Police Scotland Argyll & Bute Performance Summary Report - Reporting Period: April - September 2024
Argyll and Bute Council · 12 December 2024
Back to Community Services Committee — 12 December 2024 and its agenda
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL x Argyll & Bute Performance Summary Report Reporting Period: April 2024 to September 2024 Total Crime 278 Crimes Incidents Recorded Overall Dishonesty Domestic Abuse Incidents +7.9% -2.3% +2.9% +5.9% -11% -22.4%* Road Deaths and Serious Injuries -25.8%* Sexual Crime -1551*PYTD, -1131*5YR AVG +28*PYTD, +85*5YR AVG -10*PYTD, +45*5YR AVG +10*PYTD, +12*5YR AVG +30*PYTD, +122*5YR AVG -14*PYTD, -3*5YR AVG -11*on PYTD -306*PYTD Violent Crime Missing People Counter Terrorism -7*PYTD -8.4%* -11*PYTD, -11*5YR AVG Common Assault -24.4% Housebreaking Disorder Complaints The National Terrorism Threat level is SUBSTANTIAL This means that an attack is likely. *PYTD = Previous Year to Date *5YR = 5 year average -7.3% -13.1%
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL SECTION PAGE NUMBER Introduction 2 Executive Summary 3 Demand Analysis 4 Acquisitive Crime 5 Public Protection 6 Road Safety 7 Serious Organised Crime 8 Violence 9 Antisocial Behaviour 10 Public Confidence - Complaints & Allegations 11 Introduction I am pleased to present this performance summary report to Committee for its information and consideration. The Reporting Period for this report is cumulative for Quarters 1 to 2 of 2024/25, with available figures being shown from 1st April 2024 through to 30th September 2024. Please note that all data included in this report are management information and not official statistics. All data are sourced from Police Scotland internal systems and are correct as of date of publication. Unless stated otherwise numerical comparisons are against the previous year to date and the previous five year average for the same data period specified. Crimes and offences are grouped under recognised categories for statistical purposes. The Scottish Government defines these categories, as follows: Group 1 - Non Sexual Crimes of Violence Group 6 - Miscellaneous Offences Group 2 - Sexual Crimes Group 7 - Offences relating to motor vehicles Group 3 - Crimes of Dishonesty PYTD - Previous Year to Date Group 4 - Fire Raising, Malicious Mischief CYTD - Current Year to Date Group 5 - Other (pro activity) Crimes
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL PRIORITY AREA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Acquisitive Crime At the end of September 2024, acquisitive crimes show a slight reduction of 2.3% from 445 to 435 crimes, which is largely due to an overall reduction in housebreakings (-11 crimes) compared to PYTD, while most other crime types have experienced marginal change. Public Protection Group 2 sexual crimes have reduced by 11% (-14) compared to last year. Both the number of rape offences and sexual assaults have seen a decrease from 27 to 20 crimes and 47 to 43 respectively. Road Safety & Road Crime Overall there has been a reduction in the number of casualties involved in road traffic collisions within Argyll and Bute compared to last year. The number of fatal road traffic collisions within Argyll and Bute has increased at the end of September 2024 from 5 to 6. Road traffic collisions involving serious injuries however have reduced from 44 to 32 and collisions resulting in slight injuries have decreased from 57 to 52. Serious Organised Crime At the end of September 2024, drug supply offences remain fairly consistent compared to PYTD, whilst possession charges have reduced by 21% from 261 to 207 crimes. Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire 12 persons linked to serious and organised crime (SAOC) have been arrested and £2,445,484 seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). Violence & ASB At the end of September 2024, Group 1 crimes of violence have increased with 543 crimes compared to 513 the previous year to date, while anti-social behaviour (ASB) related crimes have also risen from 489 to 555. 1. Acquisitive Crime 2. Public Protection 3. Road Safety & Road Crime 4. Serious Organised Crime 5. Violence & Anti-social behaviour ARGYLL & BUTE POLICING PRIORITIES 2023-2026
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL CRIME PYTD CYTD INCIDENTS PYTD CYTD Total Crimes & Offences 3792 3514 Total number of incidents 11,872 10,321 DEMAND ANALYSIS - * PYTD - PREVIOUS YEAR TO DATE CYTD - CURRENT YEAR TO DATE * * * * The total volume of crimes and offences recorded within Argyll and Bute has decreased by 7.3% from the previous year and is also in line with the previous 5 year average (3508). Despite the overall reduction in crime levels there have been slight increases in both crimes of violence (+5.9%) and anti-social offences (+13.5%), while Group 2 sexual crimes, acquisitive crimes and crimes against society have all experienced a reduction.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL ACQUISITIVE CRIME Shoplifting crimes have remained relatively consistent with 110 crimes compared to 108 the previous year to date, although remain above the previous 5 year average (70.2). The detection rate for shoplifting has increased from 57.4% to 70% (+12.6%), in number terms this equates to 15 more crimes detected. Housebreaking crimes have seen a reduction from 45 to 34 at the end of September 2024 (compared to last year), which is largely due to a 48% decrease in domestic dwelling housebreaking’s (-15 crimes). The detection rate for housebreaking has increased from 24.4% to 35.3%. Fraud crimes remain relatively unchanged in Argyll and Bute at the end of September 2024 compared to last year, from 102 to 103 crimes, albeit there has been a slight increase in frauds involving bank account takeovers (+13). The detection rate for fraud has increased from 12.7% to 21.4%. Perpetrators of such offences are generally based out with the UK. Proactive policing, crime prevention and partnership working remain our focus to drive down acquisitive crime across Argyll & Bute. Shoplifting across Argyll remains high and prevalent. Through analytical review and local governance, we have identified several repeat offenders. We are taking a holistic approach liaising with the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal service (COPFS) seeking post-conviction orders from the Sheriffs which will reduce the opportunity for criminal behaviour by the most prolific offenders. We continue to highlight to COPFS the impact acquisitive crime is having on local businesses to ensure their concerns are being voiced. Fraudulent schemes and online threats continue to target our communities. Our preventions team are maximising opportunities to engage with community groups, clubs and volunteers across all ages to highlight how we can all keep safe. We are very active across our social media channels and continue to work with local newspapers to maximise our prevention messages. We are in regular contact with Trading Standards to ensure we have effective information sharing to provide the best support to our local communities. We are now in planning for the darker nights with festive action plans to ensure we increase our visibility across Argyll & Bute supporting our communities to reduce the fear of crime.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Our new youth engagement officer in Oban has successfully re-introduced the PSYV programme to the town. The programme gives young people of all backgrounds a positive means of engagement with the police service. Through regular training and participation in community safety initiatives, youth volunteers are given opportunities to overcome barriers and discover their talents whilst making a positive contribution to their communities. We continue to deliver a focused and determined response on gender-based violence. Our officers are resolute and committed to supporting those who put their trust in us to investigate these crimes. Our teams will utilise every investigative opportunity open to them to provide a positive outcome. We continue to strengthen partnerships to ensure that our most vulnerable individuals across Argyll are receiving crucial support. We continue to promote ‘Distress Briefing Intervention’ (DBI) allowing our officers to make direct referrals to the most appropriate partners who can provide a sustainable outcome. We are developing plans to implement a new arrest referral scheme where partner agencies within criminal justice social work can offer support to those in police custody. This support can lead to improved community safety by addressing the root cause of criminal behaviour and even lower the likelihood of reoffending. At the end of September 2024, Group 2 crimes show a decrease of 11% with 113 crimes compared to 127 (-14) in the same period last year. Rape offences have reduced from 27 to 20 crimes, while sexual assaults have also decreased slightly by 8.5% from 47 to 43 (-4) year on year. Approximately 86% of rape crimes occurred in a private space setting and 95% of crimes were committed by persons known to the victim (with 12 being domestic related). Sexual assaults were largely split 60/40 in terms of public/private space with 89% of crimes being committed by persons known to the victim and 32% related to non-recent reports. Both the detection rates for rape crime and sexual assault have seen a significant increase from 23.1% to 52.6% and 42.6% to 74.4% respectively year on year. The number of domestic abuse incidents has seen a slight increase compared to last from 349 to 359, while the number of crimes recorded has also seen a considerable rise from 220 to 384. The crime/incident conversion rate has increased by 7.1% from 53.3% to 60.4%. A total of 76 missing person reports had been recorded within Argyll and Bute at end of September 2024, which is a slight reduction of 8.4% from last year (-7). MP reports relating to adults have reduced from 56 to 44 (-12), while reports relating to children and children in care have remained fairly consistent year on year. PUBLIC PROTECTION
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL At the end of September 2024 in Argyll and Bute the number of fatal RTC’s recorded has increased from 5 to 6 year on year, however their has been reduction in both the number of serious and slight injuries, which have decreased from 44 to 32 (-12) and 57 to 52 (-5) respectively. Road traffic offences have also seen a reduction of 18.7% in Argyll and Bute as at the end of Qtr. 2 from 1334 to 1084 (-250) with the majority of crime times experiencing a decrease compared to the same period last year. Road Traffic Casualties 2023/24 2024/25 Number of persons killed on our roads 5 6 Number of persons seriously injured 44 32 Number of persons slightly injured 57 52 Number of children seriously injured 3 0 Across Argyll & Bute we are committed to reducing road deaths by targeting the 5 main causes of fatal road accidents. These include speeding, being unfit to drive through drink or drugs, failure to wear seatbelts and driver distraction. Our officers will continue to pro-actively engage through enforcement and education. We very much welcome the new average speed cameras on the A82 at Luss and the safety cameras in Cardross and hope these cameras positively influence driver behaviour and decision making. We are working with partners including the Institute of Advanced Motorists to provide better understanding to road users who travel through our rural villages and towns to highlight the dangers and community impact that speeding and driving without due care and attention has. We delivered partnership events in Inveraray across the summer months with our specialist motorcycle officers and the Institute of Advanced Motorists who were able to engage with motorcyclists who regularly travel to Argyll during the summer months. Oban response officers carried out a road traffic day of action in the Taynuilt area, in conjunction with a host of partners and specialist officers. This resulted in individuals being charged with possession of controlled drugs, driving under the influence of drugs and speeding. Our community events have been a great success and well received. These events support our determination to reduce road deaths across Argyll. ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD CRIME
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire, 12 persons linked to serious and organised crime have been arrested and £2,445,484 has been seized under POCA since 1st April 2024. At the end of September 2024, drugs supply charges show marginal change compared to last year from 20 to 19 crimes, which is marginally below the previous 5-year average (22.6). Drug possession charges have seen a 20.7% reduction from 261 to 207 and are also 8.8% below the previous 5 year average (227). Serious and organised crime can have profound and multifaceted impacts on communities. We are determined to protect the public from criminality by disrupting the sale of illegal substances, preventing them from being circulated on the streets of our communities. Information from the public is crucial to our success and by working alongside Crimestoppers we can ensure anonymity is maintained. Recent recoveries in Oban and Lochgilphead show us that even in our rural and remote areas it is vital that we remain focused and unrelenting in our efforts to disrupt those intent on causing harm. SERIOUS & ORGANISED CRIME
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL VIOLENCE Following a spate of violence and ASB within a Helensburgh housing estate 4 individuals have been given custodial sentences. A collective multi-agency response resulted in these individuals being identified and held to account for their violent behaviour. We are determined to reduce the impact violence has in our communities. We utilise analytical data and intelligence to monitor and police prolific offenders. This allows us to use our stop and search powers to proactively target those individuals who carry weapons on our streets. We continue to ensure those released back into our communities on specific bail are complying with conditions and are not reoffending. We continue to review and monitor all reports of common assaults to ensure our officers consider all available enquiry opportunities. We have reduced the bureaucracy for our officers who now have greater autonomy to resolve minor assaults by way of fixed penalty notices. We continue to support and monitor our nighttime economy across Argyll by proactively visiting our licenced premises during peak times to ensure that alcohol related violence and disorder is minimised, and any potential violence is quelled before it escalates. Through proactive intervention and visits we continue to report to the Licensing Boards highlighting concerns identified. It’s imperative that our licenced premises work with us to ensure they are providing a safe environment for patrons whilst complying with all requirements specified. Levels of violence occurring within Argyll and Bute have risen by 5.9% from 513 to 543 (+30) year on year with the current figure also 29% above the previous 5 year average (421). Crimes were largely spilt 50/50 in terms of public and private space with approx. 56% of those occurring in a public space were committed by persons known to the victim. Much of the increase in crimes of violence is due to an increase in common assaults (+28) and common assaults on police and emergency workers (+20). Common assaults were largely spilt 50/50 in terms of public/private space and in approximately. 70% of public space crimes offenders were known to the victim. Much of the increase is due to a rise in domestic assaults (+44) year on year. The increase in assaults on police and emergency workers is largely due to slight increases in Rothesay (+9) and Oban (+8) compared to the PYTD. The detection rate for crimes of violence overall remains relatively unchanged.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Across the recording period the number of ASB related incidents in Argyll and Bute has reduced by approximately 20.4% compared to last year. Group 6 crimes, which include ASB related offences have increased by 13.5%, which has largely been attributed to a rise in threatening and abusive behaviour (+20) and alcohol related offences (+16). ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR We continue to build effective partnerships to ensure that we provide support across our rural and remote areas. By listening and engaging with community groups and responding to concerns raised we remain responsive to their needs. The early identification of ASB from our partners in housing and ASB services allows us to put robust plans in place. We regularly carry out proactive joint visits to problematic neighbour complaints to offer mediation and outline expectations. Our multi agency initiative, ‘Operation Ballaton’ which aims to reduce the impact of ASB across Loch Lomond and the village of Luss has been a success this year. Along with new parking restrictions and enforcement staff our effective partnerships has resulted in a reduction of ASB. Luss remains a very popular tourist location and we are determined to provide the community with support to minimise the impact of ASB.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL PUBLIC CONFIDENCE: COMPLAINTS & USER SATISFACTION Overall satisfaction with Police Scotland User Satisfaction results show that locally, public confidence levels remain high within Argyll and West Dunbartonshire with overall satisfaction levels at 69%, which remains in line with the position in 2022/23. Useful Links/Contacts • Argyll and Bute Communtiy Directory - https://abcd.scot/ including warm spaces information • Crimestoppers – Crimestoppers in Scotland | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) 0800 555 111 • Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime – www.scottishparc.co.uk • Women’s Aid - Home - Women's Aid (womensaid.org.uk) • Citizens Advice – 0808 164 6000 • Argyll and Bute Council Trading Standards – 01546 605 519 • Argyll and Bute Council – https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/my-council/how-contact-us • Transport Scotland – road related incidents and road closures - https://www.traffic.gov.scot/traffic-information/incidents • Scottish Water - https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Contact-Us 0800 0778 778 • NHS24 (including mental health support) – 111 or https://www.nhsinform.scot/ Total of 290 responses 69% of those asked were either very satisfied or satisfied with the service they received from Police Scotland. We continue to work to improve these figures, through training and appropriate supervision, ensuring our dedicated officers provide a high quality of service across the area in all aspects of policing. Local Policing News Chief Inspector (CI) Allan Dickson will be moving on from being the Area Commander for Helensburgh, Lomond, Cowal & Bute and returning to CID. The new Area Commander will be CI James McArthur who will be based at Dunoon Police Station. With his depute, Inspector Bart Simonis who will be at Helensburgh. CI Lee Page replaces CI Shanks as the Area Commander in Oban, Lorn and the Isles, Mid Argyll and Kintyre and the Islands with PI Karen MacLennan as his depute.
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Private Office: Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan Castle, Kincardine, FK10 4BE Tel: 01786 893 111 Email: CC.Office@scotland.police.uk Chief Constable 23 September 2024 Dear colleague Later this week, I will present Police Scotland’s long term vision and three year plan for the service to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA). This has been published today on the SPA website and I attach a link to that document. Police Scotland 3 yr Business Plan I wanted to write to you to explain the approach we are taking to longer term planning and prioritisation of service and investment and to reaffirm our commitment to positive collaboration and partnerships. When I took up my role as Chief Constable nearly a year ago, I said that I wanted to simplify the way in which Police Scotland plans and prioritises. Our three year plan sets out the commitments we are making to improve our organisation and the service we deliver to the public. Realising our long term vision will represent significant change and as I say in the document, we will work with partners whenever we can to deliver the best results. The 2030 vision for Police Scotland is of an organisation that is focussed on achieving: • safer communities across Scotland; • less crime; • better support for victims; and • building a thriving workforce. I want Police Scotland to focus on strengthening the impact of our frontline as we work towards that vision - I have seen the high level of demand placed on police officers and staff every day and I’m wholly committed to supporting our workforce to manage that demand better. Our longer term vision means that: • we will work with partners to better define the police role when dealing with vulnerable people; • we will work with partners to drive improvement across the Criminal Justice system to free officers up from unreasonable and unnecessary demands; and • we will ensure that police officers and staff are supported and equipped with the right training, the right equipment and the right data at their fingertips to deliver the best possible service. Our plan to 2027 sets out clearly where we will focus and invest as we move forward on the journey to a more sustainable and affordable model of policing – this is the next wave of policing reform and a major opportunity to improve the organisation and the service that Police Scotland delivers.
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