Launch of New Acquisitive Crime Strategy
A multi-agency strategy to tackle acquisitive crime throughout Scotland has officially launched.
The Scottish Partnership against Acquisitive Crime (SPAACE) is a collaboration across organisations including Police Scotland, The Scottish Government, Scottish Plant Owners Association Scotland, Trading Standards Scotland, Retailers against Crime, Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland, HM Revenue and Customs, Secured by Design, Take 5 to Stop Fraud and Crimestoppers.
This inaugural strategy, which was introduced on Monday, 22 May, 2023, covers all aspects of acquisitive crime prevention to address offences including housebreaking, theft of vehicles, doorstep crime, fuel thefts and theft of plant machinery.
Together organisations involved in SPAACE will develop joint approaches to raise awareness, share intelligence and information relating to emerging acquisitive crime trends and deliver best practice to reduce victims and harm caused to the public.
A full calendar of targeted campaigns aimed at raising public awareness throughout the year has been developed. Police Scotland will work alongside relevant partners to carry out enforcement activity targeting those involved in acquisitive crime.
Police Scotland’s Detective Superintendent Andrew Patrick, Acquisitive Crime Lead, said: “We know that acquisitive crime has a significant impact on victims, whether it’s through the invasive nature of the offence, such as housebreaking, or the financial impact caused by the theft of equipment like plant machinery. Often there is an emotional cost too when personal items that cannot be replaced are stolen.
“SPAACE aims to empower the public and improve Scotland’s sense of community wellbeing by raising awareness of the work being done to tackle acquisitive crime, while providing them with all the necessary information they need to help prevent being targeted by criminals involved in acquisitive crime.
“We know that reducing acquisitive crime and providing reassurance to the public is not something Police Scotland can do in isolation and I am grateful to all of the agencies involved in SPAACE for their continued support and assistance in the implementation and delivery of this strategy.”
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance said: “While recorded crime is at one of the lowest levels seen since 1974, with housebreaking more than halving in the past decade, I recognise the distress theft has on those who are affected.
“I would like to thank Police Scotland and all the agencies involved in launching this comprehensive strategy. It is through cooperation and close working that we can help raise awareness and protect individuals and businesses across the country from the threat of high value crime such as theft and housebreaking.
“Continuing to cut crime and the harm it causes both individuals and our society as a whole is central to our ambitious vision to reform our justice system.”
