Police Scotland - North Lanarkshire Performance Report
North Lanarkshire Council · 6 March 2023
Back to Community Safety Partnership Forum — 6 March 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Community Safety Partnership Forum October - December 2022 OFFICIAL
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Introduction The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 provides a framework for local scrutiny arrangements between Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Local Authority. This report provides members of the Community Safety Partnership Forum with an update in respect of policing in North Lanarkshire and affords members the opportunity to consider how effectively police work alongside partners to collectively improve local communities. Matters considered in this report include statistical information from Police Scotland regarding the council area to assess effectiveness of the local police plan in terms of priorities, performance and community engagement. It also includes some qualitative data to give an oversight of activities that are taking place across the local authority area. This report reviews the third quarter of another challenging year for Lanarkshire Division and policing across Scotland. Between October and December 2022, the cost of living crisis continued to impact on our fellow citizens, our own officers/staff and the communities they serve. We supported the global 16 days of activism against gender based violence and undertook a significant policing operation in early November to disrupt antisocial behaviour associated with fireworks. Throughout December we further enhanced our community presence to mitigate seasonal demand in advance of, and during, the festive period where footfall increased considerably across restaurants, bars and night clubs to levels not seen since pre-COVID. The format of the report reflects the priorities outlined in the Local Police Plan 2020 –2023, which is summarised on the following page. OFFICIAL 2
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Local Police Plan on a Page Public Protection and Protecting People at Risk of Harm Tackling Housebreaking and Acquisitive Crime Reducing the Harm Caused by Substance Misuse Threats to public safety and wellbeing are resolved by a proactive and responsive police service The needs of Lanarkshire’s communities are addressed through effective service delivery Lanarkshire's communities and partners are engaged, involved and have confidence in policing Our people are supported through a positive working environment, enabling them to serve the public in Lanarkshire By working collaboratively policing in Lanarkshire is sustainable, adaptable and prepared for future challenges Violent Crime Firearms and Offensive Weapons Hate Crime Anti- Social Behaviour Sexual Crime Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence Adult and Child Protection Domestic Housebreaking Commercial Housebreaking Rural Crime Vehicle Crime Drug Deaths Drug Supply Drug Production Alcohol Misuse Our local police priorities Our areas of focus Strategic Outcomes Reducing Violence and Disorder Road Users Partnerships and Prevention Sustainability and Wellbeing Continuous Im provem ent Safer & Healthier Com m unities OFFICIAL 3
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Reducing Violence and Disorder Crimes of Violence reduced by 13.1% 31.6% reduction in serious assaults Serious assault detections increased by 15.6% 4OFFICIAL Tackling antisocial behaviour and crimes of violence remain a priority across Lanarkshire. We recognise the impact such crimes have on victims, witnesses and the wider community. Our focus on prevention and the robust investigation of incidents has resulted in a reduction of 13.1% (58 fewer) in respect of crimes of violence during this reporting period. There have been five murders during this period, occurring in Bellshill, Airdrie, Wishaw, Newmains and Coatbridge. These crimes are not linked and all have been detected. Robberies or assaults with intent to rob have increased by 11 for this period. CID officers scrutinise all crimes of robbery to identify lines of enquiry, trends and forensic opportunities. It cannot be discounted that the cost of living crisis could be a contributory factor to this increase. Robbery enquiries are often protracted, however that diligent approach has led to a 15.6% increase in their detection rate to 81.7%. We continue our intelligence led, high visibility patrols in hot spot areas and conduct frequent visits to licensed premises, which has contributed to a 31.6% reduction in serious assaults. The detection rate for serious assaults in North Lanarkshire has increased significantly by 15.6% to 89.6%, there has also been an increase in the detection rate for common assaults by almost 6.3% to 73.8%. 95% of Emergency Worker assaults are against police officers, with the remaining 5% involving other emergency workers. The vast majority involved kicking, spitting or punching. Assessments show there is an under-reporting of assaults as crimes by partner agencies and work is ongoing through the multi-agency “Your Safety Matters” campaign to address this. Robbery detections increased by 15.6%
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Reducing Violence and Disorder OFFICIAL 5 Number of disorder complaints reduced by 22% Lanarkshire Division has a zero tolerance approach to hate crime and has processes in place to monitor and review all hate crimes and incidents to ensure these are being identified and recorded appropriately. A daily review is carried out of hate crimes/incidents to assist with identifying emerging trends and to allow appropriate interventions to take place. Relevant partnership working allows for victims and communities to be signposted to support agencies and for reassurance messages and hate material to be shared. Over 66.1% of all hate crimes were detected and work continues to maximise investigative opportunities in the remaining cases. Lanarkshire Division continue to work in partnership with NLC to jointly tackle and, where necessary, enforce legislation in respect of those committing anti-social behaviour within our communities. Daily two-way information sharing is carried out where either organisation has information suggesting anti-social behaviour has occurred. In November as a result of multiple incidents involving residents in the Pentland Road area Wishaw, community police and housing officers carried out a joint initiative, This resulted in a number of anti social behaviour warnings being issued by housing officers and fixed penalty tickets by police. Local warrants initiatives have taken place over the reporting period ensuring any violent offenders are arrested where necessary. Across North Lanarkshire 638 warrants were executed during this reporting period. In November a day of action was carried, involving CID and Uniform officers supported by wider force resources following an incident of attempted murder in the Caldercruix area whereby 2 persons were arrested for the crime of attempted murder and a further 5 arrested in relation to linked incidents across the force area. Vandalism and malicious mischief crimes reduced by 5.2% Common Assaults reduced by 3.5%
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PublicProtection and Protecting People at Risk of Harm OFFICIAL 6 There have been 17 more crimes of rape reported, when compared to the same period last year, and the detection rate has increased significantly by 16.5% to 47.8%, The increase can be attributed to recent crimes which have more forensic opportunity and therefore a higher likelihood of detection. The number of sexual crimes reported to police increased by 12.0%, from last year to 728 reports. Communications/online offences account for 40% of sexual offence figures. Lanarkshire Division have reviewed all sexual offence crimes to ensure all investigative opportunities have been explored and ensure best possible service delivery to the victims of sexual crimes. Since the inception of our review team the following has been undertaken across Lanarkshire: 674 Crime Reports reviewed. 145 additional detections. 27 Crime Reports amended as ‘No Crime’ 3 Crimes changed. The total number of domestic abuse incidents reported to the police has decreased by 8.2% (296 fewer) and the total number of domestic abuse related crimes/offences has decreased by 11.3% (214 fewer). Notably almost two thirds (60.4%) of all crimes and offences relating to domestic abuse incidents were detected. Lanarkshire Division have a Safeguarding Team specialising in ensuring that the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) powers are used to maximum effect. The DSDAS scheme is designed to provide people the opportunity to ask if someone has a history of domestic abuse, allowing them to make an informed decision about their relationship when they may be at risk. The scheme allows applicants to ask for details about their own partner. It also permits others to submit applications on behalf of those who may be at risk. In the period April – December 2022 Lanarkshire Division • 396 DSDAS applications • 255 disclosures Rape detection rates increased by 16.5% Crimes and offences in domestic abuse incidents reduced by 11.3% Domestic abuse incidents reported reduced by 8.2%
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PublicProtection and Protecting People at Risk of Harm OFFICIAL 7 In November 2022 30 Years of Zero Tolerance: Looking Back Moving Forward was hosted in the Motherwell Concert Hall. This event focussed on gender based violence through the years. A number of partners contributed and showcased though presentations and workshops how each contribute towards tackling gender based violence. To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of 16 Days of Activism, a new animation was launched by Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid, in association with Police Scotland. The animation will help to provide support to female migrants, who may not be aware that they are immediately protected by law from abuse and exploitation as soon as they set foot in Scotland. The Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid - Domestic Abuse Animation will be available in many languages including British Sign Language (BSL), Ukrainian, Arabic, and Hindi, and it will be available to access across all public services in Scotland. Responding to reports of missing persons is one of the greatest demands on officers in Lanarkshire and not routinely reflected in performance figures. Responding to high rates of missing persons reduces our capacity to proactively police in our communities. During the period April 2022 – December 2022 Lanarkshire Division have dealt with • 2,253 Missing Person reports: • 58.5% male, 40% female, 1.5% were other • 1,301 reports referred to young people under the age of 18 • 205 (9.1%) were classified as High Risk missing person enquiries
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8OFFICIAL PublicProtection and Protecting People at Risk of Harm 14.3% decrease in people seriously injured on our roads There have been 7 fatalities as a result of a road accident during this reporting period and 42 people were seriously injured. 7 children were seriously injured, this being an increase of 75% and, thankfully, no children have been killed on our roads this reporting period. Each fatal road accident is robustly investigated to ensure criminality has not been a contributory factor. Site visits have been carried out by the Traffic Management Officer to ensure that the road conditions and signage are to the required standard. Lanarkshire’s Road Policing Officers continue to focus on driver behaviour, seeking to improve it through education and enforcement. Focused patrol work is complemented by the use of available technology and databases and intelligence led target packages. Road Policing Officers target behaviour that will have the greatest impact on casualty reduction and address community concerns. Enforcement activity is concentrated on the Fatal 5: • Dangerous/careless driving, • Drink/drug driving, • Speeding, • Seatbelts • Mobile phones 2.1% increase in detections for speeding 39.3% increase in mobile phone offences 48.8% increase in seat belt offences 11.6% increase in dangerous driving offences 11.7% increase in insurance offences 10.9% decrease in driving licence offences 40.0% increase in people killed on our roads 75% increase in children seriously injured on our roads
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Tackling Housebreaking and Acquisitive Crime Theft by Housebreaking decreased by 12.8% Theft by housebreaking crimes have seen a decrease of 12.8%, with their detection rate increasing by 5.0% and will increase further when forensic work is completed. High numbers of theft by housebreaking offences and broader acquisitive crimes continue to be committed by repeat offenders. We have seen a significant increase in theft by shoplifting across North Lanarkshire, up by 14.2%.These increases are consistent with the national picture and are believed to be largely driven by the cost of living crisis and substantial rates of inflation in terms of the cost of food. Between September 2022 and January 2023 a vast amount of motorbikes were stolen from the Motherwell and Wishaw areas. Through diligent enquiries and utilising the Moorov Doctrine and Howden principle a 16yr old male was arrested for 26 thefts and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. The male was placed on curfew and enquiries are ongoing in relation to further undetected crimes. In December 2022, Wishaw officers recovered five stolen vehicles within a yard in Cleland. Extensive enquiries resulted in a day of action whereby 5 warrants were executed and four males arrested and further stolen items recovered . Theft by Shoplifting increased by 18.9% OFFICIAL 9
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Reducing Harm Caused by Substance Misuse A total of £5,377.085 worth of cash, restraints and listed assets have been seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). Lanarkshire Division continues to target drug misuse by enforcement activity through the development of quality intelligence and accurate analysis. This development and enforcement has involved specialist support from colleagues in National Divisions, including Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Units, Operational Support Division and the National Human Trafficking Unit. In October 2022, local officers executed a search warrant at an address in Forgewood due to the police helicopter detecting a significant heat source emanating from a property. Officers recovered 241 cannabis plants and 10.15kg’s of cannabis bud. Two males aged 19yr and 16yrs have been arrested and charged with being concerned in the production of controlled drugs and immigration offences. In October 2022, officers executed a search warrant at a property in Viewpark. 3 kgs of cannabis and an air weapon was recovered. A 29 year old male was arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs and being in possession of an unlicensed air weapon. In November 2022, DAVRU officers executed a search warrant at a commercial property in Wishaw. A large cannabis cultivation valued at £850,000 was recovered. A 43yr old male has been arrested for being concerned in the production of controlled drugs and there is a positive line of enquiry to trace a second suspect. The scale of this operation indicates clear links to an organised crime enterprise. OFFICIAL 10 Detection rates for Drug Supply, Drug Productions and Drug Cultivations has increased by 14.6%
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Public Confidence & Local Engagement In November 2022, Motherwell Community Police supported North Lanarkshire Trading Standards and attended a premises in Wishaw and seized approximately £10,000 of illegally stored fireworks which had been advertised for sale. A male was arrested and a report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. This work coincided with the annual Moonbeam initiative whereby Lanarkshire Division works collaboratively with partners from NLC, Trading Standards and SFRS to keep the community safe. In November 2022, Coatbridge Community Officers arranged for prison officers from Polmont Young Offenders to attend at St Ambrose High School and jointly delivered inputs to pupils. The topics covered were youth offending, knife crime/violence, and the consequences of becoming involved in such behaviours. In November 2022 Airdrie Community Police supported the SSPCA in the Glenboig area with the execution of a search warrant. Several dogs and pups were seized and a report submitted in relation to offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Scotland Act 2006. OFFICIAL 11 Public Confidence Apr 2022 – Dec 2022 Apr 2021 – Dec 2021 Number of Complaints about the Police 246 262 Ratio (Complaints : 10000 Incidents) 42.7 42.6 Total Allegations Recorded 383 393 • On Duty 261 278 • Off Duty 0 0 • Quality of Service 122 115
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Looking Ahead As we look ahead to the fourth quarter (January to March 2023), we will continue to see a reduction in police officers across Scotland and we eagerly await clarity in the final budget settlement in order that we can determine what this will mean for policing in North Lanarkshire. This period will also see increased pressure on individuals, families and communities in the ever tightening grip of the ongoing cost of living crisis. The welfare of our officers and staff through these most challenging times is critical and we will continue to do everything within our gift to support them and the communities they serve. The fourth quarter is also likely to see further pressure on our SAS and NHS colleagues as the public turn to them throughout the winter. Health colleagues are highly likely to become overwhelmed as they continue to tackle the COVID backlog and seasonal illnesses/injuries. This will undoubtedly displace significant demand on the police, to whom the public will always look in their time of need; as the service of last, and increasingly first, resort. The resilience of our officers and staff, and their commitment to providing an excellent service to communities across North Lanarkshire, is nothing short of remarkable. This positive attitude to public service will continue throughout the final quarter of this fiscal year and beyond. We remain fully committed to delivering on the pledges made in our Local Policing Plan, while looking forward to the new priorities that form the forthcoming Local Policing Plan (2023-26), which will come into effect on 1st April 2023. It is through the new plan that we will continue to work with our partners to maximise safety, protect the public and drive forward positive outcomes across North Lanarkshire. OFFICIAL 12
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Serious Violent Crime and Public Protection NLC April 2022 – December 2022 April 2022– Dec 2022 April 2021– Dec 2021 Victims % Change 3 year mean 3 year mean % Total No Group1: Crimes of Violence 385 443 58 fewer -13.1% 437.3 -12.0% Murder 5 2 3 more +150% 3.7 +36.4% Attempted Murder 12 15 3 fewer -20% 13.0 -7.7% Serious Assault detection rate 89.6% 74.0% +15.6% 76.1% +13.4% Serious Assault 134 196 62 fewer -31.6% 210.7 -36.4% Robbery detection rate 81.7% 75.5% +15.6% 76.1% +7.2% Robbery 60 49 11 more +22.4% 65.3 -8.2% Common assault detection rate 73.8% 67.5% +6.3% 70.9% +2.9% Common assault 2582 2668 86 fewer -3.2% 2820 -8.5% Number of Domestic Abuse Incidents Reported to the Police 3330 3626 296 fewer -8.2% 3673 -9.4% Total Crimes and offences in domestic abuse incidents 1680 1894 214 fewer -11.3% 1924 -12.7% Total crimes and offences in domestic abuse incidents detection rate 60.7% 60.6% +0.2% 64.9% -6.4% Number of Sexual Crimes 728 650 78 more +12.0% 629.0 +15.7% Sexual Crimes detection rate 46.7% 48.3% -1.6% 51.4% -4.6% Number of rapes 113 96 17 more +17.7% 95.3 +18.5% Rape detection rate 47.8% 31.3% 16.5% 49.0% -1.2% Number of statutory stop and searches conducted 4160 Number of positive statutory stop and searches 906 Number of complaints regarding disorder 8834 11324 2490 fewer -22.0% Hate Crime and offences detection rate 66.1% 69.4% -3.2% 71.2% -5.1% Vandalism & Malicious Mischief detection rate 28.5% 24.5% +3.9% 25.9% +2.6% Vandalism & Malicious Mischief 2049 2161 112 fewer -5.2% 2270 -9.8% Number of detections for Consuming Alcohol in a designated place (where appropriate byelaws exist) 534 660 -19.1% 639.0 -19.1% Theft by housebreaking (including attempts) detection rate 22.6% 17.6% +5.0% 20.8% +1.8% Theft by housebreaking (including attempts) 420 432 12 fewer -12.8% 573.0 -26.7% Theft by shoplifting detection rate 60.6% 62.5% -1.9% 65.2% -4.6%
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OFFICIAL 2 OFFICIAL Theft by shoplifting 1096 922 174 more +18.9% 1158 -5.4% People Killed 7 5 2 more +40% People Seriously injured 42 49 7 fewer -14.3% People Slightly Injured 129 146 17 fewer -11.6% Children (aged<16) Killed 0 1 1 fewer -100% Children (aged<16) Seriously Injured 7 4 3 more +75% Dangerous driving 173 155 +11.6% 165.7 +4.4% Speeding 740 725 +2.1% 805.7 -8.2% Disqualified driving 52 61 -14.8% 82.3 -36.8% Driving Licence 261 293 -10.9% 312.7 -16.5% Insurance 812 727 +11.7% 850.7 -4.4% Seat Belts 125 84 +48.8% 77.3 +61.6% Mobile Phone 78 56 +39.3% 78.3 -0.4% Number of detections for drugs supply, drugs productions, drugs cultivation 102.1 87.5 +14.6% 92.1 +10.0% Public Confidence April 2022 – Dec 2022 Number of Complaints about the Police Number of Complaints per 10,000 Police Incidents Complaints received about the Police 246 142.7 On Duty Allegations Off Duty Allegations Quality of Service Allegation Total Number of Allegations Total Allegations Recorded 261 0 122 383