Police Scotland - Argyll & Bute Performance Summary Report - Reporting Period: April - June 2023
Argyll and Bute Council · 24 August 2023
Back to Community Services Committee — 24 August 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: April—June 2023 Total Crime 172 Crimes Incidents Recorded Overall Dishonesty Domestic Abuse Incidents +10.2% +17.6% -2.7% -14% +16.9% -21.1%* Road Deaths and Serious Injuries +7.2%* Sexual Crime +873*PYTD, +289*5YR AVG +18*PYTD, +42*5YR AVG +35*PYTD, +41*5YR AVG -5*PYTD, -20*5YR AVG -7*PYTD, +15*5YR AVG +10*PYTD, +19*5YR AVG 4*on PYTD +39*PYTD Violent Crime Missing People Counter Terrorism +5*PYTD +10.3%* +4*PYTD, -5*5YR AVG Common Assault +26.7% Housebreaking Disorder Complaints The National Terrorism Threat level is SUBSTANTIAL. This means that an attack is likely. +9.6% +17.2%
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2 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Argyll & Bute Performance Summary Report Reporting Period: April—June 2023 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 five year average for the same data period specified. 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 POLICE SCOTLAND’S POLICING PRIORITIES 2023-2026 Protecting vulnerable people Working with communities Tackling crime in the digital age Support for operational policing
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3 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL 1 Acquisitive Crime 2 Public Protection 3 Road Safety & Road Crime 4 Serious & Organised Crime 5. Violence & Anti-social behaviour PRIORITY AREA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Acquisitive Crime At the end of Qtr. 1 acquisitive crimes show a 17.6% increase compared to the same period last year (+35), while the current figure (234) is above the previous 5 year average (193.4). Cost of living will undoubtedly impact on acquisitive crime but we continue to engage with partners seeking opportunities to signpost and support our community. Where appropriate our officers are maximising the use of their powers in relation to alternative to prosecution options. The majority of recorded crimes appear to be both spontaneous and opportunistic. Analytical work is ongoing to support a renewed focus and governance around the issue to improve detection rates. We continue to target all forms of acquisitive crime by adopting both preventative and proactive policing styles Public Protection Set against figures recorded at the end of Qtr. 1 last year, Group 2 sexual crimes have seen an increase of 16.9% with 69 crimes recorded compared to 59 last year (+10), which is also above the previous 5 year average (49.8). Rape crimes have increased from 11 to 18 (+7), while sexual assaults have also risen slightly from 25 to 28 (+3) year on year. Both crimes are currently above the previous 5 year average of (10) for rape crimes and (18) for sexual assaults. We continue to deliver a victim centred approach engaging with partners to ensure safety planning and the welfare of those vulnerable individuals is prioritised. We continue to invest in our people to upskill ensuring they can deliver the best possible service. Road Safety & Road Crime There has been a slight reduction in the number of fatal road traffic collisions within Argyll and Bute with 4 recorded at the end of Qtr. 1 compared to 5 (-1) in the same period last year. Despite this both serious and slight injuries have increased from 15 to 17 (+2) and 17 to 29 (+12) respectively. Throughout the summer months, Police Scotland will continue prevention, education and enforcement activity in line with the national road safety activity calendar, working with partners through the road Safety governance group. Serious & Organised Crime At the end of Qtr. 1, drugs supply charges have reduced marginally from 11 to 10 crimes, which is in line with the previous 5 year average (11.4). Drug possession charges have increased by 42.2% from 90 to 128, which is above the previous 5 year average (106.6). Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire 11 persons linked to serious and organised crime (SAOC) have been arrested and £115,673 seized under POCA. Numerous other targeted drugs searches have taken place across our community resulting in significant seizures of drugs, property and money. Our specialist officers are utilising all available legislation and investigative opportunities to target SAOC. Violence & Anti-social behaviour Figures recorded at the end of Qtr. 1 show a 14% reduction (-7) in Group 1 crimes of vio- lence compared to the PYTD, albeit the current figure of 43 is above the previous 5 year average (28.2). ASB related crimes have seen an increase of 8.1% from 456 to 493 (+37) while the current figure is also above the previous 5 year average (456.8). We continue to target all forms of Violence and ASB by engaging with our partners and adopting both preventative and proactive policing styles. ARGYLL & BUTE POLICING PRIORITIES 2023-2026
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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 1787 1959 Total number of incidents 5088 5961 The total volume of crimes and offences recorded within Argyll and Bute has increased by 9.6% (n=172) from the previous year and is currently 13% above the previous 5 year average (1733.4). The overall rise in crime levels is largely due to notable increases in offences relating to motor vehicles (+12%) (n=81), miscellaneous offences (+8.1%) (n=37) and acquisitive crime (+17.6%) (n=35). Crimes relating to vandalism, fire-raising and malicious mischief (-24.2%) and Group 1 crimes of violence (-14%) have both seen a reduction compared to the position last year. With the exception of a 13.3% reduction in crimes vandalism, fire-raising and malicious mischief all crime groups have seen an increase on the previous 5 year average. * * * * * *
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5 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL ACQUISITIVE CRIME DATA OVERVIEW At the end of Qtr. 1 acquisitive crimes show a 17.6% increase compared to the same period last year (+35), while the current figure (234) is above the previous 5 year average (193.4). House- breaking crimes have increased slightly by 4 crimes due to a rise in domestic HB’s from 7 to 14 (+7), while HB’s at commercial properties have seen a marginal reduction. There has also been a notable increase in motor vehicle crimes with 14 recorded compared to 5 PYTD (+9). Thefts from motor vehicles including theft OLP have risen from 3 to 8 (+5) crimes and thefts of motor vehicles from 2 to 6 (+4) crimes. Six of the 14 crimes occurred in Dunoon, 4 of which were thefts from motor vehicles with the majority taking place on/around Victoria Road. Common thefts and fraud crimes have also seen an in- crease of 24.3% (+17) and 13.6% (+6) respectively with both figures currently above the previous 5 year aver- age: (70)- common theft, (30.4) - Fraud. The increase in fraud crime is largely due to marginal increases in online market frauds (+3), social engineering frauds (+3) and frauds involving unpaid taxi fares (+2). Shoplift- ing’s have seen a marginal reduction from 50 to 47 crimes but remain above the previous 5 year average (-3). The detection rate for acquisitive crime overall has reduced by 7.2% from 34.2% to 26.9%, which equates to a reduction of 5 crimes year on year. The current figure is also 6.8% below the previous 5 year rate (33.7%). Both the detection rates for housebreaking and motor vehicle crime have increased from 13.3% to 21.1% (+7.7%) and 20% to 35.7% (+15.7%) respectively, while shoplifting (-16.2%), fraud (-3.6%) and common theft (-7.9%) have all seen a reduction from the PYTD. Forensic science continue to provide us with vital investigative opportunities. Our officers are trained to consider every opportunity available to utilise forensic opportunities to reduce the impact of acquisitive crime within our communities and identify those responsible. Through community and partnership engagement, our officers seek out and promote the importance of community intelligence. This helps us target and plan local robust policing plans targeting perpetrators of acquisitive crime. Our officers have engaged with the local retailers group in Helensburgh. This has provided the opportunity to offer security advice and crime prevention surveys. We are working to expand this across Argyll. Work is also ongoing to create a Neighbourhood Watch Scotland alert group for retailers as a means of sharing information and advice. Our Police Scotland Youth Volunteers have been actively engaging with members of the public within Argyll and Bute. Our PSYV will be involved in a variety of community based support projects including, delivering crime prevention leaflets within known hot sports areas. Our Preventions team seek out vulnerable premises and individuals and offer bespoke crime prevention advice. We have also issued several Selecta DNA Forensic Marking kits to victims of rural crime. These kits will help protect agricultural property and assist in any future recovery should the property be stolen. We continue to utilise our social media channels by posting local crimes or risks pertinent to our communities to maximise prevention opportunities. We have visited many local residents groups on islands and in towns across Argyll providing pertinent crime prevention advice.
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6 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL PUBLIC PROTECTION Set against figures recorded at the end of Qtr. 1 last year, Group 2 sexual crimes have seen an increase of 16.9% with 69 crimes recorded compared to 59 last year (+10), which is also above the previous 5 year average (49.8). Rape crimes have increased from 11 to 18 (+7), while sexual assaults have also risen slightly from 25 to 28 (+3) year on year. Both crimes are currently above the previous 5 year average of (10) for rape crimes and (18) for sexual assaults. Approx. 82% of rape crimes occurred within a pri- vate space setting and 71% were committed by persons known to the victim with 7 crimes being domestic related. Similarly around 73% of sexual assaults occurred within private spaces and 73% were committed by persons known to the victim with 8 crimes being domestic relat- ed. Half of all sexual assaults recorded during Qtr. 1 related to non recent reports. Crimes relating to indecent images/communications have seen a slight reduction from 20 to 15 crimes (-5) year on year with almost half (n=7) being committed by persons known to the victim. The overall detection rate Group 2 sexual crime has decreased by 29.4% from 52.5% to 23.2%, which equates to a reduction of 15 crimes year on year and is below the previous 5 year rate of (53.8%). The detection rates for both rape crimes and sexual assaults have reduced by 21.7% and 3.9% respectively and are currently at 5.6% for rape and 32.1% for sexual assault. A total of 45 missing person reports have been recorded within A&B at end of Qtr. 1, which is a slight increase Our dedicated officers within the Public Protection Unit continue to work closely with our partners at Rape Crisis Scotland to ensure that victims have the confidence to be able to come forward and report both recent and non-recent crimes of this nature. An increase in reported crimes of this nature is hopefully tantamount to that confidence to report. Sexual Crime committed in a domestic setting is investigated by trained officers within the Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit who have knowledge of the wider specialisms in the investigation of domestic abuse. Our wider Public Protection Departments have Officers cross skilled in the investigation of domestic abuse, child protection and sexual crime and as such allows for us to flex resource to meet demand as seen in the increase of sexual crime reporting. We continue to focus our efforts on prevention as well as detection. The Violence against Woman Group (VAWG) brings together a host of professional and third sector bodies to review and consider a response to violence against women and girls through collaborative working. Together, agencies can more effectively safeguard women and children, intervene with men who perpetrate violence and take action to prevent violence from occurring in the first place. It is recognised that different aspects of public protection are often interlinked and that a coordinated and informed approach can have a positive impact in each of these areas. Our Youth Engagement Officers are in the process of setting up a program with education which will support female school students who are showing low self confidence and would benefit from further guidance and support around positive messaging around issues that affect young women. We have successfully applied to a National Missing Person charity who will provide support to policing and partners across west Dunbartonshire. The charity will review practice to ensure that we are working collaboratively and effectively to reduce vulnerabilities and maximise safeguarding opportunities.
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7 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL ROAD SAFETY & ROAD CRIME - DATA OVERVIEW PRIORITY: REDUCE THE NUMBER OF PERSONS KILLED OR INJURED ON OUR ROADS Road Traffic Casualties 2023/24 2022/23 Number of persons killed on our roads 4 5 Number of persons seriously injured 17 15 Number of persons slightly injured 29 17 Number of children seriously injured 0 1 Road Traffic Data from April—June 2023 Throughout Q1 there were 4 road deaths in Argyll and Bute, 1 less than the same period last year, 17 people were seriously injured in Argyll and Bute, 15 in the previous year. There has been a marginal reduction in the number of fatal road traffic collisions within Argyll and Bute with 4 recorded at the end of Qtr. 1 compared to 5 (-1) in the same period last year. Despite this both serious and slight injuries have increased from 15 to 17 (+2) and 17 to 29 (+12) respectively. In the main these stats are attributed to non locals who are less familiar with the roads. Our Roads policing team continue to proactively police our roads highlighting dangers and positively Influencing driver behaviour and decision making. Throughout the summer months, Police Scotland will continue prevention, education and enforcement activity in line with the national road safety activity calendar. The seatbelt campaign commenced on 5 June and ran until 25 June, focusing on the importance of wearing a seatbelt. Not wearing a seatbelt remains a significant factor in fatal and serious injury collisions, this campaign was de- signed to reinforce the safety message that seatbelts save lives. Roads Policing, also continue to focus activity on influencing motorcyclist behaviour, which is supported by our National Motorcycle Unit. In the next quarter the focus of the unit remains on improving road safety within Argyll & Bute, continued visibility on the trunk roads will be a priority with speed detection and driver behaviour being the primary activities. There are also plans in place around Vulnerable Road Users such as the motorcycle campaign and Operation Close Pass for pedal cycle safety. A Community Speed watch initiative is being set up in Dunoon. Our Police Scotland Youth Volunteers are assisting with a 30MPH sticker campaign. 30MPH stickers will be placed on wheelie bins on roads highlighted by our communities.
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8 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL SERIOUS & ORGANISED CRIME - DATA OVERVIEW Numerous targeted drugs searches have taken place across our community resulting in significant seizures of drugs, property and money. Our specialist officers are utilising all available legislation and investigative opportunities to target SAOC. Officers in Argyll and Bute have seized cocaine, with an estimated street value of £25,000, following the execution of warrants in Campbeltown. This operation underlines our commitment to the SAOC Taskforce and the national SAOC Strategy. Numerous other targeted drugs searches have taken place across our community resulting in significant seizures of drugs, property and money. Our specialist officers are utilising all available legislation and investigative opportunities to target SAOC. Community intelligence is key to our success and as such we are delivering a new Partners Intelligence Portal (PIP). This provides a platform where community intelligence can be directly uploaded by partners across Argyll where it would then be risk assessed and evaluated. This is a secure and confidential electronic system, developed by the Police Service to enable partner agencies to share important information they receive during the course of their work. COUNTER TERRORISM & DOMESTIC EXTREMISM The current threat to the UK from terrorism is SUBSTANTIAL—meaning that an attack is likely. Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire 11 persons linked to serious and organised crime have been arrested and £115,673 seized under POCA. At the end of Qtr. 1, drugs supply charges have reduced marginally from 11 to 10 crimes, which in in line with the previous 5 year average (11.4). Drug possession charges have in- creased by 42.2% from 90 to 128, which is above the previous 5 year average (106.6).
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9 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL VIOLENCE Figures recorded at the end of Qtr. 1 show a 14% reduction (-7) in Group 1 crimes of violence compared to the PYTD, albeit the current figure of 43 is above the previous 5 year average (28.2). Crimes were spilt 70/30 with the majority in a private setting. In approximately 58% of public space crime the offender was known to the victim. With the exception of a notable increase in threats and extortion offences with 15 crimes compared to 4 PYTD (+11) most Group 1 crimes have recorded a reduction on last year. This is largely due to a rise in sextor- tion offences however with approximately 93% (n=14) of all crimes being committed online and involved threatening to post indecent images shared between victims and suspects following unsolicited friend re- quests on social media or matches on dating websites unless sums of money were paid. Robberies have also seen a marginal increase from 3 to 5 crimes with 4 of the 5 crimes occurring on a public street/footpath and 1 was within a residential premise. 3 of the 5 crimes occurred in Dunoon and 2 in Helensburgh with 2 being committed by persons known to the victim. To date 3 out of the 5 robberies have been detected giving a 60% detection rate. Reducing violence in our communities remains a top priority. We utilise analytical research and local intelligence to identify hot spot locations and problematic nominals. We continue to engage with partners to maximise our efforts to disrupt and reduce the opportunities for violence to occur. These tactics include targeting known drinking dens, neighbour disputes and ASB hotspots. We continue to support our officers in their use of stop and search which is based on local intelligence. Weekend policing plans include supporting our licensing trade and night-time economy by ensuring a high visibility presence. We have maximised partnership opportunities to support our summer action plans across our communities which targets violence. The increased footfall in popular tourist locations can often result in an increase of violence. Our high visibility approach supports our night time economy whilst deterring violence taking place. We continue to target violent crime Argyll & Bute by robustly policing bail conditions and curfews set by the court to ensure compliance. We continue to maximise our social media presence to highlight the dangers faced online including ‘sextortion’. Our Youth Engagement team have delivered presentations within our schools ensuring young persons are aware of this increasing trend and risk and equipping them with skills to protect themselves online and manage their online presence safely.
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10 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Complaints relating to disorder have increased by 7.2% (+39). ASB related crimes have seen an increase of 8.1% from 456 to 493 (+37) while the current figure is also above the previous 5 year average (456.8). Common assaults have increased by 10.9% from 156 to 173 (+17). This is largely due to a rise in domestic related assaults and fights involving youths which have risen from 41 to 52 crimes (+11) and 6 to 15 crimes (+9) respectively. Assaults on police and emergency workers have seen marginal change compared to PYTD with 22 compared to 21 crimes. The detection rate for common assaults overall has remained fairly consistent year on year and is currently at 72.8%, which is marginally below the previous 5 year rate (76.1%). Local officers attended the reinvigorated Oban Pubwatch on 8th June and are looking forward to providing further support to licensed premises with preventing and tackling alcohol related anti-social behaviour going forwards. Oban officers are starting to build relations with Royal Mail to move towards targeted work to manage the supply of drugs through organised crime coming into the area through this channel. We are also working with our airports and ferries, to improve proactivity and to continue to disrupt the flow of SAOC. Proactive action is being taken to tackle an increase in youth related crime and ASB within Argyll. Ring leaders are being identified and robust tactics are being employed to influence behaviour. These tactics include lettering parents, directed patrols and using undertaking conditions if arrests are made. During the course of Qt1 we have planned and delivered on several successful multi agency action plans targeting specific concerns of ASB. In Helensburgh following a rise in ASB we implemented a robust policing place along with A&B ASB officer, Scotrail, BTP, and local businesses. As a result numerous offences were detected. This lead to opportunities for diversion and engagement which will provide a sustainable improvement in the community. Call demand and reports of anti-social behaviour were positively impacted during this action plan and we have received feedback from the local community expressing their support. Operation Ballaton is a multi-agency action plan carried out in conjunction with partners including A&B, WDC, SFRS, Loch Lomond National Parks, BTP and Scotrail to tackle ASB associated with an influx of visitors to the area during summer months. Currently partners come together every week to discuss the ongoing requirement and allocation of resources in order to provide an effective and coordinated response to manage large numbers of visitor numbers to the area. Across A&B we have introduced a parental support letter which is sent out by local policing to any young person who regularly comes to our attention in relation to ASB. The letter encourages parental support and engagement and is aimed at reducing ASB within the local community.
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11 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 70.4%, which is marginally below the position in 2022/23 (73.4%). At the end of Qtr. 1, 19 complaints against the police had been recorded within Argyll and Bute which is a marginal reduction from 22 last year. The number of allegations against officers has also reduced year on year from 38 to 21.