Police Scotland Update
Argyll and Bute Council · 11 June 2024
Back to Helensburgh & Lomond Area Committee — 11 June 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 Helensburgh & Lomond Area Committee Police Scotland Report Local policing is 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 Police Scotland crime stats run from 1st April each year and all data comparisons are considered based on the same period from previous years and over the 5 year average. We have welcomed our new Divisional Commander Gary I’Anson to L Division who has taken over from Chief Supt Lynn Ratcliff. Chief Supt I’Anson has a wealth of experience in local, operational and strategic policing. Laterally he was head of Armed Policing. Chief Supt I’Anson has already travelled across Argyll meeting our dedicated and committed local officers. 2023/24 2024/25 5 Year Average % change 5 year Ave Serious Assaults 4 0 1.8 -100% Threats & Extortion 3 0 1.6 -100% 2023/24 2024/25 5 Year Average % change 5 year Ave Housebreaking 0 1 1.4 -28.6% Shoplifting 4 9 5.4 +66.7% Theft of motor vehicle 1 1 1.4 -28.6% Fraud 7 10 4.8 +100+% Theft 14 16 10.2 +56.9%
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL 2023/24 2024/25 5 Year Average % change 5 year Ave Possession of drugs 19 11 19.2 -42.7% Minor Assaults 19 25 17.4 +43.7% Threatening Behaviour 20 25 21.4 +16.8% Weapons offences 8 5 6.8 -26.5% 2023/24 2024/25 5 Year Average % change 5 year Ave Drink , Drug Driving 10 6 5.4 +11.1% Dangerous Driving 6 2 2.6 -23.1% Violence Sporadic indoor violence can be difficult to prevent. However, we continue to engage with housing providers and Argyll & Bute ASB to target individuals and properties which are coming to our attention. Loud music and neighbour complaints often have underlying issues which allows local policing and partners to consider a joined-up approach. Proactive house visits and warnings allow local policing to develop community intelligence and to prevent offending. Acquisitive Crime We are working hard through our preventions team to identify vulnerable premises and locations in order to provide advice to owners to improve security. We continue to maximise the use of our social media channels to offer support and guidance to the community. Our community’s team have been proactively meeting local business owners identifying risks and providing support to reduce the impact of acquisitive crime. Frauds and scams continue to be a focus as offences are still being reported on a regular basis and we would welcome invites from any community groups or organisations who may feel that they could benefit from an input from our preventions team. Many of these offences are committed online and those responsible often out with the United Kingdom. Public Protection We continue to support and improve awareness to our front-line officers to ensure they are equipped and trained to provide a victim centred approach. The first contact with policing is vital and we acknowledge the importance of training and understanding. As such we continue to improve governance reviewing decision making and ensuring all reports of domestic violence or sexual crime are thoroughly investigated.
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL In Argyll we have specialist officers who are trained in the Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM) this is an improved joint interview model being rolled out nationally where police and social work provide a better environment for a child who has suffered trauma and requires to be interviewed. We are working with The Argyll & Bute trauma informed leads to explore opportunities for joint emergency services training to ensure we are providing the best support we can to all victims. Our focus on Violence against Women and Children continues as we develop and spread our awareness on the ‘Safe & Together’ model to reduce victim blaming and unnecessary criminalising of domestic abuse victims. Roads Safety Our prevention and enforcement efforts continue, and we monitor, analyse call data and listen to our communities to ensure that we respond to emerging concerns. We have responded to community concerns by proactive speed checks outside Hermitage Academy, Arrochar main street and outside Arrochar Primary school, West Montrose Street, Helensburgh and the A814 Gareloch Rd. We have been working with partners in Argyll & Bute council to consider a longer-term suitable solution to road safety concerns. These include speed camera deployments and road calming measures. Our preventions team have been in discussion with several hotels across Argyll to provide materials to assist and engage with those drivers visiting from abroad. Providing information and education can assist in reducing road deaths across Argyll.