Appendix 1 - Police Scotland End of Year Report 24-25
Perth and Kinross Council · 11 June 2025
Back to Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee — 11 June 2025 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 End of Year Report – 2024-2025
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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 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.
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OFFICIAL 3 | P a g e OFFICIAL 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 4 817 777 858 5% -5% 35.1% 32% 37.9% 3.1% -2.8% ASB Incidents 6311 6022 7437 4.8% -15.1% - - - - - Violence Robbery 45 38 35 18% 30% 64.4% 86.8% 85% -22.4% -20.5% Serious Assault 81 106 80 -24% 0.7% 100% 86.8% 87.3% 13.2% 12.7% Common Assault (excl EW) 1218 1020 1000 19% 22% 74.2% 68.7% 68.7% 5.5% 5.5% Public Protection Overall Group 2 381 308 364 24% 5% 62.7% 61.4% 55.7% 1.4% 7.1% Rape 76 48 64 58% 18% 57.9% 37.5% 57.3% 0.6% 20.4% Domestic Abuse 82 48 45 71% 81% 74.4% 68.8% 64.3% 5.6% 10.1% Human Trafficking 6 4 3 50% 100% 50% 75% 73.3% -25% -23.3% Road Safety Speeding offences 214 323 1727 -34% -88% 99.1% 99.4% 11% -0.3% -0.9% Drink / Drug Driving 194 160 184 21% 5% 95.4% 110% 96% -14.6% -0.6% Acquisitive Crime HBs 75 78 88 -4% -14% 29.3% 26.9% 23.1% 2.4% 6.3% Dwelling HBs 81 64 83 27% -2% 59.3% 34.4% 45.8% 24.9% 13.5% Motor Vehicle Crime 239 209 228 14% 5% 39.8% 42.6% 37.6% -2.8% 2.2% Fraud 329 370 287 -11% 15% 17.6% 12.4% 18.3% 5.2% -0.7% Shoplifting 812 781 587 4% 38% 40.6% 53.3% 62.3% -12.6% -21.6% 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. The last murder in Perth and Kinross took place during Q1 of 2023/24. The trial for this is set to take place in early 2026. Attempted Murders 6 Attempted Murders have been recorded during 2024/25 with 2 in the final quarter of the year. This is one more crime than the same 2023/2024. Of the 2 crimes committed, the first was the culmination of a dispute over property, the accused attended at the victims address with a chainsaw and carried out the assault. This was an unusual and unpredicted attack likely influenced by Mental Health challenges. The second crime had a domestic aggravator and was committed in the confines of a private dwelling. All attempted murders have been detected in this reporting period. Robberies Robberies have been a challenge during this period. 45 crimes have been recorded for the 2024/25 year, an increase of 7 over the previous year. The last 3 months saw improvement in comparison against the year prior with 5 less crimes committed. Unfortunately, that was not replicated over earlier months, Quarter 3 saw the biggest individual rise with 10 more crimes recorded, Quarter 2 broke even in terms of occurrences with Quarter 1 recording 2 more crimes. For the year, detections were 22.4% down on the year before. Detections in Perth and Kinross are similar to Dundee who improved their position this year highlighting that previous detection success in Perth and Kinross set a high bar.
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OFFICIAL 8 | P a g e OFFICIAL Within the mid–year report robbery detections were noted as being more than 10% lower than the final position for 2024/25. Every undetected robbery has been subject of regular review by the Criminal Investigation Department. There remain several robberies still under enquiry, and the detection rate is likely to improve further. One of the more challenging enquiries related to two suspects who attended an address in Letham brandishing a weapon and cash was stolen. This was thought to relate to controlled drugs. Another occurred at Loch Rannoch involving two suspects on bicycles and appeared to be a completely opportunist and spontaneous incident. The rural nature made investigation extremely challenging with limited scope to identify a suspect. 3 undetected crimes relate to the same domestic relationship where difficulty has been met reaching the evidential threshold. Those offences alone would have significantly impacted the detection rate for the year. Through robust reviews, we have established no real commonality. Offending is largely within private dwellings and limited to individuals known to one another or circumstances where parties are connected to the supply of controlled drugs. Mobile phones continue to feature prominently in items sought or obtained in robbery related offending. Often violence is either threatened or physically minimal amounting to a grab of the phone from the hand of the victim. This constitutes the offence and whilst some robberies have involved more significant violence and injuries many are recorded at this lower level without weapons featuring. Despite concerns that may be inferred from the occurrence and detection rates, deeper analysis confirms that Perth and Kinross is a safe place to live. Most residents are far removed from the potential of violent crime. Crime mapping data does not infer any hotspots. The City Centre and South Inch recorded the largest amount at 5. Next was Pitlochry at 4, 3 of which are linked to the previously mentioned domestic relationship. Serious Assaults Investigation of serious assaults has been positive with the overall occurrence rate being 23.6% lower than the previous year (25 crime reduction). Detections are also extremely positive with all reported serious assaults having been detected, unsurprisingly this is the best performance within the Division. Specifically, within Quarter 4 alone, 66 crimes were recorded a reduction of 12 from the same period the year before.
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OFFICIAL 9 | P a g e OFFICIAL Notable activities during 2024/25: • Arrest of a 21-year-old male following a violent attack in South Methven Street, Perth rendering the male unconscious • A 37-year-old male arrested following assault with a machete in Kinross • After an assault involving a knife whereby the victim sustained facial injuries, a 43-year-old male reported for assault with a weapon. • A 36-year-old male arrested following a robbery of cash within Mill Street, Perth. • Following theft of cash from a 38-year-old female in Charles Street, Perth a 50-year-old male reported for robbery. • Arrest of a 29-year-old male following the knife point robbery of another male at an address in Knowelea Place, Perth • A 38-year-old female previously the victim of a robbery, arrested after presenting a knife at another female and robbing her of drugs and cash. Focussed city centre patrols have undoubtedly contributed to the reduction in serious assault, with many previously occurring during the hours of the nighttime city centre economy. This has contributed towards a safer environment for both patrons and those employed in that sector. Work closely with HMP Perth along with enhanced collaboration has equally played some part in the improved rate of serious assaults committed within the prison estate. This had previously contributed significantly to overall figures. However, 9 serious assaults occurred within HMP Perth, accounting for 11% of the total for Perth and Kinross. Overall, across the 4 violent crime types referred to above, Perth and Kinross deliver a detection rate of 88.6%. This is above the percentage achieved in either of the other Local Authority areas within the Division and nearly 10% above the National average for Divisions across the country. 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.
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OFFICIAL 10 | P a g e OFFICIAL 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. There was a total of 267 crimes recorded during the reporting period which occurred within HMP Perth compared to 538 the previous year. Of the 267 reported offences, 239 were detected. Whilst the reduction in crime is encouraging, most of the reduction can be put down to a reduction in the number of illicit phones and SIM cards being recovered and Police will work with SPS to tackle crime within the prison estate. Common Assault (of an emergency worker) Assaults recorded on Emergency Workers have thankfully decreased from last year. There have been 122 crimes recorded which is down from 142 the previous year, a decrease of 14%. The detection rate is 97.5% 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 4.8% when compared to LYTD and are 15.1% lower than the 5-year average. • 725 crimes of vandalism were recorded during the reporting period, an increase of 1.7% from LYTD (12 more crimes). This is however a reduction on the 5-year average of 8% or 36 crimes. • 43 crimes of fire raising were recorded during the reporting period, an increase of 72% when compared to LYTD (18 additional crimes). This also represents a similar increase on the 5-year average of 73.4% or 18.2 crimes. The detection rate this year is 55.8% compared to 20% last year and the 5-year average of 39.5%. Of the 24 detected crimes, 11 were committed by youths, one of whom was responsible for 3 separate crimes and another youth was responsible for 2 crimes within the care establishment where they reside. Of those not involving youths, 2 were committed at Murray Royal Hospital and 3 were committed by a male who had travelled to Perth from Edinburgh and was suffering a mental health crisis. 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 has 2 full ASBOs, 1 interim ASBO, 6 ABAs (Anti-Social Behaviour Agreements) and 35 live cases under review for information sharing and proactive sharing. For 2025 to date, officers in Perth and Kinross have proactively shared anti-social behaviour incidents on a weekly basis and received 345 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 2018 and the Anti-Social Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004.
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OFFICIAL 12 | P a g e OFFICIAL 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, early intervention and prevention work results in less exhaustive use of ASBO’s and ABA’s. In addition to the above work, PIP have also assisted the PKC Fly Tipping Co-Ordinator with 20 vehicle checks in 2025. These are carried out to confirm the registered keepers of vehicles involved in illegal fly tipping around the LPA, contrary to S.33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This has resulted in the issue of FPNs for each vehicle identified. Partner Intelligence Portal The Partners Intelligence Portal is a secure and confidential electronic system, developed by the Police Service to enable partner agencies to share important information they receive whilst working. The portal provides capable partners with the means to securely and discreetly submit key information, whilst maintaining safeguards which protect the source of the information. Partner Portal Training continues to be delivered, this is a system which allows partners to record any form of intelligence and is being positively received and widely used already. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Joint work has taken place with SFRS regarding recent local issues around youth issues including urban fire setting. This included shared messaging and signposting of Fire Safety Support and Education (FSSE) programme. New working group established between SFRS, PKC and Police (PIP) around vacant and dangerous buildings with the aim to minimise fire and ASB risks around the LPA. Other ongoing work with Police, SFRS and other partners with PAWS (Water Safety Scotland). Public Water Safety event planned at Loch Leven on 25th July as a means of engagement and education around safety on the water.
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OFFICIAL 13 | P a g e OFFICIAL 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. Under new structure there are 4 visitor rangers with a view to engage in joint training and re-establish support and information following staff changes. 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. We currently await the appointment of a new chair for the group. Licensing Between 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025, the police licensing team processed 4189 licence applications for the Perth area. This included applications for occasional licenses to allow premises to have additional outdoor areas, grants and renewals for taxi operators/drivers. This also included renewals and grants of House of Multiple Occupancy and Short Term Lets.
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OFFICIAL 14 | P a g e OFFICIAL 133 recorded ASB incidents were at or in the immediate vicinity of licensed premises. There were 240 inspections carried out throughout Perth, with 1 premise identified as problematic during this period. This premise has been placed on an intervention plan and will be closely monitored. The licensing team have been promoting the ‘by-stander’ and `It’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 Short Term Lets. Wildlife Crime Police Scotland continues to work with the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit on several annual national Operations, such as. • Operation Easter – which relates to the theft of wild bird eggs. Police Scotland undertakes targeted proactive work relating to known nominals as well as nesting site visits. • Operation Owl – an overarching operation to tackle raptor persecution. Extra attention to vulnerable or well-known nesting sites across Scotland. • Operation seabird – which relates to cetacean disturbance, often caused by tour boats, jet skis, paddleboarders etc. Proactive engagement with tour operators, the public, and days of action. Social media work undertaken too. • Operation Thunder – this relates to the trade in endangered species, such as ivory, rhino horn, tiger claws etc. Regular engagement and targeted approaches to antique dealers and auction houses. Regular engagement and joint working with UK border force. • Operation Galileo – this operation focuses on hare coursing, which is a widespread issue across Scotland. Collating data and visiting hot spots to ensure police presence acts as reassurance and a deterrent simultaneously.
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OFFICIAL 15 | P a g e OFFICIAL Police Scotland has also been implementing two new pieces of wildlife crime legislation. The Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 was introduced primarily to tackle fox hunting and hare/deer coursing. Police Scotland have reported several cases to COPFS under this legislation and have secured the first conviction in our Northern Division. The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 has introduced several key sections relating to wildlife crime, some of these are; • The licensing of grouse shooting – This means that you need a licence from NatureScot to commercially shoot grouse in Scotland. A breach of licensing conditions, such as committing certain wildlife crimes, could result in loss of license and the income stream that accompanies it. This is seen as a big deterrent for the minority in the grouse shooting industry who illegally target wildlife. • The banning of snaring in Scotland. • New regulations around the use of traps in Scotland. • Providing the SSPCA (already a reporting agency) with enhanced powers of search and seizure to assist with wildlife crime incidents. Police Scotland continues to deliver our two national training courses. A two-day introduction to wildlife crime course and a five day investigators course. These are both well subscribed and garner a lot of interest from officers across Scotland. Police Scotland hosted the 2025 Scottish Wildlife Crime Conference at the Scottish Police College Tulliallan in March. This was the first Scottish conference in over ten years and was very well attended. Police Scotland continue to attend community events across Scotland to engage with the public and promote an awareness of wildlife crime and suspicious behaviour
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OFFICIAL 16 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Tackle acquisitive crime and support victims 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. Crime Prevention opportunities are reviewed and where appropriate engagement carried out by trained crime prevention and architectural liaison officers within the Division or the National Rural and Acquisitive Crime Team. This is carried out to provide professional and sound advice to domestic and commercial victims. Domestic Housebreakings Domestic Housebreakings have improved slightly from the midyear report. There were 45 crimes in the first half of the year and 30 in the second half. This has brought about a finish with marginally less crime than the previous year (3 crimes). Detections are positive and up 2.4% against last. This also compares well against the 5-year average with occurrence rates down 14% and detections up 6.3% Data mapping does not identify any particular hotspot areas; the City Centre/ South Inch area recorded 5 crimes for the year which was the highest single count along with Tulloch/Inveralmond. Non-dwelling Housebreakings This includes sheds, garages and other outbuildings and was a crime type commented upon mid-year as showing a declining occurrence trend. This has continued throughout 2024/25 with a significant occurrence reduction of 42.5% on the previous year. 23 crimes were recorded for the annum, the detection rate is within 1% of the previous year. Crime volume across all types of housebreaking is down on 2023/24 (-1.1%) with detections 13.1% for the better.
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OFFICIAL 17 | P a g e OFFICIAL Housebreakings Other Premises Predominately commercial premises, this crime type has proven a challenge during 2024/25. 17 more crimes have been recorded something identified quickly as the increase emerged. Determined focus has provided that despite the increase detections are similarly improved up 24.9% on the year prior. Nearly 60% of this category of housebreakings are detected. Although there has been a significant increase year on year, the 81 reported crimes remains below the 5-year average of 83, the detection rate remains 13.5% higher than the 5-year average. As would perhaps be expected, most of these crimes are either focussed within the City Centre or residential areas with local amenities. Where rural premises have been targeted these have been one off crimes although there have been instances of neighbouring premises targeted during the same period. Theft of Motor Vehicles Analysis at mid-year indicated that motor vehicle thefts were a concern as figures had risen most years since 2019/20. This resulted in a specific enhanced review of crimes reported and work on trend analysis along with prevention messaging. There is evidence of success in this regard, having recorded 30 crimes in the second half of the year as opposed to 53 in the first 6 months. This has returned an overall reduction in the number of thefts of motor vehicles year on year (-8 crimes). Detections are also up by 1.6%. Vehicle thefts from rural areas are prominent, however mapping analysis confirms rural areas are not exclusively targeted. The Tulloch area saw the most crimes with 4, thereafter Luncarty, Dunkeld, the Carse of Gowrie and Comrie areas recorded 3 respectively. Quad thefts have been a trend Nationally throughout this year and something the Rural, Acquisitive & Business Preventions Team (RAB-PT) monitor country wide issuing Bulletins and linking up crimes across Divisions to maximise disruption. Overall motor vehicle crime is up on last year, 209 crimes against 239. Excluding thefts, that corresponds to 38 more crimes across other categories. Attempted thefts of Motor vehicles is the standout increase with 10 more crimes than the previous year. Work to remedy this has had some success given the detection rate increased by 6.5%. Nearly 43% of attempted thefts were resolved. No particular
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OFFICIAL 18 | P a g e OFFICIAL area has been disproportionately targeted, although Coupar Angus and Blairgowrie top the table. This again hints at the challenges encountered in policing the large rural area of Perth and Kinross. Shoplifting Reports of shoplifting have increased this year, up 30 crimes or 3.8% on the previous year. Nationally shoplifting increased by 15.8% and in Angus alone occurrence rates were up by 39.6%. Ongoing work with retailers has built strong relationships and greater engagement will of course lead to more active reporting likely playing some part in the increase. Fraud Fraud figures for Perth and Kinross are marginally reduced with 11 less crimes recorded. Monthly fraud analysis takes place to identify emerging trends quickly to promote prevention advice. Scams are ever changing; impersonation of family members and tickets frauds had been popular. More recently driving lesson frauds are an emerging trend. Notable Activities during 2024/2025 • A 15-year-old male from Edinburgh reported for 2 domestic housebreakings in Crieff and Perth during December 2024. • 3 males aged, 22, 17 and 15 charged by Perth CID with a crime series across North East Scotland and the Central belt. Offences included 8 housebreakings and 3 thefts of motor vehicles. • Following thefts from motor vehicles and an attempted housebreaking in Invergowrie during November 2024, a 24-year-old male from Dundee was reported • In response to a Commercial Housebreaking series across A and D Division, Perth and Kinross CID arrested and charged a 53- year-old male from Liverpool • A 36-year-old male from Glasgow arrested and charged with 18 offences linked to theft and associated offences following a crime series targeting golf courses around the country including Perth and Kinross • After a housebreaking to retail premises in Perth during July 2024 a 51-year-old male arrested and appeared at court.
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OFFICIAL 19 | P a g e OFFICIAL • Reactive CID led enquiry into caravan thefts in Perth and Kinross and Aberdeen. 3 males ages 20, 20 and 17 reported for 8 linked offences. • Males aged 17 and 24 from Dundee charged with 39 theft and related offences following a series in Dundee, rural Perthshire and Fife. • Following extensive offending in September 2024 targeting rural Perthshire, males aged 39, 27 and 24 reported to COPFS. Overall, Acquisitive Crime within the Local Authority is reduced year on year. This is not replicated in all areas within the Division. Nationally, total crime figures across Division’s has increased marginally. As a Division, Tayside is the second top performer in terms of reducing Acquisitive Crime. Well established links continue to be utilised in the investigation of crime in Perth and Kinross. Previous prevalence of cross border offending remains and requires this specific focus to ensure all investigative opportunities are achieved. Engagement with partners whether through prevention work or specific investigations continues to be key, Trading Standards being once such example. Private organisations such as the Co-op, a business targeted in a national crime series, have also collaborated positively to bring offenders to justice. Impact from Edinburgh based nominals has again featured this year and is referenced in notable activity below. Also recurring throughout the year has been evidence of Dundee based groups travelling into Perth and Kinross to commit crime. To counter, Road Policing colleagues have increased patrols along with other dedicated resource all strategically tasked to maximise chances to disrupt. The Chair for the Tayside Divisional Acquisitive Crime meeting is also the locality Detective Inspector within Perth and Kinross. This brings scrutiny locally. It also ensures local Reactive CID teams are on hand to review and investigate significant acquisitive offending. Through the established framework investigations and prevention work continue to be synchronized forewarning communities the moment particular risk is identified. The Division follows the Strategic monthly priorities identified by the Scottish Partnership against Acquisitive Crime, this ensures key crime types are considered ahead of what history suggests will be occurrence increases. Similarly Regional work which was particularly prevalent during 2024/25 continues to deliver strong results. Swift enforcement against a group of Romanian nationals targeting Whiskey Distilleries in the Northeast is an example of just how important that joint working is.
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OFFICIAL 20 | P a g e OFFICIAL Within Perth and Kinross, local Response and Community Teams continue to work well with locality based Reactive CID teams to deliver the strongest acquisitive crime focus achievable. 2024/25 has again demonstrated that Perth and Kinross is a gateway to the Northeast of Scotland for offenders. Somewhat uniquely within the Division a significant proportion of acquisitive crimes series are committed by individuals not resident in the area. Whilst a vulnerability, it is something policing within Perth and Kinross has adapted to overcome, numerous successes this year evidence that effectiveness.
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OFFICIAL 21 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Make our roads safer Tragically Perth & Kinross LPA have suffered 7 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 2024 – 31st March 2025 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 19/11/24 – A9 at Ballinluig – Four Vehicle RTC (1 fatality) 88 persons have been seriously injured because of collisions across Perth and Kinross, this is a slight increase comparable with the same period last year, where we saw 72 persons seriously injured. 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 22 | 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 in the P&K Area; M90/A90 A9 A93 A85 A94 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 • Rider Refinement North • Vulnerable Road Users Campaigns • National Speeding Campaign • Operation Drive Insured • National Taxi Education & Enforcement Campaign • Festive Drink/Drug Driving Campaign • Fatal 5 Campaign • National Seatbelt Campaign • Commercial Vehicles Campaign 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.
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OFFICIAL 23 | P a g e OFFICIAL 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 partnership collaboration and campaigns. New Young Drivers Scheme The New driver Scheme (NDS) continues to be delivered and well received within Tayside Division. 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 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. 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. Delivery of RRN has received positive feedback with some excellent learning and opportunity to influence riding behaviour with candidates travelling from across Tayside to participate and this is about to re-commence this forthcoming year once again. National Motorcycle Campaign The National motorcycle campaign was run on several occasions and continues this year and will again see RP focused patrols on priority motorcycle routes throughout the division with joint working with neighbouring divisions and the SCU to detect and deter any motorcycle offences.
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OFFICIAL 24 | P a g e OFFICIAL Operation Closepass Operation Closepass has again been delivered in Perth & Kinross LPA by Road Policing Officers working closely with Community 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. Several days have been dedicated to specific community engagement with drivers at locations throughout Perth & Kinross, including A9 at Bruar and a Garden Centre in Perth as well as visits to schools and other community hubs and businesses. Taxi Education and Enforcement has been increased this year with positive feedback from P&K Council and the operators and drivers themselves ensuring the right drivers and vehicles are on our roads keeping people safe.
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OFFICIAL 25 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority Activity – Public Protection Rape and Sexual Crime 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. Police Scotland work with a range of partners to ensure victims are supported throughout the investigations and beyond. 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. This year has been challenging in respect of the increased occurrence of reported rape however the improved detection rate points to the dedication and hard work of the teams involved in investigating these harrowing crimes. 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. 76 rapes were recorded during the reporting period, which is a 58% increase when compared to the same period last year and a 18% increase on the 5-year average which is 64. The detection rate for Rape is up 20.4% from last year and up 0.6% on the 5year average. During this reporting period all the people reporting the crime of rape have known the suspects.
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OFFICIAL 26 | P a g e OFFICIAL • Overall sexual crime has seen an increase in reported cases from 308 last year to 381this year for the same period. The 5-year average is 364. • The detection rate for overall sexual offences has increased from 61.4% to 62.7% year on year. The 5-year average is 55.7%. Human Trafficking Police and PKC (SCT / VAW Partnership) have established a short life working group working on Sexual exploitation and Human Trafficking with the purpose to identify addresses/nominals involved in criminal exploitation in Perth & Kinross and to take appropriate action to disrupt activities. Utilising the Partners Intelligence Portal and current information sharing, the working group aims to expand on identification and disruption opportunities to improve the lives of residents, victims and visitors. Non-Fatal Overdose Pathway (NFOD) 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. For 2025 to date, there were 22 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.
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OFFICIAL 27 | P a g e OFFICIAL Local Priority/Activity – Enable and support effective engagement and communication with the public 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 days of action. • Joint operation with trading standards targeting counterfeit goods. • Bike Marking Schemes. • 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. • Participation in knife angel while in Perth. • Joint operations with SPS at HMP Perth. • Seasonal events 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.
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OFFICIAL 28 | P a g e OFFICIAL 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. Regular engagement with the third sector agencies including the Perth Minorities Association and the Scottish Refugee Council. Fearless 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; most recently in relation to County Lines, Gang Culture and Knife Crime. This followed on from the momentum of the Knife Angel event in December and January and is ongoing with the Knife Crime Awareness Week in May 2025 (19th-25th).