Police Scotland - North Lanarkshire Performance Report
North Lanarkshire Council · 19 September 2022
Back to Community Safety Partnership Forum — 19 September 2022 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 19th September 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 the 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 first quarter of what promises to be another challenging year for Lanarkshire Division and policing across Scotland. The resilience and dedication of our officers and staff ensured that the impact of substantial, concurrent commitments passed with minimal impact on our ‘business as usual’ policing service to citizens and communities across North Lanarkshire. 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 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 22.1% in respect of crimes of violence during this reporting period. We continue our intelligence led, high visibility patrols in hot spot areas and conduct frequent visits to licensed premises, which has contributed to a 40.8% reduction in serious assaults. This capacity gain has manifested in a 25.4% rise in our detection rate in respect of the remaining crimes. Analysis has shown an increase in young people being involved in violent crime. Our school liaison and Safer Communities officers are working with Medics Against Violence and the local authority to educate our young people about the consequences and devastating impact of violence, including the dangers of alcohol induced violence and weapon carrying. Throughout the last term we reached almost 7000 young people across our schools. Crimes of Violence reduced by 22.1% 40.8% reduction in serious assaults Serious assault detections increased by 25.4% 4OFFICIAL There have been 3 murders during this reporting period, all of which have been detected and those responsible are remanded in custody. We continue to provide support to families and communities affected by such heinous crimes. CID officers scrutinise all crimes of robbery to identify lines of enquiry, trends and forensic opportunities. These enquiries are often protracted, however that diligent approach has led to a 73.9% detection rate of all robberies and crimes of assault with intent to rob.
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There were 35 fewer victims of common assault than the same period last year, with 70% being detected. Common assaults against emergency workers have increased slightly when compared to the same period last year. It remains completely unacceptable to assault any emergency worker and should never be accepted as ‘part of the job’. Operational Safety Training has been enhanced to increase the annual requalification course from one day to two days with new techniques and de-escalation tactics included. Community Police carried out an initiative in relation to the antisocial use of off-road vehicles in the Wishaw area and numerous arrests were made in relation to road traffic offences. So far this year, 12 off-road bikes have been seized in the Wishaw area and officers have engaged with local motorcycle shops to raise their awareness of issues in the local area. Lanarkshire Division adopts a zero tolerance approach to hate crime. We will take robust action and do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice. Over 60% of all hate crimes were detected and work continues to maximise investigative opportunities in the remaining cases. Recently we have seen an increase in hate crimes towards store security officers, typically following incidents of shoplifting. Our Safer Communities Officers continue to work with retail premises, staff and victims of hate crime, providing support, guidance and using social media to highlight the impact of hate crime on individuals and the wider communities. Across North Lanarkshire 809 warrants were executed during this reporting period, through which offenders were brought to justice and public confidence enhanced. Reducing Violence and Disorder OFFICIAL 5 Vandalism and malicious mischief crimes reduced by 9.8% Common Assaults reduced by 3.8% Number of disorder complaints reduced by 29.3%
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PublicProtection and Protecting People at Risk of Harm OFFICIAL 6 The number of sexual crimes reported to police increased by 7%, from last year, to 230 reports. This increase may be as a result of increased confidence in reporting of non-recent crimes. An analytical review established 21 crimes referred to online communications and the sharing of intimate images. Lanarkshire Division has recently established a team of officers who have been tasked to review all undetected sexual crimes and ensure every investigative opportunity has been fully exploited. This detailed work will yield positive outcomes for victims and the wider community. Our School Liaison Officers continue to provide online safety awareness sessions across North Lanarkshire and our Safer Communities officers continue to utilise social media to highlight the inherent risks associated with anonymous online communications. There have been 2 more crimes of rape reported, when compared to the same period last year, and the detection rate has increased slightly. Every report of rape is treated with the utmost diligence and compassion. Our officers explore every possible avenue to ensure offenders are brought to justice. The complex nature of the investigations and frequent need for detailed forensic analysis, together with rise in individuals having the confidence to report non- recent offences, can lead to protracted investigations. The total number of domestic abuse incidents reported to the police has decreased by 9.2% (117 fewer) and the total number domestic abuse related crimes/offences has decreased by 14% (96 fewer) While this is most welcome, we will be relentless in our pursuit of those who commit such crimes and work with our partners to both support and protect the victims. Rape detection rates increased by 0.6% Crimes and offences in domestic abuse incidents reduced by 14.0% Domestic abuse incidents reported reduced by 9.2%
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PublicProtection and Protecting People at Risk of Harm OFFICIAL 7 In 2014, a High Risk Registered Sex Offender fled to Thailand, prior to sentencing. Lanarkshire Division sought to have him returned to Scotland, however, legislative barriers within the Thai authorities meant that no further action could be taken at that time. In early 2020, Thai law was amended meaning that extradition was possible. Extensive and detailed investigative work by Lanarkshire Division, support by our national Specialist Crime Division (SCD) successfully identified his location in Thailand. Work in collaboration with the Thai authorities and the National Crime Agency led to a domestic arrest warrant being issued in March 2022 and the individual was arrested in May 2022, with extradition proceedings well underway. The pan-Lanarkshire Joint Investigation Interview team (JII) based at Blantyre was established in February 2020. The Scottish Child Interview Model is aimed at getting the best evidence from a child, in a trauma informed manner, specifically so that JIIs are of a sufficiently high standard that they may be used as Evidence in Chief, thereby reducing the need for children to give evidence in court and minimising the associated trauma. Between April and June 2022, the JII Team completed 145 interviews of children in relation to rape, sexual offences, assaults and other serious crimes. The Team play an important role, committing to the vital work to protect children and young people. To ensure the welfare of all children involved, including those not criminally responsible, the JII Team speak with the child to ascertain if there is an underlying reason for their actions and behaviour. This allows the JII Team to have a wider, informed view and work with partners to provide additional support where necessary.
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The bright nights and better weather habitually bring a seasonal increase in the use of motorbikes on our roads. Lanarkshire Road Policing Officers routinely patrol roads across North Lanarkshire that are frequently used by motorbikes. During the reporting period, 81 motorbikes were stopped where officers highlighted the risks, educated drivers and offered positive reinforcement. Where offences were detected enforcement action was taken. 8OFFICIAL PublicProtection and Protecting People at Risk of Harm 12.5% decrease in people seriously injured on our roads 50% reduction in children seriously injured on our roads • 12.6% increase in detections for speeding • 23.3% decrease in mobile phone offences • 34.4% increase in seat belt offences • 16.9% decrease in dangerous driving • 4.0% increase in insurance offences • 31.3% decrease in driving licence offences The decrease in some offences may well be linked to enhanced police patrols, through which vehicle ‘stop and engagement’ activity has increased significantly. Driver/rider education and encouragement has been proven to have a positive, preventative influence on road safety. Throughout the reporting period, Community Policing officers have responded to speeding complaints received from elected representatives and the public. Driving in excess of the speed limits is one of the most common contributory factors in a road traffic collisions. Speed checks took place across Bellshill, Viewpark and Coatbridge. Officers found that the majority of motorists were complying with the speed limit, however enforcement action was taken where necessary. We will continue to carry out regular speed checks at hot spot areas to influence driver behaviour and reduce the number of accidents on our roads. There was 1 fatality as a result of a road accident during this reporting period and 14 people were seriously injured compared with 16 during the same period last year. 2 children were seriously injured, this is a reduction of 50% and, thankfully, no children have been killed on our roads this reporting period. 66.7% decrease in People killed on our roads
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Tackling Housebreaking and Acquisitive Crime Theft by Housebreaking detections increased by 10.2% In May 2022, DAVRU officers investigating housebreakings at Motherwell Football Club and Dalziel Bowling Club worked quickly to progress enquiries with the assistance of NLC CCTV and Housing Officers, this led to police identifying a 41 year old male who was charged with theft by housebreaking and the stolen property was returned to the rightful owners. In June 2022, a resident in the Sikeside area of Coatbridge woke up through the night and observed a male breaking into his motor vehicle. Police were contacted and conducted a thorough search of the area. Due to the quick actions and description passed by the resident, CCTV and local officers quickly identified and traced the 44 year old male responsible. Further investigations led to the male being charged with 16 different crimes of theft. In June 2022, a spate of thefts from vehicles took place across Airdrie. PACT officers carried out extensive enquiries, which led to a male being arrested and charged in relation to 15 separate crimes of theft. We have seen a significant increase in theft by shoplifting across North Lanarkshire, up by 17.9% compared to last year, yet down 8.3% against the three year mean. The recent rise can be attributed to both the easing of restrictions, where retail premises are now open, and the pressure of the cost of living in respect of food, fuel and energy. Theft by Shoplifting increased by 17.9% OFFICIAL 9 In June 2022, PACT officers carried out extensive enquiries into a wide range of thefts across Lanarkshire, as a result of which they identified 3 males aged 23, 26 and 27 as being responsible. The men were arrested and charged with 28 vehicle thefts in what was clearly an organised criminal enterprise.
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Reducing Harm Caused by Substance Misuse A total of £2,057,636 worth of cash, restraints and listed assets have been seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). In April 2022, local officers, acting on intelligence, executed a search warrant at an address in Craigneuk. Officers recovered 700 street valium and four boxes of cannabis edibles with a street value of £4000. A 29 year old male was charged in connection with drug offences. In April 2022, Coatbridge officers were on patrol when their attention was drawn to the suspicious behaviour of a driver within a vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle where they recovered cash, 61g of cocaine and over 800 ecstasy tablets with a combined street value of £5,000 A 26 year old male was arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. In May 2022, DAVRU officers executed a search warrant at an address in Shotts. Officers recovered 3.2kg of herbal cannabis and 23 cannabis plants with a street value of £15,000. A 35 year old male was arrested for being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. In May 2022, Road Policing and PACT officers, acting on intelligence, stopped a vehicle on the M8 near to Harthill. The vehicle was searched and officers recovered 6.3kg of heroin with a street value of £56,000. A 65 year old male was arrested and charged for being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. In June 2022, DAVRU officers executed a search warrant at an address in Motherwell. During the search, officers recovered 268g of herbal cannabis with a street value of £1000 and seized over £23,000 in cash. A 25 year old male was arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug. OFFICIAL 10
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Public Confidence & Local Engagement From April to June 2022, Campus Officers ran the Pitching In Programme at Coatbridge and St Andrew’s High Schools. This programme is designed to better equip our young people and inform their decision making on issues including antisocial behaviour, drugs, alcohol, racism and sectarianism. These are important lessons for our young people, who may be susceptible to being drawn into this behaviour in a range of settings and equipping them with the confidence to speak out against such behaviour. In June 2022, a joint day of action was carried out by Wishaw Community Police and the SSPCA in the Craigneuk area. Investigations into illegal puppy farming and animal welfare were undertaken, which resulted in two dogs being safely recovered. A bogus crime initiative took place in Cumbernauld with DAVRU officers and Trading Standards. During the operation, officers identified eight companies working on residential properties who were failing to comply with consumer protection legislation. Those offences are being pursued. OFFICIAL 11 Public Confidence Apr 2022 - June 2022 Apr 2021 – June 2021 Number of Complaints about the Police 82 96 Ratio (Complaints : 10000 Incidents) 38.8 40.6 Total Allegations Recorded 127 174 • On Duty 89 130 • Off Duty 0 0 • Quality of Service 38 44
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Looking Ahead As we look ahead to the second quarter (July to September 2022) we anticipate the impact of the cost of living crisis to manifest across society in myriad ways that will impact the entire public sector. Policing, and indeed our officers and staff, are far from immune to the pressures of inflation and we are acutely aware of the level of support that will be required, internally and in partnership with other agencies. The welfare of our officers and staff through these most challenging times is paramount and we will continue to build on our existing support mechanisms. Concurrently, we expect there to be significant seasonal demand for policing in North Lanarkshire with a range of events and processions throughout the summer months, coupled with the start of the 2022/23 football season. The intense pressure on colleagues across the public sector has undoubtedly displaced significant demand onto various partners, including policing, where an increasing proportion of time is spent dealing with vulnerability, mental and physical health emergencies. We feel that the impact of displaced demand on partners is such that it is worthy of specific focus to explore how this impact can be best redressed. The resilience of our officers and staff is evident in all that they do and we anticipate a stabilisation of our absence levels as society learns to live with the coronavirus. As ever, we remain fully committed to delivering on the pledges made in our Local Policing Plan, working with our partners and communities across North Lanarkshire to maximise safety, protect the public and drive forward positive outcomes for all. OFFICIAL 12
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Serious Violent Crime and Public Protection NLC April 2022 - June 2022 April 2022– June 2022 April 2021– June 2021 Victims % Change 3 year mean 3 year mean % Total No Group1: Crimes of Violence 120 154 34 fewer -22.1% 151.7 -20.9% Murder 3 0 3 more +300% 1.7 +80.0% Attempted Murder 2 5 3 fewer -60.0% 4.0 -50.0% Serious Assault detection rate 100% 74.6% +25.4% 81.6 +18.4% Serious Assault 42 71 29 fewer - 40.8% 78.0 -46.2% Robbery detection rate 73.9% 86.4% -12.5% 79.7 -5.8% Robbery 23 22 1 more +4.5% 23.0 - % Common assault detection rate 69.7% 67.2% +2.4% 71.7 -2.1% Common assault 880 915 35 fewer -3.8% 948.3 -7.2% Number of Domestic Abuse Incidents Reported to the Police 1155 1272 117 fewer -9.2% 1263. 0 -8.6% Total Crimes and offences in domestic abuse incidents 588 684 96 fewer -14.0% 646.0 -9.0% Total crimes and offences in domestic abuse incidents detection rate 57.3% 59.6% -3.9% 67.3 -14.9% Number of Sexual Crimes 230 215 15 more +7.0% 211.3 +8.8% Sexual Crimes detection rate 32.6% 62.3% -29.7% 51.6 -19.0% Number of rapes 41 39 2 more +5.1% 32.7 +25.5% Rape detection rate 39.0% 38.5% +0.6% 49.0 -10% Number of statutory stop and searches conducted 1121 Number of positive statutory stop and searches 247 Number of complaints regarding disorder 3173 4489 1316 fewer -29.3% Hate Crime and offences detection rate 60.2% 71.2% -11.0% 73.4 -13.2% Vandalism & Malicious Mischief detection rate 25.0% 25.1% -0.1% 26.4 -1.4% Vandalism & Malicious Mischief 692 766 74 fewer -9.7% 767.3 -9.8% Number of detections for Consuming Alcohol in a designated place (where appropriate byelaws exist) 217 328 111 fewer -33.8% 277.3 -21.8% Theft by housebreaking (including attempts) detection rate 23.0% 12.8% -10.2% 21.6 +1.4% Theft by housebreaking (including attempts) 152 125 27 more +21.6% 186.3 -18.4% Theft by shoplifting detection rate 49.0% 62.3% -13.3% 67.1 -18.0%
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OFFICIAL 2 OFFICIAL Theft by shoplifting 363 308 55 more +17.9% 395.7 -8.3% Road Safety People Killed 1 3 2 fewer -66.7% People Seriously injured 14 16 2 fewer -12.5% People Slightly Injured 29 50 21 fewer -42.0% Children (aged<16) Killed 0 1 1 fewer -100% Children (aged<16) Seriously Injured 2 4 2 fewer -50% Dangerous driving 54 65 -16.9% 64.7 -16.5% Speeding 285 253 +12.6% 330.0 -14.4% Disqualified driving 20 19 +5.3% 30.0 -33.3% Driving Licence 79 115 -31.3% 122.0 -35.2% Insurance 288 277 +4.0% 323.0 -10.8% Seat Belts 43 32 +34.4 33.7 +27.7% Mobile Phone 23 30 -23.3% 32.2 - Number of detections for drugs supply, drugs productions, drugs cultivation 96.5% 88.0% +8.4% 87.7 +8.8% Public Confidence April 2022 – June 2022 Number of Complaints about the Police Number of Complaints per 10,000 Police Incidents Complaints received about the Police 82 38.8% On Duty Allegations Off Duty Allegations Quality of Service Allegation Total Number of Allegations Total Allegations Recorded 89 0 38 127