Item 7a - Police Scotland Q4 W Dunbartonshire Performance Summary Report
West Dunbartonshire Council · 1 May 2024
Back to Housing & Communities Committee — 1 May 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 West Dunbartonshire Performance Summary Report Reporting Period: April 23 to February 24 Total Crime 625 Crimes Incidents Recorded Overall Dishonesty Domestic Abuse Incidents +12.3% +32.2% +9.7% +14.4% +11.8% +3.5%* Road Deaths & Injuries +4%* Sexual Crime +2575*PYTD, -1207*5YR AVG +112*PYTD, +177*5YR AVG +433*PYTD, +368*5YR AVG +104*PYTD, -15*5YR AVG +24*PYTD, +30*5YR AVG +22*PYTD, +14*5YR AVG +2*on PYTD +139*PYTD Violent Crime Missing People Counter Terrorism -20*PYTD -6.5%* +8*PYTD, -4*5YR AVG Common Assault +5.8% 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 +7.2% +11.2% ITEM 7a
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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 by Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Gary I’Anson I am pleased to present this performance summary report to the West Dunbartonshire Housing and Communities Committee for its information and consideration. The reporting period for this report is cumulative for Quarters 1 to 4 of 2023/24, with available figures being shown from 1st April 2023 through to 29th February 2024. Due to year end, the figures for March will be available at a later date. Please note that all data included in this report is management information and not official statistics. All data is 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 PRIORITY AREA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Acquisitive Crime At the end of February 2024, acquisitive crime shows an increase of 433 crimes compared to the same period last year. This is largely due to notable increases in shoplifting, vehicle crime and common theft. Public Protection Group 2 sexual crimes have seen an increase of 11.8% with 208 crimes recorded compared to 186 at the end of February last year. The number of rape crimes recorded has risen from 34 to 43. Sexual assaults have also seen an increase from 67 to 77 (+10) year on year. Road Safety & Road Crime The number of fatal road traffic collisions within West Dunbartonshire has remained consistent with 2 fatalities recorded during both reporting periods. Road traffic collisions involving serious injuries have increased from 17 to 30, while collisions involving slight injuries have seen a reduction from 38 to 27. Serious Organised Crime At the end of February 2024, drugs supply crimes had increased from 66 to 84, while possession charges have seen a reduction from 578 to 532. 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 At the end of February 2024, Group 1 crimes of violence have increased with 191 crimes compared to 167 the previous year to date. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) related crimes have also seen increase from 2205 to 2294 (+4%). 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
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OFFICIAL CRIME PYTD CYTD INCIDENTS PYTD CYTD Total Crimes & Offences 8726 9351 Total number of incidents 22,900 25,475 DEMAND ANALYSIS - * PYTD - PREVIOUS YEAR TO DATE CYTD - CURRENT YEAR TO DATE ** * * The total volume of crimes and offences recorded within West Dunbartonshire has increased by 7.2% from the previous year and is also 7% above the previous 5-year average. With the exception of a 6.1% reduction in driving offences, all crime groups have seen a rise in figures from the PYTD with acquisitive crimes experiencing the highest increase (+32.2%) followed by police proactively identified crimes such as weapon carrying and drug offences (+13.4%). Acquisitive crimes have also risen by 37.2% compared to the previous 5-year average. Miscellaneous offences have also seen a slight increase of 4% compared to the PYTD however the current figure (2294) remains 5.6% below the 5-year average (2431).
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OFFICIAL ACQUISITIVE CRIME Shoplifting crimes have seen the highest increase (403 to 672) and remain above the previous 5-year average. Year to date there have been 132 more shoplifting crimes that have been detected. This is in line with national trends and the rise could be due to various reasons and not solely limited to the cost-of-living increase. At the end of February 2024, housebreakings at domestic dwellings have increased marginally by 4 crimes, while non-dwelling properties such as sheds and garages have more than doubled from 11 to 25 (+14). This has been offset by a substantial 35.7% reduction in housebreakings at commercial premises from 28 to 18 crimes year on year. There has been an increase in motor vehicle crimes with 171 recorded compared to 104 last year. Thefts from motor vehicles have the highest increase (59 to 115). Theft of motor vehicles have also risen from 45 to 56. Forty of these thefts either of, or from a motor vehicle are attributed to one repeat offender who has been arrested and remanded in custody. The detection rate for vehicle crimes has increased from 39.4% to 54.4%. Common thefts have increased from 384 to 464, while fraud crimes have seen a reduction of 14.7% from 224 to 191. Both figures remain above the 5-year average. Although full year to date figures are still to be formalised, it appears that crimes of dishonesty continue to sit at levels higher than the previous 5-year average. We continue to experience a substantial rise in shoplifting thefts. Positively, over the year, we have arrested and secured the remand of 4 prolific acquisitive offenders, 1 of these having been arrested and remanded within this reporting period. Our town centre officers are working closely with the public space CCTV control room to more effectively identify persons involved in shoplifting offences resulting in earlier identification while also assisting in reporting offenders to court. Our ongoing fraud preventions work, including scam awareness sessions and social media posts, continue to have an impact on preventing crime. A marginal drop in the number of crimes reported in this area observed in Q3 has now risen to a welcome decrease of 14.7% which is contrary to a continued rise nationally in such offences. We are exploring the possibility of implementing a civil recovery scheme for fuel drive offs as many reported crimes are human error and have no criminal intent. Such a scheme will have a positive impact on reducing demand on police whilst continuing to assist in recovery of any monies lost.
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OFFICIAL Any increase in sexual or domestic crime is never positive but we must acknowledge that 84% & 78% of rape and sexual assaults respectively occurred within private places and are almost always committed by persons known to the victim. This level of reporting is a positive development as it demonstrates that the work being done with partners through groups such as the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) coupled with continued engagement with vulnerable groups is empowering individuals to report crimes to the police with the confidence that these reports will be investigated in a professional and thorough victim led manner. We robustly target perpetrators of domestic abuse to ensure that we are keeping people safe and managing the risk posed. Domestic violence incidents and crimes are reviewed daily and tracked individually to a conclusion. We continue to engage within educational establishments via our youth engagement team tackling misogyny and inappropriate online activity. This work is now showing benefit with zero increase in online indecent image communication offences. Work within both adult and children’s facilities has assisted to reduce the number of persons being reported missing year on year. At the end of February 2024, Group 2 crimes show an increase of 11.8% (+22) compared to the same period last year. Rape crimes have risen from 34 to 43, while sexual assaults have also increased by 10 crimes. Both the number of domestic abuse crimes and incidents have increased by 9.7% (+104) and 2.4% (+17) respectively, whilst the percentage of incidents resulting in a crime being recorded has seen a marginal reduction (-1.1%) compared to last year. Approximately 84% of rape crimes occurred in a private place and 88% were committed by persons known to the victim. Similarly, around 78% of sexual assaults also occurred in a private place with 90% committed by persons known to the victim. Approximately half of all sexual assaults during this reporting period relate to non-recent reports. The detection rate for rape crime has increased by 18.1% and is currently at 61.7%, while the detection rate for sexual assaults has reduced from 76.6% to 61% year on year. Crimes relating to indecent images/communications have remained fairly consistent compared to last year with around a third of all crimes being committed by persons known to the victim. A total of 292 missing person reports had been recorded by the end of February 2024, which is a reduction from 311 last year. Adult missing person reports have increased from 108 to 128, while reports relating to children have seen a decrease from 151 to 120 (-31) year on year. PUBLIC PROTECTION
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OFFICIAL Across the reporting period, there have been 2 road deaths in West Dunbartonshire, which is unchanged from the position last year. From the end of the previous quarter (Q3) there has been an increase of 13 serious (27 to 30) and 5 slight injury (22 to 27) incidents which, given the weather conditions from January, is marginal. Offences relating to the use of motor vehicles have reduced slightly by 6.1% (a decrease of 168 offences) compared to the previous year. The decrease is partly due to a reduction in speeding offences, while insurance, neglect of traffic directions and driving without a licence have all seen slight increases due to proactive detections. Increased high visibility patrols on the trunk roads at peak times has reduced the speeding offences and as a direct result, rendered the area’s road network a safer place for motorists and pedestrians alike. Road Traffic Casualties 2022/23 2023/24 Number of persons killed on our roads 2 2 Number of persons seriously injured 17 30 Number of persons slightly injured 38 27 Number of children seriously injured 1 0 Throughout the reporting period specialist Road Policing Officers based in West Dunbartonshire 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 detect offences, educate motorists and provide enforcement as necessary. The Motorcycle Safety campaign commenced during March and aims to highlight the vulnerability motorcycle users have on Scotland’s roads in comparison to car drivers. We ask the public to be aware of motorcyclists and drive appropriately around them on the road, as well as urging motorcyclists to be sensible road users, with an aim to reduce collisions and spread awareness. This is delivered in person at events and via social media messaging. ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD CRIME
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OFFICIAL Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire, 46 persons linked to serious and organised crime have been arrested and £513,974 has been seized under POCA since 1st April 2023. At the end of February 2024, drug supply charges have increased from 66 to 84 crimes but remains below the previous 5 year average (99.8). Drug possession charges have seen a slight reduction of 8% from 578 to 532. We exceeded £500,000 in monies seized from criminals in this reporting period, profit made by criminals at the expense of this community. This is money that will, in part, be re-invested into policing to the benefit of the people of West Dunbartonshire and the detriment of those determined to profit from doom. The further increase in detections and arrests of those supplying drugs into the community evidences the continuous ongoing work based around intelligence led policing to identify and disrupt the illegal activities of these individuals. The dedicated Divisional Serious & Organised Crime Team are developing a number of intelligence leads to further disrupt criminal activity throughout the Local Authority. Our Youth Engagement Officers are delivering ‘County Lines’ inputs within all levels of education warning of the dangers of using controlled drugs and also the risks of getting involved with individuals or groups who may be seeking younger people to carry out some of their unlawful actions placing all the risk on that individual. This work is proving vital in preventing any such activity being established in the area. During January, a local male was arrested and charged with producing cannabis and the associated cultivation was dismantled from within a dwelling flat in Clydebank which included plants valued at over £50,000 and the equipment to produce further crops. SERIOUS & ORGANISED CRIME
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OFFICIAL VIOLENCE All robbery and serious violence related crimes are led by the CID who attend every incident at the material time to ensure all evidential opportunities are explored and exhausted. Reports of violence and robberies are in the main conducted by persons known to each other and not random attacks within the community. Following various local action plans, a Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is now being piloted to target violent and repeat offenders and carry out high profile, intelligence led patrols within hot-spot areas. This model will provide a visible presence and increase public reassurance. Our Preventions Team have been contacting victims of online Sextortion offering advice and support following any recent sexual extortion (Sextortion) incident. They provide reassurances that cases will be taken seriously and in confidence. We also offer support through various organisations and this approach will hopefully allow victims the confidence to fully engage and in doing so maximise opportunities to identify the person(s) responsible or at very least prevent an individual becoming a repeat victim. Levels of violence in West Dunbartonshire have increased by 14.4% from 167 to 191 crimes. 62% of all crimes took place in a private place, and 46% of those in a public space were committed by persons known to the victim. Whilst we continue to prioritise violence prevention strategies, sporadic violence taking place in private places or between individuals known to each other is challenging to prevent. Threats and extortion offences show the highest increase (+18) however this is due to a rise in “sextortion” offences with just over 90% being committed online involving threats to post indecent images shared between victims and suspects. Many of these offences are committed outwith the country reducing the investigative opportunities available. Robberies have also seen a notable increase (from 20 to 33) and attempted murders have risen slightly from 2 to 6 compared to last year. Three of six attempted murders occurred within public space and three in private places. It is important to note that all attempted murders were committed by persons known to the victim (1 domestic related). All 6 crimes have subsequently been detected. Twenty out of the 33 robberies occurred in a public place (16 on a public street, 3 at commercial stores and 1 on public transport). The other 13 crimes occurred in private places. Nineteen robberies were committed by strangers and 14 were committed by persons known to the victim. The detection rate for robbery has reduced from 70% to 54.5%, however an additional 4 crimes have been detected in number terms compared to last year.
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OFFICIAL Across the recording period the number of ASB related calls to Police Scotland have increased by approx. 5% compared to last year. Group 6 crimes, which include ASB related offences have also seen a slight increase of 4% from 2205 to 2294. Common assaults have increased by 12.3% from 912 to 1024. Common assaults were largely spilt 50/50 in terms of public and private space loci. In 42% of public space crimes, offenders were known to victims. Much of the increase is due to a rise in domestic assaults (+29), assaults on police officers (+21) and neighbour disputes (+13). The detection rate for common assaults overall has reduced by 8.5% from 71.4% to 62.9% (7 fewer crimes). ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Operation Ballaton has been initiated for spring/summer 2024 covering Balloch and surrounding area. The purpose of the operation is to provide an appropriate multi-agency response to ensure the annual increase in numbers attending Balloch and the surrounding areas are policed and facilitated allowing a safe and enjoyable visit to the area. The deployments are gauged against weather, events and any other impact factors that may cause an increase in visitor numbers. Weekly multi-agency meetings commenced at the end of this reporting period. The Clydebank Community Team, supported by response policing and partners in WDC, BTP and public transport provision has deployed an ongoing policing matrix to best provide the Chalmers Street and Clydebank Shopping Centre areas with a police presence as often as possible. These areas have been highlighted as ‘hot-spots’ for youth disorder. Officers are engaging and speaking with youths and parents when required to provide some context around the issues and negative impact ASB has on both the public and retailers alike.
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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. During March, Chief Superintendent Lynn Ratcliff left L Division to take over Greater Glasgow Division. CS Ratcliff was replaced by Chief Superintendent Gary I’Anson who took up post at Argyll and West Dunbartonshire on Monday 18 March. CS I’Anson brings a wealth of policing experience from both operational and corporate departments and is very much looking forward to meeting you over the coming weeks and months. Total of 654 responses The table shows over 72% of those asked were either satisfied or very satisfied with the service they received from Police Scotland. 18.81% 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 of 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 Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service to improve the outcome for victims. During March, Police Scotland published the first Policing in a Diverse Society newsletter to all officers and staff. This newsletter offers information and opportunity to engage and better understand the communities that we police. This first edition included an article on The Scottish LGBTI Police Association & Time for Inclusion staff who gave a talk to a youth group discussing their personal journeys through life to joining the police. Events such as this will hopefully go some way to breaking down any barriers between Police Scotland and the communities we serve.