Renfrewshire SBR_Jul 2025
Renfrewshire Council · 19 August 2025
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Sub-Committee — 19 August 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: 01/04/25 - 30/06/25 Total Crime 4,452 Incidents Recorded Overall Dishonesty Domestic Abuse Incidents +6% +22% -1.3% +2.7% -13.7% -13.2% Road Traffic Casualties +2.1% Sexual Crime 12,848 498 969 528 540 101 33 1,686 Overall Violent Crime Missing People 265 52 Common Assault -1.9% Housebreaking Disorder Complaints Unless otherwise stated, all data provided within this report is for the period 1 April 2025 - 30 June 2025, with comparisons made against the same period in the 2024/25 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 18 July 2025. +14.5% -3.7% +24%
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2 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Renfrewshire Performance Summary Report Reporting Period: 1 Apr 2025 to 30 Jun 2025 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 slightly, though crimes of serious violence fell by –25%. A proactive focus on weapon-related criminality contributed to an increase of +36% in recorded weapons offences. Police in Renfrewshire continue to contribute to a multi-agency response to tackle the issue of knife crime and violence. Although crimes of damage and reckless behaviour have increased, there has been a significant reduction in crimes of wilful fireraising. Recorded sexual crimes fell by nearly -14%, with fewer contact and non-contact offences recorded. Domestic abuse incidents and crimes fell slightly on last year’s figures. Missing person reports continue to rise, with care-experienced young people continuing to feature in the majority of cases. Nine suspected drug-related deaths occurred in Renfrewshire, with a variety of controlled drugs implicated. Crimes of dishonesty rose by +22% in Renfrewshire, driven largely by a rise of nearly +80% in shoplifting crimes. Many other crimes of dishonesty fell on last year’s figures, with fewer crimes of fraud, housebreaking, common theft and acquisitive crimes targeting motor vehicles recorded. Cyber-enabled fraud and sextortion remain key concerns, with ongoing multi-agency efforts to prevent online harm. Overall, road casualties have fallen in Renfrewshire - but serious road injuries and fatalities have both increased. Police Scotland remains committed to road safety through enforcement, education, and partnership work, including local speed checks and national campaigns. A proactive focus on road safety and road crime resulted in a significant increase in recorded road traffic offences, with the Road Policing Unit continuing to provide invaluable assistance to the Division. 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 availability 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 Consistent with an increase at the national level (+11.9%) the number of recorded crimes and offences in Renfrewshire rose by +14.5% on the same period in 2024/25, to a total of 4,452. This overall rise is attributable to an increase in Group 1 non-sexual crimes of violence (e.g. threats and extortion, common assault and robbery), which rose by +2.7%; Group 3 crimes of dishonesty (e.g. theft from motor vehicles, housebreaking and shoplifting), which increased by +22%; Group 5 crimes against society (e.g. drug possession and supply offences, possession of offensive weapons), which rose by +19.4%; Group 6 antisocial offences (e.g. breach of the peace, hate aggravated conduct) which increased by +2.9%; Group 7 miscellaneous offences (e.g. environmental offences, community and public order offences), which increased by +3.4%; and Group 8 road traffic offences (e.g. speeding, offences relating to vehicle defects, and careless driving), which increased +31% on the previous year. Meanwhile, Group 2 sexual offences (e.g. rape, sexual assault, indecent communications) fell by -14%, while Group 4 crimes of damage and reckless behaviour (e.g. culpable and reckless conduct and vandalism) remained static on 2024/25 figures, The detection rate for all crimes and offences stands at 68.8%, above the detection rate for the same period in 2024/25 (66.7%) and also national detection rate for the same reporting period (also 66.7%). Police Incidents Contrasting with the rise in recorded crime in Renfrewshire, the total number of Police incidents have fallen by 3.7% percent on the previous year, with a total of 12,848 recorded. However, when incidents relating to abandoned/silent 999 calls (which have fallen by 43% on 2024/25 figures, due to the rollout of smartphone software updates to reduce the incidence of accidental 999 calls) are discounted from the year-on-year comparison, an increase of +1.4% continues to be noted in respect of the number of recorded Police incidents. There are continued indications of a growing and evolving demand on Police in Renfrewshire. 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 3,889 4,452 Total number of incidents 13,343 12,848
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5 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL VIOLENCE, ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND DISORDER Violence Recorded violent crimes in Renfrewshire increased by 2.7% compared to the previous year, with a total of 540 crimes. The majority (over 92%) of recorded crimes of violence were common assaults (including against emergency workers) - with two-thirds of these resulting in no injury. Meanwhile, overall crimes of serious violence (i.e. attempted murder, murder, serious assault and robbery) fell by -25% to a total of 42 crimes (14 fewer victims). A significant proportion (45%) of recorded violent crimes occurred within private dwellings, with a slight increase (two additional crimes) occurring with residential settings. A further 35% of violent crimes occurred in open spaces, though the number of crimes occurring in open space dropped slightly compared to the previous year. The shift towards private space violence continues to pose additional challenges due to its hidden nature, lack of witnesses, and the greater likelihood of offenders being known to their victims and exerting fear and intimidation over them. Nearly 27% of recorded violent crimes in Renfrewshire occurred within the context of domestic abuse, with the vast majority of these crimes occurring within private households. Weapons Offences A total of 150 offensive / bladed weapons offences were recorded in Renfrewshire during the reporting period, marking a +36.4% increase on the previous year. A proactive approach to tackling the issue of weapon-carrying leading to a +30.6% increase in the number of detections for these crimes. 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. Disorder and Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Crimes of damage and reckless behaviour in Renfrewshire remain static on 2024/25 figures, with 335 recorded. While crimes of culpable and reckless conduct have increased by +11.1%, crimes of vandalism fell by -1.4% and wilful fireraising fell by -14.8%. 23 fireraising crimes were recorded, the lowest number on record since the same period in 2021. Public-reported incidents of ASB and disorder increased by +2.1%, with 1,686 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, 84 hate crimes were recorded in Renfrewshire, with a detection rate of 66.3% for these crimes. 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 24% of hate crimes.
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6 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Sexual Crime 101 sexual crimes have been recorded in Renfrewshire in the reporting period - a decrease of -13.7% on the previous year’s total of 117 crimes. Conversely, recorded sexual crimes increased by +7.2% at the national level, with an increase noted in both contact and non-contact crimes. In Renfrewshire, there were a total of 54 contact offences (rape, attempted rape and sexual assault) - representing a decrease of -10% on the previous year. A further 47 non-contact offences were recorded (including threats to disclose intimate images and indecent communications offences) - a decrease of -17.5%. Around a third of reported sexual crimes were linked to domestic abuse - with approximately three-quarters of all recorded crimes occurring within private residences. Over 20% of recorded sexual crimes stemmed from 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 56.5%, compared to the national rate of 57.5%. Missing People In the reporting period, a total of 265 missing person reports were recorded - an increase of 24% on the same period in 2024/25, in which 213 missing person reports were received. In the current reporting period, a total of 113 individuals were reported missing - with 43 of these being repeat missing persons (i.e. being reported missing on multiple occasions). Over 80% of missing persons reports related to young people - with care-experienced young people in particular featuring in 61% of cases (compared to only 22% at a national level). 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 fell by -1.3% compared to the previous year, totalling 528 Incidents. Approximately 42% of these incidents resulted in a domestic crime being recorded. A total of 359 domestic abuse crimes have been recorded - a drop of -7% on 2024/25 figures. The most common recorded domestic crimes were common assault (n=140), threatening and abusive behaviour (n=57) and bail offences (n=32). The domestic abuse detection rate has increased from 57.5% to 59.6%. 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. 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 have been recorded in Renfrewshire. Although toxicology results are awaited in all cases, drugs implicated in these deaths include heroin, cocaine, ketamine 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 969 crimes of dishonesty were recorded - an increase of 22% on the previous year. Shoplifting continues to have a disproportionate impact on overall acquisitive crime figures, with these crimes accounting for almost half all recorded crimes of dishonesty, and rising by +80.6% on the previous year’s figures. Excluding this type of crime, crimes of dishonesty have otherwise fallen by over seven percent, with crimes of housebreaking falling by nearly two percent, motor vehicle thefts falling by -18.4%, and a -20.5% reduction in common thefts. The detection rate for acquisitive crimes in Renfrewshire was 36.2%, exceeding the national rate of 35.2%. In response to the rise in recorded shoplifting crime, several action plans have been implemented at various hotspot locations across Renfrewshire, targeting repeat offenders and providing prevention advice to retailers and security staff. The Retail Crime Task Force continues to develop and deliver a coordinated response to Retail Crime through a 4Ps Approach - PREVENT, PROTECT, PURSUE and PREPARE. The aims of the Task Force include: better understanding the drivers for retail crime and mitigate against them; providing local Policing Divisions with analytical products to enhance their response to retail crime; identification of linked crimes and offenders and the facilitation of coordinated, robust investigations; supporting retailers with the provision of bespoke crime prevention tools and advice; and the development of prevent strategies and interventions, specifically for high harm recidivist offenders. Collaboration with the Task Force has already resulted in successes locally, with three individuals recently charged in relation to the high value theft of I-Phones from the Braehead Shopping Centre. With the support of the Task Force, further work will now continue into the wider criminal network involved. While fraud remains a key concern due to evolving tactics used by criminals both online and offline, recorded fraud crimes continue to fall on previous years’ figures, with a reduction of -7.1% compared to 2024/25. In Renfrewshire, consumer and retail fraud continues to be the most commonly reported category of this 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. Public electronic communications offences constitute an increasing proportion of recorded cybercrimes - predominantly relating to the sending of menacing and threatening via SMS or instant messaging platforms. Other commonly recorded cybercrimes include fraud (with continued indications of an ever-expanding range of online fraud M.O.s being used), cyber-enabled sexual extortion, and indecent communications. We continue to address this issue through local partnerships, preventions-focused educational inputs to schools and community groups and national collaboration with the Cyber Scotland Partnership and the financial sector to raise awareness of online fraud.
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8 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD CRIME Road Traffic Casualties 2024/25 2025/26 Number of persons killed on our roads 1 2 Number of persons seriously injured 10 12 Number of persons slightly injured 27 19 Number of children seriously injured 1 2 Road Traffic Data from 01/04/2025 to 30/06/2025 Road Casualties In the reporting period, there were 33 road casualties in Renfrewshire - five fewer than the same period in 2024/25. However, against a backdrop of declining slight road injuries, the number of road fatalities and serious road injuries have increased on last year’s figures. 18 (54%) road casualties involved car drivers or passengers, with pedestrians and motorcyclists respectively accounting for the highest proportion of remaining road casualties. 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. 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 Group. Road Traffic Offences Recorded road traffic offences in Renfrewshire have increased by +31% on 2024/25 figures, totalling 1,145 in the reporting period. This is consistent with the national picture, with offences rising by +25% across Scotland as a whole. A proactive focus on road safety and road crime by local officers in Renfrewshire, alongside specialist road policing support provided by the Operational Support Division, have resulted an increase in recorded speeding offences (+89%), vehicle defect offences (+122%), drink and drug driving offences (+44.9%) and careless driving offences (+52.2%). The detection rate for these offences is 90.2%, above the previous year’s rate (86%) and the national rate (87.2%).
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9 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL PUBLIC CONFIDENCE: COMPLAINTS & USER SATISFACTION YOUR POLICE 78% of respondents to the ‘Your Police’ survey reported that they felt very or fairly safe in their local area, while 71% of those who completed the survey felt well informed about local police activities taking place in the last 12 months. Just under 29% of respondents felt that Police in Renfrewshire were doing a good job in the local area, while 46% stated that they had confidence in their local Police. 49% reported that their concern about crime had increased in the last 12 months. Recent community feedback highlights a range of public safety concerns shared by members of Renfrewshire’s communities. Over 40% of respondents expressed concerns relating to road traffic issues including speeding, drink and drug driving, dangerous driving, as well as antisocial use of e-bikes, e-scooters, quad bikes etc. A third of respondents shared concerns relating to antisocial behaviour and disorder, including youth disorder and alcohol related disorder, particularly in Renfrewshire’s town centres. Around 17% of respondents mentioned concerns relating to drug supply and misuse within their communities - in some cases, highlighting links to other criminality e.g. violence and disorder. Eight percent of respondents described concerns relating to vandalism and other property damage. Other concern themes included violent crime (including weapons offences), acquisitive crime (including housebreaking) and serious and organised crime. Community feedback strongly reflects a desire for more localised and visible policing, and greater presence at local community meetings. Many residents consistently expressed a desire for more visible policing presence in neighbourhoods, highlighting the value the public places on having officers actively present and engaged in their daily environments. COMPLAINTS A total of 44 complaint cases and 73 allegations have been received in Renfrewshire in the period April to June 2025. While complaint cases have fallen on last year, the total number of allegations received has increased slightly. 54 allegations were ‘On Duty’, with a further 19 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 Violence and Knife Crime The Preventions Team have been engaging with the Education Department and have delivered ‘No Knives, Better Lives’ inputs to a broad audience of young people - raising awareness of the dangers and consequences of carrying weapons. As part of the wider multi-agency campaign, St Mirren Football Club has shown strong support, with arrangements made for No Knives, Better Lives T-shirts to be supplied to the Club’s players to wear during warm-ups at forthcoming fixtures. Off Road Bikes Action plans focusing on the antisocial and criminal use of off road bikes were developed and implemented in Renfrewshire, resulting in four off road bikes being seized and a number of individuals being charged for various Road Traffic Act offences as well as drug offences. Water Safety In partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Preventions Team has delivered inputs to school pupils throughout Renfrewshire - educating young people on how to recognise hazards, encouraging safer behaviour, and teaching them how to respond in emergency situations. Respect Event A Respect Event was successfully delivered with the support of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, I Am Me Scotland, Youth Engagement Officers, and Medics Against Violence. The event focused on key issues affecting young people, including knife crime and violence, antisocial behaviour, hate crime, online safety, and consent. A multi-agency meeting was held post-event to evaluate its impact and explore the potential for scaling the model to reach a wider audience. An agreement was reached to replicate the format and arrangements are in place for the event to be rolled out to three Renfrewshire high schools in August and September. FORTHCOMING INITIATIVES Knife Amnesty Work is currently underway to organise a knife amnesty in partnership with key stakeholders. The initiative aims to provide a safe and anonymous means for individuals to surrender weapons, reducing the risk of knife-related harm in Renfrewshire’s communities. Liaison is ongoing with Renfrewshire Local Authority to identify a suitable site location, with work also ongoing in relation to promotional strategies and operational support to ensure the amnesty is delivered safely and effectively. Support Mechanisms An initial agreement has been reached with ASSIST and the Public Protection Unit to develop video content for use by attending officers at domestic incidents. The videos will provide clear information relating to the support available through ASSIST, with the aim of encouraging victim referrals where a partner or ex-partner has been charged and a case is progressing through court. In addition, a support letter has been created for families bereaved by suicide, offering guidance on available services and signposting to specialist organisations during the immediate aftermath of loss.