Police Scotland Update
Argyll and Bute Council · 7 May 2024
Back to Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group — 7 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: POLICE AND PARTNERS 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. OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS Argyll & West Dunbartonshire Division Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group The priorities for your area are decided by data from our strategic assessment which details threats and risks, and also from feedback from local authorities, partners, and residents in the Local Policing Survey. ➢ Serious organised crime ➢ Crimes of theft and dishonesty ➢ Road safety and road crime ➢ Violent crime ➢ Public protection. Serious & Organised Crime Cowal, Bute & Helensburgh 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. Across Argyll & West Dunbartonshire, 46 persons linked to serious and organised crime have been arrested and £513,974 has been seized under the Proceeds of Crime legislation since April 2023. At the end of Feb 2024, drugs supply charges had increased marginally from 32 to 37 crimes, which is slightly below the previous 5-year average. Drug possession charges have increased from 358 to 401 (+12%) and are also 11.3% above the 5 year average. Both figures are testament to the proactive work being carried out by officers. We encourage our communities to share concerns and suspicions around drug dealing either by calling 101 or by reporting anonymously via Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 COWAL, BUTE & HELENSBURGH PRIORITIES 2023-2026
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OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS 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. OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS Acquisitive Crime Acquisitive crime remains a local priority. Figures across the country are on an upward trajectory, which in part is a result of the cost of living. We are working with our Preventions team looking at maximising our crime prevention opportunities and looking at innovative ways to increase local awareness. We are working with our communities to identify areas of vulnerability where we can engage with our partners to maximise our response. Crime Type 5 Year Average PYTD YTD % Change from previous Year Common Theft 7 9 5 -28.6% Fraud 3.6 4 5 +25% Housebreaking (Domestic) 1.2 1 1 0% Theft shoplifting 4.8 2 3 +50% Road Safety & Road Crime We have continued to maximise our visibility on the trunk roads with our focus on speed detection and driver behaviour being the primary activities. Our festive road safety campaign has ensured that we were prepared for the increase in road users across our communities during the festive period. The vast majority of local officers are trained in the hand help speed detection equipment and are regularly utilising these tactics across our communities. Most disposals for road traffic crime are by the issuing of fixed penalty notices. These figures are not recorded in this data. Our officers have been targeting areas in Helensburgh near to Hermitage academy and also in Arrochar. Violent Crime 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. Crime Type 5 Year Average PYTD YTD % Change previous Year Minor Assault 11.8 14 18 +28.6% Attempt Murder 0.2 0 0 0% Serious Assault 0.6 2 0 -100% Murder 0.2 0 0 0%
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OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS 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. OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS Public Protection 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 up to date 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. Local Policing News Fraud Prevention 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 in the Helensburgh and Lomond area who feel they could benefit from an input from our preventions team. Cardross Speed Camera The fixed speed camera installed at Main Road, Cardross has begun enforcement after speed surveys showed 56% of vehicles on the road were travelling above the 30mph speed limit. The busy commuter road connects the towns of Dumbarton and Helensburgh, and consequently sees a high volume of traffic moving through the village of Cardross. The site was highlighted during Safety Camera Scotland’s site selection after 9 injury collisions were recorded over a 5 year period. Argyll and Bute Council had introduced high friction surfacing and barriers to improve the safety of the road, however speed surveys showed that 56% of traffic was still travelling above the speed limit. We are fortunate to have our specialist Roads Policing officers based locally who continue to supplement and support local policing. We look forward to seeing an improvement in driver behaviour. Road Safety Awareness Day Road Safety remains a local policing priority across Argyll & Bute. We have been working closely with a host of partners delivering various initiatives and events to improve decision making and influence driver behaviour across our communities. On the 21st of April within the grounds of Hermitage Academy we are hosting an event where our communities are encouraged to attend to hear and learn from driving specialists and health professionals. These events have recent great feedback in the past and really help us to influence driver behaviour. Community Policing At the beginning of May we will be introducing two new Community Police Officers who will be based within Helensburgh Police Station. These officers will utilise bikes and foot patrols and will
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OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS 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. OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS provide an increased policing presence within Helensburgh and surrounding villages. These officers will improve our visibility within the community which will help to deliver on local priorities. Operation Ballaton Our multi agency approach at tackling summer ASB has kicked off with partner meetings and planning taking place. Local officers have been provided with information in relation local bye laws across Loch Lomond so that a robust policing plan can be put in place to tackle seasonal ASB. The local Area Inspector has met with representatives of the Luss community to get an understanding about local concerns and how local policing can support them. Useful Links/Contacts • Argyll and Bute Communtiy Directory - https://abcd.scot/ including warm spaces information • Crimestoppers – Crimestoppers in Scotland | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) 0800 555 111 • Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime – www.scottishparc.co.uk • Women’s Aid - Home - Women's Aid (womensaid.org.uk) • Citizens Advice – 0808 164 6000 • Argyll and Bute Council Trading Standards – 01546 605 519 • Argyll and Bute Council – https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/my-council/how-contact- us • Transport Scotland – road related incidents and road closures - https://www.traffic.gov.scot/traffic-information/incidents • Scottish Water - https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Contact-Us 0800 0778 778 • NHS24 (including mental health support) – 111 or https://www.nhsinform.scot/ Follow us on Social Media and help share loacl appeals and education messages • Facebook - Police Scotland Argyll and West Dunbartonshire • X (formerly Twitter) – PSOSArgyllBute and PSOS ArgWestDunb Sign up to Neighbourhood Watch to receive local alerts and bulletins for your community area - https://neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk Have your say on your local policing priorities - https://consult.scotland.police.uk/strategy- insight-and-innovation/your-police-2023-2024/