Renfrewshire SBR_Jul 2024
Renfrewshire Council · 20 August 2024
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Sub-Committee — 20 August 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 Renfrewshire Performance Summary Report Reporting Period: 01/04/23 - 31/03/24 Total Crime 14,893 Incidents Recorded Overall Dishonesty Domestic Abuse Incidents +10.3% +13.1% -0.4% +9.5% -4.5% -13.4% Road Traffic Casualties -3.2% Sexual Crime 52,181 1,797 3,656 1,929 1,973 426 149 6,177 Overall Violent Crime Missing People 609 224 Common Assault +17.9% Housebreaking Disorder Complaints Unless otherwise stated, all data provided within this report is for the period 1 April 2023 - 31 March 2024, with comparisons made against the same period in the 2022/2023 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 22 April 2024. +3.1% +5.4% -17.3%
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2 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Renfrewshire Performance Summary Report Reporting Period: 1 Apr 2023 to 31 March 2024 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 cor- rect as of date of publication. Unless stated otherwise, numerical comparisons are against the comparable period in the preceding reporting year. Chief Superintendent Gordon McCreadie 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 The overall rate of violent crime in Renfrewshire per 10,000 population remains below the national average. In line with a rise noted at the national level, overall violent crime has increased by 9.5% on the previous year, to a total of 1,973 crimes. Minor violence has increased by over ten percent, with serious crimes of violence rising by two percent. The 2023/24 detection rate for violent crime was 66%. 426 sexual crimes were recorded in 2023/24 - a decrease of 4.5% on 2022/23 figures. This is consistent with a slight decrease at the national level. The detection rate is 62.4% which remains above the national detection rate for the reporting period. 31% of all recorded sexual crimes involved non-recent reporting. Over 40% of sexual crimes were non-contact offences, with many of these being cyber-enabled sexual crimes. Consistent with a rise at the national level, recorded crimes of dishonesty increased by 13.1% in Renfrewshire, to a total of 3,656. Rising reports of fraud (+11%), shoplifting (+44.2%) and acquisitive motor vehicle crimes (+22%) continue to be recognised as the principal drivers in the overall rise in recorded crimes of dishonesty. The detection rate of 34.4% remains above the previous year’s rate and the national detection rate for the same period. Recorded road traffic offences in Renfrewshire have fallen by 1.7% on the previous year to a total of 3,317. This fall stands counter to a rise over nine percent at a national level. Overall, road injuries have fallen by over 13%, and two fewer people were killed in road collisions in Renfrewshire compared to 2022/23. 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 Broadly similar to the rise noted at the national level, the number of recorded crimes and offences in Renfrewshire has increased by 3.1% on figures recorded in 2022/23, with a total of 14,893 crimes and offences recorded in the 2023/24 reporting year. An increase has been recorded across various crime groups, including Group 1 (non-sexual crimes of violence), Group 3 (acquisitive crimes such as theft and fraud), and Group 6 offences (miscellaneous offences such as common assault, breach of bail etc). These increases have been partially offset by declines in Group 2 (sexual offences), and Group 4 (crimes of malicious mischief such as vandalism and wilful fireraising). Despite the overall uptick in crime figures, Renfrewshire's total recorded crimes and offences remain 0.7% below the previous five-year average and the crime rate (831 crimes per 10k population) remains below the national average rate (864). The detection rate for all crimes and offences stands at 63.6%, comparable to the previous year’s rate. A rise has also been noted in respect of police incidents, with 52,181 recorded in 2023/24. This amounts to a rise of 5.4% on 2022/23 figures. Approximately half of all incidents required police attendance, with 16.6% resulting in crime being recorded. While some of this increase is attributed to silent or discarded 999 calls, often caused by accidental dials from smart devices due to software updates, there are also signs of a growing and evolving demand on police in Renfrewshire, including rises in certain crime incidents (including thefts and assaults) and external agency requests. We continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure the implementation of the most appropriate and proportionate response to identified issues.
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5 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL VIOLENCE, ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND DISORDER Violence The rate of violent crime in Renfrewshire (110.2 crimes per 10,000 population) was lower than the national average (approximately 115.3 crimes per 10k) in 2023/24. Recorded crimes of violence in Renfrewshire increased by 9.5% on the previous year, to a total of 1,973 crimes. The majority (over 91%) of recorded violent crimes in Renfrewshire were classed as ‘minor violence’ with the remaining nine percent (176 crimes) relating to crimes such as serious assault and robbery. Compared to 2022/23, crimes of minor violence increased by over ten percent, with serious violent crimes rising by a smaller margin (two percent). In response to an increase in incidents of disorder in Paisley Town Centre, a joint collaborative approach has been developed, culminating in a multi-agency response. This incorporates intelligence led briefings, high visibility and plain clothes officers providing additional attention to the area, and engagement with partners in particular Renfrewshire Council Youth Engagement Team and Community Wardens. A total of 326 weapons offences were recorded in Renfrewshire in the reporting period—a rise of 5.5% on the previous year. The detection rate for weapon-related criminality rose from 76.7% to 80.7%. Knives and other bladed weapons continue to feature most predominantly in Renfrewshire, and although most offenders in weapons offences were aged over 25 years, a small proportion of knife offences involved youths. Police in Renfrewshire continue to work with a range of partners to educate youths on the risk and harm of carrying weapons and to divert young people away from criminality. Disorder and Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Recorded fire raising crimes in 2023/24 fell by nearly 11% on the previous year. Advice continues to be issued to all householders regarding the dangers of leaving combustible items in common close areas. Meanwhile, recorded vandalism crimes have fallen by over nine percent. Public-reported incidents of ASB and disorder have fallen by 3.2%, with 6,177 incidents recorded. Police in Renfrewshire continue engage in a multi-agency response to the issue of ASB to drive forward the positive proactive work already conducted via the Part- nership Hub, ensuring suitable plans are in place to mitigate risk for the communities of Ren- frewshire. Hate Crime 249 hate incidents and 206 hate crimes were recorded in Renfrewshire in the reporting period, with both figures representing an increase of 4.6% on the previous year. The detection rate for hate crime was 61.2%. 54% of recorded hate crimes in Renfrewshire in the reporting period targeted victims on the basis of race, with 25% of crimes targeting victims’ sexual orientation. It should be noted that the reporting period is prior to the introduction of Scotland’s new law to ensure equal protection for all social groups under the Hate Crime and Public Order Act. This law consolidates existing legislation into one, making it easier to identify hate crimes, and adds the new protected characteristics of Age and Variations in Sex Characteristics.
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6 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Sexual Crime 426 sexual crimes have been recorded in Renfrewshire in the reporting period - 20 fewer than were recorded in 2022/23 (-4.5%). crimes on the previous year (+4.4%). In the reporting period, recorded sexual crimes also increased at a national level. 31% of recorded sexual crimes involved non-recent reporting. There are specific challenges associated with the investigation and detection of non-recent sexual crimes, due to the passage of time and resulting loss of various forensic opportunities. Approximately 42% of sexual crimes recorded in the current year related to non-contact offences - the majority of these being cyber-enabled sexual offences (e.g. indecent communications, sharing of intimate images without consent). The detection rate for sexual crimes is 62.4%, which remains above the national detection rate for sexual crime for the same reporting period. Missing People In the period April 2023 to March 2024, a total of 609 missing person reports were recorded in Renfrewshire, a decrease of 17.3% on 2022/23 figures. Young people continue to feature in a majority (76%) of reports, with care experienced young people involved in 53% of all incidents. A relatively small number of individuals continue to account for a large percentage of the overall number of missing person incidents, with the top ten repeat missing people collectively being reporting nearly 150 times during 2023/24 - equating to nearly one of every four missing person incidents. The average duration of missing person incidents (time between the report being made and the missing person being traced) was 25 hours. The rollout of the Philomena Protocol and ongoing coordination and training relating to the national guidance for LAAC who go missing, in terms of the ‘not at home’, as well as the addition to the establishment of a dedicated Missing Persons Coordinator in the Division, have played a crucial role in reducing missing person incidents. Police will 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 Victims of domestic abuse remain one of Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Division’s top priorities. While research strongly suggests that domestic abuse continues to be significantly under-reported, Police in Renfrewshire remain committed to delivering a professional, sensitive and consistent service to all victims of Domestic Abuse, in addition to continually striving to improve the service provided to victims. Recorded domestic abuse incidents in Renfrewshire fell by 0.4% on the previous year, to a total of 1,929. 46% of all recorded incidents resulted in a crime being recorded. The detection rate for domestic abuse crimes was 58.8%. MATAC (Multi-Agency Tasking and Coordination) and MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences) processes continue to play pivotal roles in safeguarding victims of domestic abuse, ensuring the provision of tailored support, a cohesive partnership response, comprehensive evaluation of risks faced by domestic abuse victims, and the accountability of all case stakeholders. There were 29 MATAC and 338 MARAC referrals in Renfrewshire in the 2023/24 reporting period. Drug Related Deaths 47 confirmed and five suspected drug-related deaths occurred in Renfrewshire in 2023/24. Analysis of the available toxicology results indicates that polydrug use continues to be a key issue of concern. The benzodiazepine Bromazolam features as the most common controlled drug identified in drug-related deaths in Renfrewshire, closely followed by cocaine - with both of these drugs becoming increasingly prevalent in recent years in relation to drug harms. Officers have been undertaking proactive initiatives and days of intensification as well as working with the Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP), together aiming to provide support and signposting to reduce drug-related harm locally. PROTECTING VULNERABLE PEOPLE
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7 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL ACQUISITIVE CRIME 3,656 crimes of dishonesty were recorded in Renfrewshire in the reporting period - an increase of just over 13% on 2022/23 figures. This increase is consistent with the national position. Meanwhile, the detection rate increased from 29.8% in the previous year, to 34.4%, with 293 additional crimes of dishonesty being detected. While housebreaking crimes have increased by 17.9% on the previous year, this increase is predominantly due to an increase in break ins to sheds and other outbuildings (50 crimes compared to 18 in the previous year). The rate of housebreaking crime in Renfrewshire (approximately 13 crimes per 10,000 population) remains lower than the national average (approx. 16 crimes per 10k). 1,190 crimes of theft by shoplifting were recorded in 2023/24 - with this type of crime accounting for nearly a third of all recorded acquisitive crime. Shoplifting has become increasingly prevalent not only in Renfrewshire (rising by 44.2% on 2022/23 figures) but also throughout the rest of the country. An action plan has been implemented for Braehead Shopping Centre - a hotspot for shoplifting crime - which targets known groups of shoplifters. Other Problem Solving work continues with partners, including Retailers Against Crime (RAC). This is supported by additional high visibility focused patrols within Paisley Town Centre, as well as theft Prevention advice to security staff and target hardening guidance to retailers. With ‘drive off’ fuel thefts also becoming increasingly common, local officers also continue to work with businesses to prevent and detect this type of crime. 349 acquisitive crimes involving motor vehicles have been recorded, which is a rise of 22% on the previous year. Crime prevention advice continues to be issued to motor vehicle owners in Renfrewshire to raise awareness of measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of vehicles and their contents being stolen. CYBER & DIGITAL CRIME Cyber-enabled crime continues to impact on the communities of Renfrewshire. Crimes of dishonesty continue to constitute the largest proportion of any crime group in relation to cybercrime, with over 51% of cybercrimes belonging to this category. We continue to raise awareness of online frauds through our many local collaborations and nationally with Cyber Scotland Partnership and the financial industry. Around 14% of recorded cybercrimes related to sexual offences— another key priority issue that Police in Renfrewshire continue to tackle with support from specialist national units. These crimes include sexual online communications with children, and possession of indecent images of children (IIOC). We engage nationally with partners to raise preventative awareness of online child sexual abuse and exploitation, partners include CEOP, Childline, Barnardo’s, UK Safer Internet Centre, Lucy Faithful Foundation Scotland and the Internet Watch Foundation.
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8 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD CRIME Road Traffic Casualties 2022/23 2023/24 Number of persons killed on our roads 3 1 Number of persons seriously injured 62 64 Number of persons slightly injured 107 84 Number of children seriously injured 7 7 Road Traffic Data from 01/04/2023 to 31/03/2024 Overall, 23 fewer road casualties have occurred in Renfrewshire in 2023/24 compared to the previous reporting year. Two fewer road deaths, and 23 fewer slight injuries occurred, though serious road injuries increased slightly on 2022/23 figures. The number of children seriously injured on Renfrewshire’s roads remains unchanged on the previous year, with seven recorded in 2023/24. Meanwhile, recorded road traffic offences in Renfrewshire fell by 1.7% on the previous year to a total of 3,317. This stands counter to a small increase in road traffic offences at the national level. In Renfrewshire, a decrease has been noted across the majority of road traffic offences, though key exceptions to this include licence offences (+28.5%), insurance offences (+14.6%), mobile phone offences (+4.1%) and offences relating to careless driving (+12.2%). In Renfrewshire, officers continue to harness community intelligence to conduct proactive speed checks across the local authority area, targeting areas causing concern to local residents. With ongoing support from the Road Policing Unit, (RPU) local officers work closely with the community and partners to deliver a proactive multi-agency response and to ensure that our roads remain safe for all users. The West Safety Camera Unit (SCU) of Safety Cameras Scotland continues to offer support to Renfrewshire Police across nine locations within the local authority area. These locations are selected using a rigorous assessment of injury collision volumes, severity and causation. Officers will continue to coordinate and map our activity with RPU, partners and our communities.
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9 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL PUBLIC CONFIDENCE: COMPLAINTS & USER SATISFACTION From 01/04/2023 - 31/03/2024 COMPLAINTS A total of 249 complaint cases and 348 allegations have been received in Renfrewshire in the period April 2023 to March 2024. Total complaint cases have increased by just under 21% compared to the previous year, while the number of allegations have risen by around two percent. 250 allegations were ‘On Duty’ with a further 98 relating to quality of service. The largest proportion of allegations related to irregularity in procedure. YOUR POLICE 80.3% of respondents to the ‘Your Police’ survey reported that they felt very or fairly safe in their local area, while 48.4% of those who completed the survey stated that their concern about crime had increased in the last 12 months. 34.4% agreed, or strongly agreed that they had confidence in the police in their local area. In Renfrewshire, the proportion of positive responses were either in line with, or exceeded comparable national figures for the reporting period. Analysis of recent public survey results identifies several key themes and concerns amongst survey respondents. Concerns relating to road traffic issues such as speeding, dangerous driving and inconsiderate parking of motor vehicles were a particularly common theme in survey responses. Concerns relating to drug supply and misuse were also commonly noted by respondents, as were worries around antisocial behaviour and disorder. The review of public survey results, and identification of common themes, culminated in the development of a repository of preliminary action plans developed to align with both local and national strategies. This repository will support officers in implementing meaningful and efficient prevention and problem-solving initiatives, in addition to facilitating a 'You Said We Did' approach, allowing local officers in Renfrewshire to address survey findings effectively.
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10 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL LOCAL POLICING PRIORITY OUTCOMES – CASE STUDIES Financial and Online Harm In support of Cyber Scotland Week the Prevention team provided internet safety information on a digital class course at ROAR. St Andrew’s Academy were grateful for inputs to students on cybercrime and image sharing. In March, to continue the preventative work in relation to financial harm officers attended the University of the West of Scotland during National Student Money week. This year’s topic was “less risk, more reward” which aimed to help students understand how risky decisions can impact their finances. A number of topics were highlighted and prompted positive discussion including - how to stay safe online, rental fraud and sextortion. Hate Crime The team facilitated events and training with I am me. Our hate crime advisor continues to educate new officers on the fairly new hate crime legislation as well as ensuring compliance for crime recording. Missing People Regular meetings with our missing persons co-ordinator and young person’s care houses concentrating solely on Missing are providing quicker and improved education on processes, learning and training. Presentations were given by Inspectors from Renfrewshire division at the Child protection committee network lunch on the topic of missing and the multiagency meetings were vulnerable young people can be referred. Partnership Work with Trading Standards Joint visits to retail premises in Renfrewshire were undertaken by Police and Trading Standards officers. These visits have resulted in the seizure of 4,589 packs of illicit cigarettes, 23.2kg illicit hand rolling tobacco and 2,788 non-compliant nicotine vapour products with a combined value of over £126,000. FORTHCOMING INITIATIVES Prevention Inputs The Preventions Team has planned initiatives to address financial harm and will continue to emphasize safety advice and potential dangers. Engagement with educational institutions will resume after schools reopen in August. In the coming months, all frontline officers will receive updates on services available to the public at the local level. The significance of the Victim Support Service, ASSIST, and local services for mental health, substance abuse, and alcohol abuse will be highlighted in these updates. Road Safety Activity Several national initiatives on road safety will be conducted in the upcoming period, supported by the Operational Support Division. These initiatives aim to engage with the public, raise awareness of specific issues, and tackle themed road safety challenges. The initiatives include the Motorcycle Safety campaign, the Child Safety - Return to School campaign, a focus week on drug driving, and a national speed campaign.