Police Scotland Argyll & Bute Performance Summary Report - Reporting Period: Q4 April 2023 - February 2024
Argyll and Bute Council · 6 June 2024
Back to Community Services Committee — 6 June 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 Argyll & Bute Performance Summary Report Reporting Period: April 2023 to February 2024 Total Crime 308 Crimes Incidents Recorded Overall Dishonesty Domestic Abuse Incidents +10.2% +14.9% -2% +13.7% % +8.9% +24.6%* Road Deaths and Serious Injuries -7.6%* Sexual Crime +1406*PYTD, +105*5YR AVG +67*PYTD, +137*5YR AVG +101*PYTD, +121*5YR AVG -12*PYTD, -16*5YR AVG +18*PYTD, +59*5YR AVG +18*PYTD, +25*5YR AVG +14*on PYTD -150*PYTD Violent Crime Missing People Counter Terrorism -17*PYTD -11.3%* +25*PYTD, -1*5YR AVG Common Assault +39.7% Housebreaking Disorder Complaints The National Terrorism Threat level is SUBSTANTIAL This means that an attack is likely. *PYTD = Previous Year to Date *5YR = 5 year average +5.2% +7.6%
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL SECTION PAGE NUMBER Introduction 2 Executive Summary 3 Demand Analysis 4 Acquisitive Crime 5 Public Protection 6 Road Safety 7 Serious Organised Crime 8 Violence 9 Antisocial Behaviour 10 Public Confidence - Complaints & Allegations 11 Introduction Local policing are pleased to present this performance summary report to 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 previous year to date and the previous five year average for the same data period specified. This report contains recorded data between April 2023 and the end February 2024. This is as a result of the full years reporting period being embargoed by Police Scotland. The full years results are not expected to make any significant change to the data supplied. A supplementary report will be submitted if required.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL PRIORITY AREA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Acquisitive Crime At the end of Feb 2024 acquisitive crimes show an increase of 14.9% from 679 to 780 compared to the same period last year. A rise in acquisitive crime is a national trend but we are fully focused on improving crime prevention opportunities as well as providing a robust investigative response within our communities across Argyll and Bute. Public Protection Group 2 sexual crimes have risen by 8.9% (+18) compared to last year. The more serious offences have remained fairly consistent to last year with a notable reduction on sexual assaults. We are committed to delivering a victim centred approached and a service where we maximise partnership opportunities to provide confidence to all victims that they will be provided with a sensitive but professional response. Road Safety & Road Crime Despite a slight reduction in the number of fatal traffic collisions within Argyll and Bute, the number of casualties overall has risen due to an increase in both serious (+18) and slight injuries (+21) at the end of Feb 2024. Serious Organised Crime At the end of Feb 2024 both drug supply and possession figures have increased by 15.6% (n=5 crimes) and 11.3% (n=43 crimes) respectively. Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire 46 persons linked to serious and organised crime (SAOC) have been arrested and £513,974 seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). Violence & ASB Group 1 crimes of violence have increased by 13.7% (n=18 crimes) compared to last year due to a continued rise in threats and extortion (sextortion) offences. ASB crimes have also seen an overall increase of 12.7% (n=203 crimes) year on year. 1. Acquisitive Crime 2. Public Protection 3. Road Safety & Road Crime 4. Serious Organised Crime 5. Violence & Anti-social behaviour ARGYLL & BUTE POLICING PRIORITIES 2023-2026
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL CRIME PYTD CYTD INCIDENTS PYTD CYTD Total Crimes & Offences 5963 6271 Total number of incidents 18,483 19,889 DEMAND ANALYSIS - * PYTD - PREVIOUS YEAR TO DATE CYTD - CURRENT YEAR TO DATE * * * * The total volume of crimes and offences recorded within Argyll and Bute has increased by 5.2% from the previous year and is currently 7.7% above the previous 5 year average. The overall rise in crime levels is largely due to notable increases in acquisitive crime (+14.9%), miscellaneous offences (+12.7%) and police proactive crimes such as drug and weapons offences (+21.4%). Group 1 crimes of violence have also recorded an increase of 13.7% from the previous period, which is attributed to the increase in extortion offences, while crimes relating to vandalism, fire- raising and malicious mischief have seen a reduction (-17.4%) on last year.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL ACQUISITIVE CRIME Shoplifting crimes have increased by 12.9% from 163 to 184 and remain above the previous 5 year average (122.2). The detection rate for shoplifting has increased from 70.6% the previous year to date to 79.9% (+9.3%), in number terms 32 more crimes have been detected. Housebreaking crime increased by 39.7% from 63 to 88 at the end of Feb 2024 (compared to last year) due to a rise in domestic housebreakings (+17) and non- dwelling properties (+10) while housebreakings at commercial premises have marginally reduced. Approx. 60% of all domestic HB’s were attempts or HBWI’s with no property being stolen. There has been a considerable increase in motor vehicle crimes with 47 recorded compared to 27 last year. Thefts from motor vehicles have risen from 11 to 21 (+10) while thefts of motor vehicles have also increased from 16 to 26 (+10). Around half of all vehicle crimes YTD occurred in Helensburgh (n=14) and Dunoon (n=9). The detection rate for vehicle crimes has reduced by 5.6% from 48.1% to 42.6%. Fraud crimes have also increased from 143 to 182 (n=39) and remain above the 5 year average of 112.4 for fraud. The increase in fraud crime is largely due to a rise in social engineering frauds followed by investment frauds, frauds relating to bogus workmen and unpaid taxi fares. In Helensburgh and the surrounding villages, plans have been developed to introduce a new Community policing team. These officers will support the local community by building positive relationships with local businesses and will provide support to deter acquisitive crime. Frauds and scams continue to be a focus as offences are still being reported on a regular basis and we would welcome invites from any community groups or organisations who may feel that they could benefit from an input from our preventions team. The majority of these offences are committed online and those responsible often out with the United Kingdom. Following two Housebreakings in the Oban Area officers carried out extensive enquiries resulting in the arrest of two males who had travelled to the area to commit these offences.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL We continue to support and improve awareness to our front-line officers to ensure they are equipped and trained to provide a victim centred approach. The first contact with policing is vital and we acknowledge the importance of training and understanding. As such we continue to improve governance reviewing decision making and ensuring all reports of domestic violence or sexual crime are thoroughly investigated. In Argyll we have specialist officers who are trained in the Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM) this is an improved joint interview model being rolled out nationally where police and social work provide a better environment for a child who has suffered trauma and requires to be interviewed We are working with The Argyll & Bute trauma informed leads to explore opportunities for joint emergency services training to ensure we are providing the best support we can to all victims. Our focus on Violence against Women and Children continues as we develop and spread our awareness on the ‘Safe & Together’ model to reduce victim blaming and unnecessary criminalising of domestic abuse victims. At the end of Feb 2024 Group 2 crimes show a slight increase of 8.9% (+18) compared to the same period last year. Crimes of Rape have increased from 40 to 41, which is almost in line with the previous 5 year average (39.6), while sexual assaults have reduced from 85 to 74 (-11). Approximately 83% of rape crimes occurred in a private space setting and 88% were committed by persons known to the victim (20 crimes were domestic related). Similarly around 66% of sexual assaults occurred within private spaces and 79% were committed by persons known to the victim (13 crimes were domestic related). Approximately 43% of all sexual assaults recorded at the end of Feb 2024 relate to non-recent reports. Compared to the PYTD, crimes relating to indecent images/communications have increased from 59 to 73 (+14) with just over a third of all crimes being committed by persons known to the victim. A total of 135 missing person reports had been recorded within Argyll and Bute at end of Feb 2024, which is a reduction of 11.3% from last year (-17). MP reports relating to adults have increased from 73 to 90 (+17), while reports relating to children and children in care have seen a decrease from 37 to 28 (-9) and 35 to 17 (-18) respectively, year on year. PUBLIC PROTECTION
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL The number of fatal RTC’s recorded has reduced slightly from 11 to 7 year on year however this has been offset by notable increases in both serious and slight, which have risen from 46 to 64 (+18) and 62 to 83 (+21), respectively. Overall offences relating to motor vehicles have decreased by 5.2% (-111) compared to the previous year, the current figure is also slightly below the previous 5 year average. Year on year, speeding offences have seen the greatest reduction from 542 to 467 crimes (-75), followed by careless driving (-31), mobile phone (-30) and dangerous driving offences (-26). Using a vehicle without a test certificate/licence, insurance and drink driving offences have all seen slight increases compared to the PYTD. Road Traffic Casualties 2022/23 2023/24 Number of persons killed on our roads 11 7 Number of persons seriously injured 46 64 Number of persons slightly injured 62 83 Number of children seriously injured 3 6 Throughout the period of Q4 in Argyll, Roads Policing officers provided focussed activity on four National campaigns, Seatbelts, Mobile Phones, Speeding and Vulnerable Road Users. This focus was achieved through deployment of marked and unmarked patrols to educate motorists and provide enforcement as necessary. There were no road deaths during the reporting period. Our prevention and enforcement efforts continue, and we monitor, analyse call data and listen to our communities to ensure that we respond to emerging concerns. In Arrochar and Helensburgh we have responded to community concerns at the Primary school and outside Hermitage Academy. We have been working with partners in Argyll & Bute council to consider a longer-term suitable solution to road safety concerns. These include speed camera deployments and road calming measures. Our preventions team have been in discussion with a number of hotels across Argyll to provide materials to assist and engage with those drivers visiting from abroad. Providing information and education can assist in reducing road deaths across Argyll. ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD CRIME
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire, 46 persons linked to serious and organised crime have been arrested and £513,974 has been seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) since 1st April 2023. At the end of Feb 2024, drugs supply charges had increased marginally from 32 to 37 crimes, which is slightly below the previous 5 year average (41). Similarly drug possession charges have increased from 358 to 401 (+12%) and are also 11.3% above the 5 year average (360). Both figures are testament to the proactive work being carried out by officers. Within Argyll our specialist team has been investigating criminal activities across numerous geographical areas. This includes theft of high value plant machinery, Quad Bikes and trailers from farms across rural areas. This also include wildlife crime in the form of badger baiting, hare coursing and hunting deer with dogs. A disruption strategy has been implemented in partnership with other policing areas and a number of initiatives have been conducted targeting offenders. Arrests have been made and £3975 has been seized under the POCA. In Oban a collective policing effort as a result of community information has resulted in some outstanding results. In one occasion a male was arrested along with the recovery of £7000 worth of drugs and a firearm. On another occasion local officers proactively stopped a male who was later found in possession of 257g of cocaine with an estimated street value of £25K We will continue to disrupt and target those individuals who continue to put the health and wellbeing of our community at risk through organised crime. SERIOUS & ORGANISED CRIME
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL VIOLENCE Sporadic indoor violence can be difficult to prevent. However, we continue to engage with housing providers and Argyll & Bute ASB to target individuals and properties which are coming to our attention. Loud music and neighbour complaints often have underlying issues which allows local policing and partners to consider a joined- up approach. Proactive house visits and warnings allow local policing to develop community intelligence and to prevent offending. We continue to ensure that all bail conditions set by the court on the release of individuals are policed and managed appropriately. These offenders often have conditions to remain within their properties or to restrict their movement or contact with others. We have conducted proactive bail visits and all local officers are briefed regularly to ensure compliance. We have a new Youth Engagement Officer (YEO) at Dunoon Academy. This officer along with the YEOs in Helensburgh and Oban will continue to provide support and safety advice to young persons as well as positively influencing their decision making. Levels of violence occurring within Argyll and Bute have risen by 13.7% from 131 to 149 (+18) year on year. Approx. 70% of all crimes recorded took place within a private setting and 64% of those occurring in a public space were committed by persons known to the victim. With the exception of an increase in threats and extortion offences (48 crimes compared to 23 last year) most Group 1 crimes have recorded marginal change compared to the previous period. As previously noted, the increase in threats and extortion is largely attributed to a rise in “sextortion” offences with around 96% being committed online involving threats to post indecent images shared between victims and suspects. The remaining Group 1 crimes have largely remained consistent when compared to figures in 2022/23. The detection rate for Group 1 crime overall has seen a marginal reduction from 59.5% to 58.4% (-1.2%). In number terms however 9 more crimes have been detected.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Complaints relating to disorder have reduced by 7.6% (-150). ASB related crimes however have seen an increase of 12.7% from 1594 to 1797. Common assaults have increased by 7.7% from 568 to 612. Crimes were largely split 50/50 in terms of public space and private space loci. In 56% of public space crime, offenders were known to victims. Much of the increase is due to a rise in disputes involving family members (+23), youth fighting (+17) and ongoing feuds (+14). Assaults on police and emergency workers have also seen an increase year on year with 113 recorded compared to 90 last year. The detection rate for common assaults overall has seen a marginal reduction of 2.9% from 74.9% last year to 72%, however in number terms 29 more crimes have been detected. ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR As we move towards our summer months, we have been engaging with partners across various organisations to consider how we can work together more efficiently to tackle the seasonal ASB that we often see. Operation Ballaton which provides a multi-agency approach to ASB issues around Loch Lomond has been reintroduced. Seasonal ASB will be monitored daily, and robust prevention plans put in place. In Oban, Lochgilphead and Campbeltown bespoke patrols have been set focusing on ASB. Discussions remain ongoing with Argyll and Bute Council regrading CCTV deployments and coverage across our towns in Argyll. The Pub Watch scheme and licensed premises visits remain a local policing priority across Argyll as we look to prevent alcohol related ASB/Violence. We support the nighttime economy by engaging regularly with our licenced premises and supporting staff. In Helensburgh, Bute and Cowal we are improving our operating model looking at how best we maximise our resources in order that we can continue to target ASB.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL PUBLIC CONFIDENCE: COMPLAINTS & USER SATISFACTION Overall satisfaction with Police Scotland User Satisfaction results show that locally, public confidence levels remain high within Argyll and West Dunbartonshire with overall satisfaction levels at 72.2%, which is in line with the position in 2022/23. Useful Links/Contacts • Argyll and Bute Communtiy Directory - https://abcd.scot/ including warm spaces information • Crimestoppers – Crimestoppers in Scotland | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) 0800 555 111 • Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime – www.scottishparc.co.uk • Women’s Aid - Home - Women's Aid (womensaid.org.uk) • Citizens Advice – 0808 164 6000 • Argyll and Bute Council Trading Standards – 01546 605 519 • Argyll and Bute Council – https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/my-council/how-contact-us • Transport Scotland – road related incidents and road closures - https://www.traffic.gov.scot/traffic-information/incidents • Scottish Water - https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Contact-Us 0800 0778 778 • NHS24 (including mental health support) – 111 or https://www.nhsinform.scot/ Total of 654 responses We have welcomed our new Divisional Commander Gary I’Anson to L Division who has taken over from Chief Supt Lynn Ratcliff. Chief Supt I’Anson has a wealth of experience in local, operational and strategic policing. Laterally he was head of Armed Policing. Chief Supt I’Anson has already travelled across Argyll meeting our dedicated and committed local officers.