Police Scotland - North Lanarkshire Performance Report
North Lanarkshire Council · 28 November 2022
Back to Community Safety Partnership Forum — 28 November 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 28th November 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 second quarter of what is already 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, including the passing of Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II, 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 Crimes of Violence reduced by 21.6% 40.4% reduction in serious assaults Serious assault detection rate 92.9% 4OFFICIAL Crimes of serious violence have decreased by 21.6% from the same period last year (66 fewer crimes). There have been no murders in this quarter and 7 fewer attempted murders. There were 4 more robberies / assaults with intent to rob this period. 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 10% increase in their detection rate to 82.9%. We continue our intelligence led, high visibility patrols in hot spot areas and conduct frequent visits to licensed premises, which has contributed to a 40.4% reduction in serious assaults. The detection rate for serious assaults in North Lanarkshire has increased significantly to 92.9%. Crimes of violence remain a priority with significant resource committed to their investigation. All reports are reviewed and considerable efforts are made to bring the individuals responsible to justice whilst supporting those affected. Since June 2021 North Lanarkshire Council has been upgrading all existing public space CCTV cameras within urban housing areas to new High Definition cameras. The new cameras enhance image quality, particularly during the hours of darkness. This investment has no doubt contributed to higher detection rates across the local authority and is a three year program of work. Robbery detections increased by 10%
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Lanarkshire Division Analysts and Officers routinely review data and intelligence around violent crime to identify ‘hot spots’, repeat offenders and repeat victims. This allows focused, intelligence led proactive patrols by officers to tackle existing and emerging issues. Local warrants and bail curfew initiatives have taken place over the reporting period ensuring violent offenders are not only monitored but arrested when found to have breached bail conditions. Across Lanarkshire, 1,520 warrants were executed during this reporting period. 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 22.2% in respect of complaints of disorder during this reporting period. Lanarkshire Division have continued partnership working with NLC to jointly tackle and enforce legislation in respect of those committing antisocial behaviour within our communities. Daily two-way information sharing is carried out where either organisation has information suggesting antisocial behaviour has occurred. This proactive approach has an escalation process that can lead to warning notices or then eviction of individuals who repeatedly fail to respect their neighbours and communities. 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 64% of all hate crimes were detected and work continues to maximise investigative opportunities in the remaining cases. 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. Reducing Violence and Disorder OFFICIAL 5 Vandalism and malicious mischief crimes reduced by 7.3% Common Assaults reduced by 8.1% Number of disorder complaints reduced by 22.2%
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PublicProtection and Protecting People at Risk of Harm OFFICIAL 6 There have been 5 more crimes of rape reported, when compared to the same period last year, and the detection rate has increased by 19.5%. This is expected to increase further as forensic results become available. The number of overall sexual crimes reported to police increased by 8.6%, to 466. The total number of domestic abuse incidents reported to the police has decreased by 9.1% (240 fewer) and the total number domestic abuse related crimes/offences has decreased by 12% (155 fewer). Notably almost two thirds of all crimes and offences relating to domestic abuse incidents were detected. In every case the victim is at the heart of the investigation and treated with care and compassion. 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 – September 2022 Lanarkshire Division have dealt with 1,481 missing person reports: • 52.5% were male, 47.5% female • 676 (60.7%) related to young people aged 10 - 19 years • 296 (43.8%) of these reports related to looked after young people • 47 (4.2%) related to people aged 60 years or more • 92 (8.3%) were classified as High Risk missing person enquiries Rape detection rates increased by 19.5% Crimes and offences in domestic abuse incidents reduced by 12.0% Domestic abuse incidents reported reduced by 9.1%
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7OFFICIAL PublicProtection and Protecting People at Risk of Harm 14.3% decrease in people seriously injured on our roads There has been 4 fatalities as a result of a road accident and 24 people were seriously injured, compared with 5 and 28 respectively during the same period last year. 5 children were seriously injured and, thankfully, no children have been killed on our roads this reporting period. • 2.7% decrease in detections for speeding • 24.4% increase in mobile phone offences • 28.2% increase in seat belt offences • 9.9% increase in dangerous driving • 11.3% increase in insurance offences • 13.9% decrease in driving licence offences Lanarkshire’s Road Policing Officers continue to focus on driver behaviour, seeking to improve it through education and enforcement. Lanarkshire Division continues to lead the way in detections for drink and drug driving with 327 detections which can carry a 12 month driving disqualification upon conviction. The legislation also provides another tool to disrupt the criminal fraternity who often drive whilst under the influence of controlled drugs. Wishaw community officers have been working with SFRS in order to deliver the ‘Biker Down’ event which focuses on rider awareness and road safety. This has been well received by attendees and will continue. 20% decrease in People killed on our roads 25% increase in children seriously injured on our roads
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Tackling Housebreaking and Acquisitive Crime Theft by Housebreaking detections increased by 5.1% Theft by housebreaking crimes have seen an increase of 6.9% to 280, this could be attributed to more people returning to work after the pandemic and dwellings being vacant. The detection rate for housebreakings has increased by 5.1%. We have seen a significant increase in theft by shoplifting across North Lanarkshire, up by 14.2% compared to last year. This trend is likely to increase due to the pressure of the cost of living in respect of food, fuel and energy. In July 2022, Officers from the Divisional Alcohol and Violence Reduction Unit (DAVRU) conducted extensive enquires into reports of multiple thefts of motor vehicles, housebreakings and attempted housebreakings in Airdrie. Enquiries identified two males aged 44 and 45 as being responsible. These males were arrested and charged with 2 thefts of motor vehicle, 3 thefts from a motor vehicle and entering the curtilage of 8 properties with intent to commit theft. In September 2022, Wishaw officers responded to a report of a vulnerable 84 year old female who had repeatedly been the victim of the same bogus workmen. Through diligent enquires three males were arrested and enquiries are ongoing in relation to other crimes. Theft by Shoplifting increased by 14.2% OFFICIAL 8
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Reducing Harm Caused by Substance Misuse A total of £4,100,067 worth of cash, restraints and listed assets have been seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). In August 2022, local officers executed a search warrants at an address in Airdrie and seized 65 cannabis plants and 3.5 kg of cannabis bud, with a combined street value of £33,500. A 21 year old male was arrested and charged with being concerned in the production of controlled drugs and immigration offences. In August 2022, DAVRU officers executed a search warrant at a property in Cumbernauld. 4 kg of cannabis was recovered and along with £27,000 cash. A 33 year old male and a 26 year old female were arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. In September 2022, Cumbernauld officers executed a search warrant at a property in Gartcosh. 44g of cocaine and 400g of herbal cannabis recovered with a street value of £5,760. A 28 year old male was arrested and charged for being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. In September 2022, DAVRU officers executed a search warrant at a commercial property in Bellshill. Almost 2,000 plants in a herbal cannabis cultivation were found within and a large quantity of cannabis bud. A 23 year old male and a 24 year old male were arrested, charged and remanded in custody for Misuse of Drugs Act offences. The scale of this operation indicates clear links to an organised crime enterprise. OFFICIAL 9 Detection rates for Drug Supply, Drug Productions and Drug Cultivations has increased by 20.4%
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Public Confidence & Local Engagement In the last quarter the Cumbernauld and Shotts Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) have been involved in a number of events including; • Community Alcohol Partnership events in Motherwell, Kilsyth and Airdrie • Carbrain Crimestoppers campaign; due to a rise in drug offences and antisocial behaviour • Routes to Work Fun Day in Airdrie • ‘It’ll Cost You’ campaigns in Motherwell and Forgewood Lanarkshire Division continues to work collaboratively with North Lanarkshire Council’s Education Department. In August, following analysis by both partners, some campus officers were realigned to schools with the greatest need of their input. This collaborative working continues to improve the safety and wellbeing of those who work and study within educational premises across the area. OFFICIAL 10 Public Confidence Apr 2022 - Sept 2022 Apr 2021 – Sept 2021 Number of Complaints about the Police 156 173 Ratio (Complaints : 10000 Incidents) 36 37.9 Total Allegations Recorded 127 264 • On Duty 169 191 • Off Duty 0 0 • Quality of Service 67 73
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Looking Ahead As we look ahead to the third quarter (October to December 2022) we anticipate the impact of the cost of living crisis will continue to manifest across society in myriad ways that will impact policing and 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. Nationally, there has been a rise in football related disorder and, together with antisocial behaviour associated with fireworks in early November, we will need to deploy a significant amount of officers who would otherwise be on their rest days, at substantial detriment to the public purse and the officers’ work/life balance. We will also support the global 16 days of activism against gender based violence and work with our partners in this regard. 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 11
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Serious Violent Crime and Public Protection NLC April 2022 - September 2022 April 2022– Sept 2022 April 2021– Sept 2021 Victims % Change 3 year mean 3 year mean % Total No Group1: Crimes of Violence 240 306 66 fewer -21.6% 295.3 -18.7% Murder 3 1 2 more +200% 3 0 Attempted Murder 5 12 12 fewer -58.3% 9.7 -48.3% Serious Assault detection rate 92.9% 78.0% +14.8% 80.7% +12.1% Serious Assault 84 141 57 fewer -40.4% 148.7 -43.5% Robbery detection rate 82.9% 73.0% +10.0% 76.2 +6.8% Robbery 41 37 4 more +10.8 43.4 +10.8% Common assault detection rate 72.8% 68.3% +4.5% 71.4% +1.4% Common assault 1691 1840 149 fewer -8.1% 1903 -11.2% Number of Domestic Abuse Incidents Reported to the Police 2240 2480 240 fewer -9.1% 2517 -11.0% Total Crimes and offences in domestic abuse incidents 1139 1294 155 fewer -12.0% 1314 -13.3% Total crimes and offences in domestic abuse incidents detection rate 60.4% 61.7% -2.2% 65.4% -7.6% Number of Sexual Crimes 466 429 37 more +8.6% 424.3 +9.8% Sexual Crimes detection rate 45.9% 49.0% -3.1% 46.9% -1.0% Number of rapes 69 64 5 more +7.8% 65.7 +5.1% Rape detection rate 50.7% 31.3% +19.5% 43.7% +7.1% Number of statutory stop and searches conducted 2503 Number of positive statutory stop and searches 580 Number of complaints regarding disorder 6352 8169 1917 -22.2% Hate Crime and offences detection rate 64.1% 69.6% -5.5% 72.1 -8.0% Vandalism & Malicious Mischief detection rate 26.4% 25.4% +1.0% 26.4% 0.0% Vandalism & Malicious Mischief 1384 1493 109 fewer -7.3% 1506 -8.1% Number of detections for Consuming Alcohol in a designated place (where appropriate byelaws exist) 445 570 -21.9% 529.7 -16% Theft by housebreaking (including attempts) detection rate 20.4% 15.4% +5.1% 20.1% +0.3% Theft by housebreaking (including attempts) 280 262 18 more +6.9% 373.0 +6.9% Theft by shoplifting detection rate 56.9% 65.1% -8.2% 66.2% -9.3%
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OFFICIAL 2 OFFICIAL Theft by shoplifting 701 614 87 more +14.2% 757.3 -7.4% Road Safety People Killed 4 5 1 fewer -20% People Seriously injured 24 28 4 fewer -14.3% People Slightly Injured 63 100 37 fewer -37% Children (aged<16) Killed 0 1 1 fewer -100% Children (aged<16) Seriously Injured 5 4 1 more +25% Dangerous driving 122 111 +9.9% 123.7 -1.3% Speeding 549 564 -2.7% 658 -16.6% Disqualified driving 41 43 -4.7% 59.3 -30.9% Driving Licence 179 208 -13.9% 228.0 -21.5% Insurance 570 512 +11.3% 608.7 -6.4% Seat Belts 91 71 +28.2% 64.7 +40.7% Mobile Phone 51 41 +24.4% 54.3 -6.1% Number of detections for drugs supply, drugs productions, drugs cultivation 104.7 84.4 20.4% 89.6 +15.1% 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 156 36 On Duty Allegations Off Duty Allegations Quality of Service Allegation Total Number of Allegations Total Allegations Recorded 169 0 67 236