Appendix 1 - Police Scotland Mid-Year Performance Report - 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024
Perth and Kinross Council · 27 November 2024
Back to Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee — 27 November 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Perth and Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee Police Scotland Mid-Year Report – 2024-2025 Appendix 1
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OFFICIAL 2 | P a g e OFFICIAL Contents Introduction and Overview of Local Policing Priorities Police Scotland’s strategic objectives Perth and Kinross Local Policing Plan 2023-2026 Performance on a Page • Local Priority/Activity – Address violence through preventative and enforcement measures • Local Priority/Activity – Deal with disorder and antisocial behaviour • Local Priority/Activity – Tackle acquisitive crime and support victims • Local Priority/Activity – Make our roads safer • Local Priority Activity - Public Protection • Local Priority/Activity – Enable and support effective engagement and communication with the public
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OFFICIAL 3 | P a g e OFFICIAL Introduction and Overview of Local Policing Priorities As from April 2013, the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 has required Divisional Commanders to produce and publish a Local Policing Plan (LPP) for each local authority area. The Perth and Kinross LPP 2023-2026 clearly sets out the policing objectives for Perth and Kinross and will report to the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee. Quarterly reports are produced to allow scrutiny by Perth and Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee. This mid-year report covers the period from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024. In line with the Perth and Kinross LPP, these Performance Reports provide a more holistic overview of progress across the service to meet our strategic outcomes. This approach provides a wider and more detailed picture of traditional policing performance measures, supplemented with additional insight and narrative to the many different aspects of policing and corporate support functions. The measures are longer term focussed rather than reflecting the ongoing performance of the day-to-day operational challenges we face and aim to provide evidence of the effectiveness and impact of our services as a whole. We have introduced several key performance measures and insights questions in support of our local police plan to focus attention on impact and outcomes. For example: • How effective are the diversionary activities provided? • How effective are the processes in place to prevent acquisitive crime? • How well are we engaging with the public? • What progress has been made in terms of collaboration and what percentage of the divisional estate is co-located with partners? To enable a more detailed examination by the Committee of specific local priorities and strategic outcomes, a ‘Spotlight’ focus will be provided on one of the priority areas on a quarterly basis. The Spotlight focus will rotate each quarter in line with the expected updates outlined in the Perth and Kinross LPP.
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OFFICIAL 4 | P a g e OFFICIAL Police Scotland’s strategic objectives
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OFFICIAL 6 | P a g e OFFICIAL Performance on a Page - 1st April 2024 to 30th September 2024 Recorded Crimes Change Detection Rate % point Change CYTD LYTD 5 Yr Av. From LYTD From 5 Yr Av. CYTD LYTD 5 Yr Av. From LYTD From 5 Yr Av. ASB and Disorder Overall group 4 446 462 459 -3.5% -2.8% 34.3% 34.6% 40.2% -0.3% -5.9% ASB Incidents 3379 3256 4104 3.8% -17.7% - - - - - Violence Robbery 24 22 19 9.1% 23.7% 54.2% 86.4% 75.3% -32.2% -21.1% Serious Assault 43 50 41 -14% 5.9% 104.7% 86% 87.7% 18.7% 17% Common Assault (excl EW) 621 566 523 9.7% 18.6% 72.9% 66.4% 68.7% 6.5% 4.3% Public Protection Overall Group 2 186 177 184 5.1% 1.1% 55.4% 65.5% 59% -10.1% -3.6% Rape 40 26 34 53.8% 18.3% 37.5% 46.2% 60.4% -8.7% -22.9% Domestic Abuse 50 28 23 78.6% 117.4 66% 75% 61.7% -9% 4.3% Human Trafficking 2 0 - 200% - - - - - - Road Safety Speeding offences 151 190 894 -20.5% -83.1% 100% 98.4% 99.9% 1.6% 0.1% Drink / Drug Driving 120 87 100 37.9% 20.5% 95.8% 101.1% 94% -5.3% 1.9% Acquisitive Crime HBs 111 104 113 6.7% -1.8% 35.1% 26.9% 31.4% 8.2% 3.7% Dwelling HBs 45 44 40 2.2% 11.4% 24.4% 22.7% 24.8% 1.7% -0.3% Motor Vehicle Crime 160 114 118 40.4% 35.6% 26.9% 36.8% 33.6% -9.9% -6.7% Fraud 161 200 144 -19.5% 11.7% 18% 8% 16.6% 10% 1.4% Shoplifting 426 421 303 1.2% 40.5% 37.3% 53.2% 62.2% -15.9% -24.9% Overall Group 2’ All Sexual Crimes including Rape & Attempts, Indecent & Sexual Assaults, Prostitution Offences and ‘Other’ Group 2 Crimes. Overall Group 4’ All Fireraising, Vandalism, Reckless Conduct and ‘Other’ Group 4 Crimes.
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OFFICIAL 7 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Address violence through preventative and enforcement measures Murders No Murders have been recorded during this reporting period. This is a reduction from 1 murder during Q1 in 2023/24. The accused for that murder is set to serve at least 16 years before being eligible for parole. Attempted Murders 3 have been committed this period, this mirrors occurrence rates for the previous year. The first formed part of a wider domestic abuse enquiry and took place within a domestic setting. The second involved a family dispute at home whereby the victim’s brother assaulted her with a knife. The last related to a violent attack with a glass on a staff member within licenced premises. 2 of the 3 matters are detected. The remaining crime (domestic abuse) has positive lines of investigation and will likely be detected once all enquiry is complete. Robberies 24 robberies or attempts were recorded during this reporting period. This is a slight rise (2 crimes) from the same period last year. Central Perth and the South Inch is joint top as a crime location with 3 crimes. Pitlochry has recorded a similar number of crimes; these crimes are part of a domestic abuse series. In terms of detections, currently half of all reported robberies are resolved. This is down on the previous year although as stated crime volume is slightly increased.
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OFFICIAL 8 | P a g e OFFICIAL A significant number of the undetected robberies relate to domestic relationships where arguments have resulted in mobile phones being taken and minor or no injury sustained. Whilst still significant, victims are known to offenders and crimes take place in a domestic setting often with limited witnesses. The rise in occurrence rates for robberies has not gone unnoticed, there is no discernible commonality in offending beyond links to domestic relationships and drug addiction. All robberies continue to be subject of oversight by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Serious Assaults 43 Serious assaults were committed in the first two quarters of 2024/25. This is a decrease of 7 crimes from the same YTD period. Detection rates for serious assaults are very positive with all currently detected. HMP Perth accounts for 7 crimes alone although this is 4 crimes less than the same period LYTD. Locality based detectives continue to have oversight of all serious violent crime. All undetected crimes have been subject to enhanced scrutiny, and this will continue with the aim of achieving a more positive resolution for victims. There is a significant prospect that the current detection rates will improve. HMP Perth continues to represent a significant influence in the serious assault occurrence rates. This is however an improved position from last year and evidence that the violence control strategy in place is working. Notable activities during the reporting period include: • A 27-year-old male arrested following an assault with a bladed weapon within premises in South William Street, Perth • Following an attack involving a knife in the area of Glasgow Road, Perth a 39-year-old man was arrested • 7 separate incidences of serious injury detected following prisoner assaults within HMP Perth • 15 and 14-year-old males reported following the violent assault of a 14-year-old male in Blairgowrie
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OFFICIAL 9 | P a g e OFFICIAL • A 43-year-old male arrested having been responsible for assault with a weapon in Auchterarder • 3 males aged 41, 37 and 32 respectively arrested following the robbery of a male in Bute Drive, Perth. • A 44-year-old male arrested after intimidating another into the transfer of funds. • A male aged 49 years arrested after attempting to rob retail premises in County Place, Perth In the main serious and violent crime figures are positive. Previously the nighttime economy within Perth Centre had caused concern in terms of spontaneous offending. Concerted effort has been made to increase presence in the town, evidently with the appropriate dividend. Police Scotland are committed to working with partners to ensure Perth and Kinross remains a safe place to live, work and visit. Police Prison Liaison We continue to work closely with partners at Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to deter and detect offences within HMP Perth. A variety of operations have taken place in and around HMP Perth resulting in offences being identified. A joint operation between Police Scotland and the SPS specifically targeting visitors who had the intention of introducing contraband into the prison. The operation utilised specialist resources from the SPS National Tactical Search Unit and Police Scotland Operational Support Unit. As a result, one male was arrested, charged and reported near to the perimeter of the prison for possession of an offensive weapon. In addition, 92 Standard Prosecution Reports were submitted to the Procurator Fiscal for offences which occurred within HMP Perth during the reporting period. Of which 17 were in relation to crimes of violence. Common Assault (of an emergency worker)
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OFFICIAL 10 | P a g e OFFICIAL Assaults recorded on Emergency Workers have thankfully decreased from last year although are still high. There have been 69 crimes CYTD which is down from 78 recorded LYTD. This is a decrease of 11.5% and is slightly higher than the 5-year average of 66 crimes. The detection rate is 101.4% CYTD which is to be expected given the nature of the offence. Police Scotland take the safety of staff and officers extremely seriously with a national strategy being delivered via the “Your Safety Matters” campaign which is led directly by the Force Executive.
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OFFICIAL 11 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Deal with disorder and antisocial behaviour • Overall, incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour showed a slight increase of 3.8% when compared to LYTD and are 17.7% lower than the 5-year average. • 394 crimes of vandalism were recorded during the reporting period, a decrease of 5.7% from LYTD (24 less crimes). • 20 crimes of fire raising were recorded during the reporting period, an increase of 53.8% when compared to LYTD (7 additional crimes). Perth and Kinross LPA continue to work closely with partners delivering a multi-agency response alongside Housing, Visitor Rangers, Community Safety and SFRS conducting reviews of all ASB calls, thereafter, sharing with the relevant partner to mitigate the risk and reduce harm. Regular meetings are attended by Partnerships Interventions and Preventions (PIP) officers to discuss recurring ASB issues ensuring proportionate action is taken from a multi-agency perspective, with joint visits conducted when required to ensure a co-ordinated approach. For the period under review, Perth and Kinross has had 1 Anti-Social Behaviour Order and 7 Anti-Social Behaviour agreements and only 1 breach of ASBO. There are 117 active cases being monitored and reviewed by the ASB team. For 2024, officers in Perth and Kinross have proactively shared 116 anti-social behaviour incidents and received 227 requests for information. Information is shared with the Community Safety Team as part of our joint working at St Martins House, Perth in line with the Data Protection Act. This includes information on reported disturbances, loud music, nuisance, and criminal damage all of which are reviewed and receive a collaborative approach to tackle the issue. The collaborative approach allows effective engagement with youths, installation of sound monitors, ASBOs or referrals to VSS. Active engagement and early intervention and prevention work results in less exhaustive use of ASBO’s and ABA’s.
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OFFICIAL 12 | P a g e OFFICIAL Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Joint work has taken place with SFRS regarding recent local issues around youth issues including hay bale fires and urban fire setting. This included shared messaging and signposting of Fire Safety Support and Education (FSSE) programme. COMMUNITY WARDENS Safer Community Wardens react to and share information daily with Police Scotland around the prevention and detection of crime, identification of witnesses or protection of vulnerable person as well as reassurance and high vis patrols. Recent examples include issues with youths engaging in anti-social behaviour in Perth City Centre and at the Community School of Auchterarder. VISITOR RANGERS The Perth and Kinross Visitor Rangers react to and share information daily with Police Scotland around the prevention and detection of crime, identification of anti-social behaviour hot spots and any new trends or community tensions in rural areas. Regular engagement by the Visitor Rangers significantly reduces the amount and impact of ASB on our rural communities by persons visiting the area. This may involve simple noise nuisance, vandalism or even fire setting. Partnership Against Rural Crime (PARC) The Perth and Kinross PARC meet regularly to discuss issues from fire and water safety to anti-social behaviour, thefts and fly tipping. The group provides a platform for information sharing, advice and support for partners in jointly addressing issues affecting our rural communities.
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OFFICIAL 13 | P a g e OFFICIAL LICENSING Between 1st April 2024 and 30th September 2024, the police licensing team processed 2760 licence applications for the Perth area. This included applications for occasional licenses to allow premises to have additional outdoor areas, renewals and grants for taxi operators & drivers and applications for grants of Short Terms. 71 recorded ASB incidents were at or in the immediate vicinity of licensed premises. There were 212 inspections carried out throughout Perth, with no single premises identified as problematic during this period. The licensing team have been promoting the ‘by-stander’ and `It I’ll Cost You’ training and campaign and, were assisted by Police Scotland Youth Volunteers carrying out public engagement within our communities and Premise Licence Holders. The Licensing Team are continuing efforts to deliver training to licenced premises in respect of keeping people safe particularly during the nighttime economy. The Police Licensing team have carried out several joint visits in Licensed Premises including Second-Hand Dealers. These activities will continue as we move forward with our Festive policing plans.
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OFFICIAL 14 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Tackle acquisitive crime and support victims Domestic Housebreakings Are broadly similar to last year, 45 crimes committed across Q1 and 2 which is just 1 more crime than the same period in 2023/24. The detection rate is also similar just 0.5% reduced. Perth City Centre, Alyth, Auchterarder and Stanley/Luncarty are areas with slightly higher occurrence rates (3). Non dwelling housebreakings Such as garages and outbuildings continue to show signs of a decline which has now been evident over several years. 21 crimes for this period which is down 3 on last year. Alyth has again been a particular hotspot this reporting period recording nearly a quarter of the total crime volume. Enquiries into that series remain ongoing with some positive avenues to be pursued. This will hopefully significantly improve the current detection rates. Commercial Housebreakings have been a challenge this year with 44 recorded during this period, a jump of 8 over the same period last year. This has required some determined focus to counter as can be shown by a near 25% uplift in the detection rate for this crime type. Just short of 2 out of 3 commercial housebreakings have been detected this period which is significant and higher than any similar period in the last 6 years. Across all types of housebreaking, occurrence rates are fractionally higher with 6 more crimes recorded. Despite that increase, overall detection rates have improved by 8.6%. Theft of Motor Vehicles Were a challenge last year returning to occurrence rates seen in 2019/20. This unfortunate trend remains high with 53 crimes recorded this period, 5 more crimes than the previous year. Detections have however remained fairly static with just a 3% dip.
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OFFICIAL 15 | P a g e OFFICIAL North Muirton, Almondbank and Pitlochry areas have been hotspots this period recording 4 crimes each. Particularly with the latter two, it is clear criminals from out with have travelled to commit crime targeting our more rural communities. Such is the scale of rural Perthshire, predicting the targeted areas inclusive of anticipating when they will be visited is extremely problematic. CID, LPA and road policing colleagues have been working collaboratively in this area. This period 105 additional crimes across the remaining motor vehicle crime categories were recorded. This is 39 more crimes than the same YTD period. The largest single rise comes from thefts from insecure vehicles with an increase of 18 more CYTD. Analysis indicates offending is relatively opportune. We will continue with our crime prevention campaigns across our social media feeds. Overall, the other categories not including theft of a motor vehicle have seen a drop in the detection rate by -9.6%. This emphasises the challenge posed in detecting rural offending particularly by travelling criminals. Shoplifting figures for the year to date are aligned with those from 2023/24. There was a significant increase in reporting last year in part attributable to better retailer engagement. Work around fraud prevention has been positive with a significant decrease in occurrence rates compared to the same period last year (43 crimes). Detection rates are nearly 11% improved on the same period. As has been commented upon previously, Perth and Kinross continues to see disproportionate impact from non- resident offenders in relation to Acquisitive Crime. There has been an upsurge in repeat offenders from Dundee, Edinburgh and Fife travelling into Perth and Kinross during hours of darkness. This is a divisional wide issue. Current crime trends are discussed at the Divisional Acquisitive Crime meeting. Increasingly acquisitive crime is a cross-border issue that requires collaborative working to resolve. Trends identified a shared initially Regionally and then Nationally to ensure wide acknowledgment. National analytical work is available to identify any links between offending. This framework facilitates the rapid dissemination of threats ensuring Divisions are on the front foot in relation to potential offending.
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OFFICIAL 16 | P a g e OFFICIAL Locality based detectives routinely take ownership of any local emerging series. This has proven to be effective and has led to detections, that may otherwise have taken much longer to resolve. As reflected above, the rural landscape of Perth and Kinross with numerous small residential towns and villages is a significant attraction for offenders from more urban areas. Crime Prevention advice along with enhanced patrols are routinely utilised to counter this. Police routinely pool resources across several departments to allow tactical pursuit options should offenders be disturbed. Such activity is however resource intensive and even with enhanced patrols, the geography of Perth and Kinross and the indiscriminate targeting of areas by offenders, creates real challenges. Notable activities during the reporting period include: • 55 and 26-year-old males arrested for high value housebreakings and linked offending including caravan theft throughout Tayside and further afield. Subsequent guilty outcomes. • A 42-year-old male arrested for multiple Housebreaking and linked offences in Perth Centre. • 53-year-old male arrested in relation to housebreaking to retail premises in Blairgowrie. Linked to a similar crime in Aberdeenshire and wider offending Nationally • Numerous housebreakings, thefts and fraud crimes detected to a 39-year-old male who had recently moved to Perth • A 17-year-old male from Dundee arrested in relation to retail housebreakings and theft of a motor vehicle in rural Perthshire • 27 and 17-year-old males from Dundee arrested and charged with close to 40 acquisitive related crimes including housebreakings, theft of vehicles and attempts • A 19-year-old male from Edinburgh arrested for reset of a motor vehicle stolen form the Pitlochry area During the reporting period our Partnerships, Interventions and Preventions Officers have sought opportunities to engage with partners and the wider public to tackle acquisitive crime.
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OFFICIAL 17 | P a g e OFFICIAL Neighbourhood Watch Scotland In Perth and Kinross, we have promoted sign-up and engagement with our partners at Neighbourhood Watch Scotland. Police and Safer Communities Team staff have recently been trained to issue alerts and prevention advice via NHWS with more training pending. 1,818 members of the public are now signed up locally to receive alerts and that number is increasing weekly. Alerts are now regularly issued in relation to local acquisitive crime providing advice and seeking information. Additionally, this has been used as a platform to signpost our support services such as Victim Support Scotland. Regular advice and information is shared online via social media in response to new crime trends or local issues to alert the public on how to keep safe and how to contact services for support where needed. Examples of this included recent car thefts and rural housebreakings.
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OFFICIAL 18 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Make our roads safer Tragically Perth & Kinross LPA have suffered 6 adult fatalities for the period under review, this is an increase comparable with LYTD where we saw 4 fatalities. Locations of Fatal Road Traffic Collisions in Perth and Kinross 1st April – 30th September 2024 17/05/24 – A822 Amulree – Motorcyclist 28/05/24 – A9 Perth bypass – Pedestrian 14/06/24 – A823 Gleneagles – Two vehicle RTC (2 Fatalities) 23/06/24 – A9 at Calvine –Motorcyclist 01/09/24 – B9099 by Stanley – One car RTC 57 persons have been seriously injured because of collisions across Perth and Kinross, this is an increase comparable with the same period last year, where we saw 37 persons seriously injured. Positively, Perth & Kinross LPA have had a significant reduction of 22% in persons slightly injured because of road traffic collisions. Road Safety enforcement continues to be carried out as part of routine business by the Road Policing Unit in Perth & Kinross LPA. Focused patrol work will be complemented using available technology and databases, intelligence target packages and specific tasking resulting from local Tasking & Coordinating processes to tackle criminality. Local Policing and RPU Officers have been able to target driving behaviour which we believe will have the greatest impact on casualty reduction and address community concerns. Enforcement activity has concentrated on the Fatal 5 which are Dangerous/careless driving, drink/drug driving, Speeding, Seatbelts, and mobile phones.
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OFFICIAL 19 | P a g e OFFICIAL Based on strategic assessment several priority locations have been identified within Perth & Kinross which were subject to focussed operation activity. Tayside Division priority routes include the following roads; M90/A90 (Perth & Kinross LPA) A9 (Perth & Kinross LPA) A923 (Perth & Kinross LPA) A93 (Perth & Kinross LPA) A85 (Perth & Kinross LPA) A92 During the period under review Road Policing officers took part in several National Campaigns. • Summer Drink Drug Drive Campaign • National Mobile Phone Campaign • Motorcycle Safety campaign and weekend of Action • Rider Refinement North • Vulnerable Road Users – Child Safety Campaign • Drug Driving Week • National Speed Campaign • Young Drivers Fatal 5 Campaign
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OFFICIAL 20 | P a g e OFFICIAL Road Policing officers continue to provide high visibility and support to divisional officers throughout the Perth & Kinross area. It is recognised that positive engagement with road users is vital to improve driver and road user behaviour. Police resources are being challenged by the driving habits of vulnerable road users. However, we are committed to working effectively with partners locally to address these issues through education, enforcement, engineering, encouragement and evaluation all of which are delivered successfully through several mediums and campaigns. Emerging threats and risks/ Updates Looking into the coming month’s darker nights, adverse weather, especially in North Perthshire conditions continue to be identified as emerging threats and risks. We will be working closely with our partners to ensure we are well; prepared for any eventuality. New Young Drivers Scheme The New driver Scheme (NDS) will be implemented within Tayside Division in 2022. The NDS is a hard-hitting presentation to raise awareness of road safety issues. The joint presentations, delivered by Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue service, will provide a solid reminder of the individual responsibilities that the driver has, both for themselves and for other road users. NDS has been delivered to several businesses and educational establishments throughout Perth & Kinross with very positive feedback. Rider Refinement North (RRN) Rider Refinement North (RRN) has been run through the period under review with the last engagement session taking place in October. The RRN initiative is an opportunity for members of the public to purchase a day’s motorcycle awareness with Road Policing Advanced Riders accompanied by an observer from the IAM.
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OFFICIAL 21 | P a g e OFFICIAL The course includes a presentation, demo rides and observational rides, the course is designed as a gateway to advanced riding and is run in partnership with Local Authority, Road Safety Scotland, IAM & RoSPA. The course costs attendees £40 which includes a lunch. Unfortunately demand always exceeds supply with only limited places available. Initial delivery of RRN has received extremely positive feedback with some excellent learning and opportunity to influence riding behaviour with candidates travelling from across Tayside to participate. National Motorcycle Campaign The National motorcycle campaign continues and will again see RP focussed patrols on priority motorcycle routes throughout the division with joint working with neighbouring divisions and the SCU to detect and deter any motorcycle offences. C division have recently launched an unmarked motorcycle initiative which on first outing was very successful, as such efforts are being made to utilise similar techniques within Tayside Division, this includes a media strategy prior to deployment. Operation Closepass Operation Closepass has again been delivered in Perth & Kinross LPA by Road Policing Officers, the message is that everyone deserves to be able to use Scotland’s roads safely, and it is for all road users to take responsibility, whether they are on two, four or more wheels, powered or on foot. Driver Engagement North Driver engagement north has been held across Tayside in the for the period under review, this is an opportunity for older drivers and their families to take part in an interactive driving session. Driver engagement is aimed at highlighting potential driving weaknesses the Driver Engagement North project makes use of an interactive driving simulator to assess and highlight a participant's reactions, hazard awareness and any potential vulnerabilities.
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OFFICIAL 22 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority Activity – Public Protection 40 rapes were recorded during the reporting period, which is a 53.8% increase when compared to the same period last year and a 18.3% increase on the 5-year average which is 34. The detection rate for Rape is down 8.7% from last year and down 22.9% on the 5year average. During this reporting period all of the people reporting the crime of rape have known the suspects. • Overall sexual crime has seen an increase in reported cases from 177 last year to 186 this year for the same period. The 5-year average is 184. • The detection rate for overall sexual offences has dropped from 65.5% to 55.4% year on year. The 5-year average is 59%. Rape and Sexual Crime
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OFFICIAL 23 | P a g e OFFICIAL The crime of Rape and other serious Sexual offences can have a profound impact on victims both psychologically and physically and can affect community confidence. Police Scotland is committed to protecting people considered vulnerable and prevent all forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation including domestic abuse, child sexual abuse & exploitation, rape and sexual crime, and hate crime. The focus of any Rape or Sexual crime investigation must be victim focused with the safety and wellbeing of victims being our primary concern. Rape and sexual crime inquiries can be complex and difficult to investigate, evidence and progress to prosecution. Investigations can be protracted, and, in some cases, victims will have waited to report offences for a few years. In several cases, multiple crime reports will have been raised in respect of one report from one victim, detailing multiple incidents over a period. So far this year we have seen challenges in relation to both the increased occurrence of reported rape and the decrease in detection rate. However, the reported figures will include several investigations that remain under active investigation by specialist units including the Divisional Rape Investigation Unit and National Rape Task Force. All rape investigations are conducted by specially trained officers and are overseen by an experienced Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and are subject to regular review to ensure that all available lines of enquiry are identified and progressed. Human Trafficking There are 2 crimes recorded during the reporting period, one of which was reported in Perth and Kinross however occurred in England and the other is assessed as not a crime following enquiry meaning that for this reporting period there has been no Human Trafficking in Perth and Kinross. Non-Fatal Overdose Pathway (NFOD)
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OFFICIAL 24 | P a g e OFFICIAL Officers within the Partnerships team continue to attend the daily Multi-Agency Near-Fatal Overdose meetings sharing relevant information in relation to any person who has experienced a non-fatal overdose because of the consumption of suspected illicit substances. Over the period of April 1st 2024, to 30th September 2024 there were 32 discussions held at the Perth and Kinross NFOD with a multi- agency response developed to ensure a holistic approach is taken to the interventions applied, with positive engagement and harm reduction delivered for those involved. Local Priority/Activity – Enable and support effective engagement and communication with the public Community Policing Teams continue to arrange “Coffee with a cop “sessions throughout Perth and Kinross and in particular in rural communities to allow people an opportunity to speak with Officers about their concerns. We strive to ensure regular attendance of locality-based Officers across Perth and Kinross at the local Community Council meetings to provide visibility and assistance, discuss topical issues and provide context to communities about ongoing issues. Our Community Policing Teams have also carried out further engagement in the community including the below snapshot, • Perth City Centre shoplifting day of action in May. • Joint operation with trading standards targeting counterfeit goods. • Bike Marking Schemes
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OFFICIAL 25 | P a g e OFFICIAL • Speeding initiatives • Attendance at a PKAVS event to promote breaking down barriers between police and young people. • Engagement sessions at schools and colleges throughout Perth and Kinross. Asylum Seekers The Police Partnerships, Interventions and Prevention team has continuous engagement with the two Perth hotels housing asylum seekers run by MEARS. The daily contact and weekly visits seek to review any community safety issues, protests, welfare issues or hate crime. Guidance is regularly issued to local policing around use of Migrant Help services and contacts for dealing with incidents to enhance service delivery and experiences of asylum seekers. Keep Safe Keep Safe is the award-winning initiative developed in partnership with Police Scotland and I Am Me Scotland. The initiative works with a network of local businesses to create 'Keep Safe' places in the community for anyone feeling lost, frightened or who has been a victim of crime. There are currently 37 Keep Safe premises across Perth and Kinross with venues re-visited to ensure compliance to the required standards. The third sector organisation Inclusive Living Perth obtained National Lottery Funding to secure a staff member to assist Police in checks and training delivery. Training is due for the Safer Community Wardens from the Community Safety Team who will support awareness raising and compliance checks moving forward. Fearless
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OFFICIAL 26 | P a g e OFFICIAL Fearless is a part of the Crimestoppers charity. It is a site where young people can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality. The website provides a safe place to give information about crime through a secure online form which is 100% anonymous. Fearless is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - 365 days a year. Crimestoppers have been actively advertising the resource to school and partners.