Renfrewshire SBR__Jul 2026
Renfrewshire Council · 18 August 2026
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Sub-Committee — 18 August 2026 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 Renfrewshire Performance Summary Report Reporting Period: 01/04/26 - 30/06/26 Total Crime 4,338 Incidents Recorded Overall Dishonesty Domestic Abuse Incidents stable -1.1% +1.9% +1.3% +63.7% -39.3% Road Traffic Casualties -8.7% Sexual Crime 11,648 494 924 535 547 168 34 1,548 Overall Violent Crime Missing People 157 63 Common Assault +23.5% Housebreaking Disorder Complaints Unless otherwise stated, all data provided within this report is for the period 1 April 2025 - 30 June 2026, with comparisons made against the same period in the 2025/26 period. All statistics are provisional and should be treated as management information. All data have been extracted from Police Scotland internal systems and are correct as at 16/07/2026. -0.6% -10% -40%
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2 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Renfrewshire Performance Summary Report Reporting Period: 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026 Introduction I am pleased to present this report to the Police Fire and Rescue Committee for its information and consideration. 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 comparable period in the preceding reporting year. Chief Superintendent Rhona Fraser Renfrewshire & Inverclyde Divisional Commander SECTION PAGE NUMBER Introduction 2 Executive Summary 3 Demand Analysis 4 Antisocial Behaviour, Violence & Disorder 5 Protecting Vulnerable People 6 Acquisitive Crime 7 Cyber and Digital Crime 7 Road Safety and Road Crime 8 Public Confidence - Complaints & Allegations 9 Recent Initiatives and Results 10 Forthcoming Initiatives 10
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3 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL PRIORITY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Violent crime in Renfrewshire increased by slightly, with minor violence remaining static but crimes of serious violence increasing by approximately +15%. Half of recorded crimes of violence occurred in private dwellings, with an increasing proportion of violence occurring within residential settings compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, recorded weapons offences fell by approximately -30%. A decrease was also noted in respect of crimes of damage and reckless behaviour, public-reported incidents of disorder, and hate crime. Recorded sexual crimes have increased by almost +64%, partly attributable to a rise in cyber-enabled crimes. Crimes linked to domestic abuse, and non-recent reporting also increased on the previous year. Meanwhile, missing person reports fell by -40%, with care-experienced young people continuing to feature in a majority of in- cidents. A slight increase was noted in domestic abuse incidents and crime incidents, with common assault and threatening and abusive behaviour offences fea- turing as the most common domestic crimes. With nine recorded, suspected drug re- lated deaths remain stable on last year, with numerous substances including heroin, cocaine, cannabis and synthetic drugs suspected to be involved. Crimes of dishonesty fell slightly on the previous year, to a total of 921 - driven by a decrease in theft by shoplifting and common theft. An increase was noted in fraud, mainly linked to fraudulent use of credit and debit cards, taxi fraud and unauthorised bank transfers. Housebreaking crimes also in- creased, with one driver being a rise in break-ins to derelict commercial and public buildings linked to ‘urban exploration’ activity. Road casualties fell from 56 to 34 in the reporting period, with fewer deaths, serious and slight injuries. Recorded road traffic offences in Renfrewshire decreased by -1.1% on 2025/26 figures, totalling 1,084. Police Scotland remains committed to reducing road casualties through ongoing enforcement and education efforts. RENFREWSHIRE POLICING PRIORITIES 2023 - 2026 POLICE SCOTLAND’S POLICING PRIORITIES 2023 - 2026 Protecting vulnerable people Renfrewshire & Inverclyde Division continues to support a multi-agency approach to reduce drug deaths, to engage with Scottish Government and stakeholders to influence approaches to supporting individuals with complex mental health needs, and to work in partnership to develop local effective and efficient pathways to support vulnerable people. Working with communities The Division continues to support this Police Scotland priority and to develop strategic partnerships to find synergy in policy making and shared resources. Police in Renfrewshire recognise the importance of engaging with communities to understand their needs, and strive to support innovation in local partnership settings. Tackling crime in the digital age Police in Renfrewshire continue to benefit from the support of specialised Police Scotland units such as the Cybercrime Unit and the Economic Crime and Financial Investigation Unit, amongst others. There are continued efforts to ensure our Officers have the training, resources and equipment needed to tackle the threat arising from cyber related criminality and technological advancement. Police in Renfrewshire continue to receive support from the Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Unit (part of the national Specialist Crime Division) in relation to the investigation and prevention of online sexual crimes targeting children. Support for operational policing Renfrewshire Police continue to link in closely with Police Scotland’s Corporate Services who enable and support operational resources to deliver against the strategic priorities and their outcomes. As part of the Digitally-Enabled Policing Programme, migration to new national Core Operational Systems has led to increased efficiency and deployability of local Police Officers, allowing them to more effectively serve Renfrewshire’s communities.
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4 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL DEMAND ANALYSIS PYTD - PREVIOUS YEAR TO DATE CYTD - CURRENT YEAR TO DATE CRIME PYTD CYTD INCIDENTS PYTD CYTD Total Crimes & Offences 14,440 14,893 Total number of incidents 49,497 52,181 Crimes and Offences 4,338 crimes and offences were recorded in Renfrewshire in the reporting period. Although +10.7% up on the five-year average, this represents a slight decrease on the previous year’s total. Nationally, recorded crimes and offences increased by +6.1%. Renfrewshire’s overall drop resulted from a reduction in Group 3 crimes of dishonesty (e.g. theft by housebreaking, fraud, theft by shoplifting), Group 4 crimes of damage and reckless behaviour (e.g. culpable and reckless conduct and vandalism), Group 5 crimes against society (e.g. drug possession and supply offences, possession of offensive weapons) and Group 8 road traffic offences (e.g. speeding, offences relating to vehicle defects, and careless driving). Conversely, reductions were noted in relation to Group 1 non-sexual crimes of violence (e.g. threats and extortion, common assault and robbery), Group 2 sexual crimes (e.g. indecent communications, rape, and possession of indecent images of children), Group 6 antisocial offences (e.g. breach of the peace, hate aggravated conduct), and Group 7 miscellaneous offences (e.g. environmental offences, community and public order offences). The detection rate for all crimes and offences stands at 66%. Though slightly below the Renfrewshire detection rate noted in the same period in 2025/26 (68.4%) this remains above the current national detection rate (64.6%). Police Incidents In addition to a decrease in recorded crime and offences, Police incidents fell by -10% on the previous year, with 11,648 recorded. Analysis of trends indicate continued shifts in crime and policing. For example, there has been a notable reduction in incidents relating to theft, missing person/absconders, road traffic matters, public nuisance calls and assist member of the public incidents, which potentially points to the effect of more targeted patrols and preventative measures in hotspot areas. On the other hand, incidents relating to drug/ substance misuse, concern for person, fraud, police generated activity and incidents involving drones / unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) / unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) points to increased proactivity and focus on disrupting specific offences, as well as reflecting the changing nature and increasing technological dependence of crime within our communities. CRIME PYTD CYTD INCIDENTS PYTD CYTD Total Crimes & Offences 4,365 4,338 Total number of incidents 12,945 11,648
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5 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL VIOLENCE, ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND DISORDER Violence Recorded violent crimes in Renfrewshire increased by +1.3% compared to the previous year, with a total of 547 crimes. Most of these crimes (494) were common assaults, with minor violence remaining static on the previous year’s figures. Crimes of serious violence increased by +15.2% to a total of 53, with 30 serious assaults, 18 robberies and five attempted murders in the reporting period. Half of all recorded violent crimes occurred in private dwellings, with an increase of almost ten percent in private space violence compared to the previous year. Weapons Offences A total of 104 offensive / bladed weapons offences were recorded in Renfrewshire during the reporting period, marking a decrease of nearly -30% on the previous year. 60 crimes related to the use of weapons in other criminality, with the remaining crimes relating to carriage of weapons. Collaboration with partner agencies is ongoing, aimed at educating young people about the risks and consequences of carrying weapons and diverting them away from criminal activity. Disorder and Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Crimes of damage and reckless behaviour in Renfrewshire fell by -1.2% on the previous year, with 329 recorded, with reductions noted in relation to culpable and reckless conduct and wilful fireraising. Public-reported incidents of ASB and disorder fell by -8.7%, with 1,548 incidents recorded. Police in Renfrewshire continue to engage in a multi-agency response to ASB, building on the proactive work carried out through the Partnership Hub and ensuring effective plans are in place to address community risks in Renfrewshire. Hate Crime 69 hate crimes were recorded in Renfrewshire in the reporting period - a drop of -9.2% on the previous year. The hate crime detection rate is 52.2%. Race continues to be the most commonly targeted protected characteristic, featuring in 58% of recorded hate crimes in Renfrewshire, with victims being targeted on the basis of sexual orientation in a further 19% of hate crimes. 61 hate crimes related to threatening or abusive behaviour offences, with a total of 14 hate-aggravated crimes of violence also being recorded.
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6 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Sexual Crime 167 sexual crimes have been recorded in Renfrewshire in the reporting period - an increase of +63.7% on the previous year’s total (102 crimes). Nationally, sexual crimes have risen by a more marginal +4.5%. 57 crimes were identified as cyber-enabled - almost double the number recorded in the previous year. Sexual offending linked to domestic abuse was also more prevalent, with 43 crimes in the reporting period (compared to 32 in the previous year). Two thirds of reported crimes occurred within private dwellings, with crimes in private spaces also rising by over +14% on the previous year. Over a quarter of recorded sexual offences continues to be attributable to non-recent reporting, with a slight increase in the proportion of crimes arising from non-recent reporting, compared to the previous five years. The detection rate is 80.8%, considerably above the previous year’s rate of 43.1%. Missing People In the reporting period, a total of 157 missing person reports were recorded - a decrease of -40% on the same period in 2025/26, in which 264 missing person reports were received. In the current reporting period, 96 individuals were reported missing - with 23 of these being repeat missing persons (i.e. being reported missing on multiple occasions). Almost two thirds of all missing person reports involved care experienced young people. 54% of missing people were traced by Police, with a with a further 30% returning of their own accord. We continue to engage with appropriate partners to safeguard and reduce threat risk and harm to our most vulnerable people, especially when they go missing. Domestic Abuse Domestic abuse incidents in Renfrewshire increased by +1.9% compared to the previous year, totalling 535. 45.2% of these incidents resulted in a domestic crime being recorded, with a total of 370 domestic abuse crimes in the reporting period. This equates to a +3.9% rise on 2025/26 figures. The most common recorded domestic crimes were common assault, threatening and abusive behaviour, bail offences and telecommunications offences. The detection rate increased on last year’s position (59.3%) to 63.2% in the reporting period. (Multi-Agency Tasking and Coordination) and MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences) frameworks remain vital in safeguarding victims, providing tailored support, coordinating partnerships, and ensuring agency accountability. We will continue to work together with our partners to ensure that victim centred approach adopting he most suitable support to victims and families. Drug Related Deaths In the reporting period, nine suspected drug-related deaths and 19 near-fatal overdoses have been recorded in Renfrewshire. Drugs assessed to be involved in the death cases included synthetics, heroin, cocaine, cannabis and benzodiazepines. Local officers have been conducting proactive initiatives and intensification days, while also collaborating with the Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) to provide support, guidance, and resources aimed at reducing drug-related harm. PROTECTING VULNERABLE PEOPLE
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7 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL ACQUISITIVE CRIME A total of 921 crimes of dishonesty were recorded - a decrease of -1.4% on the previous year - mainly attributable to a drop of -3.9% in theft by shoplifting, and -10.7% in relation to common theft. Action plans to address the issue of acquisitive crime have achieved a significant reduction in acquisitive reoffending (-21%) which has also contributed to this overall decrease. However, acquisitive offending trends continue to evolve and adapt and increases have been noted in recorded fraud (+44%), with a rise in fraudulent use of debit and credit cards, taxi fraud and unauthorised bank transfers. Housebreaking crime also increased by +23.5% in Renfrewshire, with this partly being attributable to an increase in youths entering derelict premises, likely connected to the growing trend of ‘urban exploration’. We continue to engage with local businesses and communities to offer preventative advice in order to mitigate these emerging threats and ensure a long-term reduction in acquisitive crime. CYBER & DIGITAL CRIME Recorded cybercrime within Renfrewshire increased by +53.9% on the previous reporting period, based on crimes formally tagged as cybercrimes. The most prevalent offence types continue to be communications offences, fraud, and grooming of children for the purposes of sexual offences, and voyeurism. This reflects both the accessibility of online platforms and the evolving methods used by offenders to exploit victims. Of note, there is a growing trend in banking and investment fraud, with recorded crime data indicating that older members of the community are being disproportionately targeted. These offences often involve sophisticated social engineering techniques, including impersonation of trusted organisations and coercion to transfer funds or disclose sensitive financial information. This presents an ongoing risk in terms of financial harm and victim vulnerability. In response, prevention activity remains a key focus, delivered through established local partnerships and multi-agency working. This includes targeted educational inputs across schools, community groups and local businesses, aimed at improving awareness of online risks, promoting protective behaviours, and encouraging early reporting. Engagement activity continues to be aligned to emerging threat profiles, with particular emphasis on safeguarding vulnerable groups and reducing opportunities for cyber-enabled offending.
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8 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD CRIME Road Traffic Casualties 2025/26 2026/27 Number of persons killed on our roads 2 1 Number of persons seriously injured 24 16 Number of persons slightly injured 30 17 Number of children seriously injured 2 1 Road Traffic Data from 01/04/2026 to 30/06/2026 Road Casualties In the reporting period, there were 34 road casualties in Renfrewshire - a reduction of 22 compared to the same period in 2025/26. This incorporates a reduction in road deaths as well as serious and slight injuries. Police Scotland remains committed to reducing road casualties through ongoing enforcement and education efforts. The dedicated Road Policing Unit (RPU) from Police Scotland’s Operational Support Division continues to support local policing through a range of road safety and crime prevention campaigns. Police in Renfrewshire also undertake speed checks in areas based on information received from members of the public and elected members relating to problem locations for speeding and dangerous driving. The Renfrewshire Road Safety Partnership Initiative, funded by Renfrewshire Council, has been ongoing through this period and officers will continue their focus along with the RPU, local partners, and communities to enhance road safety with efforts being coordinated through our established Road Safety Partnership. Road Traffic Offences Recorded road traffic offences in Renfrewshire decreased by -1.1% on 2025/26 figures, totalling 1,084 in the reporting period, in line with a -5% drop at the national level. The increasing use of personal electric vehicles (PEV) including e-scooters and electric motorcycles has resulted in a growing road policing and community safety concern across Renfrewshire. Public complaints relating to antisocial riding, dangerous use on pavements and the unlawful use of electric vehicles have increased, with many of these vehicles being used without the legally required insurance, vehicle registration or tax where applicable. During the reporting period, recorded offences involving electric vehicles have increased fivefold compared with the same period last year. This increase reflects both the growing prevalence of these vehicles and the proactive enforcement activity undertaken as part of the action plan to tackle this issue.
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9 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL PUBLIC CONFIDENCE: COMPLAINTS & USER SATISFACTION REPORTING PERIOD: 1 APRIL 2025 - 31 MARCH 2026 YOUR POLICE - PUBLIC CONFIDENCE DATA Renfrewshire’s latest community feedback highlights a consistent public desire for improved road safety and more visible management of neighbourhood-level concerns. Specific identified themes included speeding vehicles, anti-social and reckless use of e-vehicles, drug misuse, housebreaking and auto-crime. To address these effectively, Police in Renfrewshire utilise an intelligence-driven approach, analysing community reports and crime data to ensure resources are prioritised and deployed where they can have the most significant impact - allowing for more efficient patrols and targeted interventions. We remain committed to providing a balanced, preventative approach which maintains public order and strengthens confidence through the delivery of an evidence-based, reliable service to our communities. COMPLAINTS Police Scotland wants to provide the best service we can, and takes complaints about our service seriously. A total of 181 complaint cases and 300 allegations were received in Renfrewshire in the 2025/26 reporting period, with a reduction in both categories compared to the previous year. 210 allegations were ‘On Duty’, with a further 90 relating to quality of service. ‘Irregularity in procedure’ continues to feature as the most common type of allegation in Renfrewshire. Proportion of respondents who: Renfrewshire Scotland report feeling safe or fairly safe in their local area 88.5% 77.8% felt well informed about local police activities taking place in the last 12 months 12.3% 17.2% felt that Police were doing a good job in the local area 32.7% 29.7% had confidence in Police in their local area 43.1% 38.7% reported an increase in concern about crime in the last 12 months 41% 54.2%
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10 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL LOCAL POLICING PRIORITY OUTCOMES – CASE STUDIES Planning for World Cup To support the safe enjoyment of FIFA World Cup fixtures across Renfrewshire, dedicated proactive patrols were deployed in night-time economy areas throughout the tournament to de- ter disorder and provide reassurance to the public. The Licensing Unit engaged proactively with all licensed premises, together with public and private transport providers, to ensure appropri- ate planning and contingency arrangements were in place. This collaborative approach contrib- uted to a safe event, with minimal disorder and no significant welfare concerns reported throughout. Online Safety Awareness The Preventions and Interventions Unit continues to deliver a programme of engagement with schools, community groups and partner agencies to raise awareness of online safety and emerging digital threats. Inputs have covered a range of issues including acquisitive crime, hate crime, sextortion, online exploitation, cyber-enabled offending and safe use of social media. This preventative approach aims to increase awareness, reduce vulnerability and support communities in identifying and reporting online harm. Personal Electric Vehicles - Action Plan In response to increasing reports of the antisocial and unlawful use of PEV, Renfrewshire Police implemented a targeted action plan to address the issue. Intelligence gathering and analytical products have enhanced understanding of offending patterns, enabling officers to conduct focused enforcement in identified hotspot locations. Alongside enforcement activity, a public awareness campaign was launched across social media platforms to educate the public on the legal requirements governing PEV, highlighting the consequences of riding uninsured, unregistered or illegally modified vehicles on public roads. Messaging also emphasised the significant risk of serious injury to riders and pedestrians. FORTHCOMING INITIATIVES • Renfrewshire Safer Summer Campaign launched, there will be a themed week inline with our local policing Priorities each week over the summer period. This will showcase in- teroperability working between police and partners throughtout. • Elected Member Conversation Session with regards to Escooters/bikes took place on Tuesday 7/7/26 at Renfrewshire House where it was discussed about how police are tack- ling the illegal misuse of these vehicles. • Each Renfrewshire School were visited and Escooter/bike input was provided prior to break up of school for summer. • Ecooter/bike safety flyer was distributed to all parents and carers vis school Apps. • Populated Calendar dates each week for our welfare vans within communities where members of public can come and chat with a local officer who works within this ward a • Project Trail running throughout the summer