Item 7a - Police Scotland - Scrutiny Report Q2
West Dunbartonshire Council · 19 November 2025
Back to Housing & Communities Committee — 19 November 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
OFFICIAL OFFICIAL West Dunbartonshire Performance Summary Report Reporting Period: April to Sep 25 Total Crime 952 Crimes Incidents 13,538 Dishonesty Crimes 1044 Domestic Abuse Inc 806 +12.7% +12.7% +6.6% +3.3% +40.6% +7%* Road Deaths & Serious Injuries 15 -0.8%* Sexual Crime 149 -166*PYTD +64*PYTD, +114*5YR AVG +118*PYTD, +240*5YR AVG +50*PYTD, +119*5YR AVG +24*PYTD, +128*5YR AVG +43*PYTD, +45*5YR AVG +1*on PYTD -14*PYTD Violent Crime 784 Missing People 128 Counter Terrorism -35*PYTD -21.5%* +7*PYTD, -7*5YR AVG Common Assault 575 +10% Housebreaking 74 Disorder Complaints 1849 The National Terrorism Threat level is SUBSTANTIAL This means that an attack is likely. *PYTD = Previous Year to Date *5YR = 5 year average +19% -1.2% ITEM 7a
Page 2
OFFICIAL SECTION PAGE NUMBER Introduction 2 Executive Summary 3 Demand Analysis 4 Acquisitive Crime 5 Public Protection 6 Road Safety 7 Serious Organized Crime 8 Violence 9 Antisocial Behaviour 10 Public Confidence - Complaints & Allegations 11 Introduction I am pleased to present this performance summary report to the West Dunbartonshire Housing Committee for its information and consideration. The Reporting Period for this report is cumulative for Quarters 1 to 4 of 2025/26, with available figures being shown from 1st April 2025 through to 30th Sep 2025. 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 – Anti-social offences Group 2 - Sexual Crimes Group 7 – Miscellaneous Offences Group 3 - Crimes of Dishonesty Group 8 – Road traffic offences Group 4 – Damage and reckless behaviour PYTD - Previous Year to Date Group 5 – Crimes against society CYTD - Current Year to Date
Page 3
OFFICIAL PRIORITY AREA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Acquisitive Crime At the end of Qtr. 2, acquisitive crimes have increased by 12.7% from 926 to 1044 crimes compared to the same period last year. This is largely attributed to a rise in common thefts (+41), fraud (+25) and vehicle crime (+47) during 2025/26. Public Protection Group 2 sexual crimes have also risen by 40.6% with 149 crimes recorded compared to 106 at the end of 2024/25. This is largely due to an increase in the number of crimes relating to indecent images/communications from 26 to 65 crimes with the majority predominantly being committed via online platforms. Sexual assaults have also increased slightly from 32 to 37, albeit non-recent reporting continues to account for a significant proportion of these crimes. Road Safety & Road Crime The number of fatal road traffic collisions within West Dunbartonshire has risen marginally at the end of Qtr. 2 with only one recorded compared to zero in 2024/25. Road traffic collisions resulting in serious injuries have remained static compared to the position last year with 14 recorded while those resulting in slight injuries have reduced by 6. Serious Organised Crime As at the end of Qtr. 2, drugs supply crimes show a reduction of 41% from 46 to 24 crimes while possession charges have also decreased from 246 to 220 crimes. Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire 19 crimes linked to persons associated with serious and organised crime have been recorded and £37,109.44 has been seized under POCA since 1st April 2025. Violence & ASB At the end of Qtr. 2, Group 1 crimes of violence have increased by 3.3% with 784 crimes compared to 759 the previous year to date. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) related crimes have also risen from 593 to 712 due to increases in breach of the peace/threatening abusive behaviour (+128) compared to last year. 1. Acquisitive Crime 2. Public Protection 3. Road Safety & Road Crime 4. Serious Organised Crime 5. Violence & Anti-social behaviour WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE POLICING PRIORITIES 2023-2026
Page 4
OFFICIAL CRIME PYTD CYTD INCIDENTS PYTD CYTD Total Crimes & Offences 5001 5953 Total number of incidents 13,704 13,538 DEMAND ANALYSIS - * PYTD - PREVIOUS YEAR TO DATE CYTD - CURRENT YEAR TO DATE * * * * The total volume of crimes and offences recorded within West Dunbartonshire has seen an overall increase when compared to the previous year while the current figure is also above the previous 5-year average (+19%). Most crime types have experienced an increase compared to last year, with the exception of a slight reduction in crimes relating to damage and reckless behaviour (-4.4%). Road traffic offences (+48.8%) continue to experience the most significant increase year on year from 1230 to 1830 crimes followed by antisocial offences (+20.7%) (+119) and acquisitive crimes (+12.7%) (+118).
Page 5
OFFICIAL ACQUISITIVE CRIME At the end of Qtr. 2, shoplifting crimes have seen a reduction of 4.7% compared to the previous year from 423 to 403 but remains above the previous 5-year average. Year to date an additional 7 shoplifting crimes have been detected year on year, while the detection rate has risen from 50.4% to 54.6%. Motor vehicle crimes have increased by 78.3%, which is due to a continued rise in thefts from motor vehicles from 14 to 59 crimes, which is also considerably above the previous 5-year average (22). The increase has largely been attributed to now arrested repeat offender whose MO was to target insecure (unlocked) vehicles for personal belongings at various loci in both Clydebank and Alexandria. The DR for vehicle crime is at 30.8% (-5.8% PYTD). Fraud crimes have seen an increase of 22% as at the end of Qtr. 2 from 113 to 138 crimes and remains above the 5-year average of (109). The increase is largely due to a notable rise in frauds involving stolen credit/debit cards (+30), while the majority of online based frauds such as social engineering and online market frauds have seen slight reductions. The DR for fraud crime is currently at 32.6%, which is a considerable rise from 9.7% PYTD. Common thefts have risen by 19% compared to the previous year from 215 to 256 crimes, which is currently above the 5-year average of (212). The detection rate has increased, rising from 25.1% to 28.9% year on year. In number terms an additional 20 crimes have been detected. The overall increase in acquisitive crime has reduced substantially from 35% above PYTD at the end of Q1 to 12.7% above PYTD at the end of Q2. Our increased patrols and engagement around retail outlets is showing to be having a positive impact with an encouraging 4.7% reduction in shoplifting offences coupled with an increased detection rate. We are currently in discussion with COPFS regarding the submission of applications for criminal ASBOs (CRASBO) which would, if granted, place restrictions on the highest tariff offenders regarding retail premises and areas attended etc. providing retail workers with protection from repeated criminality. Fraud remains a national issue, we are continually providing advice and guidance via social media and in-person on how to best protect yourself online and when using online payment methods. This have been supported with national media coverage, and indeed, specific fraud action programmes, on television. We will maintain our efforts in this area of criminality which is a worldwide epidemic.
Page 6
OFFICIAL Due to the very nature of rape and sexual offence enquires, they are often protracted, hence, the detection rate for rape offences having reduced greatly at the conclusion of Q1 has now been restored to 87%. Often these enquiries can run over multiple reporting periods which causes the detection rate to fluctuate while the enquires are still progressing. We are utilising social media and personal safety inputs to highlight and warn against the dangers of online sexualised activity. We have used resources specifically targeting Sextortion and warning of the repercussions of becoming involved online with persons unknown. Our Youth Engagement Officers are working closely with staff from The Rosey Project to deliver workshops targeting misogynistic behaviours, online sexual violence and consent. These inputs are being very well received as we look at altering the behaviours of individuals at a young age to positively impact on the domestic violence and sexual offence stats of the future. Continued work with Adult Accommodation Centres, Children’s Houses and with those suffering from dementia and their families, has continued to reduce the number of persons being reported missing which can have a very heavy impact on resources over prolonged periods while putting individuals at great risk. At the end of Qtr. 2 2025/26, Group 2 crimes have increased by 40.6% (+43) compared to the same period last year. Sexual assaults continue to show a slight increase from 32 to 37 crimes while rape offences have reduced 32% from 32 to 25. Much of the overall rise in Group 2 figures is due to an increase in online sexual activity involving indecent images/communications. Approximately 96% of rape crimes occurred in a private space setting with the majority being committed by persons known to the victim. Similarly, around 73% of sexual assaults also occurred in a private place and 90% of crimes were committed by persons known to the victim. Just under half of all sexual assaults (46%) recorded during the current reporting period related to non-recent reports. Both the detection rates for rape and sexual assault have risen by 35.3% and 40% respectively. Crimes relating to indecent images/communications have experienced a considerable increase compared to last year from 26 to 65 crimes with the majority being committed by strangers via online platforms. Approx. 25% of recorded offences relate to two repeat offenders. The number of domestic abuse incidents has increased by 6.6% compared to PYTD from 756 to 806, while the number of crimes recorded have also risen by 13.2% from 539 to 610 as at the end of Qtr. 2. The crime/incident conversion rate has reduced marginally from 50.8% to 49.3%. A total of 128 missing person reports had been recorded by the end of Qtr. 2, which is a decrease of 21.5% from 163 last year. PUBLIC PROTECTION
Page 7
OFFICIAL At the end of Qtr. 2, the number of fatal road collisions in West Dunbartonshire, has risen marginally from the position last year with one recorded compared to zero in 2024/25. Serious injuries are currently unchanged year on year with 14 recorded during both periods however the number the number serious injuries involving children have risen from zero to two. Offences relating to motor vehicles have seen a considerable increase of 48.8% from 1230 to 1830 (+600). Speeding offences have experienced the highest increase (+274) followed by vehicle defect such as construction and lighting offences (+138) and unlawful use of motor vehicle such as licence, insurance and registration offences (+113). The increase in vehicle offences is testament to proactive policing within West Dunbartonshire throughout 2025/26. Road Traffic Casualties 2024/25 2025/26 Number of persons killed on our roads 0 1 Number of persons seriously injured 14 14 Number of persons slightly injured 20 14 Number of children seriously injured 2 0 Our traffic offences continue to increase which is testament to our specialist road policing officers, supported by their response colleagues, targeting those drivers who are putting people’s wellbeing at risk. That may be via their driving standards or due to the condition of the vehicles being driven on the roads. The circumstances of any fatal road crash, currently sitting at one for the reporting period, are investigated thoroughly by national specialist crash investigation teams. At our Road Safety Partnership, which involves partners from the Local Authority, Roads, Transport Scotland and others, we now review all fatal crash scenes and circumstances to ensure that any contributory factor that can be altered, is altered, to reduce the chance of any further accidents at the same location. During this reporting period we commenced our Fatal 5 - Young Drivers Campaign. We are committed to protecting all road users, particularly the vulnerable. Despite updated legislation and increased penalties, the following Fatal 5 offences remain prevalent – Speeding – Drink & Drug Driving – Mobile Phone Use – Careless Driving – No Seatbelt Our campaign aligns with an NPCC UK-wide campaign intended to educate young drivers against these risk-taking driving behaviours. Our intentions are to: Influence road user behaviour and increase the safety of our roads. Enforce relevant legislation through the detection of offenders and reduce the occurrence of collisions, particularly those with a Fatal 5 causation factor. Utilise social media to highlight risks associated with Fatal 5 driving behaviours. ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD CRIME
Page 8
OFFICIAL Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire, 19 crimes linked to persons associated with serious and organised crime have been recorded and £37,109.44 has been seized under POCA since 1st April 2025. As at the end of Qtr. 2, drug supply charges have reduced from 46 to 24 crimes, which is currently below the previous 5-year average (40), while production/cultivation of drugs have marginally increased by 2. Drug possession charges have seen a reduction of 10.6% from 246 to 220 crimes. The total value of monies seized under POCA has increased by 107.2% since the end of Q1 rising from £17,910 to £37,109.44 at the end of this reporting period. This reporting period was dominated by the visit of The President of The United States, Donald Trump, which was followed shortly thereafter by the visit of Vice President, J D Vance. Both visits, more so POTUS, were very resource intensive and like every policing division across the country, L Division had to provide significant resources to the operations for a sustained period to ensure the visits passed off safely and without major incident. The policing operation was commended by the Chief Constable and First Minister John Swinney. Unfortunately, such a level of demand impacts on pro-activity which sits out with normal daily routine police business which was not impacted upon due to an alteration to the working pattern of all officers. Although pro-active work was impacted upon, which includes activity around intelligence relating to the distribution of drug supply, all intelligence gleaned during the visits is now being progressed. Although drug supply charges remain behind the PYTD figure, we have increased this figure significantly since the end of Q1, rising from 8 to 24 showing that we are already making significant improvements in this area of criminality. As reported at the end of Q1, The Flexible Policing Unit was established, which will be utilised to progress intelligence concerning all areas of criminality across the authority. DI Michael Lochrie took over management of the SOCT based at Dumbarton. Michael brings many years of experience from being based within our National Organised Crime & Counter Terrorism Unit to the division which will a great asset as we continue to target those involved in serious crime. SERIOUS & ORGANISED CRIME
Page 9
OFFICIAL VIOLENCE & ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Continued decreases in both robberies and serious assaults for the second quarter after similar decreases in Q1 is very satisfying. Fewer crimes equate to less victims of what are, serious offences, some of which can have prolonged impact on victims. This reduction is at least in part attributed to our continued scrutiny and proactivity around high tariff domestic offenders and persons subject of MAPPA conditions. Through our seat on the Alcohol & Drug Partnership (ADP) we are involved in work around the prevalence of alcohol and other substances in criminality including violence. We are working as a partnership looking at the hospital admittance stats involving alcohol and / or drugs across West Dunbartonshire. This work will help direct our policing plan to best ensure our resources are at the correct locations and the correct times to deter those individuals’ intent on becoming involved in ASB & violence. The ADP will also be objecting to any future alcohol licence applications that they feel would fall into the over-provision of alcohol category in a particular area. Levels of violence in West Dunbartonshire overall have slightly increased by 3.2% from 759 to 783 (+24) crimes. Approx. 55% of all crimes took place in a private place. Furthermore, almost 40% of public space crimes were committed by persons known to the victim. The overall increase is largely attributed to a 12.6% rise in common assaults (+64 crimes) compared to last year. Both the number of serious assaults and robberies have decreased year on year from 43 to 30 crimes (-30.3%) and 21 to 20 crimes respectively. Approx. 64% of serious assaults occurred within a public space and around 60% of crimes were committed by persons known to the victim. Half of crimes were committed whilst the victim and/or offender was under the influence of alcohol. Robberies were largely spit 60/40 public/private space with 9 crimes occurring within a residential premise and 8 related to street robberies. The remaining crimes occurred within a commercial locus. Two thirds of robbery crimes were committed by persons known to the victim with 3 being domestic related. The detection rate for robbery has reduced by 16.4% from 71.4% to 55%, while the DR for serious assault remains relatively unchanged at 66.7% from 67.4% PYTD.
Page 10
OFFICIAL Common assaults continue to experience with an increase of 12.6% from 510 to 574 which is currently above the 5-year average (460). Common assaults on police and emergency workers have also risen marginally by 3% (+3 crimes) compared to PYTD. Around 58% of common assaults occurred in private space settings and in 48% of public space crimes, offenders were known to victims. The detection rate for common assaults overall has increased marginally from 56.5% to 57.5%, which equates to an additional 42 crimes being detected. Across the recording period the number of ASB related calls to Police Scotland has increased slightly by approx. 3% compared to last year. Similarly anti-social related offences (Group 6) have increased by 20% with 712 crimes recorded compared to 593 PYTD, however the current figure remains marginally below the previous 5-year average (717). VIOLENCE & ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR This reporting period seen the conclusion of Operation Ballaton for 2025, which ran from April 2025. YTD we are showing a 3% rise in ASB related calls to the police and a rise in ASB related offences. Given the very pleasant weather for prolonged periods this year, we increased our policing footprint across the Balloch and south Loch Lomond areas to match the vastly increased numbers attending in these areas. By far, the vast majority of people visiting the area were well behaved and did not cause any issue. However, on occasion, we did encounter ASB but due to pre-planning with our WDC, BTP and NP partners, we were able to deal with such situations swiftly and robustly to minimise any negative impact on the local community. Such police activity does increase the ASB crime figures, but it is important that we provide these communities with a professional and impactful service during the busy summer months. Our stop & search figures have been impacted upon by the resource demand for the visit of the US President through this reporting period and we are confident this figure will increase through proportionate activity as we progress towards the year end and into 2026.
Page 11
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 77%, which is above the position as at the end of Qtr. 2 during the 2024/25 reporting period (69%). Overall satisfaction nationally with contacting the police was at 67% in Quarter 2, down four percentage points from the previous quarter. Satisfaction remained between 68%-74% in the past 2024-25 financial year. Detailed below are our User Experience results for L Division. Overall Satisfaction (3,814) L Division (146) Argyll & Bute (38) West Dunbartonshire (47) 67% 71% 79% 68% In September 2025 a new jointly sponsored project collaboration between SCRA and Police Scotland commenced. The project focus is on a shared goal to ensure that the right children are referred to SCRA at the right time in their own unique service journey. To support this objective, the new project involves a Children’s Reporter working within our Risk and Concern Hub. Whilst within the hub, the reporter will work alongside Police Scotland in the following activities: Establishment of a Children’s Hearing Champion model – training, enabling and supporting officers to become subject matter experts in the operation of the Children’s Hearing System Support of the Concern Hub – the Reporter will work collaboratively with police, from within the Hub, around the referral to SCRA processes. 77% Satisfied/Very Satisfied Total of 298 responses