Forth Valley Q1 Performance Data Published
Overall crime in Forth Valley has risen as Police Scotland makes hard choices to maintain effective policing within the funding available.
The Q1 Management of Information data was published on Thursday, 7 September, covering the period of April to June 2023. This shows that during this time that the total number of recorded criminal incidents has risen from 2,678, to 2,985.
This includes a rise in overall reports of violent crime, which has seen an additional 10 offences recorded.
In addition the total number of sexual crimes occurring within the region has increased from 156, to 177.
Acquisitive crime has also risen to 1,304 reports, compared with 1,142 during the same period of 2022, with housebreakings, including attempted break-ins also on the increase.
The division has, however, seen a promising reduction in the number of people being hurt on the area’s road network.
There have been no fatalities recorded during the first quarter of 2023, while there have been 10 fewer serious injury collisions and seven fewer slight-injury collisions.
Chief Superintendent Barry Blair, Divisional Commander for Forth Valley, said: “The Q1 Management of Information Data reflects a particularly challenging time for policing, not only for Forth Valley, but for the country as a whole. The increased levels of crime being experienced within our communities are being felt across Scotland.
“I recognise that rising crime in our communities will be a cause for concern and I want to reiterate my commitment that we will continue to address emerging crime trends, target criminality and provide the best possible service we can to the public.
“However, as T/DCC Spiers outlined earlier this week, Police Scotland is facing increasing and sustained levels of demand with over 600,000 calls received from the public and 420,000 incidents recorded over this period.
“Such demand, coupled with the reduction in police personnel and ongoing budget restrictions means we must make hard choices in relation to the prioritisation of our resources and how we can best meet the needs of our communities.
“The public has a vital role in helping to shape our policing priorities area I would ask that you take time to complete our Your Police Survey, which is available on the Police Scotland website at www.scotland.police.uk.”
The 2023-24 Quarter 1 Performance Report will be presented at the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee on Tuesday, 12 September 2023 - the report and associated Management Information is available here.
