Renfrewshire SBR_Oct 2024 (002)
Renfrewshire Council · 29 October 2024
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Sub-Committee — 29 October 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 - 31/08/24 Total Crime 6,587 Incidents Recorded Overall Dishonesty Domestic Abuse Incidents -2% -7% +10.1% -2% +14.1% +22.2% Road Traffic Casualties -2.5% Sexual Crime 22,249 789 1,447 904 873 211 55 2,760 Overall Violent Crime Missing People 396 90 Common Assault -9.1% Housebreaking Disorder Complaints Unless otherwise stated, all data provided within this report is for the period 1 April 2024 - 31 August 2024, with comparisons made against the same period in the 2023/24 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 17 September 2024. +4.4% -4% +32%
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2 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Renfrewshire Performance Summary Report Reporting Period: 1 Apr 2024 to 31 Aug 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 correct 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. Recorded crimes of violence fell by two percent on the previous year, consistent with a decrease at a nation- al level. Three fewer robberies and 16 fewer common assaults were recorded compared to the previous year. The detection rate for violent crime was 69.5%, similar to the national rate for the same period. 211 sexual crimes were recorded in the reporting period - an increase of 14.1% on the previous year’s total of 185 crimes. The rate of sexual offences per 10k population was slightly higher in Renfrewshire than the national average. Just under a quarter of sexual crimes recorded in Renfrewshire involved non-recent reporting. The detection rate was 51.7%, compared to the national rate of 56.5%. Around 46% of sexual crimes were non-contact offences, with many of these being cyber- enabled sexual crimes. Renfrewshire’s rate of acquisitive crimes per 10k population remains slightly below the national population rate. A total of 1,447 crimes were recorded, a decrease of seven percent on the previous year. This contrasts with a small increase (+4%) in crimes of dishonesty at the national level. A drop was noted in respect of almost all acquisitive crime types, with the sole exceptions being theft by shoplifting (+8.1%) and theft of motor vehicles (+3.8%). The detection rate for acquisitive crime in Renfrewshire was 33.8%, comparable to the national rate of 34.3%. Recorded road traffic offences in Renfrewshire increased by 8.2% on the previous year to a total of 1,388, consistent with a rise at the national level. Overall, road injuries have increased by 22.2%, though serious road injuries have fallen by a third. 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 4.4% on figures recorded in the same period in 2023/24, with a total of 6,587 crimes and offences in the reporting period. An increase has been recorded across various crime groups, including Group 1 (non-sexual crimes of violence), Group 2 (sexual crimes such as sexual assault and communicating indecently), Group 5 (crimes against society, for example bail offences, drugs offences and weapons offences), Group 6 (antisocial offences including breach of the peace and threatening and abusive behaviour), Group 7 (miscellaneous offences including environmental offences, wildlife offences and community/public order offences), and Group 8 (road traffic offences). Meanwhile, a decrease has been recorded in relation to and Group 3 (acquisitive crimes such as theft and fraud), and Group 4 (damage and reckless behaviour offences, such as wilful fireraising and vandalism) crimes. Despite the overall rise in crime figures, Renfrewshire's rate of recorded crime per 10,000 population (approximately 366 crimes per 10k) remains below the national average rate (382.7 per 10k). The detection rate for all crimes and offences stands at 66.9%, above the detection rate for the same period in 2023/24 (62.3%) and also the current national detection rate of 66.3%. Contrasting with the rise in recorded crime in Renfrewshire, the total number of Police incidents have fallen by four percent on the previous year, with a total of 22,249 recorded. A substantial decrease in abandoned/silent 999 calls is the principal reason for this drop - with software updates reducing the incidence of accidental 999 calls from some devices with certain default settings. When these incidents are excluded, an increase of 1.8% in recorded Police incidents is evident, with continued indications of a growing and evolving demand on Police in Renfrewshire, with a rise in incidents relating to assistance to members of the public, road traffic matters and collisions, external agency requests, concern for person incidents and reports of missing people/absconders. We continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure the implementation of the most appropriate and proportionate response to identified issues. CRIME PYTD CYTD INCIDENTS PYTD CYTD Total Crimes & Offences 6,310 6,587 Total number of incidents 23,173 22,249
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5 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL VIOLENCE, ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND DISORDER Violence The rate of violent crime in Renfrewshire in the reporting period (48.5 crimes per 10k population) was lower than the national average (50.5 crimes per 10k). Recorded crimes of violence fell by two percent on the previous year, to a total of 873 crimes. Over 90% of recorded violent crimes were classed as ‘minor violence’ with the remaining 84 crimes relating to serious violent crimes such as robbery, attempted murder and serious assault. Overall, serious violent crimes fell by 2.3% on the previous year. 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 198 weapons offences were recorded in Renfrewshire in the reporting period - a rise of 39.4% on the previous year. The detection rate for weapon-related criminality rose from 76.1% to 85.4%. Around 40% of detected weapons offences involved young offenders (aged 18 and under). 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 from criminality. Stop and search also continues to be utilised as a tactic to address weapon carrying in Renfrewshire. 357 stop and searches were recorded in the reporting period, with the reason for 41 of these being suspected weapons possession. Disorder and Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Overall, recorded crimes of damage and reckless conduct fell by over four percent on last year’s figures in Renfrewshire, with crimes of vandalism in particular falling by 5.7%. One additional crime of wilful fireraising was recorded (n=56), with Renfrewshire continuing to experience a higher rate of these crimes (3.1 crimes per 10k) than the national average (1.9 per 10k). Public-reported incidents of ASB and disorder have fallen by 2.5%, with 2,760 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 Partnership Hub, ensuring suitable plans are in place to mitigate risk for the communities of Renfrewshire. Hate Crime During the reporting period, 183 hate crimes were recorded in Renfrewshire, following the introduction of Scotland’s new Hate Crime and Public Order Act, which ensures equal protection for all social groups as well as making it easier to identify hate crimes. The Act also added Age and Variations in Sex Characteristics as protected characteristics. In addition to the impact of the new legislation, changes in methodology and counting rules arising from the introduction of new recording systems make comparisons with previous years challenging.
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6 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Sexual Crime 211 sexual crimes have been recorded in Renfrewshire in the reporting period - an increase of 14.1% on the previous year’s total of 185 crimes. The rate of sexual offences per 10k population was slightly higher in Renfrewshire (11.7 crimes per 10k) compared to the national population rate (11.4 per 10k). Almost a quarter of sexual crimes recorded in Renfrewshire involved non-recent reporting, with specific challenges associated with the investigation and detection of such crimes, due to the passage of time and resulting loss of various forensic opportunities. The detection rate was 51.7%, compared to the national rate of 56.5%. Approximately 46% 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 and possession of indecent images of children). Missing People In the reporting period, a total of 396 missing person reports were recorded, an increase of 32% on the same period in 2023. A significant contributory factor for this increase is the National Missing Persons Unit’s implementation of national business rules relating to how these incidents are recorded and when forms must be raised, which have helped establish an accurate reflection of the number of missing people and the resulting demand of these incidents on frontline officers. Young people continue to feature in a majority (82%) of reports. Care experienced young people, in particular, featured in over half of all missing person 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 reported missing times in the reporting period (equating to nearly 40% of all missing person incidents). Missing people in Renfrewshire, on average, were traced within 18 hours. We continue to engage with appropriate partners to safeguard and reduce threat risk and harm to our most vulnerable people, especially when they go miss- ing. Domestic Abuse Victims of domestic abuse remain one of our 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. Domestic abuse incidents in Renfrewshire increased by 10.1% on the previous year, to a total of 904. Caution should be exercised in comparing the number of domestic abuse which involved crimes being recorded, and the detection rate, due to a change in methodology and counting rules in the current reporting year arising from the introduction of new recording systems. With these caveats in mind, 45.6% of all recorded incidents resulted in a crime being recorded, with domestic abuse crimes also increasing by 10.6% to a total of 593. The detection rate for domestic crimes increased on last year’s position of 53.7% to 65.9% in the reporting period. 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 11 MATAC and 181 MARAC referrals in Renfrewshire in the reporting period. Drug Related Deaths 11 suspected and three confirmed drug-related deaths occurred in Renfrewshire in the reporting period. The majority of the deceased were aged mid-forties to mid-fifties, with males disproportionately featuring. While few toxicology results are available at the current time, for the limited number available, cocaine and heroin continue to be identified. 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 Renfrewshire’s rate of acquisitive crimes per 10k population remains slightly below the national population rate. A total of 1,447 crimes were recorded, a decrease of seven percent on the previous year. This contrasts with a small increase (+4%) in crimes of dishonesty at the national level. A drop was noted in respect of almost all acquisitive crime types in Renfrewshire, with the sole exceptions being theft by shoplifting (+8.1%) and theft of motor vehicles (+3.8%). The detection rate for acquisitive crime in Renfrewshire was 33.8%, comparable to the national rate (34.3%). Nine fewer crimes of housebreaking have been recorded compared to the same period in 2023 - a reduction of approximately nine percent. Additionally, the rate of housebreaking crime in Renfrewshire (five crimes per 10k population) remains lower than the national average (5.7 crimes per 10k). Crimes of shoplifting accounted for a higher proportion of crimes of dishonesty than any other crime type, with shoplifting accounting for 36% of all recorded acquisitive crime. Crimes of shoplifting have also increased significantly at a national level (+19.5%). Around 30% of stolen items in shoplifting crimes in Renfrewshire were alcoholic beverages, making this the most commonly featured property in this type of crime. 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. Although there was a small increase in motor vehicle thefts (two additional crimes compared to the previous year), Continued crime prevention advice has contributed to an overall decrease in acquisitive motor vehicle crime in Renfrewshire (-24%), with a reduction in attempted thefts of motor vehicles and theft of motor vehicle contents. 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 56% 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 12% 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 2023/24 2024/25 Number of persons killed on our roads 0 1 Number of persons seriously injured 21 14 Number of persons slightly injured 24 40 Number of children seriously injured 4 1 Road Traffic Data from 01/04/2024 to 31/08/2024 Overall, 55 road casualties occurred in Renfrewshire in the reporting period - an increase on ten compared to the previous reporting year. This is principally due to an increase in slight road injuries, which rose from 24 to 40 year-on-year. Meanwhile, serious road injuries fell from 21 to 14. Serious road injuries involving children fell from four last year, to one in the current year. One road death occurred in the reporting period, compared to none in the same period last year. Meanwhile, recorded road traffic offences in Renfrewshire increased by 8.2% on the previous year to a total of 1,388 - consistent with a similar percentage rise at the national level. An increase has been noted in respect of the majority of road traffic offences, including seat belt offences, dangerous driving, drink and drug driving, vehicle defect offences, accident offences and careless driving. The detection rate for road traffic offences in the reporting period was 85.8%, consistent to the rate of the previous year. The dedicated Road Policing Unit of Police Scotland’s Operational Support Division have assisted Police in Renfrewshire in various road safety and road crime campaigns during the reporting period, including Child Safety Week and the National Seatbelt Campaign in June, the Summer Drink Drug Drive Campaign and National Mobile Phone Campaign in July, and the Motorcycle Safety Campaign and Child Safety - Return to School Campaign, both in August. 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 01/04/2024 - 30/062024 COMPLAINTS A total of 63 complaint cases and 115 allegations have been received in Renfrewshire in the period April 2024 to June 2024. Total complaint cases have fallen by nearly 40% compared to the previous year, while the number of allegations have decreased by over 26%. 47 allegations were ‘On Duty’ with a further 17 relating to quality of service. The largest proportion of allegations related to irregularity in procedure. YOUR POLICE 86.4% of respondents to the ‘Your Police’ survey reported that they felt very or fairly safe in their local area, while 39.9% of those who completed the survey stated that their concern about crime had increased in the last 12 months. 56% agreed, or strongly agreed that they had confi- dence in the police in their local area, while 47% of respondents felt that Police were doing a good job in the 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 feedback to the ‘Your Police’ survey highlights key concerns, including antisocial behaviour, particularly by youths, drug use and dealing, and road safety issues like speeding and dangerous driving. Residents also noted concerns about poor lighting, vandalism, and expressed a desire for more visible police presence in some areas. 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 Harm Financial Harm forms a consistent part of the Preventions Team’s community engagements. The team have delivered numerous prevention sessions to community groups across Renfrewshire including Erskine, Ralston, Gallowhill and Paisley West End. They have also facilitated information stalls at local supermarkets and banks. They are a regular attender at community groups facilitated by Roar, widening the “Shut out Scammers” message. Focus on Trades Vehicles The Preventions team joined up with colleagues in our Road Policing Department and Trading Standards for a day of action in Murray Street, Paisley conducting stop checks on trades vehicles. They raised awareness of consumer laws and offering information and advice that promotes fair trading practices. Six conditional offers of fixed penalty notices were issued, and an arrest was made for no licence, no insurance and an outstanding warrant, and two further individuals were charged. Youth Disorder in Johnstone In response to increased youth disorder in Johnstone, local LPST officers collaborated with community wardens, youth workers, and schools to identify those involved and take appropriate action. Many youths indicated they had nowhere else to go, prompting officers to direct them to a local youth club and introduce a monthly football event in partnership with Thorn Football Club. The events have drawn many young people, offering a positive alternative to anti-social behaviour. On non-football nights, officers visit the youth club to discuss issues like vandalism and alcohol misuse, leading to improved attitudes and behaviour. This initiative has strengthened relationships with local youths, reducing disorder. Early results are promising, and plans are underway to expand the program to other areas. Hate Crime The Preventions Team were invited to West Primary to speak with pupils in P5, 6 & 7 about respect, hate crime, and safety in the community. Senior pupils at Trinity High School in Renfrew were spoken to about misogyny and the “Don’t Be That Guy” campaign. The team continue to engage at community gatherings with our partner organisation, ‘I Am Me’. Mental Health In May, the Preventions Team supported Wellbeing in the Park with Renfrewshire Anti-Stigma Alliance (RASA), as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. This event was to support that physical exercise is proven to improve Mental Health, quality of life and wellbeing. Information sharing with HSCP leads on the attendance at a suicide is being shared quicker which helps inform future suicide prevention work. Home and Vehicle Security Two pop-up events were supported by Morrisons, Falside Road and Johnstone, during which the Preventions Team engaged with members of the public in relation to home and vehicle security. They continued this messaging with a further event held at Braehead Shopping Centre. FORTHCOMING INITIATIVES Prevention Inputs The Preventions Team will be offering Renfrewshire High Schools the opportunity for sextortion inputs for senior pupils. Our Darker Nights Campaign will see community engagement and leaflet drops within areas of higher home and vehicle crime. The team will be co-presenting with colleagues in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for upcoming bonfire night, raising safety awareness and educating young people about dangers associated with this event.