Renfrewshire SBR_March 2025 finals
Renfrewshire Council · 11 March 2025
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Sub-Committee — 11 March 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Renfrewshire Performance Summary Report Reporting Period: 01/04/24 - 31/12/24 Total Crime 11,519 Incidents Recorded Overall Dishonesty Domestic Abuse Incidents -0.9% +4% +5.8% -2.2% +3.8% +34.7% Road Traffic Casualties -2.9% Sexual Crime 39,397 1,370 2,839 1,573 1,501 332 132 4,710 Overall Violent Crime Missing People 746 167 Common Assault -3.5% Housebreaking Disorder Complaints Unless otherwise stated, all data provided within this report is for the period 1 April 2024 - 31 December 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 6 February 2025. +3.7% -2.1% +60%
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2 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Renfrewshire Performance Summary Report Reporting Period: 1 Apr 2024 to 31 Dec 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 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 Recorded violent crime in Renfrewshire fell by 2.2% on last year’s figures, with serious violent crimes, in particular, decreasing by nearly 12%. Crimes relating to damage and reckless conduct also fell by over three percent, with public reports of antisocial behaviour dropping by a similar margin. A proactive approach to tackling weapon carrying led to a five percent increase in weapon offence detections compared to the previous year. Recorded sexual crimes increased by just over three percent to a total of 332. Although contact offences fell by around 19%, non-contact offences (many of which were cyber-enabled) increased by almost 42%. A quarter of recorded sexual offences involved non-recent reporting. Recorded crimes of dishonesty increased by four percent, largely at- tributable to an increase of over 18% in crimes of theft by shoplifting. Meanwhile, crimes of housebreaking fell by 3.5%, while recorded fraud crimes fell by over seven percent. However, online fraud continues to be the most commonly reported cyber-enabled crime in Renfrewshire, and continues to be recognised as a key issue of concern due to continually evolving and sophisticated fraudulent methods. Recorded road traffic offences in Renfrewshire have increased by 0.4%, to a total of 2,397 offences. from the previous year, reaching a total of 1,899 offences. An increase was noted in a range of road traffic offences including seatbelt offences, dangerous driving, and vehicle defect offences. Although efforts are ongoing to improve road safety in Renfrewshire, road traffic casualties increased by nearly 35% to a total of 132. 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 Broadly similar to the rise noted at the national level (+1.3%), the number of recorded crimes and offences in Renfrewshire has increased by 3.7% on figures recorded in the same period in 2023/24, with a total of 11,519 crimes and offences in the reporting period. An increase has been recorded across various crime groups, including Group 2 (sexual crimes such as sexual assault and communicating indecently), Group 3 (crimes of dishonesty such as theft by shop- lifting, fraud and theft by housebreaking), 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), and Group 8 (road traffic offenc- es). Meanwhile, a decrease has been recorded in relation to Group 1 (crimes of non-sexual violence such as common assault and robbery), Group 4 (crimes of damage and reckless be- haviour such as wilful fireraising and vandalism) and Group 7 (miscellaneous offences includ- ing environmental and licensing offences). The detection rate for all crimes and offences stands at 66.5%, above the detection rate for the same period in 2023/24 (63.2%) and also the current national detection rate of 66.1%. Police Incidents Contrasting with the rise in recorded crime in Renfrewshire, the total number of Police incidents have fallen by 2.1% percent on the previous year, with a total of 39,397 recorded. A substantial decrease (approximately -30%) 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 3.1% in recorded Police incidents is evident, with continued indications of a growing and evolving demand on Police in Renfrewshire. An increase has been noted in various incident types including road traffic matters and collisions, assist member of the public, theft, missing person/absconder incidents, domestic incidents 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. CRIME PYTD CYTD INCIDENTS PYTD CYTD Total Crimes & Offences 11,108 11,519 Total number of incidents 40,254 39,397
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5 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL VIOLENCE, ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND DISORDER Violence Recorded violent crimes in Renfrewshire decreased by 2.2% compared to the previous year, totalling 1,501 crimes, with the majority (over 91%) of recorded crimes of violence being common assault. Almost 70% of these involved assault to no injury to victims. Meanwhile, crimes of serious violence (including serious assault, robbery, attempted murder and murder) collectively fell by almost 12% on the previous year, with 18 fewer victims. A collaborative and multi-agency approach to violence and disorder has contributed to a 12% decrease in recorded crimes of violence in Paisley North West, which typically experiences the highest number of recorded crimes of violence of all Renfrewshire’s multi-member wards. Weapons Offences A total of 324 offensive / bladed weapons offences were recorded in Renfrewshire during the reporting period, marking a 40% increase on the previous year. The detection rate for weapon -related crimes rose from 77.2% to 83.6%, with a proactive approach to tackling the issue of weapon-carrying leading to a five percent increase in the number of detections for these crimes. Approximately one in three persons accused in weapons offences were aged 18 or under. Police in Renfrewshire continue to work with partners to educate young people about the risks and consequences of carrying weapons, as well as to divert them away from criminal activity. Stop and search remains an important tactic, with 567 stop and searches recorded, 65 of which were related to suspected weapons possession. We will continue with our Violence Plan focusing on violent offenders providing enhanced levels of public reassurance, through visible and robust policing activity. Disorder and Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Recorded crimes of damage and reckless conduct in Renfrewshire fell by over three percent compared to the previous year, with vandalism seeing a reduction of 5.8%. Crimes of wilful fireraising have increased by 20.5%, with 17 additional crimes on the previous year. However, the detection rate improved significantly, rising from 18.1% last year to 44% in the current period. Public-reported incidents of ASB and disorder dropped by 2.9%, with 4,710 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 During the reporting period, 301 hate crimes were recorded in Renfrewshire, with a detection rate of 66.8% for these crimes. Race continues to be the most commonly targeted protected characteristic, featuring in almost half of recorded hate crimes in Renfrewshire. Antisocial offences such as threatening and abusive behaviour and hate aggravated conduct (including stirring up hatred) constituted the largest proportion of these crimes (63%), with non-sexual crimes of violence (predominantly minor assaults) constituting a further 14% of the total. Over 15% of recorded hate crimes targeted on duty Police Officers.
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6 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Sexual Crime 332 sexual crimes have been recorded in Renfrewshire in the reporting period - an increase of 3.4% on the previous year’s total of 320 crimes. While contact offences fell by approximately 19%, non-contact offences increased by nearly 42% - with many of these being cyber-enabled sexual offences such as indecent communications or sending indecent images. Just under 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 59%, compared to the national rate of 58.1%. Missing People In the reporting period, a total of 746 missing person reports were recorded, an increase of 60% 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 and hopefully by next year we will be in a better position to compare the data.. 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 featuring in 235 missing person incidents (31% of the total). Missing people in Renfrewshire, on average, were traced within 15 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 missing. Domestic Abuse Domestic abuse incidents in Renfrewshire rose by 5.8% compared to the previous year, totalling 1,573 Incidents. Though this increase may be partially attributable to continuous efforts to increase victims’ confidence to report domestic abuse to Police and our partners, changes in reporting standards and new systems should also be considered when comparing figures. Of these incidents, 44% led to a recorded crime, with domestic abuse-related crimes rising by 2.1% to 690. The detection rate has increased considerably, rising from 56.9% to 70.1%. The MATAC (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. During the reporting period, Renfrewshire saw 270 MARAC referrals, with 14 MATAC referrals across the entirety of Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Division. Under the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) - which gives people the right to ask about the background of partners - 279 applications were made in the Division, with 190 disclosures made to applicants, which could account for that increase in reporting domestic incidents. Police in Renfrewshire continue to support national and local initiatives and campaigns to prevent domestic abuse, including participation in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, and the Reclaim the Night march, now in its 18th year in Paisley, which called for an end to violence against women and girls (VAWG). The Preventions Team also continue to deliver inputs to school and college students focusing on related issues such as misogyny, to raise awareness of gender-based vio- lence and domestic abuse amongst young people. Meanwhile, the Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit and Divisional Rape Investigation Unit continue to jointly roll out continuous professional development (CPD) events for CID and uniform officers, focusing on the role of these specialist units and the investigation of domestic abuse and sexual crime. Drug Related Deaths In the reporting period, Renfrewshire saw six suspected and 17 confirmed drug-related deaths, with a concentration in Paisley North West. The average age of the deceased was 44 years, with males disproportionately featuring (74%). Toxicology results show that cocaine, heroin and bromazolam are the most commonly identified controlled substances in drug related deaths. 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 2,839 crimes of dishonesty were recorded - an increase of four percent on the previous year. The detection rate for acquisitive crimes in Renfrewshire was 36.2%, exceeding the national rate of 34.9%. Shoplifting continues to have a disproportionate impact overall acquisitive crime figures, as they account for 38% of all recorded acquisitive crimes - a significantly higher proportion than previous years, in which shoplifting constituted slightly over a quarter of all recorded crimes of dishonesty. Shoplifting crimes have increased 18.4% on the previous year, to a total of 1,073. An action plan has been implemented at Braehead Shopping Centre, a known hotspot for shoplifting, targeting repeat offenders. Problem-solving initiatives are also underway in collaboration with partners, including Retailers Against Crime (RAC). These efforts are bolstered by high-visibility patrols in Paisley Town Centre and targeted advice for retailers and security staff to enhance theft prevention. Crimes of housebreaking have fallen by 3.5%, with six fewer crimes compared to the same period in 2023. While fraud remains a key concern due to evolving tactics used by criminals both online and offline, recorded fraud offences decreased by 7.3% on the previous year. In Renfrewshire, consumer and retail fraud and banking/credit industry fraud constitute a significant proportion of recorded fraud crime. Police in Renfrewshire continue to engage with the community to raise awareness of emerging fraud methods and provide practical advice to help individuals protect themselves from financial harm. CYBER & DIGITAL CRIME Cyber-enabled crime remains a significant concern for communities in Renfrewshire. Fraud continues to be the most commonly recorded cyber-enabled in Renfrewshire, with 40% of all recorded frauds being perpetrated online. We continue to address this issue through local partnerships and national collaboration with the Cyber Scotland Partnership and the financial sector to raise awareness of online fraud. Threats and extortion are another key cyber-threat in Renfrewshire, with the majority (78%) of recorded extortion crimes being cyber-enabled sextortion crimes. These crimes are a form of online blackmail where offenders manipulate victims into sharing intimate images or videos, and then threaten to expose them unless further images, videos, or money are provided. Offenders (who are commonly located outwith the UK) build trust through social media or messaging platforms before making demands - often resulting in serious emotional and financial consequences for victims. Other common cyber-enabled crimes in Renfrewshire included telecommunications offences, indecent communications, the unsolicited sharing of indecent images, and possession of indecent images of children (IIOC). To combat online child sexual abuse and exploitation, we engage with specialist national units and a range of partner agencies to promote preventative awareness.
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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 1 8 Number of persons seriously injured 39 45 Number of persons slightly injured 58 79 Number of children seriously injured 5 6 Road Traffic Data from 01/04/2024 to 31/12/2024 Road Casualties In the reporting period, there were 132 road casualties in Renfrewshire, an increase of 34 compared to the previous year. This includes 21 additional slight road injuries, six additional serious road injuries, and seven additional fatalities. 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. Recent initiatives have included Operation Drive Insured, Brake Safety Road Week, the National Taxi Education & Enforcement Campaign, and the Festive Drink Drug Drive Campaign. The West Safety Camera Unit (SCU) of Safety Cameras Scotland also continues to assist Renfrewshire Police, covering nine key locations across the area. These sites are selected based on a thorough assessment of injury collision data, severity, and causes. 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. Officers will continue to coordinate their efforts with the RPU, local partners, and communities to enhance road safety. A Road Safety Group is currently being established in the Division to look at road safety matters and prevention measures with a partnership focus. Road Traffic Offences Recorded road traffic offences in Renfrewshire have increased by 0.4% percent from the previous year, totalling 2,397 offences. This reflects an increasing trend at the national level (+3.3%). Road traffic offences which have increased significantly include seatbelt offences (+50%), vehicle defect offences (+24.8%), dangerous driving offences (+17.8%) and careless driving offences (+11.5%). The detection rate for road traffic offences in the reporting period was 85.7%, slightly down from 86.5% last year.
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9 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL PUBLIC CONFIDENCE: COMPLAINTS & USER SATISFACTION YOUR POLICE 84.4% of respondents to the ‘Your Police’ survey reported that they felt very or fairly safe in their local area, while 41.2% of those who completed the survey stated that their concern about crime had increased in the last 12 months. 45.8% agreed, or strongly agreed that they had confidence in the police in their local area, while 37.2% of respondents felt that Police were doing a good job in the local area. In Renfrewshire, the proportion of positive responses were closely aligned with or exceeded comparable national figures for the reporting period. An analysis of recent public feedback from the 'Your Police' survey has highlighted several key issues raised by Renfrewshire’s communities. Residents are particularly concerned about anti- social behaviour, crime, and public safety, with recurring reports of large groups of youths en- gaging in vandalism, intimidation, and disorder in town centres, parks, and shopfronts. Drug- related activity, including dealing and public drug use, along with fears about violent crime, were frequently mentioned. Road safety remains a significant issue, with complaints about speeding and excessively noisy vehicles, especially at night. Concerns were also raised about disturbances linked to the night-time economy, such as disorder outside pubs. While residents recognise the challenges facing policing, there is a strong call for increased visibility, stronger community engagement, and investment in preventative measures such as enhanced CCTV and infrastructure improvements. In response, Police in Renfrewshire continue to refine their action plans based on community feedback, ensuring alignment with both local and national strategies. These plans will support officers in delivering targeted prevention and problem- solving initiatives. COMPLAINTS A total of 153 complaint cases and 246 allegations have been received in Renfrewshire in the period April 2024 to December 2024. Total complaint cases have fallen by nearly 22% compared to the previous year, while the number of allegations have decreased by almost 14%. 182 allegations were ‘On Duty’ with a further 62 relating to quality of service. The largest proportion of allegations related to irregularity in procedure.
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10 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL LOCAL POLICING PRIORITY OUTCOMES – CASE STUDIES Collaborative Suicide Prevention Efforts As part of ongoing efforts to tackle mental health crises, the creation of a Suicide Prevention Data Group in Renfrewshire, co-chaired by local Police, has been a significant development. The group aims to enhance collaboration across various sectors, including mental health services, the Scottish Ambulance Service and British Transport Police. By bringing together key leaders, the group focuses on improving information sharing and implementing targeted prevention strategies. This initiative feeds directly into the Strategic Suicide Prevention Group, ensuring a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to saving lives and supporting vulnerable individuals in the community. Kibble Annual Conference Renfrewshire Police attended the Kibble Annual Conference, which brought together professionals working with children, young people, and families to discuss strategies for improving the environment in which children grow up. The event featured influential speakers from various relevant fields, as well as a series of insightful workshops. Police representation at the event provided an opportunity to engage with key figures in the child welfare sector, strengthening relationships and fostering collaboration across agencies. This involvement not only raised awareness of police efforts in supporting vulnerable young people but also enabled the sharing of valuable insights into addressing trauma, belonging, and community safety. Missing Person Referral Processes - Partnership Engagement Renfrewshire Police continue to work closely with Barnardo’s and local authorities to improve the referral processes for missing persons, especially those involving young people and vulnerable adults. Through this collaboration, new streamlined processes have been introduced to ensure more timely and coordinated responses. This combined effort helps ensure that at-risk individuals receive the support they need quickly, while also strengthening the relationships between local services and the community. Enhancing Community Support and Signposting Vital Resources Renfrewshire police used social media throughout December and January to signpost essential local and national resources for mental health, suicide prevention, and substance abuse. Front- line officers were briefed on available local partnership supports, with some partners attending to enhance collaboration. Officers were equipped with the ‘This Is For You’ (TIFY) crisis card, Renfrewshire Connected & Caring materials, and a digital version for PDAs, enabling quick connections to the right support for vulnerable individuals. FORTHCOMING INITIATIVES Preventions Educational Initiatives Over the coming weeks, Renfrewshire Police will deliver a series of educational initiatives across schools and community centres. These include sessions on personal safety, sextortion awareness, and cybercrime, targeting students at various levels in schools throughout the local authority area. Other topics covered in these educational inputs include anti-social behaviour and bullying prevention and fire safety training. Police will also collaborate with local authorities to host an Adult Protection Awareness Day in key community hubs including Renfrew Heath Centre and Johnstone Town Hall. These initiatives are designed to engage and inform the community, particularly young people, while raising awareness about key safety issues. Road Safety Campaigns In the upcoming period, Renfrewshire Police - supported by the Road Policing Unit - will launch key road safety initiatives, including the Pedestrians and Older Drivers Campaign and the National Speeding Campaign. These campaigns aim to improve road safety through a combination of education, high-visibility patrols, and targeted enforcement.