Police Scotland - Argyll & Bute Performance Summary Report - Reporting Period: Q3 April - December 2023
Argyll and Bute Council · 7 March 2024
Back to Community Services Committee — 7 March 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: Q3 – April to December 2023 Total Crime 385 Crimes Incidents Recorded Overall Dishonesty Domestic Abuse Incidents +9% +19.6% -0.2% +19.3% % +11.5% +30.6%* Road Deaths and Serious Injuries -4.6%* Sexual Crime +1536*PYTD, +205*5YR AVG +51*PYTD, +116*5YR AVG +109*PYTD, +115*5YR AVG -1*PYTD, -11*5YR AVG +21*PYTD, +55*5YR AVG +18*PYTD, +10*5YR AVG +15*on PYTD -76*PYTD Violent Crime Missing People Counter Terrorism -19PYTD -15.1%* +20*PYTD, -4*5YR AVG Common Assault +42.6% 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 +7.8% +10%
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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 I am 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.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL PRIORITY AREA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Acquisitive Crime At the end of Qtr. 3 acquisitive crimes show an increase of 19.6% from 556 to 665 with the majority of offences experiencing an increase compared to the same period last year. Public Protection Group 2 sexual crimes have risen by 11.5% (+18) compared to last year. Rape offences have increased from 31 to 37 (+6), while sexual assaults have reduced marginally by 2 crimes. 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 (+19) at the end of Qtr. 3. Serious Organised Crime At the end of Qtr. 3 both drug supply and possession figures have increased by 10.7% (n=3 crimes) and 15.9% (n=47 crimes) respectively. Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire 39 persons linked to serious and organised crime (SAOC) have been arrested and £496,551 seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). This is represented as a single divisional figure due to the very nature of organised crime and the activities of persons involved in such criminality moving across various Local Authority areas. Violence & ASB Group 1 crimes of violence have increased by 19.3% (n=21 crimes) compared to last year due to a continued rise in threats and extortion offences. ASB crimes have also seen an overall increase of 12.5% (n=169 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 4938 5323 Total number of incidents 15,285 16,821 DEMAND ANALYSIS - * PYTD - PREVIOUS YEAR TO DATE CYTD - CURRENT YEAR TO DATE * * * * Through an increase in criminal activity coupled with increased pro-active policing, the total volume of crimes and offences recorded within Argyll and Bute has increased by 7.8% from the previous year and is currently 8.5% above the previous 5 year average. The overall rise in crime levels is due mainly to increases both in acquisitive crime (+19.6%) and miscellaneous offences (+12.5%) However, police proactive crimes such as drug and weapons offences have increased (+27.8%) evidencing the work of officers who are appropriately and legally utilising stop search powers. Group 1 crimes of violence have also recorded an increase of 19.3% from the previous period, which is largely attributed to the increase in extortion offences, while crimes relating to vandalism, fire-raising and malicious mischief have seen a reduction (-18.1%) on last year.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL ACQUISITIVE CRIME Shoplifting crimes have increased by 21.8% from 133 to 162 and remain above the previous 5 year average (99.6). The detection rate for shoplifting is down slightly from the previous year to date (-2.2%), however in number terms 17 more crimes have been detected. Housebreaking crime increased by 42.6% from 47 to 67 at the end of Qtr. 3 (compared to last year) due to a rise in domestic housebreakings (+17) and non-dwelling properties (+4) while housebreakings at commercial premises have marginally reduced. Just over half (54%) of all domestic HB’s were attempts or HBWI’s with no properties being stolen. There has been a considerable increase in motor vehicle crimes with 44 recorded compared to 21 last year. Thefts from motor vehicles have risen from 9 to 19 (+10) while thefts of motor vehicles have also increased from 12 to 25 (+13). Around half of all vehicle crimes YTD occurred in Helensburgh (n=13) and Dunoon (n=9). The detection rate for vehicle crimes has reduced by 20.8% from 57.1% to 36.4%. Fraud crimes have also increased from 121 to 151 (n=30) and remain above the 5 year average of 99.6 for fraud. The increase in fraud crime is largely due to a rise in social engineering frauds followed by frauds relating to bogus workmen, online misuse of credit cards and unpaid taxi fares. To address the increase in domestic housebreakings, officers have shared material from our “After Dark” campaign on social media, this addressed general home security providing advice and guidance. Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) handed out over 500 leaflets in our local communities which relate to protecting homes and property. Local and Road Policing Officers have increased vehicle checks and operations to disrupt those involved in vehicle crime. Call Blockers are being installed at addresses throughout the authority to prevent scam calls, figures show system is now blocking 95% of scam calls through the requirement for genuine callers to press a particular number on their keypad to be connected which the automated scam calls cannot circumvent. Looking forward, a Helensburgh town centre-based Community Policing Unit is being established to counter the rise in shoplifting and general retail crime.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL All group 2 sexual crimes in Argyll are currently under review by DI MacMillan and will remain under CID ownership. Two dedicated Argyll Detectives have been identified to carry out all outstanding actions and enquiries in relation to all rape and sexual assault crimes ensuring all lines of enquiry are fully exhausted to detect offenders. We fully supported the Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) 16 days of action campaign raising awareness of the issues faced and encouraging reporting. We promoted positive messaging from male role models from various partners. Youth Engagement Officers are delivering inputs at Community Hubs addressing internet safety. Inputs were targeted more towards parents looking at their responsibilities and what securities can be put in place to best protect the children. A new return discussion protocol is being introduced for looked after children who have returned after being reported missing. Staff not Police will carry out such interviews to minimise any distress or upset to the child. . At the end of Qtr. 3 Group 2 crimes show a slight increase of 11.5% (+18) compared to the same period last year. Rape crimes have increased from 31 to 37, while sexual assaults have reduced marginally from 66 to 64 (-2). Rape crimes also remain above the previous 5 year average. Approximately 80% of rape crimes occurred in a private space setting and 89% were committed by persons known to the victim (16 crimes were domestic related). Similarly, around 66% of sexual assaults occurred within private spaces and 78% were committed by persons known to the victim (12 crimes were domestic related). Approximately 40% of all sexual assaults recorded at the end of Quarter 3 relate to non-recent reports. The detection rates for rape crime and sexual assault have both seen a reduction of 12.2% and 7.6% respectively from 41.9% to 29.7% and 56.1% to 48.4% year on year. This detection rate is impacted upon by 40% of the reported sexual crime being non- recent. Crimes relating to indecent images/communications have seen a marginal increase from 44 to 48 (+4) with just over a third of all crimes being committed by persons known to the victim. A total of 107 missing person reports had been recorded within Argyll and Bute at end of Quarter 3, which is a reduction of 15.1% from last year (-19). MP reports relating to adults have increased from 51 to 65 (+14), while reports relating to children and children in care have seen a decrease from 35 to 20 (-15) and 32 to 13 (-19) respectively, year on year. PUBLIC PROTECTION
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL In Qtr 3, there were 2 road deaths in Argyll and Bute compared to 0 in the same period last year. Despite this Q3 increase, the total number of fatal RTC’s recorded YTD has reduced from 11 to 8 however serious and slight injuries have increased from 38 to 56 (+18) and 50 to 69 (+19), respectively. Overall offences relating to motor vehicles have decreased slightly by 2% (-35) compared to the previous year, the current figure is also marginally below the previous 5 year average. Year on year, speeding offences have seen the highest reduction from 448 to 406 crimes (-42), followed by mobile phone offences (-42), careless driving (-21) and dangerous driving (-20). 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 8 Number of persons seriously injured 38 56 Number of persons slightly injured 50 69 Number of children seriously injured 3 5 The Road Policing Unit continues to deploy marked and unmarked patrols throughout Argyll and Bute in an effort to improve road user behaviour and deter criminality. One of the effects of this is the increase in detections for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which has increased by 48.5% in comparison with the 5 years average. Police Scotland’s annual festive drink and drug driving campaign took place from 1 December 2023 to 2 January 2024. The total number of roadside tests carried out by police officers increased by 21 per cent compared to the previous year. There were 3,219 breath tests (2,568 in 2022) and 481 drug wipes (481 in 2022). Scotland-wide, detected offences increased, from 722 in 2022 to 831 in 2023. The Preventions & Partnerships Unit are currently arranging a series of road safety events commencing in Helensburgh. The events will include input and advice from Police Scotland and also the opportunity for drivers to take a drive with a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) sitting alongside who will provide the driver with advice and guidance relating to the driver’s driving standards. It is part of the ‘I Am Road Smart’ campaign which has proved to be very effective across the country. ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD CRIME
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire, 39 persons linked to serious and organised crime have been arrested and £496,551 has been seized under POCA since 1st April 2023. In relation to Argyll & Bute, at the end of Qtr. 3, drugs supply charges had increased marginally from 28 to 31 crimes, which is slightly below the previous 5 year average (34). Similarly, across Argyll & Bute, drug possession charges have increased from 296 to 343 (+15.9%) and are also 11% above the 5 year average (309). Both figures are testament to the proactive work being carried out by officers. Drug supply statistics evidence the work of both the Divisional Serious & Organised Crime Team & the Community Policing Teams who have been targeting those involved in the supply of controlled drugs. Focussed, planned operations disrupting criminal activities and removing illegal and harmful drugs from the community. Work continues to disrupt serious & organised crime and all linked activities. The statistics show almost half a million pounds seized from the criminal fraternity, money that would have been used to further their activities and undoubtedly in doing so bringing further issues to our communities. The rise in drug possession charges evidences the pro-active work being carried out by our front-line officers, a rise of almost 16% equates to a substantial quantity of drugs removed from circulation, considerably higher than the past 5 years. When identifying and removing smaller quantities of controlled drugs, intelligence is gleaned from those involved which in turn is developed to a level that allows for further police action targeting those involved in the supply of the commodity. Development work is, as always, ongoing to disrupt criminal activity of varying classification at the highest level to eradicate said activity completely. SERIOUS & ORGANISED CRIME
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL VIOLENCE A series of pro-active patrols were undertaken as part of a joint initiative involving Police Scotland, Local Authority ASB officers and Housing Officers to address an increase in violence related calls within the Helensburgh area. This multi-agency approach proved very successful and resulted in a decrease in such calls which directly had a positive impact on the wider community. Local Community Policing & Response teams were tasked daily, throughout the authority area to concentrate resources to the areas and individuals identified as being at the centre of violent activity. Subsequently, through dedicated efforts and intelligence led policing, a number of individuals were arrested and are now subject of specific bail conditions restricting their ability to further engage in criminal behaviour. Advice and guidance relating to ‘sextortion’ was posted on our social media sites while both our Preventions and Youth Engagement Officers (YEO) are providing inputs on this crime and how to best protect oneself from becoming a victim. They are giving advice on general online safety and highlighting the importance that parents have a knowledge of what their children are engaging in online. YEOs are working with youths on what is and is not appropriate, when and what to report, also what damaging and long-lasting effect behaviours such as bullying and misogyny can have on individuals and the potential repercussions for those acting in this way. Group 1 crimes of violence occurring within Argyll and Bute have risen by 19.3% from 109 to 130 (+21) year on year. Approx. 70% of all crimes recorded took place within a private setting and 58% 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 (41 crimes compared to 17 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 95% being committed online involving threats to post indecent images shared between victims and suspects following unsolicited friend requests on social media or matches on dating websites unless sums of money were paid. 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 60.6% to 59.2% (-1.3%). In number terms however 11 more crimes have been detected.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Complaints relating to disorder have reduced slightly by 4.6% (-76). ASB related crimes however have seen an increase of 12.5% from 1348 to 1517. Common assaults have increased by 9% from 565 to 616. Approximately 54% of crimes occurred in public space and 46% in private space. In 46% of public space crime, offenders were known to victims. Much of the increase is due to a rise in youth fighting (+15), ongoing feuds (+13) and disputes involving family members (+12). Assaults on police and emergency workers have also seen an increase year on year with 96 recorded compared to 79 last year. The detection rate for common assaults overall is almost unchanged at 74% compared to 73% last year, however in number terms 32 more crimes have been detected. ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Working with a group (Atlantis, Hope 4 Oban, Youth Café, Hebridean Adventures), has sought to increase the availability of youth provision in the town by third sector partners to prevent ASB as well as providing a safe space for young people to go to with the aim of reducing their vulnerability and breaking down barriers with adults including the police. A drop-in youth club and football sessions are now being regularly provided on Friday nights with a range of partners however this is a pilot in need of further funding. This involves outreach work to divert youths from known hotspots into the provided activities. It has worked well so far with police attending to engage with the young people. We pride ourselves in our close partnerships, and in preparation for bonfire weekend, our officers worked closely with colleagues from Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and A&B Council ASB and Housing teams and Trading Standards to promote safety and prevention. Our Youth Engagement Officers carried out joint inputs in local schools, and Community Policing Teams visited premises selling fireworks to ensure they are complying with strict guidelines. We worked with our partners and our communities responding to information about possible stockpiles of rubbish or wood being gathered which could be used to create unsafe fires removing same.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL PUBLIC CONFIDENCE: COMPLAINTS & USER SATISFACTION Overall satisfaction with Police Scotland User Satisfaction results show that in Argyll & West Dunbartonshire public confidence levels remain high with overall satisfaction levels at 70.9%, which is in line with the position in 2022/23. At the end of Quarter 2, 60 complaints against the police had been recorded within Argyll and Bute which is a notable increase from 41 last year. The number of allegations against officers has also risen marginally year on year from 72 to 75. Total of 501 responses 999 Call Data – December 2023 Police Scotland were in the top five UK Forces for Total Received 999 calls for the month of December 2023, with 85.6% of calls answered within 10 secs. Police Scotland is currently managing a marked increase in 999 emergency calls and this unfortunately, does affect wait times for 101 calls. Calendar year to date when compared with the previous year we have experienced a 14% increase. The table shows almost 71% of those asked were either satisfied or very satisfied with the service they received from Police Scotland. 20.36% of respondents were dissatisfied with the service they received. We are continuing to ensure all officers are engaging in all available training and receiving the maximum level of supervision and guidance to improve these figures and ensure we are providing a high quality service across the area in all aspects of policing. We have commenced a review and training programme to improve the quality of reports being submitted to COPFS to improve the outcome for victims.