreased year on year in Dumfries & Galloway
Reports of rape and attempted rape have decreased year on year in Dumfries & Galloway.
Police Scotland has today released its Quarter 4 Performance Report for 2021-22, which outlines national and local information about incidents and reports of crime.
11 fewer incidents of rape were recorded, down to 64 from 75, while there was a 55% reduction in the number of assaults with intent to rape (9 in 2020/21, to 4 in 2021/22).
Dumfries and Galloway divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Carol McGuire, said: “I welcome a reduction in the number of serious sexual offences within our division, as well as a drop in the number of domestic abuse incidents which have been reported to us. While I hope both of these trends are attributable to an overall reduction in offending, I understand victims of this kind of crime don’t always come forward straight away because they find it hard to report to us.
“I want to assure victims of any kind of crime that we will treat any report they make to us seriously and sensitively, will fully investigate the circumstances, and take the necessary legal action when required.
“The coronavirus pandemic had a significant impact on our lives, and that included crime patterns in Scotland. Many types of offending behaviour reduced dramatically throughout the various restrictions we all lived under. Nationally, as well as locally in the south-west, violent crime and crime of dishonesty, including fraud, are returning to pre-pandemic levels, but these issues are being addressed through our policing priorities.”
The Quarter 4 Performance Report also details findings of Police Scotland’s Your Police Survey, which was carried out between January and March 2022. More than 14,000 responses were received from members of the public across the country.
Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “Our bond with our fellow citizens is central to our legitimacy and key to enabling effective community policing. The public has told us we are doing well in delivering a consistent service and welcomed increased visibility and presence in areas which require it. We use the feedback we received to inform our policing approach, including the Annual Police Plan for 2022-23.I want to encourage the public to continue to engage with our surveys to influence local policing.”
The 2021-22 Q4 Performance Report will be presented at the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee on 7 June. The report, and associated Management Information is available here.
