4 - North Ayrshire PFRC Q1 2023_24 - PS
North Ayrshire Council · 14 August 2023
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Committee — 14 August 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 1 North Ayrshire Performance Summary Report - Q1 2023/24 Reporting Period: 01/04/2023 - 30/06/2023 Total Crime 3,235 Crimes 8.6% Incidents Recorded 10,529 -2.3%* 16.9% 457 Violence/Homicide Drug Supply 27.7% 24 Sexual Crime 2.2% 84 28.9%* 41 Hate Crime ASB 2,097 Domestic Abuse -3.6%* 260 Acquisitive Crime 5.2% 692 Robbery -48.3% 6 Speeding 15.4% 162 Drink/Drug Driving 39.7% 64 Note: All percentage figures are based on the 5-year average with all data based on Management Information which may be subject to change. *5-yr Average is locally produced and not MI -22.3%* Serious Injury & Fatal Accidents 12 SI/0 Fatal 100%/-100%
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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 fo- cus 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 Community Wellbeing Drugs Harm Mental health 12 Road Safety Drink/Drug Driving, Speeding and Serious Injury & Fatal Accidents 13 Public Confidence User Satisfaction Survey Complaints 14 15 Glossary of Terms 16
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 3
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 4 SERIOUS CRIME—Violence/Homicide Analytical Context: The Q1 period shows that overall violent crime has increased by 16.9% on the 5-year average. This increase is due to the number of Minor Assaults both on Emergency workers and the public. However there have been decreases noted in Murder, Attempt Murder and Serious Assaults on the 5-year average. There are currently just under 7% of the Minor Assaults which are non-recent. The Attempt Murder remains undetected at this stage with 60% of the Serious Assaults currently detected. 11 of the Serious Assaults have taken place in a public place. Local Action/Context: Violent crime continues to be closely monitored and reviewed with investigations being resourced across Local and Priority Policing Teams and the Criminal Investigation Department. Each crime is subject of daily review and scrutiny and thereafter allocated to the most appropriate department to progress to assist in identification of repeat victims, offenders and locations. Our local action plans target any repeat locations especially when related to the night time economy where during the reporting period have completed 198 licensed premises visits throughout North Ayrshire. There have been no homicides during the reporting period and despite extensive investigation the one attempted murder remains undetected. The number of serious assaults has increased from the same period last year however the detection rate has significantly improved where 73.3% of crimes have been resolved. The Community Wellbeing Unit continue to work closely with persons and partners to make a positive impact with the overarching aim to divert offenders away from crime whilst supporting our vulnerable victims. Source: Taken from Police Scotland Business Intelligence Portal
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 5 SERIOUS CRIME—Drug Supply Source: Taken from Police Scotland Business Intelligence Portal Analytical Context: Drug supply charges in North Ayrshire have noted an increase during the first quarter of the year. Charges are up 27.7% on the 5-year mean for Supplying Drugs and up 100% for Cannabis Cultivations on the 5-year average. Proactivity remains the main focus and means by which these charges are obtained. Identifying any real patterns to where these crimes are taking place requires the combined work of local officers and Divisional staff, building on the Community Intelligence provided by North Ayrshire residents, community groups or via Crimestoppers. Local Action/Context: The increase in drug supply charges in the first quarter reflect the significant work ongoing to target those offenders who are involved in serious and organised crime in the sale and supply of controlled drugs. We remain responsive to information and intelligence relating to drug supply developing this into enforcement action by our proactive crime team supported by priority and local policing teams. During the reporting period notable recoveries include several cannabis cultivations. Cannabis cultivation in Ardrossan, 28 year old male arrested and charged with production and supply . Value in excess of £100k Cannabis cultivations, acting on local intelligence 6 properties searched in Kilbirnie all linked to same offender, 22 year old male arrested and remanded in custody . Value £340K Cannabis cultivation in Dalry, large scale operation , £40K value of cannabis and £32K class B drugs seized, enquiry ongoing Cannabis Cultivation Stevenston Industrial Estate, 4 males apprehended—potential street value of £2 Milliion.
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 6 SERIOUS CRIME—Robbery Analytical Context: The number of reported Robbery type crimes so far this year is lower than both last year (n=9) and the 5- year average (11.6). So far 5 of the 6 reported crimes this year have been detected, giving a detection rate of 83.3%. The Rivergate Shopping area is currently being shown as a repeat location with two crimes taking place at this location. Three of these crimes have taken place within the home, with a physical assault being most commonly used against the victim. Cash remains the most commonly acquired item and the victim knew the offender, in some capacity, in at least 50% of these crimes from the information currently available. Local Action/Context: The reduction in recorded robbery crimes is positive, as is the current detection rate which has improved on the previous reporting period, the robbery that is not yet detected is still a live investigation. Every report of robbery is a key priority and is subject to immediate supervisory overview and review and investigation by the CID. This enhanced level of scrutiny allows for the prioritisation of investigations resulting in the early identification and arrest of offenders which is clearly evidenced by the positive detection rate. There is always a collective response to such crimes utilising all available investigative tools and intelligence. Our officers regularly patrol town centres areas to provide reassurance and visibility around retail outlets, licensed premises and transport hubs. They are supported by our Preventions and Interventions Officer who will follow up each crime committed in a commercial setting to discuss security and safety of staff. Source: Taken from Crime Management through ScOMIS
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 7 VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN & GIRLS—Domestic Abuse Source: Data taken from iVPD through ScOMIS Analytical Context: Domestic crimes during the first three months of this year are showing an increase when compared with last year (up 14%), however there has been a reduction on the 5-year average of 3.6%. The chart opposite clearly shows that the month of May has recorded fewer crimes than the other two months and is well below the 5-year average figure. It has been noted that almost 11% of the crimes reported during this period are non-recent. There has been a slight increase in the number of Domestic Incidents reported this year compared with 2022/23 (up 2%). Local Action/Context: The Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Team in Ayrshire continue to offer the victims in all domestic cases reported a follow up contact from the department. This important function has given a notable increase in victim confidence and the ability to discuss their often complex situations which allows them a period of reflection following the initial incident. This also offers an increased opportunity for third sector signposting and referral to partner agencies. This increased confidence can be evidenced in the use of DSDAS (Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland) where applications continue to show exponential increase. During the reporting period the department processed 79 applications which is an increase of 44% on the previous year. Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) referrals for North Ayrshire number 32 and 3 high tariff offenders of domestic abuse were identified as Multi Agency Tasking and Co-ordination (MATAC) targets with investigations ongoing. The increase in reporting from the same period last year may well be explained by the additional processes now implemented by the DAIU who have been able to engage with victims that may have otherwise have disengaged or felt that they were not being heard. The Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit (DAIU) remains committed to the delivery of the Violence Against Woman and Girls Strategy for North Ayrshire.
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 8 VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN & GIRLS—Rape & Sexual Assault Source: Data taken from iVPD through ScOMIS Analytical Context: Examination of the Rape crimes which were reported in Q1 shows a reduction in the numbers this year compared with both last year and the 5-year average. It is notable that a total of 4 of these are non- recent crimes of which two were Domestic related. Sexual Assaults have noted a marked increase during the first three months of this year on both last year and the 5-year average. Of the 29 reported crimes, 5 are non-recent, and 4 are domestic related. It should be noted that 9 crimes have been reported by one individual against the same male. During the Q1 period there have been a total of 17 individuals (3 males, 14 females) aged 17 years or younger who have reported a recent sexual crime (a total of 30 crimes reported by these individuals). A further 9 crimes were reported to have taken place between 2020 and 2022 which involved 5 individuals (1 male, 4 females) who are still under 18 years of age. Local Action/Context: Targeting sexual crime remains a priority for Police Scotland. Every reported incident of a sexual nature is robustly investigated. The Divisional Rape Investigation Unit (DRIU) comprises a Detective Inspector, two Detective Sergeants and 8 Detective Constables/Constables with a wealth of operational and specialist experience and skillsets. Notably the majority of the Sexual Offence Liaison Officers (SOLO) have now received training in video recorded interview (VRI) practices which afford a more effective victim centred approach to capturing victim evidence. In order to provide a true victim centred approach the Detective Inspector meets with Rape Crisis monthly to discuss feedback from clients to identify any operational issues allowing the team to adapt and to provide the best service. This approach has afforded an opportunity to engage directly with survivors about their experiences in engaging with the Police at each stage of the investigation, all feedback is subject to evaluation and is fed back to the team in order that they continually learn and develop to build confidence in reporting. North Ayrshire Domestic Abuse champions continue to engage with partners to develop support networks for those impacted by violence against women and girls.
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 9 SAFER COMMUNITIES—Antisocial Behaviour Analytical Context: Anti-social behaviour in general has shown a reduction this year when compared to the 5-year average, although there has been a slight increase on last year (up 2.6%). Both May and June have recorded increases and this may be as a result of the improved weather which resulted in more transient visitors to the beaches in Ayrshire, including those in North Ayrshire. ASB incidents involving youths accounted for just under 12%. A total of 91 ASB Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued during the Q1 period in North Ayrshire. Local Action/Context: The Safer Shores Initiative is in place to ensure that those living and visiting Ayrshire can do so safely, with our local officers working closely with specialist police resources and partner agencies to address any emerging issues or incidents. Additional and dedicated patrols are deployed in the areas to carry out active patrols, positively engage with the public, to intervene and deal with offences appropriately. The improved weather during June has without doubt impacted on the local community with large numbers travelling to the area to enjoy the beaches. The partnership approach adopted by Prevention First continues to have a positive impact. On the 6th June we introduced locally funded Quad Bikes providing an additional dimension to policing in North Ayrshire. During the reporting period they were deployed assisting with the prevention and detection of Anti-social behaviour in known hotspots and were utilised to locate missing persons. Local action plans continue to impact on known areas of ASB to address community concerns and reports of ASB involving the use of off road vehicles / scramblers. Source: Taken from STORM data extracted through ScOMIS
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 10 SAFER COMMUNITIES—Hate Crime Source: Taken from the iVPD database through ScOMIS Analytical Context: Hate crime across North Ayrshire is currently showing an increase when compared to the same period in 2022/23 (n= 41 this year n=29 last year) and the 5-year average (31.8). The chart opposite highlights that Racial crimes have increased markedly . In total 16 members of the public have been subjected to a racial crime. Of these 2 have been Syrian, 3 were Pakistani, 2 were Indian, 1 Chinese, I African and the remainder were either Mixed Race, English, Scottish and 1 was a French national. There is one repeat victim identified who has been subjected to three racial crimes during the first three months of the year. There are currently no repeat locations identified apart from the home address associated to the repeat victim. Local Action/Context: Addressing the increase in racial crime is a priority in North Ayrshire. Every report of a hate crime attracts additional scrutiny and governance from the Local Area Commander and team to identify patterns of behaviour, repeat victims, locations and to ensure the relentless pursuit of offenders. Local Policing Teams and interventions officer visit the victims of such crimes ensuring appropriate advice and support providing them with a single point of contact. During the reporting period the repeat victim referenced has been targeted by the same perpetrator, who has been arrested on each occasion, appropriate bail conditions are in place and by working alongside the local authority a live Anti Social Behaviour Investigation Team (ASBIT) case is being progressed . During the reporting period no hate crimes have been recorded that feature any Ukrainian or Afghan refugees.
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 11 SAFER COMMUNITIES—Acquisitive Crime Analytical Context: From the table opposite it is evident that the majority of acquisitive type crimes are currently showing increases when compared with last year but decreases when compared with the 5-year average. Fraud type crimes have been on the increase for a number of years, and this has been exacerbated since the start of the pandemic in 2020 as more people moved their shopping habits online making them more vulnerable to potential scams and fake sites. Around 50% of Fraud crimes this year in North Ayrshire can be classed as having a cyber element. Examples of which include goods purchased and not received, monies not received for goods sent or WhatsApp type scams. Whilst housebreaking crimes are also showing an increase this is primarily due to crimes where commercial premises have been broken into. Housebreaking crimes to domestic premises, including non-dwelling domestic premises, have recorded a decrease this year. Local Action/Context: The decrease to domestic housebreakings is positive given the significant emotional impact these crimes have on victims, there is strict governance around each report of housebreaking with each crime being subject to review by local Detective Inspector thus ensuring that evidential and forensic opportunities are maximised that where appropriate crimes are linked to the same offender. The significant increase in crimes of fraud is replicated nationally within North Ayrshire our prevention and Interventions officer works hand and glove with the local authority and trading standards to raise awareness of these crimes to give our communities the tools to spot a scam before they suffer any financial loss. Prevention officers, working with partners, have delivered inputs to 16 events throughout North Ayrshire to support vulnerable members of the community, raise awareness and offer preventative advice on frauds and scams. Events have taken place within local community groups, resource centres, libraries and at community council meetings. Source: Taken from Police Scotland Business Intelligence Portal
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 12 COMMUNITY WELLBEING Local Action/Context: Drugs Harm: Community Wellbeing Unit (CWU) has established a strong and positive partnership with various organisations to address problematic drug use and support individuals in accessing the appropriate support and recovery services. Over the last quarter, CWU have engaged with 86 persons where there has been drug use or addiction involved in their vulnerability. Working closely with addiction services, they identified those who may benefit from their support and referred several directly to the service. They meet with NADARS on a monthly basis to have a multi-agency discussion and plan effective support measures and interventions where appropriate. The partnership discusses and coordinates their efforts in supporting individuals with problematic drug use, sustained poor mental health, repeat offenders and those at risk of homelessness. They share updates on the availability of support services, including the implementation of local Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards. This collaborative approach ensures that the partners are aligned in their goals and resources are leveraged effectively. Mental Health: Over the last quarter, CWU have engaged with 111 persons who have come to the attention of the police requiring support with their mental health. CWU have been working closely with partners in relation to a member of the community who had been carrying out significant self-harm causing worry and concern within the family. After several multi-agency meetings and intervention of the CWU, this person is now settled in their own accommodation and no longer requires to have Adult Support and Protection measures in place having stopped self-harming. The partnership approach used has resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of life of all family members and a reduction on demand on both police and Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS). Police Scotland work with partners to review Deaths by Suicide in North Ayrshire. Shared discussions to identify families and communities impacted from deaths by sui- cide continues to take place. Work across all sectors is promoted to raise awareness of support groups available across North Ayrshire to reduce deaths by suicide and to reduce the impact of a death by suicide within the North Ayrshire communities. Youth Engagement: The CWU have maintained and built upon the relationships with young persons in care settings through regular visits and conversations in Children’s Houses. They have provided inputs to the young person’s around topics that have been suggested by staff which they feel they would benefit from such as online safety. They have attended several open day events in collaboration with Connected Communities.
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 13 ROAD SAFETY Source: Taken from Police Scotland Business Intelligence Portal Analytical Context: There has been an increase in the detection of both Speeding offences and Drink/Drug Offences during Q1 within North Ayrshire. However, this is due to increased pro-activity across the area to ensure road users are driving appropriately and safely. In terms of Serious and Fatal Road Accidents—there have been no Fatal Accidents so far this year compared with one last year. However there have been 12 people seriously injured during Q1, this is an increase of 6 since last year and includes two children. There are no repeat locations for incidents where people have been seriously injured. Local Action/Context: Speeding remains a strong focus for Police within North Ayrshire. Regular engagement is conducted between Police, Ayrshire Roads Alliance and North Ayrshire Council to discuss community concerns regarding speeding. All concerns raised via local elected members and the community are identified and assessed by colleagues within Ayrshires Road Policing Unit, where they form daily tasking deployments which are allocated out at briefings. Speeding detections have risen by 15.4% as a result of the proactive approach of the officers of North Ayrshire. Ayrshire’s Road Policing Unit have recently acquired a second unmarked patrol vehicle which is regularly deployed on priority routes in North Ayrshire. In addition, the National Motorcycle Unit have provided support via high visibility and unmarked motorcycle deployments within the sub division. To reduce incidents of Serous Injury on the road network Road Policing officers supported by local officers have carried out a number of localised action plans within North Ayrshire at eight key areas including Millport and Arran during the reporting period and have also specifically targeted Mobile phone offences , seatbelts and child restraint action plan. Local Policing Teams continue to respond to local community feedback and undertake speed detection patrols. Two large scale car cruises have been held at Irvine Beach park in the review period. Both events attracting in excess of 3000 vehicles from all over the UK. Local officers supported by Ayrshire’s Road Policing Unit and specialist officers from the Air Support unit deployed during these events to monitor and respond to incidents of anti-social driving in and around the area . During both cruise events there has been engagement with partners to reduce the impact on the local community both during and after the cruise. During both events there has been enforcement around Road Traffic and Anti social Behaviour offences.
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 14 PUBLIC CONFIDENCE—Survey Information User Experience - Current Position The information on the table below is from data gathered in the April 2023 to June 2023 for North Ayrshire. It should also be noted that the ‘Feeling adequately informed’ question has changed in 2022/23 and only applies to those who stated they expected to be kept informed. Your Survey The following information is based on data from April to June 2023 (we might want to consider if this should be included due to the low numbers) Local Action/Context: The 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 broadcast son media and social media channels. How safe do you feel in your local area? Male Female Total Respond- ents Very Safe Fairly Safe Total Very Safe Fairly Safe Very Safe Fairly Safe North 20% 40% 60% 0% 33.33% 50% 50% 5 Concern about Crime Male Female Total Respond- ents Increased a Lot Increased a Little Total Increased a Lot Increased a Little Increased a Lot Increased a Little North 60% 0% 60% 66.67% 0% 50% 0% 5 Questions YTD Force YTD Female Male Blank/ Other Number of Respondents 87 3885 42 15 30 Ease of Contact? (% Easy and Very Easy) 72% 70% 69% 73% 77% Being provided with the appropriate response? (% Yes) 72% 63% 76% 77% 63% Feeling adequately informed about progress made with your report 59% 49% 60% 14% 83% Overall Satisfaction? (% Satisfied or Very Satisfied) 61% 48% 64% 47% 63%
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 15 PUBLIC CONFIDENCE—Complaints Against the Police Complaints about the Police Breakdown of Case Categories Breakdown of On Duty Allegations Breakdown of Quality of Service Allegation TOTAL COMPLAINT CASES RECEIVED TOTAL NUMBER OF ALLEGATIONS RE- CEIVED YTD LYTD % CHANGE YTD LYTD % CHANGE TOTAL 79 94 -16.0% 105 131 -19.8% North Ayrshire 17 31 -45.2% 22 45 -51.1% FLR (Early Resolution) FLR PSD (NCARU) FLR (Spec or PSD) Criminal Complaint Non Criminal (not FLR) Abandoned Withdrawn Ongoing (NCARU) Not Relevant Complaint U DIVISION 0 27 3 5 26 10 4 4 0 North Ayrshire Council 0 8 1 0 4 1 0 3 0 Breakdown of Allegations Assault Corrupt Practice Discriminato- ry Behaviour Excess Force Incivility Irregularity in Proce- dure Neglect of Duty Oppres- sive Con- duct/ Harass- ment Other - Crim- inal Non- Criminal Traffic Irregulari- ty/ Offence Unlawful Unneces- sary Ar- rest or Detention U DIVISION 6 0 1 5 9 33 2 1 0 0 3 2 North Ayrshire 0 0 0 0 1 10 0 0 0 0 0 1 Quality of Service Policy/Procedure Service Delivery Service Outcome U DIVISION TOTAL 15 7 21 North Ayrshire 2 3 5
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 16 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 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 ScOMIS Scottish Operational and Management Information System SFRS Scottish Fire and Rescue Service SWD Social Work Department VAWG Violence Against Women and Girls YTD Year to Date