POLICE SCOTLAND - ARGYLL & BUTE PERFORMANCE SUMMARY REPORT - REPORTING PERIOD: Q2 April - SEPTEMBER 2023
Argyll and Bute Council · 14 December 2023
Back to Community Services Committee — 14 December 2023 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: Q2 – April to September 2023 Total Crime 351 Crimes Incidents Recorded Overall Dishonesty Domestic Abuse Incidents +10.1% +24.3% +0.3% +25.6% % +4.2% +9.8%* Road Deaths and Serious Injuries -0.8%* Sexual Crime +1418*PYTD, +314*5YR AVG +38*PYTD, +80*5YR AVG +91*PYTD, +83*5YR AVG +1*PYTD, +14*5YR AVG +20*PYTD, +46*5YR AVG +5*PYTD, +14*5YR AVG +4*on PYTD -9*PYTD Violent Crime Missing People Counter Terrorism -6*PYTD -7.1%* +10*PYTD, -8*5YR AVG Common Assault +29.4% 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 +10.1% +13.6%
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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 I am pleased to present this performance summary report to Committee for its information and consideration. The Reporting Period for this report is cumulative for Quarters 1 and 2 of 2023, with figures being shown from 1st April 2023 through to 30th September 2023 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. Crimes and offences are grouped under recognised categories for statistical purposes. The Scottish Government defines these categories, as follows: Group 1 - Non Sexual Crimes of Violence Group 6 - Miscellaneous Offences Group 2 - Sexual Crimes Group 7 - Offences relating to motor vehicles Group 3 - Crimes of Dishonesty PYTD - Previous Year to Date Group 4 - Fire Raising, Malicious Mischief CYTD - Current Year to Date Group 5 - Other (pro activity) Crimes
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL PRIORITY AREA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Acquisitive Crime At the end of Qtr. 2 acquisitive crimes show an increase of 24.3% from 375 to 466 with the majority of offences experiencing an increase compared to the same period last year. Financial Harm remains on the current work plan for Adult Support and Protection within Argyll and Bute. Our local officers regularly liaise with banking staff to provide advice and respond to reported incidents of fraud. As a result strong partnerships are in place with early alert mechanisms Public Protection Group 2 sexual crimes have risen slightly by 4.2% (+5) compared to last year. Rape offences have increased from 22 to 27 while sexual assaults have reduced by 7 crimes. We have continued focus on gender based violence and sexual offending ensuring we are prioritising the safety of victims by maximising partnership working opportunities. Road Safety & Road Crime Despite a 54.5% (-6) 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 (+9) and slight injuries (+6) at the end of Qtr. 2. Serious Organised Crime At the end of Qtr. 2 both drug supply and possession figures have increased by 21.7% and 36.3% respectively. Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire 20 persons linked to serious and organised crime (SAOC) have been arrested and £131,113 seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) Violence & ASB Group 1 crimes of violence have increased by 25.6% (n=20 crimes) compared to last year due to a continued rise in threats and extortion offences. ASB crimes have also seen an overall increase of 8.6% (n=81 crimes) year on year. We continue to prioritise Violence and ASB and we are engaging with our partners to ensure that we can respond effectively to emerging trends. 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 3462 3813 Total number of incidents 10,399 11,817 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 10.1% from the previous year and is currently 11.5% above the previous 5 year average. The overall rise in crime levels is largely due to notable increases in acquisitive crime (+24.3%) followed by miscellaneous offences and police proactive crimes such as weapon carrying and drug offences. Group 1 crimes of violence have also recorded an increase of 25.5% from the previous period, which is largely attributed to the increase in sextortion offences, while crimes relating to vandalism, fire-raising and malicious mischief have seen a reduction (-18.4%) on last year.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL ACQUISITIVE CRIME Shoplifting crimes have increased by 30% and remain above the previous 5 year average. The detection rate for shoplifting is down slightly from the previous year to date, however this equates to a reduction of two crimes. Domestic housebreakings (HB’s) has seen a rise of +17 crimes YTD. Just over half (53%) of all domestic HB’s were attempted HB’s or HB’s with intent. These are where attempts to enter have been made or where entry has been gained and no property has been stolen. HB’s at commercial properties have seen a slight reduction There has been an increase in motor vehicle crimes with 31 recorded compared to 15 last year. Thefts from motor vehicles have risen from 6 to 14 and thefts of motor vehicles have also increased from 9 to 17 YTD. The detection rate for vehicle crimes has reduced slightly by 4.7% to 41.9%. Common thefts and frauds have also increased from 136 to 146 and 86 to 109 respectively. Both figures remain above the 5 year average of 137. The increase in fraud crime is largely due to a rise in social engineering frauds, online misuse of credit cards and frauds involving unpaid taxi fares. The impact of the cost of living is impacting on the increased volume of acquisitive crime within our local communities. Our officers continue to engage with local retailers to provide support and a visible presence to deter criminality. This upward trajectory is very much in line with a national rise in retail related acquisitive crime. Our officers are fully aware of local support networks which allows us to signpost vulnerable individuals for support. Our preventions team are working with partners to identify vulnerable premises in order to implement crime prevention strategies. We are also maximising use of our social media content to encourage householders to review and consider home security measures. We continue to deliver fraud prevention inputs to community groups with particular focus being given to our island communities who are reliant on internet shopping and communication. Following reports of cold callers in Lochgilphead, a male was charged with illegal Pedalling. On the Isle of Bute, we are progressing with a positive line of enquiry regarding bogus workers. We have been working in partnership with ACHA and Trading Standards resulting in the identification of numerous fraud offences.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL We are upskilling our staff ensuring they are able to deliver a victim centred approach to gender based violence. We are introducing domestic abuse champions to ensure officers are confident, supported and properly equipped with skills and guidance when dealing with these often serious and complex investigations. Bespoke perpetrator management plans have been introduced to robustly police those offenders posing the greatest risk of harm in a domestic setting. These plans complement our existing safeguarding processes for victims and children at risk of domestic abuse. We analyse and review all missing person enquiries seeking opportunities to engage with partners to ensure the most appropriate support is considered for the individual. This approach seeks to reduce future risk and demand. We continue to support our residential homes, building relationships with our care experienced young person’s understanding their needs and concerns. Local officers meet people affected by bereavement as part of their daily role. Officers are now able to provide family and friends of deceased person with a full support pack which has practical advice and emotional support contacts. Working with Argyll and Bute Registrars, NHS Highland Chaplaincy, Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, Change Mental Health and Cruse Bereavement, packs provide those suffering from bereavement with advice they can look at when they are ready to and aims to reduce distress. At the end of Qtr. 2 Group 2 crimes show a marginal increase of 4.2% compared to the same period last year. Rape crimes have increased from 22 to 27, while sexual assaults have seen a reduction from 54 to 47. Both crime types are currently above the previous 5 year average. The detection rates for rape and sexual assault crimes have increased slightly by 3.2% and 6.3% respectively from 22.7% to 25.9% and 42.6% and 48.9% year on year. Approximately 41% of all sexual assaults recorded at the end of Quarter 2 relate to non-recent reports. The number of recorded domestic incidents remains static however the number of recorded domestic crimes has reduced by 16.8% YTD. A total of 78 missing person reports have been recorded within Argyll and Bute at end of Quarter 2, which is down from last year (-6). MP reports relating to adults have increased from 34 to 51, while reports relating to children have seen a decrease from 46 to 26 year on year. PUBLIC PROTECTION
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL In Quarter 2, there were 2 road deaths in Argyll and Bute compared to 6 in the same period last year. YTD the total number of fatal RTC’s has reduced from 11 to 6. Accidents resulting in serious and slight injuries have increased from 30 to 39 (+9) and 41 to 47 (+6) respectively. Offences relating to motor vehicles have increased by 4.9% (+62) compared to the previous year, with the current figure also 6.9% above the previous 5 year average. Much of the increase is due to a rise in using motor vehicles without a test certificate (+33), insurance offences (+29) and drink/drug driving offences (+12). Road Traffic Casualties 2022/23 2023/24 Number of persons killed on our roads 11 6 Number of persons seriously injured 30 39 Number of persons slightly injured 41 47 Number of children seriously injured 1 3 Throughout Quarter 2, we have engaged in positive partnership working between Roads Policing and the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency. Our focus was on improving road safety within our communities, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable road users. A series of Safe Towing videos have been produced and shared via our social media following a change in legislation around driving licence requirements. This helps people better understand legal towing limits, hitching, unhitching and safety checks. A local Partnership Approach to Road Safety has being formed. This group will focus on locations of concern and key contributing factors from road traffic collisions where someone has been killed or seriously injured to enable us to prioritise education and enforcement towards key locations and demographics. We have continued to maximise our visibility on the trunk roads with our focus on speed detection and driver behaviour being the primary activities. We are also planning our festive road safety campaigns to ensure that we are prepared for the increase in road users across our communities during the festive period. ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD CRIME
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire 20 persons linked to serious and organised crime have been arrested and £131,133 seized under POCA. At the end of Qtr. 2, drugs supply charges have increased from 23 to 28 crimes, which is also slightly above the previous 5 year average (25.6). Similarly drug possession charges have increased from 193 to 263 (+36.3%). Both figures are testament to the proactive work being carried out by officers. Argyll and Bute benefits from a dedicated Pro-active Serious and Organised Crime Team (SOCT). These specialist officers are supported by dedicated intelligence officers in tackling serious and organised crime in our communities. The work of the SOCT and the continued upturn in detection rates of those involved in the supply of controlled drugs in our communities, is underpinned by the valuable work undertaken by our Local Policing Teams (LPT), providing the local connection to target drug dealing, developing local intelligence and progress concerns identified by members of the community. During this reporting period Cocaine with an estimated street value of £25,000 was recovered following a targeted proactive search at a property in Campbeltown. Proactive policing in Dunoon resulted in 4 persons being charged with being concerned in the supply, possessing and cultivating controlled drugs with an estimated street value of over £5,000. Half a kilogram of cocaine was also seized following a routine road traffic stop in Lochgilphead resulting in a male being charged with a number of drug and traffic related offences. The LPT is focussed on emerging risks, patterns and concerns, many of which are also raised by elected members. Notable recoveries are often shared on our social media platforms to ensure the community knows when we detect those responsible for the supply of controlled drugs. SERIOUS & ORGANISED CRIME
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL VIOLENCE Violent crime continues to be closely monitored and reviewed with investigations being resourced across Local Policing Teams and the Criminal Investigation Department. Each crime is subject of daily review and scrutiny and thereafter allocated to the most appropriate department to progress to assist in identification of repeat victims, offenders and locations. Any emerging issues and risks are shared and appropriate actions identified. The increase in sextortion offences is reflected nationally. Locally there is no identified trend to those affected either by age or location. We continue to look for ways to promote online safety for all ages. We are liaising with our national preventions team to ensure any good practice is being adopted within local policing. We are maximising our online presence by promoting advice and sharing links to various national online safety organisations. Our Youth Engagement Team continue to enhance the school curriculum by delivering bespoke presentations to positively influence decision making. Levels of violence occurring within Argyll and Bute have risen by 25.6% from 78 to 98 (+20) year on year. In addition, almost 70% of all crimes recorded took place within a private setting. Whilst we continue to prioritise violence prevention strategies, sporadic violence taking place behind doors or between individuals known to each other is challenging to prevent. With the exception of an increase in threats and extortion offences (32 crimes compared to 10 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 97% 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 slight reduction from 59% to 54.1% (-4.9%), which equates to a reduction of 7 crimes in number terms.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Complaints relating to disorder have reduced slightly by 0.8% (-9). ASB related crimes however have seen an increase of 8.6% from 946 to 1027. Common assaults have increased by 9.8% from 326 to 358. Approximately 56% of crimes occurred in public space and 44% in private space. In 56% of public space crime, offenders were known to victims. Much of the increase is due to a rise in ongoing feuds (+12), youth fighting (+11) and disputes involving family members (+9). Assaults on police and emergency workers have also risen slightly year on year with 57 compared to 51 crimes. The detection rate for common assaults overall has reduced marginally from 72.7% to 70.8%, in number terms however 20 more crimes have been detected. ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR We continue to deploy bespoke local policing plans in response to emerging concerns and ASB complaints. Local information is key to allow weekly analysis to ensure our officers are targeting the areas of local need. We have built up great partnership working relationships with a host of agencies who offer support to maximise our response to ASB. We have introduced a new parent alert letter scheme where we are highlighting local concerns and seeking support from the parents or guardians of those young persons who are found to be in ASB hot spots. Youth diversion and engagement is vital and our Youth Engagement Officers (YEO’s) worked closely with Live Argyll to welcome back the Friday Night Football project which ran throughout the summer holidays. This focussed on deterring youths from ASB and provided them a focus during the weekend. Officers also assisted the Live Argyll GIVE project where youths were asked to volunteer in their community and attend inputs around ASB. Our new YEO PC Haining Gallagher has been introduced in Helensburgh and we are confident she will have a positive impact. We now have three full time dedicated YEO’s covering Argyll & Bute who also manage our fantastic Police Scotland Youth Volunteers.
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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 70.5%, 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. We have also welcomed a further 14 new probationers to Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Policing Division. At the end of September, a multi- agency security and rescue exercise was held on the Isle of Bute. Police Scotland worked closely with Argyll and Bute Council, Border Command, Ministry of Defence Police Marine Unit, Caledonian MacBrayne and Rothesay Coastguard Rescue Team through a range of scenarios to help keep our coastlines safe. In December we will be hosting our annual local policing awards ceremony in the Corran Halls, Oban where we celebrate staff achievement and give thanks to them for their commitment to public service.