Agenda Document Pack - Police and Fire and Rescue Committee - 03/03/2025
North Ayrshire Council · 3 March 2025
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Committee — 3 March 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE Police and Fire and Rescue Committee A Meeting of the Police and Fire and Rescue Committee of North Ayrshire Council will be held in the Council Chambers, Ground Floor, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE on Monday, 03 March 2025 at 14:00 to consider the undernoted business. Meeting Arrangements - Hybrid Meetings This meeting will be held on a predominantly physical basis but with provision, by prior notification, for remote attendance by Elected Members in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 2003. Where possible, the meeting will be live-streamed and available to view at https://north-ayrshire.public- i.tv/core/portal/home. 1 Declarations of Interest Members are requested to give notice of any declarations of interest in respect of items of business on the Agenda. 2 Minutes The accuracy of the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2024 will be confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7 (1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (copy enclosed). 3 Operation Moonbeam – Streetscene Service Submit report by the Executive Director (Place) providing an update on the role of Streetscene Operations in relation to reducing risks to communities and emergency workers through Operation Moonbeam (copy enclosed). 4 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Performance and Service Update Submit report by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on performance in relation to the North Ayrshire Local Fire and Rescue Plan (copy enclosed). 1
Page 2
North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 5 Police Scotland Performance Update Submit report by Police Scotland on performance in relation to the North Ayrshire Local Policing Plan (copy enclosed) 6 Police Scotland (North Ayrshire) – Multi-Agency Work around Nicotine Vapour Products 2024-25 Submit briefing note by Police Scotland in relation to the above (copy enclosed). 7 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Draft SFRS Strategy 2025-28 There will be a verbal report by the Area Commander / Local Senior Officer for Ayrshire (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service) in relation to the above. 8 Police Scotland Draft Annual Police Plan 2025/26 Submit letter from Chief Constable Jo Farrell and first draft of Police Scotland’s Annual Police Plan for 2025/26 for review. 9 Urgent Items Any other items which the Chair considers to be urgent. Webcasting Please note: this meeting may be filmed/recorded/live-streamed to the Council's internet site and available to view at https://north-ayrshire.public- i.tv/core/portal/home, where it will be capable of repeated viewing. At the start of the meeting, the Provost/Chair will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed/recorded/live-streamed. You should be aware that the Council is a Data Controller under the Data Protection Act 2018. Data collected during the webcast will be retained in accordance with the Council’s published policy, including, but not limited to, for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records available via the Council’s internet site. Generally, the press and public will not be filmed. However, by entering the Council Chambers and using the press or public seating area, you acknowledge that you may be filmed and that any information pertaining to you contained in the video and oral recording of the meeting will be used for webcasting or training purposes and for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records available to the public. In making this use of your information the Council is processing data which is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest. If you have any queries regarding this and, in particular, if you believe that use and/or storage of any particular information would cause, or be likely to cause, substantial damage or distress to any individual, please contact dataprotectionofficer@north-ayrshire.gov.uk 2
Page 3
North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE Police and Fire and Rescue Committee Sederunt Donald Reid (Chair) Stewart Ferguson (Vice-Chair) Charles Currie Scott Davidson Mary Hume Jean McClung Davina McTiernan Donald L. Reid Angela Stephen John Sweeney Chair: Apologies: Attending: 3
Page 4
4
Page 5
Police and Fire and Rescue Committee 18 November 2024 IRVINE, 18 November 2024 - At a Meeting of the Police and Fire and Rescue Committee of North Ayrshire Council at 2.00 p.m. Present Donald Reid, Stewart Ferguson, Jean McClung, Davina McTiernan, Donald L. Reid, Angela Stephen and John Sweeney. In Attendance R. Lynch, Senior Manager (Legal Services) and C. Cochrane, Solicitor (Legal Services) and C. Stewart Committee Services Officer (Corporate Services). Also In Attendance Chief Superintendent R. Higgins and Chief Inspector F. Normansell (Police Scotland); and Area Commander I. McMeekin, (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service). Chair Councillor Donald Reid in the Chair. 1. Declarations of Interest There were no declarations of interest by Members in terms of Standing Order 11 and Section 5 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors. 2. Minutes The Minutes of the Meeting of the Police and Fire and Rescue Committee held on 19 August 2024 were confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7 (1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 3. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Performance and Service Update Submitted report by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) which provided statistical information on progress against the North Ayrshire Local Fire and Rescue Plan for the period 1 April 2024 – 30 September 2024. The report provided an analysis of the performance across six indicators, using the rolling three-year average as a basis of measuring performance, together with a summary of priorities and current activity. Additional contextual information was provided by Area Commander McMeekin. Noted. 4. Police Scotland Performance Update Submitted report by Police Scotland on performance in relation to the North Ayrshire Local Policing Plan for the period 1 April 2024 – 30 September 2024. Agenda Item 2 5
Page 6
A summary of current local policing plan priorities was also detailed. Additional contextual information was provided by Chief Superintendent Higgins and Chief Inspector Normansell. Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also provided an update on their respective responses to “Safer Shores” and “Operation Moonbeam”. It was noted that the latter would be the subject of a report to the next meeting of the Committee, for Members’ consideration. Noted. 5. Valedictory – Chief Superintendent Higgins Councillor Reid, Chair, informed the Committee that Chief Superintendent Higgins was moving to another position within Police Scotland and, therefore, this meeting would be his last meeting as Divisional Commander. On behalf of the Committee, Councillor Reid thanked Chief Superintendent Higgins for the good and close working relationship that he had fostered with the Committee and wished him well for the future. Members warmly concurred. 6. Urgent Items There were no urgent items. The meeting ended at 3:25 p.m. 6
Page 7
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 03 March 2025 Police / Fire and Rescue Committee Title: Operation Moonbeam – Streetscene Service Purpose: To provide an update on the role of Streetscene Operations in relation to reducing risks to communities and emergency workers through Operation Moonbeam. Recommendation: That the Committee notes the contribution of the Streetscene Service in the reduction of illegal bonfires through the removal of combustible materials. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 The Streetscene service has assisted Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue with Operation Moonbeam for a significant period of time. 1.2 In the run up to 05 November 2024, Streetscene’s Area Officer for the 3 Towns & Kilwinning and the Fly Tipping Officer attended weekly meetings during October which increased to daily in the week prior to bonfire night. The purpose of the meetings was to share information and identify locations where combustible material was accumulating, and to identify appropriate responsibility to respond. 1.3 These meetings were also attended by representative Housing Associations namely – Riverside, Cunninghame Housing and ANCHO - with North Ayrshire Council’s Housing Service also in attendance. This helped create a single point of contact and information sharing which improved communication between stakeholders. 2. Background 2.1 The role of the Streetscene Service around bonfire night is to remove combustible materials (if possible) to minimise the risk of illegal fires that could lead to the damage of property or injuries to persons. In the lead up to bonfire night the Streetscene Environmental Enforcement Team are particularly vigilant seeking out any stockpiling of combustible materials and to investigate any possible source of the waste materials. This helps enable engagement whether by educational means or the issue of Fixed Penalty Notices before passing on the information for consideration of uplift and disposal. 2.2 In the lead up to bonfire night the Streetscene service removed combustible materials from the following locations. • Castlepark – Irvine • Lundholm Road – Stevenston • Arthur Street – Stevenston • Ardchoille Lane - Stevenston Agenda Item 3 7
Page 8
• Mid Road – Beith • Holehouse Road – Largs • Stanley Road – Ardrossan • Central Avenue – Ardrossan • Chapelhill Mount - Ardrossan • St Andrews Road – Ardrossan • New England Road – Saltcoats • Donaldson Avenue – Saltcoats 2.3 This year seen a further shift from the traditional means of collection bonfire materials which was typically young children collecting waste wood on a wheelbarrow to more organised collections by adults using either their own or works vans to transport materials to the store site. This method of transport has led to a sharp increase in larger scale unauthorised events where there is little or no control evident. Several commercial contractors have been identified, taking the opportunity to dispose of their commercial waste through a bonfire to avoid disposal costs. Social media platforms are widely being used to advertise and assist with the coordination associated with these events, being meticulously planned to include other forms of entertainment and the provision of hot food and drinks. To overcome the preventative risk reduction actions of Operation Moonbeam, residents local to the sites have been allowing the use of their private gardens to store the combustible material creating further hazards to surrounding properties. Typical Example of hazardous storage of bonfire material In addition to the pre bonfire night intervention work the Streetscene service has to undertake a considerable amount of clear up work following the 5th November, which typically can take several weeks due to secondary fires. This also diverts resources away from delivering key street cleaning services. 2.3.1 Photograph to illustrate clean up required: 8
Page 9
Bonfire aftermath Waste left scattered unburned. Bonfire aftermath 2.4 The Streetscene Service will be participating in a short life working group, which has been formulated to look at the establishment of a permission process for bonfires on Council land, as well as a land use consenting regime for non-commercial events, as well as some other event safety and policy related issues. The outcomes of this group are currently scheduled to be presented to the Policy Advisory Pannel for consideration later this year. It should also be noted that a Firework Control Zone Process has been established within the Council although this legislation specifically excludes bonfires. 3. Proposals 3.1 That the Police and Fire and Rescue Committee note the actions taken by the Streetscene service to reduce illegal fire activity and the associated risks to the public and our emergency services. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 The work undertaken by Streetscene in relation to Operation Moonbeam is financed from existing budgets. Human Resources 4.2 None. 9
Page 10
Legal 4.3 No legal implications arising from this update. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 There are no equality/socio-economic implications arising from this report. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 There are no climate change and carbon implications arising from this report. Key Priorities 4.6 The support provided to Operation Moonbeam through the removal of combustible materials prior to bonfire night to prevent fires contributes to a number of key priorities and community safety. Community Wealth Building 4.7 There are no implications for community wealth building arising from this report. 5 Consultation 5.1 During Operation Moonbeam the Streetscene service is in constant dialogue with the following partners: • Housing Services and local Housing Associations • Protective Services • Public Space CCTV and Concierge Service • Police Scotland • Scottish Fire and Rescue • Private rental sector RUSSELL McCUTCHEON Executive Director (Place) For more information, please contact James Heaney, Acting Senior Manager - Operations (Streetscene) on 01294 310000 Background Papers 0 10
Page 11
Page | 1 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Police & Fire and Rescue Committee – 3 March 2025 Subject Performance Report and Service updates Purpose To advise members of the Police and Fire Committee as to progress against North Ayrshire’s Local Fire and Rescue Plan and to provide committee members with other key Fire and Rescue Service updates Recommendation For members to note the information contained within this report 1. Introduction 1.1 The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is legally obliged to produce Local Fire and Rescue Plans for all thirty-two local authorities across Scotland. The Local Fire and Rescue Plan for North Ayrshire was developed and, following a public consultation, was presented to North Ayrshire Council for formal approval. 1.2 All progress against the priorities contained within the previously mentioned document is now subject to monitoring by North Ayrshire Council’s the Police & Fire and Rescue Committee. 2. Performance Summary 2.1 An analysis of operational responses within North Ayrshire for 1 April to 31 December 2024 identified a 12.1% decrease in activity levels across the local authority when compared to the previous year. A further review of the rolling three years average indicated a 6.4% decrease in overall operational activity. 2.2 In reviewing operational activity on a broader level, false alarms accounted for 53.6% of operational demand within North Ayrshire, with fire related and special service activity accounting for 28.2 and 18.2% respectively. 2.3 For the period 1 April to 31 December 2024, overall progress is being monitored across six indicators, using the three-year rolling average as a basis of measuring performance. Year on year and rolling three-year average figures are also used to review short- and long-term changes in demand and trends. 2.4 Using the defined approach in Section 23, review of performance against these six indicators identified five are below and one is above and the three-year average. 2.5 Further analysis of this performance is provided within the associated performance report (Appendix A). Agenda Item 4 11
Page 12
Page | 2 3. SFRS Updates 3.1 The SFRS has released its draft 2025-2028 Strategy for consultation. Members of the North Ayrshire Police & Fire and Rescue Committee are invited to review and provide feedback on the document. A copy of the draft document is included in Appendix B of this report for the Committee’s consideration. 3.2 A series of new reporting templates for the Police & Fire and Rescue Committee have been developed for their consideration and comment. An example template is included in Appendix C of this report for the Committee's review and consideration. These reports are designed to provide a statistical overview of the outputs and outcomes related to fire and rescue service activity while also offering additional contextual information on the wider work of the SFRS in communities across North Ayrshire. 4. Proposal It is proposed that members of the Police & Fire and Rescue Committee: a) Note the contents of the performance summary and associated report for the period 1st April to 30 December 2024. b) Note the SFRS updates. 5. Implications 5.1 No implications have been identified at this time in respect of service delivery within North Ayrshire. 6. Conclusion 6.1 Fire and rescue service activity is subject to regular monitoring and review and the local fire and rescue plan priorities identified within the Local Fire and Rescue Plan forms part of this reporting process. 6.2 Members of the Police & Fire and Rescue Committee will be kept up to date as to progress against the Local Fire and Rescue Plan and to any future fire and rescue service updates as they arise. Area Commander Ian McMeekin Local Senior Officer East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Scottish Fire and Rescue Service For further information please contact Area Commander Ian McMeekin 01294 606811 12
Page 13
North Ayrshire Performance Report 1st April 2024 - 31st December 2024 13
Page 14
North Ayrshire Performance Report Table of Contents Local Fire and Rescue Service Plan Priorities 3 North Ayrshire Activity Summary 4 Domestic Safety - Accidental Dwelling Fires 5 Domestic Safety - Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties 6 Unintentional Injury and Harm 7 Deliberate Fire Setting 8 Non-Domestic Fire Safety 9 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals 10 Prevention &Protection 11 Retained Duty System 11 Glossary of Terms 12 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 2 14
Page 15
11 0 5 45 3 9 1 1 3 1 0 17 10 1 13 21 0 51 3 2 5 18 0 7 5 0 3 31 3 18 13 1 1 67 6 57 9 1 20 34 2 24 11 3 12 14 3 23 19 0 11 105 4 44 82 9 73 336 21 250 -7% 80% 16% -12% -25% -36% -10% -30% 5% -13% -3% -19% -7% 0% 0% -8% -9% -10%5 Year Average Change North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston Total Incidents Year on Year Change 3 Year Average Change Irvine West Kilwinning Accidental Dwelling Fires Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Unintentional Injury and Harm Deliberate Fire Setting Non-Domestic Fire Safety Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Ardrossan Arran Garnock Valley Irvine East Irvine South Local Fire and Rescue Service Plan Priorities The Local Fire and Rescue Service Plan has been developed to set out the priorities and objectives withinNorthAyrshire and allows our local authority partners to scrutinise the performance outcomes of these priorities. We will continue to work closely with our partners in North Ayrshire to ensure we are all “Working Together for a Safer Scotland” through targeting risks to our communities at a local level. The plan has been developed to complement key partnership activity embedded across North Ayrshire'sCommunity Planning Partnership. Through effective and co-ordintated partnership working we will seek to deliver continuous improvement in our performance and effective service delivery in our area of operations. The Local Fire and Rescue Plan for North Ayrshire identified six areas for demand reduction and is subject to regular monitoring and reporting through the Police & Fire and Rescue Committee. A summary of the priorities and current activity is detailed below with further detail and analysis contained within this performance report. About the statistics within this report The activity totals and other statistics quoted within this report are published in the interests of transparency and openness. They are provisional in nature and subject to change as a result of ongoing quality assurance and review. Because all statistics quoted are provisional there may be a difference in the period totals quoted in our reports after local publication which result from revisions or additions to the data in our systems. The Scottish Government publishes official statistics each year which allow for comparisons to be made over longer periods of time. Activity levels have reduced by more than 5% Activity levels have reduced by up to 5% Activity levels have increased overall Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 3 15
Page 16
North Ayrshire Delivery Activity Summary Hour (am) Total Hour (pm) Total Midnight 5 Mid-day 21 1am 12 1pm 27 2am 8 2pm 19 3am 8 3pm 30 4am 13 4pm 18 5am 5 5pm 31 6am 6 6pm 36 7am 12 7pm 29 8am 20 8pm 36 9am 18 9pm 20 10am 27 10pm 24 11am 9 11pm 12 27% 17% 56% 28% 18% 54% Fires Special Services False Alarms Incidents by Classification Annual Ratio 3 Year Ratio 30.78% 13.22% 12.11% 9.04% 7.24% 6.82% 4.71% 2.06% 2.01% 1.59% 1.48% 1.37% 1.16% 1.06% 0.74% False Alarm (Dwelling) False Alarm (UFAS) Outdoor Fire False Alarm (Good Intent) Refuse Fire Special Service - Effecting… Dwelling Fire Special Service - RTC Special Service - Assist other… Other Building Fire Vehicle Fire Special Service - No action (not… Special Service - Flooding Other Primary Fire Special Service - Medical… Top 15 Incident Types by % of Total Incidents 535 fires primary & secondary special services 340 false alarms 1,016 -17% totalnumber of incidents 1,891 -12% -11% fire casualties 9 80% non-fire casualties 73 2% 16% 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11121314 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 00 Activityby Time of Day 57.49%RDS availability Home Fire Safety Visits Carried Out 889 Fire Safety Audits Carried Out 155 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 4 16
Page 17
-7% -10% -7% Main Source of Ignition Year on Year 3 Year Average 5 Year Average Domestic Safety - Accidental Dwelling Fires Domesti 115 98 111 86 88 82 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Performance Summary AccidentalDwelling Fires to Date Detection Present 84% 87% Detection Actuated Calls Made via Linked Alarms 17% Automatic Detection & Actuation 11 1 10 3 5 13 9 11 19 Ardrossan Arran Garnock Valley Irvine East Irvine Sout Irvine West Kilwinning North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston 9.5 0.8 7.9 2.7 3.3 9.8 5.2 6.8 14.4 Ardrossan Arran Garnock Valley Irvine East Irvine Sout Irvine West Kilwinning North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston Incidents Per 10,000 Population - North Ayrshire Human Factors Accidental Dwelling Fires by Ward Area Alcohol/DrugImpairment Distraction Incidents Per 10,000 Population - Ayrshire 0.9 6.0 4.6 3.9 East Ayrshire North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Ayrshire Severity of Accidental Dwelling Fires No Firefighting Action Direct Firefighting 52% 26% 67% 9% 11% 10% 0% 1% 0% 1% Not applicable Item 1st ignited Room of origin Floor of origin Limited to 2 floors More than 2 floors Whole building Whole Roof Extent of Fire Damage 28% 15% Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 5 17
Page 18
80% -30% 0% Year on Year 3 Year Average 5 Year Average Domestic Safety - Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 3 2 0 - 9 10 - 19 20 - 49 50 - 79 80+ 9 16 17 5 5 9 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Unintentional Injury or First Aidat Scene Hospital Serious Injuries Hospital Slight Injuries 0 6 Fatal Injuries 0 Performance Summary Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Year to Date Extent of Harm Age / Gender Profile Casualties Per 10,000 Population - North Ayrshire Fire Casualties by Ward Area 0 1 1 2 0 1 1 3 0 Ardrossan Arran Garnock Valley Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilwinning North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston 0.00 0.03 0.03 0.06 0.00 0.03 0.03 0.05 0.00 Ardrossan Arran Garnock Valley Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilwinning North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston Casualties Per 10,000 Population - Ayrshire 0.57 0.66 0.53 0.59 0.00 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 East Ayrshire North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Ayrshire 44% 56% 3 1 6 1 0 Breathing difficulties Asphyxiation Burns –slight Other medical condition Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 6 18
Page 19
16% 5% 0% Year on Year 3 Year Average 5 Year Average Unintentional Injury or Harm 1 0 13 14 3 0 3 12 11 6 0 - 9 10 - 19 20 - 49 50 - 79 80+ Slight Injuries 73 59 63 68 63 73 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Deliberate PerformanceSummary Special Service Casualties Year to Date Age / Gender Profile 4.3 2.4 10.3 4.5 2.0 0.8 11.5 7.4 8.4 Ardrossan Arran Garnock Valley Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilwinning North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston Extent of Harm Non-Fire Casualties by Ward Area 5 3 13 5 3 1 20 12 11 Ardrossan Arran Garnock Valley Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilwinning North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston Casualties Per 10,000 Population - North Ayrshire Non-Casualties Per 10,000 Population - Ayrshire 4.3 5.4 5.2 5.0 East Ayrshire North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Ayrshire 49% 51% First Aidat Scene Hospital Serious Injuries 6 17 Fatal Injuries 8 2 Hospital Slight Injuries Road Traffic Collision Water Rescue Assisting Other Agencies 71% 0% 71% All Other Incidents 10% Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 7 19
Page 20
-12% -11% -8% Year on Year 3 Year Average 5 Year Average Deliberate Fire Setting 518 369 476 406 380 336 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 518 369 476 406 380 336 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 All Deliberate Fires Non Performance Summary Deliberate Fires Year to Date Deliberate Fires by Classification Deliberate Fires Compared to OperationalActivity Incidents Per 10,000 Population - North Ayrshire 38.9 0.8 16.6 16.1 20.5 50.3 19.6 8.7 79.7 Ardrossan Arran Garnock Valley Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilwinning North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston Deliberate Fires by Ward Area 45 1 21 18 31 67 34 14 105 Ardrossan Arran Garnock Valley Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilwinning North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston Slight Injuries Incidents Per 10,000 Population - Ayrshire 24.1 24.7 14.6 21.5 East Ayrshire North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Ayrshire 8% 11% 6% 7% 13% 10% 92% 89% 94% 93% 87% 90% 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Primary Secondary Secondary Fire Ratio by Activity Type 41% 59% Refuse Other Secondary Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 8 20
Page 21
-25% -3% -9% Year on Year 3 Year Average 5 Year Average Non-Domestic Fire Safety 64% 23% 13% Accidental Deliberate Not Known 2 0 3 1 2 2 10 6 Industrial Processing Food and Drink Retail Industrial Manufactoring Transport Buildings Residential Home Unwanted PerformanceSummary Non-Domestic Fires Year to Date Non-Domestic Fires by Nature of Origin Incidents Per 10,000 Population - Ayrshire Non-Domestic Fires by Premises Type Incidents Per 10,000 Population - North Ayrshire 2.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 4.5 1.2 1.9 3.0 Ardrossan Arran Garnock Valley Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilwinning North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston Non-Domestic Fires by Ward Area 3 0 0 0 3 6 2 3 4 Ardrossan Arran Garnock Valley Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilwinning North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston 1.9 1.5 1.1 1.5 East Ayrshire North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Ayrshire 32 18 23 22 28 21 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Not applicable Limited to item 1st ignited Limited to room of origin Limited to floor of origin Roof space and other floors Whole Building Extent of Fire Damage Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 9 21
Page 22
-36% -19% -10% Year on Year 3 Year Average 5 Year Average Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals 493 467 529 560 389 250 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 UFAS Percentage Against all False Alarms Performance Summary Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Year to Date Incidents Per 10,000 Population - North Ayrshire 7.8 13.4 40.4 6.3 11.9 42.8 13.8 14.3 33.4 Ardrossan Arran Garnock Valley Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilwinning North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston 1,651 1,615 1,797 1,708 1,340 1,151 30% 23% 27% 29% 18% 19% 0%0 300 600 900 1,200 1,500 1,800 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 All Incidents UFAS Activty UFAS Percentage Against all Incidents 1,184 1,232 1,279 1,333 1,236 1,016 50% 41% 48% 49% 35% 36% 0%0 300 600 900 1,200 All False Alarms UFAS Activty Home Fire Safety Visits Unwanted Fire Alarms Signals by Ward Area 9 17 51 7 18 57 24 23 44 Ardrossan Arran Garnock Valley Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilwinning North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston Incidents Per 10,000 Population - Ayrshire 18.1 18.4 15.3 17.4 East Ayrshire North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Ayrshire 0% 52% 26% 14% 1% Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals - Top 5 Premises Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 10 22
Page 23
51.82% 80.49% 71.25% 68.53% 127 71:52:43 9 700% 49.45% 96.81% 98.70% 83.32% 274 136:30:09 14 1025% 8.92% 64.54% 38.41% 38.34% 69 40:44:02 6 475% 81.36% 98.74% 95.19% 92.24% 125 83:33:59 13 1100% 50.77% 57.86% 77.69% 62.97% 181 109:46:08 8 700% 84.31% 97.24% 92.13% 91.50% 179 103:14:49 12 850% 25.69% 46.79% 21.41% 31.21% 33 18:27:30 6 450% 99.96% 99.83% 99.27% 99.63% 11.91% 48.18% 7.56% 22.49% 89.85% 99.48% 96.14% 95.38% 50 31:11:16 8 775% 100.00% 100.00% 99.84% 99.94% 47 28:09:52 8 800% 47.56% 70.80% 56.43% 57.49% 70.18% 96.28% 90.41% 86.36% Mon - Thu (18:00 - 08:00) Weekend (Fri 18:00 - Mon 08:00) Total Lamlash North Ayrshire Ayrshire Total Mobilisations Total Time Deployed Largs Skelmorlie Millport -1 Millport - 2 Brodick Ardrossan Dreghorn Dalry Beith Kilbirnie Appliance Availability Mon - Fri (08:00 - 18:00) No. of Personnel Contracts 41 12 1075%25:34:12 Home Fire Safety Visits Home Fire Safety Visits Carried Out Percentage of HighRisk Home Fire Safety Visits Carried Out Percentage of Visits Carried Out Following Attendance at an Incident 889 28% 54% Top 5 Premises Smoke Detectors Fitted During Home Fire Safety Visits Fire Safety Audits Carried Out 155 New Audits 86% Post Fire Audits 6% Complaint Audits 0% Re-Audits 5% 6% 85% 7% 1% 0% Broadly Compliant Areas of Improvement Notice of Deficiencies Enforcement Notice Prohibition Notice Fire Safety Audits Retained Duty System Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 11 23
Page 24
85% Glossary of Terms Term- What it means ADF Accidental Dwelling Fire CSET Community Safety Engagement Toolkit is a internal IT system used to record home fire safety visits and community safety activities FSET Fire Safety Experiential Training is a bespoke training programme developed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Ayrshire and delivered to community planning partners to raise awareness of fire safety within the domestic environment HFSV Home Fire Safety Visit PDIR Post Domestic Incident Response, a term used by Prevention and Protection Directorate to indicate actions taken following attendance at a fire or other incident in the home. PDIRs include amongst things the offer of a free follow-up home fire safety visit Primary Fires These include all fires in buildings, vehicles and outdoor structures or any fire involving casualties, rescues or fires attended by five or more appliances RDS Retained Duty System. Professional on call firefighters who may have other primary employment responsibilities outside the Fire and Rescue Service but respond to emergency calls within their local area as and when required RTC Road Traffic Collision Secondary Fires These are the majority of outdoor fires including grassland and refuse fires unless they involve casualties or rescues, property loss or fire or more appliances attend. They include fires in single derelict buildings Special Service Calls to incidents which are not fires or false alarms such as RTCs, rescues, flooding, incidents involving hazardous materials or the provision of assistance to other agencies UFAS Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals. When an automatic fire detection and alarm system is activated as a result of anything other than an actual fire the activation is classed as a false alarm. If an attendance is made to such an event by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, then the event is recorded as an UFAS incident Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 12 24
Page 25
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service DRAFT STRATEGY 2025-2028 25
Page 26
CONTENTS FOREWORD 1 DELIVERING A SUSTAINABLE SERVICE 2 PURPOSE OF OUR STRATEGY 4 OUR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 5 OUR OBJECTIVES 6 Enhancing Safer Communities through Prevention 6 Safe and Effective Response 7 Investing in our People 8 Improving Performance 9 Innovation and Investment 10 DELIVERING OUR STRATEGY 11 HOW WE WILL MEASURE AND EVALUATE OUR WORK 13 TELL US WHAT YOU THINK 13 26
Page 27
CHIEF OFFICER’S FOREWORD I am pleased to present the SFRS Strategy 2025-28. A document that clearly sets out our ambitions for the next three years and explains how we will meet them. I am incredibly proud to lead this Service and of the wide-reaching work we deliver throughout Scotland. As well as providing an effective emergency response, we sit at the heart of communities and work with a wide range of partners to improve the social and economic outcomes for the people of Scotland through our prevention activity. As we look to the future, I have an ambitious vision for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). One which would see us deliver a sustainable, modern and technological advanced Fire and Rescue Service that is fit to meet the challenges of Scotland’s future. As Chief Officer, I have six immediate priorities which will be delivered through this Strategy: • Public Service Reform • Enhancing Prevention • Firefighter Safety, Technology and Training • Leadership and Culture • Strategic Service Review Programme • Digital, data and technology capabilities I want the Service to be a leader for Public Service Reform, recognising our role in a whole system approach to addressing Scotland’s challenges. One that continually adapts to be better; and builds on the prevention, preparedness and response progress that we have already made by continuing to develop our people, equipment, facilities and intervention services. I believe we have the potential to do more for the people of Scotland, responding to a broader range of life critical incidents and in further developing our prevention activity. I want us to realise that potential. This means continuing to invest and advance, whilst delivering the best value for money we can. I will prioritise the safety of our people, with a clear focus on training, professional standards, competence and continuous improvement. Our ability to pursue innovation, embracing new technologies and working practices will be key to our success. As we move forward, the development of all our staff groups is critical. I will place a clear emphasis on leadership development, inclusion and talent development. I am committed to ensuring that we continue to build a positive culture in our Service that is welcoming and equitable for all. I want us to be an employer of choice for everyone. One that supports our people to always feel physically and mentally safe; and to work in a supportive environment that celebrates our differences and recognises the benefits those unique life experiences can bring to the whole. There are changes we must make to ensure that our Service is fit for the challenges of Scotland’s future. This will allow us to invest in areas such as training and prevention; while also addressing the issues STUART STEVENS SFRS Chief Officer Draft Strategy 2025-28 1 27
Page 28
we face across our ageing estate. Our Strategic Service Review Programme, which will look at how we deliver our services will be a priority over the next three years and beyond. Sustained investment in our systems will be critical in supporting change in how we work. I am committed to making better use of our digital, data and technology capabilities to drive efficiency and improve performance. While we recognise the importance of change, we also need to maintain a strong and capable organisation to manage the risks of today as we evolve to meet the new risks of tomorrow. This SFRS Strategy 2025-28 provides a clear vision of how we want to achieve both. It shows where we want to be in three years. It shows how we want to build on the strong foundations we already have through our current daily activities, and it marks the first steps in an ongoing journey to be a leading, sustainable and modern fire and rescue service for Scotland. DELIVERING A SUSTAINABLE SERVICE SFRS has a proud history of serving communities and ensuring people and communities in Scotland are safe. We do this by: • Responding to fires • Promoting fire safety • Developing and delivering our prevention activities • Enforcing fire legislation • Responding to road traffic collisions • Responding to serious transport incidents • Responding to serious flooding • Undertaking inland water rescues • Dealing with structural collapse of buildings • Responding to chemical, biological and nuclear incidents • Carrying out rescues at height • Supporting other agencies Our prevention, preparedness and response roles have developed over time. We want to build on this success as a modern, technologically enabled fire and rescue service that is ready to meet the needs of Scotland’s communities. Scotland is changing and we need to adapt with it to continue to keep communities safe. We respond to a wider range of incidents than ever before, and the nature of our country means that different parts of Scotland require different combinations of services from us. Put simply, this means we need to keep changing how we work. We are seeing fewer house fires but more flooding and wildfire incidents. Some of our stations are in areas where heavy industry, shipyards or coal mines formerly existed but are no longer present. Furthermore, we have stations that are no longer fit for purpose and require significant investment to make them safer and more suitable for our people. We want to make sure we have the right resources, in the right place, at the right time to continue to provide the best service we can. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service2 28
Page 29
Providing the best service is not only about response. It is about understanding emerging risks and preventing an emergency incident or harm from happening in the first place. Scotland faces evolving risks such as an ageing population, increased vulnerabilities, impacts of social and economic inequality, and the impacts of climate change. We have a proven track record in delivering a wide range of prevention interventions. This pro-active approach helps to support people to make their homes and communities safer. We support Scotland’s diverse communities and groups – from educating young people, to supporting adults and older people to live safely and independently. We also support the business community to remain safe and prosper by regulating businesses and workplaces. This helps to ensure that the places people work in, or visit, are safe from fire. Since the formation of SFRS, we have continued to deliver an effective emergency and prevention service for the people of Scotland, whilst delivering an ambitious savings target set by the Scottish Government. These savings were delivered through a systematic efficiency programme which changed our structure, our estate, and our work processes to ensure that we were being run as effectively and efficiently as possible, while creating a more resilient organisation. Despite making these savings and recent budget increases, we are still faced with significant and complex spending pressures. As an already lean Service, our ability to keep modernising is becoming more difficult. SFRS remains ambitious for Scotland regardless of these challenges. But to realise our ambitions we require investment. That investment will enable us to change, adapt and evolve. Without it, our ability to keep evolving will be compromised. We have set out our ambitious Strategic Service Review Programme (SSRP) which will enable us, with investment, to deliver the changes we need to make and to build a sustainable Service for the future. This will allow us to develop new services, adopt new technologies and safeguard communities and firefighters in the future. A priority for the next three years, SSRP will focus on: providing firefighters with modern facilities, fleet and equipment to enhance community and firefighter safety; how and where we deliver our services from; and ensuring our corporate services are as efficient and effective as possible. We know from our own experience that change brings challenges, but our track record gives us confidence in our ability to advance further. We are committed to working and consulting with our communities and partners to deliver the change the country needs of us. Draft Strategy 2025-28 3 29
Page 30
PURPOSE OF OUR STRATEGY This Strategy sets the direction for how we will evolve over the next three years and is an important step towards progressing our Long- Term Vision as a Service. It provides a set of clear objectives that we will deliver for the people of Scotland. Our Strategy supports the delivery of our Purpose, Mission and Vision. OUR PURPOSE: “To work in partnership with communities and with others in the public, private and third sectors, on prevention, protection and response, to improve the safety and wellbeing of people throughout Scotland.” – Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2022 OUR MISSION: “Working Together, for a Safer Scotland” OUR VISION: “To be a leading, sustainable, modern and technologically advanced fire and rescue service that is fit to meet the challenges of Scotland’s future.” Our Purpose, Mission and Vision will be supported by our Values which provide a foundation for decision- making, behaviour and strategic direction: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service4 30
Page 31
OUR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES To achieve our ambitions , manage known Service risks, and deliver the Chief Officer’s priorities, we have identified five strategic objectives for the Service. Each objective holds equal value in driving our Strategy forward. As a collective, they define our overall direction and will be central to how we plan our activities and our budget over the next three years. In the next section we have set out the outcomes we will pursue in meeting our objectives and what we will deliver to realise those outcomes. SaferCommunitiesthroughPrevention SafeandEffectiveResponse InvestinginourPeople Im provingPerformance InnovationandInvestment Our Vision Draft Strategy 2025-28 5 31
Page 32
OUR OBJECTIVES Safer Communities through Prevention Outcome: Through our work, in partnership with communities and other organisations, the safety and wellbeing of the people of Scotland continually improves. What Safer Communities means for us: We will always respond to emergency incidents, but it is better if they don’t happen in the first place. We work to prevent fires in homes and businesses to reduce the devastating impact a serious incident can have. Working with a wide variety of partner organisations and communities also helps us to address existing and new wider safety concerns, including how we contribute to safeguarding vulnerable people. We are proud of this element of our work, and we want to do more - our Prevention, Protection and Preparedness Strategy will help us do this. We want to work even more closely with communities, businesses and our Public Service partners to support Scottish Government’s Public Service Reform ambitions. We want to build on our success of preventing harm, improving wellbeing and helping communities increase their resilience by working with local councils and a wide range of public and third sector partners. Critical to this is listening to and responding to communities’ needs as we develop the services we provide. We want to remain a daily and trusted part of Scotland’s communities and public service delivery system. How we will deliver: • Investment in new and enhanced data-led prevention interventions where their design is led by research and work with partners to achieve the impacts we wish to see. • Our expertise will advise and influence the development of national policy areas, specifically those that include resilience, fire safety and prevention. • Improved evaluation of our prevention interventions will enhance how we and our partners work to prevent harm. • Our approach to fire prevention and enforcement will be revised through the implementation of findings from major incident reviews such as the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Reports. • Preparedness will be increased to enable us to work alongside communities and our partners to build resilience to help us, and them, be better organised to meet the challenges of major incidents as well as enhancing day to day community safety. • Continued commitment to Community Planning and partnership working, nationally and across all localities in Scotland, to improve community safety and wellbeing. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service6 32
Page 33
Safe and Effective Response Outcome: We are a leading Fire and Rescue Service where our communities and people are safe. What a good Fire and Rescue Service looks like: Providing an effective emergency response will always be a priority for us. This is critical to reducing harm in our communities and keeping firefighters safe. To do this well and safely, it is important that we understand changing risks in Scotland. The impact of climate change will drive significant demands and pressures on to the Service as its affects are felt across Scotland’s communities, in addition to changing social and economic risks. To meet the demands those risks generate we will adapt and develop our equipment, training, and the way we work to be as prepared for and effective as we possibly can be, whilst always ensuring the safety of communities and firefighters. In our Operational Strategy (2022-32) we placed an effective operational response at the forefront of the Service. To do this, we will continue to learn and adapt from the incidents that we attend. We also acknowledged the importance of collaborating with partners and using the latest technology and techniques at the heart of our operational delivery across the country. Through our Training Vision and Strategy we will ensure that firefighters are suitably and competently trained to safely resolve operational incidents. How we will deliver: • Operational and control room firefighters will be equipped and receive high quality training in line with our Training Strategy 2024- 29, ensuring they can safely and effectively respond to emergencies and maintain and develop their competencies. • Fit for purpose workforce, technology, stations and vehicles that are located strategically to respond to community risk and need. • New and different ways of working will be explored to maximise effective and productive worktime for our people. • New operating delivery models to maximise organisational effectiveness. • New systems and technologies to enable more effective and productive incident response capabilities. • Organisational learning from operational incidents, training events and external event investigations will influence future practice, enhance performance and improve firefighter safety. Draft Strategy 2025-28 7 33
Page 34
Investing in our People Outcome: Our people feel valued and supported by SFRS in a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion, empowerment and accountability and drives joined up working. What being a great employer means to us: Our strength comes from our people. We are committed to creating a collaborative and supporting environment where everyone can excel and feel heard. We will put their safety, and their physical and mental health at the forefront of what we do. We will support them through change. We will develop and nurture their talent and skills, provide development opportunities for all, and offer rewarding careers. We will be inclusive, with a culture that allows our people to be themselves at work. Our senior leaders will lead by example and show they are committed to our values through their behaviours, they and all staff will uphold those values in their daily work. We will take opportunities to build a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and will promote diversity and inclusion at all levels of the Service. How we will deliver: • Our safety culture will put health, safety and wellbeing at the forefront across the Service. • The mental health and wellbeing of our people will be protected, supported and improved. • A a culture that values and promotes inclusion, fairness, equality, respect and drives professional standards will continue to be embedded. • Service Values will be reviewed so that they are reflective of a modern fire and rescue service and its people. • Opportunities for our people to develop their skills and careers will be available. • Our people will receive the leadership and management skills they need to match their role and enhance professional standards. • New ways of working will help attract, retain and further support our workforce. • Our workforce will increasingly reflect the population of Scotland where we employ individuals from a wide range of perspectives, communities, life experiences, characteristics, and heritage. • Enhanced succession planning arrangements to ensure we always have a sustainable and skilled workforce will be in place. • Strong and effective relationships will be maintained with our recognised Representative Bodies. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service8 34
Page 35
Improving Performance Outcome: We will continuously improve our organisational performance, productivity and resilience. What being and effective organisation means to us: We strive to continually improve the services we provide to make Scotland safer. In challenging financial times, using innovative processes, technology and ideas will help us do this. As we adapt, it is important we have effective compliance, change and performance management processes in place. This will help us ensure we continue to deliver the best possible service and provide value for money to the people of Scotland. We believe that effective governance, strong accountability, resilient performance and sound financial planning are at the heart of good public services. Our decision making will be evidence-led, open, and transparent. We will fully engage with our people and representative bodies as we continue to evolve and improve our services. How we will deliver: • Innovative ways of working will increase levels of productivity and performance, whilst providing value for money to the public. • Change projects will be effectively managed, delivering on time, cost and quality whilst helping our people understand and commit to change. • Organisational risk, security and resilience will be effectively manged to maintain business continuity during impactful events such as cyber security attacks. • Continue to ensure the Service is well governed, providing information and assurance to the people of Scotland. • Improved use of data and business intelligence across the Service will support decision making, manage activities, and enable us to work more productively. • New and innovative ways of engaging with communities to inform and support our decision making. • Building insights into public attitudes and levels of community satisfaction in what we do and how we work. Draft Strategy 2025-28 9 35
Page 36
Innovation and Investment Outcome: We are more innovative and achieve sustained investment in our technology, equipment, estate and fleet, making us more effective and efficient. What innovation means to us: New developments are happening at an increasing pace across every aspect of our society and economy. We want to do more for the communities of Scotland. We want to be a leader in how public services are delivered and this includes developing and diversifying our own role within communities. We believe that by working with our public service partners we could expand our activities, help save lives, minimise harm to people, and add social and economic value to Scotland. For example, we could provide an emergency medical response and support the most vulnerable in our communities. This could improve wider community outcomes, reduce demand of partner services and ultimately reduce the risk within Scotland’s communities. As we continue to evolve, it is important that our people have the right facilities, equipment and technology to do their jobs safely and well. Supported by our Strategic Asset Management Plans, we want our stations to be fit for a leading fire and rescue service, where our facilities reflect the needs of our workforce, improve our approach to reducing firefighters’ exposure to contaminants, and are environmentally sound. Our people also need more technologically advanced equipment and vehicles to use at incidents; and to train with. Making better use of technology, embracing new ways of working to drive efficiency, innovation and automation will be a key feature in the next stages of our Service evolution. How we will deliver: • A diversified role within communities that increases our prevention and emergency response activities. • Building an organisational environment that supports the research and development of innovative technology and working practices that improves public and firefighter safety. • An improvement programme to deliver buildings that provide safe and appropriate facilities that reflect the needs of a modern workforce. • Focus on identifying and reducing the risk of firefighter exposure to contaminants. • Vehicles and equipment will continue to be modernised to support the safety and wellbeing of our people. • Through investment in digital, data and technology capabilities we will support change in how we work. • Review of Corporate Service functions will lead to better aligned, more efficient, effective and productive business processes. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service10 36
Page 37
DELIVERING OUR STRATEGY The SFRS Strategy sets our national direction for the Service and shapes our approach to how we plan and deliver our services and in turn it will shape our local area plans. These plans are community focused and detail how national priorities will be delivered. They show how SFRS will support the delivery of the Local Outcome Improvement Plans, with local risk and need at the forefront. Our Strategy will be delivered through our SFRS Three-Year Delivery Plan. This is a rolling planning document that details how we will deliver these priorities over the duration of the Strategy. It contains the most important activities that are required each year to deliver our ambitions. As it sets the direction for all other work plans, progress of the Three-Year Delivery Plan is closely scrutinised by the SFRS Board. Our delivery plan provides us with flexibility, allowing us to adapt our plans should unforeseen challenges arise. Any additions or changes must be approved by the Board. This ensures that the actions contained within it remain the top priorities for the Service. From a corporate perspective, delivery of the SFRS Three Year Plan is supported by Directorate Plans. These go into further detail of the Directorate level work that will be carried out throughout the year. These Plans are scrutinised by Directorate Management Teams; and form the basis of the work that is undertaken by individual teams through Functional/Team Plans. From an operational perspective, delivery of the SFRS Strategy and Three Year Plan is supported by Local Fire and Rescue Plans. These plans are community focused and detail how national priorities will be delivered with local risk and need at the forefront. Progress against Local Fire and Rescue Plans is scrutinised by Local Management Teams and Local Authority Scrutiny Committees. Local Fire and Rescue Plans are supported by Community Fire Station Plans, showing how each station in that local authority area will contribute to the delivery of the Local Fire and Rescue Plan and ultimately help deliver this Strategy. This diagram shows how our planning process provides clear guidance at every level of the Service. Draft Strategy 2025-28 11 37
Page 38
SFRS Three-Year Delivery Plan Local Fire and Rescue PlansDirectorate Plans SFRS Strategy 2025-28 SFRS Long Term Vision Community Fire Station PlansFunctional/Team Plans Personal Work ObjectivesPersonal Work Objectives Scottish Fire and Rescue Service12 38
Page 39
HOW WE WILL MEASURE AND EVALUATE OUR WORK Progress against the objectives in this Strategy will be closely monitored and evaluated to ensure that we are effective in their delivery. Internally we report our performance to Executive and Non-Executive Boards and Committees on a quarterly basis through our Three-Year Delivery Plan Update Reports and our Quarterly Performance Dashboards. These reports provide progress updates on our detailed delivery plans and targets. As a public service body that is committed to transparent reporting, the same reports are widely available on the SFRS website. More details of our annual progress is also made available via our Annual Performance Review Reports, Annual Report and Accounts and our Official Statistics. We also have a range of qualitative performance reports which detail how we are working towards specific priorities within the Strategy. This includes publications like our SFRS Working in Partnership Report, Annual Procurement Report and Health and Safety Report – all of which can also be found on the SFRS website. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK The formal consultation of this draft SFRS Strategy 2025-28 opened on Wednesday 5 February 2025 and will run until Wednesday 2 April 2025. To ensure we review and manage all responses consistently please feed back to us using our online survey. This can be accessed on the SFRS website. After the consultation is closed, we will publish the results. If you cannot access our online survey, or if you would like more information about the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service you can: Write to: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters Westburn Drive Cambuslang G72 7NA Phone: 0141 646 4501 Visit our website: www.firescotland.gov.uk Draft Strategy 2025-28 13 39
Page 40
SFRS Draft Strategy 2025-2028 Version 1.0 February 2025 firescotland.gov.uk 40
Page 41
2024-25 Q3 All North Ayrshire Scrutiny Report 2024-25 Q3 North Ayrshire 41
Page 42
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Summary Trends Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADFs) Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Special Service Casualties Deliberate Fires Non-Domestic Fires Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) Fire Safety Enforcement Community Safety & Engagement Glossary of Terms Contents Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 About the statistics within this report The activity totals and other statistics quoted within this report are published in the interests of transparency and openness. They are provisional in nature and subject to change as a result of ongoing quality assurance and review. Because all statistics quoted are provisional there may be a difference in the period totals quoted in our reports after local publication which result from revisions or additions to the data in our systems. The Scottish Government publishes official statistics each year which allow for comparisons to be made over longer periods of time. 202522/01/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Scrutiny Report 2024-25 Q3 North Ayrshire 42
Page 43
1. Summary 135 Fires 114 303 False Alarms 552 19 4 0 Fire Fatalities 13 5 89 UFAS Type Narrative here 202522/01/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Non-Fire Incidents People Rescued by Firefighters People Receiving First Aid or Hospital Treatment (Non-Fire) People Receiving First Aid or Hospital Treatment (Fires) Non-Fire Fatalities Top 10 Incident Types False Alarm (Due to Apparatus) False Alarm (UFAS) Fire (Outdoor) Inter-Agency False Alarm (Good Intent) Fire (Building) Fire (Vehicle) Other Non-Fire Vehicle (Non-fire) Humanitarian 162 89 83 67 47 37 15 11 11 10 2024-25 Q3 22 Fire Safety Audits See details Home Fire Safety Visits Total Incidents (Incl. Incompletes) 43
Page 44
2. Trends 202522/01/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Accidental Dwelling Fires 2020-21 Q4 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 39 2425 36 30 30 3837 25 29 28 28 25 29 28 36 Deliberate Fires 2020-21 Q4 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 114 82 264 46 83 66 175 179 141 91 110 69 129 104 113 162 Non-Domestic Fires 2020-21 Q4 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 6 3 15 4 4 9 6 5 89 9 8 9 9 98 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals 2020-21 Q4 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 127 89 214 76 184 161 126 201 169 92100 189 183 198 85 105 Road Traffic Collisions 2020-21 Q4 2021-22 Q1 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 8 11 1918 10 12 17 16 12 12 8 12 14 14 1213 Previous 16 quarters (4 years) 44
Page 45
3. Accidental Dwelling Fires Extent of Damage Incidents Not applicable 16 Limited to floor of origin (not whole building) 4 Limited to item 1st ignited 2 Limited to room of origin 2 Type Narrative here 202522/01/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Source of Ignition (Top 10) Cooking appliance Electricity supply Smoking Related Heating equipment Matches and candles Not known 14 4 3 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 20 25 30 35 40 24 Accidental Dwelling Fires in this period 2024-25 Q3 Incidents by Ward North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston Ardrossan Irvine West Kilwinning Garnock Valley Arran Irvine South 5 5 4 3 3 2 1 1 45
Page 46
4. Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Non-Fatal Casualties 4 Fatal Casualties 0 Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties Overcome by gas, smoke or toxic fumes; asphyxiation 2 Breathing difficulties (Other than 'Overcome by gas, smoke or toxic fumes, asphyxiation') 1 Other 1 Type Narrative here 202522/01/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Casualties by Ward North Coast Arran Irvine West 2 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 2 4 6 8 6 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 1 3 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 0 Hospital Serious Injuries 2024-25 Q3 46
Page 47
5. Non-Fire Casualties 202522/01/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Type Narrative here Casualties by Ward Kilwinning North Coast Garnock Valley Irvine East Saltcoats and Stevenston Ardrossan Arran Irvine South 5 4 2 2 2 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 10 15 20 25 30 Non-Fatal Casualties 13 Fatal Casualties 5 13 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 1 8 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 4 Hospital Serious Injuries Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties Chest pain / Heart condition / Cardiac arrest 4 Chest / Abdominal injury 3 Fracture 3 Head injury 2 Other 2 Bruising 1 Cuts/Lacerations 1 Impalement 1 Unconscious, fitting or unresponsive (no other evident significant injury) 1 2024-25 Q3 47
Page 48
6. Deliberate Fires Property Type Incident Refuse 40 Other outdoors (including land) 21 Grassland, woodland and crops 7 Dwelling 4 Non Residential 4 Outdoor structures 3 Road Vehicle 3 Type Narrative here Hour of Day 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 202522/01/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Ardrossan Saltcoats and Stevenston Irvine West Irvine South Irvine East Kilwinning Garnock Valley North Coast 28 21 13 7 4 4 3 2 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 100 200 300 82 Deliberate Fires in this period 2024-25 Q3 48
Page 49
7. Non-Domestic Fires Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Other Residential Home 1 Residential Home 1 Retail 1 Type Narrative here 3 (100.0%) Accidental Deliberate 202522/01/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Ardrossan Saltcoats and Stevenston 2 1 Extent of Damage Not applicable 3 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 5 10 15 3 Non-Domestic Fires in this period 2024-25 Q3 49
Page 50
8. Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Residential Home 48 Sheltered Housing - not self contained 13 Hospitals and medical care 7 Hotel/motel 6 Other Residential Home 4 Entertainment and culture 3 Warehouses and bulk storage 2 Education 1 Industrial Manufacturing 1 Nurses'/Doctors' accommodation 1 Offices and call centres 1 Public admin, security and safety 1 Retail 1 Type Narrative here 202522/01/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Garnock Valley Saltcoats and Stevenston Irvine West Kilwinning Arran North Coast Irvine South Irvine East Ardrossan 22 16 13 13 9 7 6 2 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 50 100 150 200 250 89 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals in this period 2024-25 Q3 50
Page 51
9. Road Traffic Collisions Type Narrative here 202522/01/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Kilwinning Ardrossan Irvine East Irvine South Garnock Valley North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston 4 2 2 2 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 10 15 20 13 Road Traffic Collisions in this period Non-Fatal Casualties 7 Fatal Casualties 1 2 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 0 4 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 3 Hospital Serious Injuries Property Type Incidents Car 11 House - single occupancy 1 Van 1 2024-25 Q3 Incident Type Incidents Vehicle (Non-fire) 11 Inter-Agency 1 Other Non-Fire 1 51
Page 52
10. Home Fire Safety Visits 202522/01/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 11. Fire Safety Enforcement Job Type Count Audit 22 Type Narrative here Audits by Ward Arran North Coast Garnock Valley Irvine West Kilwinning Saltcoats and Stevenston Irvine South 7 5 3 2 2 2 1 2024-25 Q3 HFSVs by Ward Error fetching data for this visual See details Home Fire Safety Visits See details High Risk HFSVs See details Partner Referral HFSVs See details 52
Page 53
13. Community Safety & Engagement Type Narrative here 202522/01/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 2024-25 Q3 53
Page 54
14. Glossary of Terms Term - What it means ADF Accidental Dwelling Fire. HFSV Home Fire Safety Visit. PDIR Post Domestic Incident Response, a term used to indicate actions taken following attendance at a fire or other incident in the home. PDIRs include amongst things the offer of a free follow up home fire safety visit. RTC Road Traffic Collision. Special Service Calls to incidents which are not fires or false alarms such as RTCs, rescues, flooding, incidents involving hazardous materials or the provision of assistance to other agencies. UFAS Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals. When an automatic fire detection and alarm system is activated as a result of anything other than an actual fire the activation is classed as a false alarm. If an attendance is made to such an event by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, then the event is recorded as an UFAS incident. UFAS Policy Change In response to COVID, on the 6th May 2020, the SFRS decided to send 1 pump to UFAS premises that did not have their own Predetermined attendance (PDA). As of 1st July 2023, the COVID interim 1 pump response was ended and a new UFAS policy was implemented. The new policy is to call challenge all UFAS incidents with the intention of non-attendance. Hospitals, care homes, and sleeping risk premises are all exempt and receive either 2 pumps or their premise specific PDA. 202522/01/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 54
Page 55
Design, figures and charts by the Business Intelligence team. 55
Page 56
56
Page 57
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 1 North Ayrshire Performance Summary Report - Q3 2024/25 Reporting Period: 01/04/2024 - 31/12/2024 Total Crime 9,157 Crimes (note: issues with tickets) 2.8% Incidents Recorded 29,395 0.4%* 9.4% 1,309 Violence/Homicide Drug Supply 30.0% 72 Sexual Crime 4.7% 250 21.1%~ 123 Hate Crime ASB 5,025 Domestic Abuse 6.7%~ 839 Acquisitive Crime 0.8% 1,928 Robbery -14.8% 23 Speeding N/A N/A Drink/Drug Driving 39.1% 222 Note: All percentage figures are based on the 5-year average with all data based on Management Information which may be subject to change. *3-yr Average provided -7.5% Serious Injury & Fatal Accidents^ 24/2 -38.5%/-33.3% ^ Change from PYTD 5 year average not available ~Domestic Abuse and Hate Crime were previously counted on VPD, now on UNIFI therefore 5-yr average is an indication only Due to system issues on PENTIP all RP tick- ets from 27th March 2024 are currently not available Agenda Item 5 57
Page 58
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 2 Introduction This document has been compiled to look at the quarterly data available for North Ayrshire. The report is based on the areas of focus identified within the Local Policing Plan agreed with the Local Authority. The ‘Plan on a Page’ document is available on Page 3, this provides details of the areas Police Scotland have agreed to report on. The following list of contents provides an overview of the items included in this report: TOPIC SECTION PAGE Local Policing Plan Plan on a Page 3 Serious Crime Violence/Homicide Drug Supply Robbery 4 5 6 Violence Against Women and Girls Domestic Abuse Rape & Sexual Assault 7 8 Safer Communities ASB Hate Crimes Acquisitive Crime 9 10 11 Road Safety Drink/Drug Driving and Serious Injury & Fatal Accidents 12 Public Confidence User Satisfaction Survey Complaints 101 Performance Taser Use 13 14 15 16 Glossary of Terms 17 58
Page 59
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 3 59
Page 60
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 4 SERIOUS CRIME—Violence/Homicide Local Action/Context: Q3 of the 2024/25 Financial Year continues to record an increase in Violent Crime across North Ayrshire. Violent crime has decreased by 0.2% on last year but increased 11.8% on the 5-year average. This increase is primarily due to the number of Common Assaults on Emergency workers and members of the public. Serious Assaults are currently showing a higher figure than last year but lower than the 5-year average. Total Common Assaults decreased by 1.0% on last year and increased 9.6% on the 5-year average. This has generally been an increasing crime type in recent years with this year showing a slight drop in figures. Common Assault of Emergency Worker (including Police) show a 6.6% increase on last year and a 15.7% increase on the 5-year average. There has been six Attempt Murders this year which are all detected. The 5 murders include two Culpable Homicide crimes, both of which relate to a fatal road collision; all murders/culpable homicides are detected. With regards to serious assaults during this quarter 20 crimes have been recorded, 18 of those detected With 2 live investigations. The crimes were spread throughout North Ayrshire having taken place in both public and private space. 4 of the crimes are related to 2 incidents while the rest are unrelated. During this reporting period there were two attempted murders in North Ayrshire, one detected and one subject of a live enquiry. There was one detected murder within the current period which occurred in Kilwinning where local policing was supported by the Major Investigation Team. All significant crimes of violence are subject of close scrutiny and managed by the Criminal Investigation Department supported by Priority Policing and Locality teams. Source: Taken from Management Information systems 60
Page 61
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 5 SERIOUS CRIME—Drug Supply Local Action/Context: Q3 shows an increasing trend in terms of Drug Supply charges in North Ayrshire on both last year and the 5-year average. Cannabis Cultivations have noted a marked decrease with just 13 being identified so far this year. Possession charges have noted a marked increase this year but the amounts being found are insufficient to justify a supply charge. Proactivity remains the main focus and means by which these charges are obtained. Engagement with the local residents and Community groups across Ayrshire continues to provide intelligence information which can be developed to ensure we are focusing resources and action plans in the right areas at the right time. Officers across North Ayrshire, including specialist resources continue to proactively tackle drug supply by targeting individuals and groups involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs and are cognisant of the harm and impact that it perpetuates across our towns and villages. This focus is reflected in the increased number of drug supply charges libelled. We remain proactive in relation to information and intelligence regarding drug supply and the individuals involved. Developing this information / intelligence into enforcement action by our proactive crime team and local policing teams remains a priority. Between October and December 2024, notable recoveries include: In October 2024 officers from Ayrshire Division Proactive Crime Team attended a property in Largs. During a search of the property a cannabis cultivation and further quantity of cannabis was recovered with a value of £133,000. A male was arrested and charged with being involved in the production and supply of controlled drugs as well as offences under the Electricity Act 1989. In October 2024 officers from Ayrshire Division Proactive Crime Team attended a property in Dalry. During a search of the property a quantity of diamorphine valued at £2500 and a firearm were recovered. A male was arrested and charged in relation to these offences. In November 2024 officers from Ayrshire Division Proactive Crime Team, supported by North Ayrshire Locality Policing Teams attended two properties in Dalry. During a search of these properties quantities of cocaine and cannabis were recovered valued at over £12,600. Over £2000 cash was also seized during the search. A male and female were arrested and charged with being involved in the supply of controlled drugs. Source: Taken from Management Information systems 61
Page 62
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 6 SERIOUS CRIME—Robbery Local Action/Context: Robbery crimes across North Ayrshire have increased slightly during Q3, figures are slightly up on last year but well below the 5-year average. The figures being reported this year are in keeping with those experiences in previous years with 2023/24 being much lower than the preceding four years. The detection rate is currently 81.8% which is currently slightly below last year but above the 5-year average. There have been three crimes on the High Street in Irvine, two of which have occurred at a bus stop. Twelve of the crimes have taken place within the home, with a physical assault being used against the victim in just over half the crimes. Weapons were used in 11 crimes and included knives, golf club, bottles, etc. Cash and mobile phones remain the most commonly acquired items and the victim knew the offender, in some capacity, in at least 57% of robberies so far this year. Three of the victims have been aged 70 or above; there has been one repeat offender identified who committed 3 crimes. The overall reduction in the crime of robbery is welcome CYTD there have been 22 crimes, with the increase seen in quarter 3 being 1 additional crime. Robbery crimes are always a key priority for North Ayrshire where each report is subject to daily review by the Area Command Team and CID, this ensures that crimes are prioritised, victims supported, and offenders identified and arrested at the earliest opportunity. Two attempted robberies were recorded within a retail environment, our Town Centre Officers are a constant visible presence within retail areas with a focus in and around the Rivergate Centre in Irvine, Locality and Priority Policing Teams proactively enforce bail conditions for robbery offenders and immediately target warrants issued for violent offenders. Three of the indents were either in a domestic setting or between individuals who are known to each other, whilst being committed to robust enforcement we tackle the underlying factors that lead offenders to commit such crimes by working closely with partners to ensure appropriate supports are put in place that could reduce offending. Source: Taken from Management Information systems 62
Page 63
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 7 VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN & GIRLS—Domestic Abuse Local Action/Context: There has been a change in the reporting methods for Domestic crimes which means there is no means of doing a straight comparison due to the change in recording systems. Figures were previously taken from the Vulnerable Person Database, but from 1st April 2024 this has changed and all Domestic figures are now calculated from the Crime Database (UNIFI). The chart provides an indication of the changes which have taken place and highlights the increases noted in crimes during May, June and September and October 2024. From the available information the indications are that there has been an increase in crimes this year and the figures are also above the 5-year average. Non-recent crimes account for just under 12% of those reported. Incident data also shows a slight decrease this year compared with 2023/24, but not to the same extent as the increase in crime data. DSDAS referrals continue to increase with 52 in North Ayrshire between Oct – Dec 2024 compared with 37 and 42 for the previous two quarters. The DSDAS scheme contributes to tackling violence against women and girls. Informs potential victims of any risk posed by another in their relationship and allows them to make an informed decision for their safety. MARAC – 56 referrals in Q3 another rise with 51 and 34 in the previous quarters. Work has been ongoing with the MARAC Coordination team around criteria and risk assessment of referrals. This saw a drop in Dec with 9 referrals to MARAC. This trend will be monitored. After discussion with SMT at North Ayrshire Children and Families Social work, they have allocated a specialist Adult Support and Protection worker to support the North MARAC. The DAIU and local policing took an active part in the 16 days campaign and attended the ‘Reclaim the night’ walk in Irvine. We also have obtained promotional materials to host a public stand at any event which highlights the DSDAS scheme and Police Scotland’s commitment to tackle domestic violence. The stand was deployed at colleges throughout Ayrshire, and is available for future events. Source: Taken from Available Data on iVPD and UNIFI 63
Page 64
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 8 VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN & GIRLS—Rape & Sexual Assault Local Action/Context: There has been a increase in the number of reported Rape crimes in North Ayrshire during Q3 of the Financial Year (up from 42 last year to 44 this year). However whilst there has been a 9.5% increase compared with last year, 53% of these are non-recent crimes. A total of 27 crimes are Domestic related with a further five being a family member. The detection rate is currently above the 5-year average but below last year. Sexual Assaults have also noted an increase on both last year and the 5-year average. Of the 104 reported crimes, 51% are non-recent, and at least eight of all sexual assaults were domestic related with a further eight involving a family member. This quarter represents an increase against the previous year to date with 44 reported rapes when last year there was 42. 53% of these crimes are non- recent with a further 27 occurring a domestic environment. The detection rate is above the 5 year average, however below that of last year. The high incidence of historical reporting, whilst positive in demonstrating the trust and confidence in victims to report both historic and domestic offences, presents challenges in terms of recovery of evidence and investigative opportunities. The number of sexual assaults also shows a marginal increase over the previous year to date, 104 versus 100. A significantly, 51% of these are non-recent, again demonstrating trust and confidence in victims to report to police. All Rape investigations are managed by a Detective Inspector who works closely with all partners and COPFS to ensure quality of service to victims. Source: Taken from Management Information systems 64
Page 65
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 9 SAFER COMMUNITIES—Antisocial Behaviour Local Action/Context: Anti-social behaviour (ASB) incidents across North Ayrshire during Q3 have recorded a decrease when compared with last year (down 2.4%). A 3-year average is available through current dashboards and again there has been a reduction of around 7.5% on this figure. ASB incidents involving youths accounted for just under 11%. Changes have also been made in the way crimes are being recorded to comply with Scottish Government Crime Recording Standards. As a result a new crime group for ASB has now been included making it easier to identify crimes of this nature. These figures show that for Q3 of this year there has been an increase in the number of ASB crimes compared with last year (up 9.2%) and a decrease on the 5-year average (down 5.8%). Pentip ticket information is only available for Ayrshire, not North Ayrshire and currently not all information is coming through therefore these figures only give an indication. During Q3 there have been 77 tickets issued for ASB offences, 50 for Breach of the peace, 13 for Consuming alcohol in a designated place, 5 for Urinating, etc. No comparison can be made on previous years. The reduction in Anti social behaviour is positive and is reflective of the work of the locality policing teams who are a visible presence within the local community. Locality Policing remain responsive to localised issues and specifically target known hotspots and those responsible for ASB reviewing and responding to all incidents within their locality. Each week we review and set priorities for the forthcoming week and implement action plans around specific hot spots. Irvine Town Centre , Central Ave Ardrossan and St Lawrence Place Saltcoats have all seen an increase in ASB which have been addressed through local action plans. Campus officers have been engaging with young people to educate and influence behaviours through a series of inputs. Source: Taken from Management Information Systems 65
Page 66
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 10 SAFER COMMUNITIES—Hate Crime Local Action/Context: It should be noted that Hate crimes are now being counted using the UNIFI Crime system rather than VPD where the figures came from previously (see Domestic section). This does mean direct comparisons are unlikely to be accurate. Based on the available information this would suggest that Hate crime across North Ayrshire have continued to increase when compared to the same period in 2023/24 (n=123 compared with n=120) and the 5-year average (n=101.6). The chart opposite highlights the fact that Racial crimes continue to show marked increases. The majority of these have involved members of the public rather than Police Officers. There are currently nine repeat victims of Racial abuse in North Ayrshire; two were children targeted by other young persons, two were shop workers, three were adults targeted by other adults; one a police officer and one a neighbour dispute. There are currently eight repeat locations, one being Saltcoats Police Station, Largs Academy, Townhead Stores in Irvine and the other 5 residential properties within Irvine, Saltcoats, Stevenston and Kilbirnie. Whilst Hate Crime overall is trending upwards on the 5 year average up 18.1% it is worth noting a significant reduction from Q2 into Q3 with 45 crime recorded in Q2 and 25 in Q3. The majority of crimes recorded are Threatening and abusive behaviour and racially aggravated conduct, year to date Irvine town centre has recorded the highest number of crimes at 15 with 5 recorded at Townhead Stores. All Hate crimes are subject to daily review and scrutiny to ensure that investigations are completed timeously and that the victims are fully supported and kept informed. Local authority Liaison officer continues to work closely with the Ukrainian and Syrian Communities to provide support and guidance regarding hate crimes, Source: Taken from Available Data on iVPD and UNIFI 66
Page 67
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 11 SAFER COMMUNITIES—Acquisitive Crime Local Action/Context: The chart opposite shows a decrease from last year in the Acquisitive crimes of Housebreaking, Fraud, Common theft and Shoplifting for Q3. The crime types to be showing an increase at the moment are Vehicle Crime and Other Thefts (especially In building with intent to steal and Reset). However Fraud and Shoplifting are still recording figures above the 5-year average at the moment. Vehicle Crime figures fluctuated during Q3 and this has continued in recent months with figures still lower than those experienced earlier in the year. Previous investigations resulted in arrests being made and the number of crimes had reduced. Figures for 2024/25 continue to remain low in comparison to highest figure recorded during 2020/21. Shoplifting crimes have been on an upward trend in recent years, however there has been a drop in the number of reported crimes this year but the figures remain the second highest since 2019/20. Fraud crimes have also been on an upward trend in recent years, however these dropped slightly during Q3 compared with 2023/24. Figures remain above the 5-year average with detection rates above those recorded last year. Vehicle crime is down compared with the previous quarter, with cross border disruption, detections and ongoing prevention showing an impact. Prevention work continues to promote vehicle/home security and the use of new technology, ensures that vehicle owners are less likely to have their vehicle stolen or broken into. Although Shoplifting crimes continue on an upward trend, retail crime officers across North Ayrshire have established excellent lines of communication and working relationships with retail staff, influencing premise security, to prevent and detect crime in a timeous manner. Crime trends and details of those criminals who travel nationally are shared across the network quickly, with success in intervention and detection. Fraud crimes remain on an upward trend, this is in line with the rest of the UK. The Cyber enabled Investigation Team continue to assist officers with the expertise required to investigate in this completed national trend. Prevention and Intervention remains the focus to ensure that vulnerable members of the community are not ‘scammed’ or targeted by those criminals’ obtaining monies from victims. Work alongside the banks and Post office network continue to ensure the Banking Protocol remains at the forefront in preventing individuals from becoming a victim of these types of fraud. In addition a dedicated team has been established resulting in positive results and high court trials pending. Source: Taken from Management Information systems 67
Page 68
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 12 ROAD SAFETY Local Action/Context The issue with the Pentip ticket system is in the process of been resolved with RP tickets being uploaded however figures to date cannot be held to be fully accurate with the system having not yet fully caught up. Crime figures involving Speeding currently indicate a decrease with a total of 237 reported, this is below both last years total of 452 and the 5-year average of 385.8. Pentip ticket information is only available for Ayrshire, not North Ayrshire and currently not all information is coming through therefore these figures only give an indication, data is only available up to October 2024. During Q3 there have been 39 tickets issued in Ayrshire during Q3 for Speeding. It is notable, however, that crimes involving Driving under the Influence have continued to increase this year with a total of 222 reported so far, this is well above last years total for Q3 of 190 and the 5-year average of 159.6. In terms of Serious and Fatal Road Accidents —there have been two Fatal Accidents in 2024/25 compared with three last year. However there have been 24 people seriously injured, which is a decrease of fifteen compared to 2023/24; the 2024/25 figure include four children seriously injured. In the year to date (31/12/2024), there have been 93 recorded drink drive related offences which is a 23.8% reduction over the previous year. For the same period to date, there have 183 drug driving offences detected which is an increase on 48% from the previous year. In terms of Serious and Fatal Road Accidents in North Ayrshire —there has been 1 fatality during the three months of this quarter (01/10/2024 until 31/12/2024). Several high profile national campaigns have taken place within North Ayrshire supported by Roads Policing; Young drivers Fatal 5 campaign, 3 days of young driver education has taken place in conjunction with representatives from ARA and SFRS including schools in the North Ayrshire area, Vulnerable Road Users campaign, Get ready for winter campaign, Operation drive insured , Brake road safety week , National taxi education and enforcement campaign, and the Festive drink drug driving campaign. Ayrshire Road Policing Unit have dedicated speeding locations within North Ayrshire which have been identified by our communities as causing concern. These locations are contained within daily tasking’s to ensure our officers continued awareness and deployments. Any new locations are added to a database and then rotated to ensure equity of service. Daily briefings maintain officers awareness of local offenders and crime patterns which enables a targeted, intelligence led approach. Source: Taken from Management Information systems 68
Page 69
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 13 PUBLIC CONFIDENCE—Survey Information User Experience - Current Position It should also be noted that the ‘Feeling adequately informed’ question changed in 2022/23 and only applies to those who stated they expected to be kept informed. The following data relates to responses from North Ayrshire for the period 1st April to 31st December 2024. Your Survey Local Action/Context: Your Police Survey remains open for all police and members of the public to provide their views on Policing in the local community. Local officers continue to promote engagement with Your Police Survey at all events and community engagements with regular broadcasts on media and social media platforms. How safe do you feel in your local area? Total Respondents Very Safe Fairly Safe Total North 19.56% 61.83% 81.39% 317 Concern about Crime Total Respondents Increased a Lot Increased a Little Total North 22.54% 27.30% 49.84% 317 Questions YTD Ayrshire YTD Female Male Number of Respondents 167 729 97 70 Ease of Contact? (% Easy and Very Easy) 73% 72% 78% 66% Being provided with the appropriate response? (% Yes) 72% 64% 73% 69% Feeling adequately informed about progress made with your report (% Yes) 61% 52% 63% 58% Overall Satisfaction? (% Satisfied or Very Satisfied) 75% 68% 78% 71% 69
Page 70
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 14 PUBLIC CONFIDENCE—Complaints Against the Police NOTE : The information in these tables covers the period 1 April 2024 to 31 December 2024. Complaint Cases & Allegations Received Breakdown of Case Categories Breakdown of Allegations Breakdown of Quality of Service Allegation Types TOTAL COMPLAINT CASES RECEIVED TOTAL NUMBER OF ALLEGATIONS RECEIVED YTD LYTD % CHANGE YTD LYTD % CHANGE U DIVISION TOTAL 305 310 -1.6% 475 460 3.3% North Ayrshire 89 94 -5.3% 144 121 19.0% FLR (Early Resolution) FLR PSD (NCARU) FLR (Spec or PSD) Criminal Complaint Non Crim- inal (not FLR) Abandoned With- drawn Ongoing (NCARU) Not Rele- vant Com- plaint U DIVISION 1 136 3 24 81 37 17 6 0 North Ayrshire 0 41 1 7 24 11 3 2 0 Breakdown of Allega- tions Assault Corrupt Practice Discriminatory Behaviour Excess Force Incivility Irregularity in Procedure Neglect of Duty Oppressive Conduct/ Harassment Other - Criminal Non- Criminal Traffic Irreg- ularity/ Offence Unlawful Unnecessary Arrest or Detention U DIVISION 31 2 3 40 76 169 4 9 1 6 3 6 North Ayrshire 7 0 0 12 18 62 0 3 1 3 3 2 Quality of Service Policy/ Service Service Outcome U DIVISION TOTAL 24 40 61 North Ayrshire 10 13 10 70
Page 71
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 15 PUBLIC CONFIDENCE—101 Performance 101 Performance and Information This section measures the average (mean) time to answer calls from the public, received via the 101 telephony system, within the reported period – National Infor- mation and not localised to North Ayrshire. 101 Demand Mitigation People calling the non-emergency 101 service may sometimes have to wait longer to have their calls answered, as the emergency 999 service is always priori- tised. Seasonal fluctuations in demand on 101 and 999 or a high volume of calls to the priority emergency 999 service can result in longer wait times for the responses to non-emergency 101 calls. Crucially, 101 callers are instructed to terminate the call and dial '999' in the event of an emergency or if the incident is escalating. Callers to the 101 non-emergency line are also given the option of using the online Contact Us facility on the Police Scotland website and we have seen a rise in the use of this facility, with 130,000 email contacts recorded last year. ContactUs enquiries are handled in the same way, by the same service advisers as a 101 call but means that the caller does not have to stay on the line for a re- sponse. We also have online reporting forms available on the Police Scotland website which deal with a range of incidents including reporting lost property, and also enable people to report sensitive matters such as hate crime and harassment in confidence. During periods of high demand a recorded message will be utilised to inform callers of delays in answering their call. Callers will also be provided with an antici- pated wait time for their call to be answered. Month Average Speed of Answer No of calls Longest October 2024 3 mins 57 secs 111,146 00:53:02 November 2024 2 mins 49 secs 105,664 00:36:39 December 2024 2 mins 46 secs 98,114 01:13:57 71
Page 72
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 16 PUBLIC CONFIDENCE—Taser Use 72
Page 73
OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 17 GLOSSARY OF TERMS Acronym Details ASB Anti-Social Behaviour ASBIT Anti-Social Behaviour Investigation Team CWU Community Wellbeing Unit CYTD Current Year to Date DAIU Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit DAST Domestic Abuse Safeguarding Team DRD Drug Related Deaths DSDAS Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland NAC North Ayrshire Council FLR Front Line Resolution GIRFEC Getting It Right For Every Child HMP Her Majesty's Prison iVPD Interim Vulnerable Persons Database LPP Local Policing Plan LPT Local Policing Team LYTD Last Year to Date MARAC Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference NCARU National Complaints and Resolution Unit Non-Rec Non Recent (over one year from incident occurring) PACT Pro-Active Crime Team PSOS Police Service of Scotland PYTD Previous Year to Date QoS Quality of Service (relates to complaints) RADAR Rapid Access to Drug and Alcohol Recovery SARC Sexual Assault Referral Centre SFRS Scottish Fire and Rescue Service SWD Social Work Department VAWG Violence Against Women and Girls YTD Year to Date 73
Page 74
74
Page 75
OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Police Scotland North Ayrshire Multi-Agency Work Around Nicotine Vapour Products 2024-2025 Partnership work with North Ayrshire Trading Standards has proven successful in North Ayrshire Police Division’s focus to tackle illicit tobacco and nicotine vapour products. In the current financial year, over 1,500 illicit vape, and over 40,000 counterfeit cigarettes / loose tobacco products have been seized for destruction. Numerous cases of counterfeit cigarette and vape sales have been submitted to the Fiscal by North Ayrshire Trading Standards. Many of these cases result in no proceedings - an issue identified across much of Scotland. Unlike vapes, counterfeit cigarettes legislation has improved since the introduction of Track & Trace penalties. HMRC fine first-time offenders up to £2,500 - increasing to £10,000+ for repeat offences. Several local successes have been made through this legislation – the specifics of which cannot be released due to live ongoing cases. Some public perception that there is a low priority to investigate reported under-aged sales is bolstered by the high-bar legislation required to prove. Police and Trading Standards investigate every age-restriction breach report – generally with a refusal by the young person or parent to provide a statement of events. This in turn means there is lack of evidence to substantiate a crime. Police and Trading Standards have no powers to close known problematic vape stores. Again, this can be perceived by the public as not tackling is the issue. Whilst a Tobacco Banning Order can be sought, it requires expensive court costs which are easily negated by transferring ownership to another name, and continuing under the same business model. Despite the legislative challenges, Ayrshire Police Division and North Ayrshire Trading Standards have responded in alternative ways to keep people safe. Our Preventions & Interventions Officer created a presentation and has delivered this to schools, parents, and professionals. This was subsequently picked up by the “IAmMeScotland Education” charity, and is now their national education programme – used over 1,000 times across all regions of Scotland. Police and Trading Standards have also partnered with North Ayrshire Alcohol & Drugs Partnership - and are on track to deliver the tobacco/vape inputs to all new secondary school pupils in North Ayrshire by the end of the year. They have also partnered with Megan McPherson (NHSA&A Public Health Speciality Registrar) to develop a Position Statement to highlight the extent of the vape issue amongst our young people. A pan-Ayrshire vape forum across multi-agencies has stemmed from this - highlighting the dangers and striving for better awareness of the dangers of these products. Police and Trading Standards would happily present to North Ayrshire Councillors and take any questions pertinent to nicotine vapour products. Agenda Item 6 75
Page 76
76