Agenda Document Pack - Police and Fire and Rescue Board - 07/11/2022
Midlothian Council · 7 November 2022
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Board — 7 November 2022 and its agenda
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Notice of Meeting and Agenda Police and Fire and Rescue Board Venue: Virtual Meeting, Date: Monday, 07 November 2022 Time: 11:00 Executive Director : Place Contact: Clerk Name: Democratic Services Clerk Telephone: Clerk Email: democratic.services@midlothian.gov.uk Further Information: This is a meeting which is open to members of the public. Privacy notice: Please note that this meeting may be recorded. The recording may be publicly available following the meeting. If you would like to know how Midlothian Council collects, uses and shares your personal information, please visit our website: www.midlothian.gov.uk Page 1 of 60
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1 Welcome, Introductions and Apologies 2 Order of Business Including notice of new business submitted as urgent for consideration at the end of the meeting. 3 Declaration of Interest Members should declare any financial and non-financial interests they have in the items of business for consideration, identifying the relevant agenda item and the nature of their interest. 4 Minute of Previous Meeting 4.1 Minute of Meeting held on 29 August 2022 - For Approval 3 - 6 5 Public Reports 5.1 SFRS Midlothian Scrutiny Performance Report Q2 2022-23 7 - 22 5.2 Police Scotland Midlothian Quarter 2 Scrutiny Report 2022 to 23 23 - 60 5.3 Protectorate Services – Chief Officer Place to report. 6 Private Reports No items for discussion 7 Date of Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on 13 February 2023 Page 2 of 60
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Minute of Meeting Police and Fire and Rescue Board Date Time Venue Monday 29 August 2022 11.00 am Virtual Meeting by MS Teams Present: Councillor McKenzie (Chair) Councillor Alexander Councillor Curran Councillor McEwan Councillor Smaill Also Present: Councillor Pottinger In Attendance: Midlothian Council Derek Oliver, Chief Officer Place Mike Broadway, Democratic Services Officer Police Scotland Chief Inspector James Robertson Superintendent Alan Carson Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Hilary Sangster, Area Commander Garry Douglas, Station Commander David Girrity, Group Commander Police Fire and Rescue Board Monday 7 November 2022 Item No Page 3 of 60
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1. Welcome, Introductions and Apologies The Chair, Councillor McKenzie welcomed everyone to this virtual meeting of the Police and Fire and Rescue Board. 2. Order of Business The order of business was as set out in the Agenda. 3. Declarations of interest No declarations of interest were intimated at this stage of the proceedings. 4. Minute of Previous Meeting The Minutes of Meeting of 30 May 2022 were submitted and approved as a correct record. Matters Arising – Agreed to revisit opportunities to arrange meet and greets with colleagues from Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. 5. Public Reports Agenda No. Report Title Presented by: 5.1 Midlothian Scrutiny Performance Report Quarter 1 2022-23 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Outline of report and summary of discussion The performance report provided information on the prevention, protection and operational response activities within the Midlothian for Quarter 1 of 2022-23 (1st April – 30th June 2022) including information on the year to date The Scottish Government provided an overarching vision for public services. This vision supported by 16 National Outcomes, which demonstrate commitment to creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable growth. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) can make a significant contribution to improving these outcomes for Midlothian by contributing to the Community Planning arrangements across the area. Hilary Sangster highlighted that consultation on the draft Strategic Plan, which had been reported on at the previous meeting of the Board in May (paragraph 5.2 refers), had now concluded and that once it had gone through the necessary governance, the Strategic Plan would be published. This in turn would lead to a review of the Midlothian Local Plan, which would include input from local stakeholders. She also advised that the East Area, which included Midlothian, was current undergoing an HMFI inspection, the outcome of which would be known by the end of the current financial year. Garry Douglas then took the Board through the performance information presented in the report making particular reference to the performance summary and how the priorities using the 6 key indicators were being met. He thereafter responded to questions from Board Members concerning tackling issues relating to education and fire prevention, and also the new legislation Page 4 of 60
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relating to domestic dwellings smoke detectors. David Girrity confirmed that there was a targeted approaching being adopted to this and that ultimately no domestic property that they visited would be left without some form of protection. Derek Oliver also commented on the position relating to Council properties having the interlinked alarms and ensuring that these were all up to the new standard. With regards to preparations for Bonfire night arrangements were being put in place by both the Service and by the Council. David Girrity concluded the presentation by provided an update on the Prevention and Protection Activities and Partnership Working as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. Thereafter Officers responded to further questions and comments with regards major buildings fires and the process for notifying local Ward Members, preparations for the increased potential risk of fires as a result of climate change and processes for the sharing of information as a result of the partnership working with the Police, Council and other Services. Decision The Board noted the content of the report Agenda No. Report Title Presented by: 5.2 Midlothian Quarter 1 Scrutiny Report 2022/23 Police Scotland Outline of report and summary of discussion Chief Inspector James Robertson in introducing the report drew particular attention to the Executive Summary (page 33 of the Agenda Document Pack), highlighting the annual ‘Your Police’ survey which provided an opportunity to input into the next Local Policing Plan 2023-26. He also confirmed that the issue raised at the previous meeting (paragraph 5.4 refers) regarding the possible provision of national average comparison figures had been raised and would hopefully be addressed in future reports. The Chair acknowledged, and thanked him for the update. Chief Inspector Robertson then went on to provide an update on each separate category as detailed within the report - • Missing Persons. • Domestic Abuse. • Hate Crime • Sexual Crimes. • Drugs Supply, Production and Cultivation. • Crimes of Violence. • Reducing Anti-Social Behaviour. • Dishonesty. • Housebreaking. • Road Safety • Tackling Serious Organised Crime. Page 5 of 60
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• Midlothian Community Action Team (MCAT) He highlighting some of the main challenges and also some of the good partnership working in Midlothian, before responding to questions and comments raised by Members of the Board regarding the definition of Hate Incidents/Crimes; Drug Death statistics and the sharing of information with partners in order to allow preventative/diversionary work to take place; measures to address Anti-Social Behaviour, especially in the run up to Bonfire night; possibility of a separate individual report on Rural Crime matters; the potential impacts of the Cost of Living Crisis; under-age alcohol sales and the benefits of community engagement, with a reaffirmation from Superintendent Carson of a zero tolerance approach to any actions aimed against those who so engaged. Decision The Board noted the contents of the Report. 6. Private Reports No private items for discussion 7. Date of Next Meeting The next meeting would be held on Monday 7 November 2022 at 11.00am The meeting terminated at 12.44 pm Page 6 of 60
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Page Template 201 8/19 201 9/20 202 0/21 Ward Count Penicuik Ward 1 Penicuik1 ## ## 6255 Bonnyrigg Ward 1 Bonnyrigg2 767 ## 7452 Dalkeith Ward 1 Dalkeith3 ## ## 6034 Midlothian West Ward 1 Midlothian West4 ## ## 6769 Midlothian East Ward 1 Midlothian East5 ## ## 7120 Midlothian South Ward 1 Midlothian South6 ## ## 5941 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 Population 84240 Dwellings 37051 Land mass 35527.527 Local Authority Midlothian 3 LA(1) in LSO East Lothian 2 East Lothian LA(2) in LSO Midlothian 1 Midlothian LA(3) in LSO Scottish Borders 3 Scottish Borders LSO E5 - East Lothian / Midlothian / Scottish Borders E5 ## LSO(1) in SDA E1 - Edinburgh City 1 LSO(2) in SDA E2 - Fife 1 LSO(3) in SDA E3 - Clackmannanshire / Stirling 1 LSO(4) in SDA E4 - Falkirk / West Lothian 1 LSO(5) in SDA E5 - East Lothian / Midlothian / Scottish Borders 1 LSO(6) in SDA x LSO(7) in SDA x SDA East ## Scotland ## East ## 0 2021/22 2022/23 PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THERE ARE FORMULAS PRESENT IN THIS SECTION THAT SHOULD NOT BE OVERWRITTEN. THE SECTION IS LEFT 'UNPROTECTED' TO ALLOW YOU TO INSERT YOUR COVER IMAGE HERE AND RESIZE AS NECESSARY. PLEASE CONTACT CHRIS FITZPATRICK IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS DISCLAIMER The figures included in this report are provisional and subject to change as a result of quality assurance and review. The statistics quoted are internal management information published in the interests of transparency and openness. The Scottish government publishes Official Statistics each year which allow for comparisons to be made over longer periods of time. Please ensure any external partners in receipt of these reports are aware of this. LOCAL PLAN PERFORMANCE REPORT FOR MIDLOTHIAN Quarter 2 Report, 1st July – 30th September, 2022 1 Page 7 of 60
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CONTENTS PAGE 1 2 3 4 5 Special Service Casualties - All False Alarm - UFAs Appendices Glossary Introduction Performance Summary Progress on local fire & rescue plan priorities 3 4 15 17 9 11 13 5 7 Local Risk Management and Preparedness All accidental dwelling fires All fire casualties (fatal & non-fatal (incl. p/c's)) All deliberate fires excl. dwellings Special Service - RTCs History 2 Page 8 of 60
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Introduction Midlothian - Introduction - This performance report provides information on our prevention, protection and operational response activities within Midlothian for Quarter 2 of 2022-23 (1st July – 30th September 2022) including information on the year to date figures. The Scottish Government provides an overarching vision for public services. This vision supported by 11 National Outcomes, which demonstrate commitment to creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable growth. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) can make a significant contribution to improving these outcomes for Midlothian by contributing to the Community Planning arrangements across the area. The national priorities for the SFRS are set out in the Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland. The SFRS Strategic Plan 2019-2022 outlines how the SFRS will deliver against these priorities and the outcomes against which this delivery can be measured. The priorities contained within the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Midlothian 2021 contribute towards the priorities within the Single Midlothian Plan. The aims of the local Fire & Rescue Service in Midlothian are to reduce fire deaths and to reduce injuries from fire and other emergencies in the community. We aim to achieve this by working in partnership, being pro-active and targeting our prevention and protection activities to where they are required, based on evidence. The Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Midlothian 2021 identifies the following five objectives as the main focus for service delivery locally: Local Priorities: • As part of a Community Partnership approach, we will make people safer in their homes. • We will promote Community Resilience whilst contributing to improved outcomes for people involved in non-fire emergencies. • Together with our Community Partners, we will contribute to making roads in Midlothian safer. • As part of a Community Partnership, we will challenge anti-social behaviour. • In partnership, we will aim to reduce the occurrence and impact of Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals. Area Commander Hilary Sangster Local Senior Officer for Midlothian, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders. hilary.sangster@firescotland.gov.uk 3 Page 9 of 60
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Performance Summary Scorecard We measure how well we are meeting our priorities using 6 key indicators, depicted below Key performance indicator 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 21 34 24 26 23 3 10 3 8 2 1 3 154 166 127 120 227 1 16 16 5 14 23 1 19 26 15 16 19 1 189 199 139 229 182 3 All other incidents #REF! #REF! #REF! #REF! #REF! 1 RED DIAMOND 10% higher than the previous YTD period, or local target not achieved. 2 YELLOW TRIANGLE Up to 9% higher than the previous YTD period, or local target not achieved. 3 GREEN CIRCLE Equal to or improved upon the previous equivalent quarter (or YTD period), or local target achieved. Note Midlothian - Scorecard - Note Incident Overview Midlothian - Scorecard - Incident Overview The chart below illustrates incidents YTD attended within Midlothian council over the last 5 fiscal years Apr to (& incl.) Sep YTD Year to date (1st July 2022 – 30th September 2022), the SFRS, responded to 792 incidents in Midlothian, which is an increase of 87 incidents compared with the same reporting period last year. Quarterly comparison RAG Rating = the reporting period compared to the average of the three previous quarterly reporting periods. Year to Date RAG Rating = the cumulative total of all quarterly performance in current year compared to cumulative total of all quarterly performance in previous year. RAG rating - KEY RAG rating All accidental dwelling fires All fire casualties (fatal & non-fatal (incl. p/c's)) All deliberate fires excl. dwellings Special Service - RTCs Special Service Casualties - All False Alarm - UFAs 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 All Incidents False Alarms Fires Special Service 4 Page 10 of 60
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Progress on local fire & rescue plan priorities Midlothian - RiskMngmnt - RiskPreparedness Local Risk Management and Preparedness Train our staff to deal with our local risks Midlothian - RiskMngmnt - TrainStaff Gather and analyse risk information Midlothian - RiskMngmnt - GatherAnalyse Work with partners to mitigate risks Midlothian - RiskMngmnt - Partners Deal with major events Midlothian - RiskMngmnt - MajorEvents The Service must identify, prioritise and plan to meet the risks in each local community. We said we would: • train our staff to deal with our local risks • gather and analyse risk information • work with partners to mitigate risks • deal with major events Our Operational staff continue to undertake routine and risk specific skill acquisition and maintenance training. During 2022/23 all firefighters in the Scottish Borders will participate in the Training for Operational Competence programme. Core skills including pumps, ladders, breathing apparatus, RTC and incident command continue to be practiced and assessed on a quarterly basis. This combined with basic training for new recruits working towards red, amber and green assessments means our staff continually refresh skills and learn new techniques. All of our operational staff gather and analyse local risk information and operational intelligence, used in our preparations to resolve incidents. We conduct Post Incident Debriefs to identify any lessons that can be learned from our preparedness and response to emergency events. We use Urgent Operational Intelligence Briefings to inform our operational staff of any safety critical information. We continue to be an active member of the East Local Resilience Partnership. We share information with local authority partners and other key stakeholders (e.g. Police Scotland) to ensure emergency event risks are mitigated. There were no major fire events or significant emergency events in this reporting period. 5 Page 11 of 60
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Progress on local fire & rescue plan priorities Midlothian - Priority - All accidental dwelling fires Reduction of 'All accidental dwelling fires' Results Midlothian - Results - All accidental dwelling fires Reasons Midlothian - Reasons - All accidental dwelling fires Actions Midlothian - Actions - All accidental dwelling fires 164 165 166 167 168 YTD ward ave. for Midlothian - 4 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Sparklines Midlothian 21 34 24 26 23 Penicuik 0 2 7 6 8 Bonnyrigg 2 4 1 3 0 Dalkeith 5 6 9 7 6 Midlothian West 7 9 5 5 5 Midlothian East 4 8 0 1 1 Midlothian South 3 5 2 4 3 #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Accidental dwelling fires can have devastating effects on our community. The SFRS is committed to keeping people safe in their homes. We share information with partners to make sure that the right people get the right information they need, particularly those who are vulnerable due to age, isolation or addiction. Reduction of Accidental Dwelling Fires contributes to The Single Midlothian Plan. During this reporting period, 104 Home Fire Safety Visits were carried out within Midlothian. SFRS continue to work in partnership to educate and inform people about fire and safety, in the home. Appendix 1 'Midlothian Prevention & Protection Activities' provides further details on our prevention activities. We aim to reduce Accidental Dwelling Fires in Midlothian by contributing towards the SFRS target of 10% reduction per year, over a three-year rolling period. During this quarter, we responded to 13 Accidental Dwelling Fires, which is an reduction by 1 incident compared with the same period last year. The long-term trend based upon incidents/10,000 population shows Midlothian performing in line with the Scottish and East Service Delivery Area trend lines. Of the 13 accidental dwelling fires attended, 11 occurred in single occupancy households. The main cause of fire is cooking (69%). 11 of the 13 fires had no fire damage, were limited to the first item ignited and/or confined to the room where the fire started and therefore, relatively minor in nature. It is clear from this evidence to continue to target those mostly at risk in single occupancy households and to ensure those properties have working smoke detection. Unfortunately, 6 from the 13 domestic properties did not have working smoke alarms fitted. 0 5 10 15 20 25 Q1 18/19 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 19/20 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 20/21 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 21/22 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 22/23 Q2 Five year data for Midlothian 24 23 34 24 0 20 40 2021/22 2022/23 YTD Incidents Incs Target 0.0 2.0 4.0 Q1 18/19 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 19/20 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 20/21 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 21/22 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 22/23 Q2 Reduction of 'All accidental dwelling fires' per10000 head of population Midlothian East Scotland 6 Page 12 of 60
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Progress on local fire & rescue plan priorities Midlothian - Priority - All fire casualties (fatal & non-fatal (incl. p/c's)) Reduction of 'All fire casualties (fatal & non-fatal (incl. p/c's))' Results Midlothian - Results - All fire casualties (fatal & non-fatal (incl. p/c's)) Reasons Midlothian - Reasons - All fire casualties (fatal & non-fatal (incl. p/c's)) Actions Midlothian - Actions - All fire casualties (fatal & non-fatal (incl. p/c's)) 164 165 166 167 168 YTD ward ave. for Midlothian - 0 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Sparklines Midlothian 10 3 8 2 1 Penicuik 2 0 2 2 0 Bonnyrigg 1 1 0 0 0 Dalkeith 2 1 4 0 1 Midlothian West 1 0 1 0 0 Midlothian East 4 1 0 0 0 Midlothian South 0 0 1 0 0 #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A There were no reported fire fatalities, in the 3-month period. We aim to reduce Fire Casualties in Midlothian each per year, which contributes towards the SFRS target of reducing Fire Casualties by 5% per year, over a three-year rolling period. In this reporting period, SFRS dealt with 1 casualty due to a commercial building fire. The figures show a reduction of 5 when compared with the same reporting period last year. The long-term trend based upon casualties/10,000 population shows Midlothian is performing below the Scottish average and East SDA average. Fire casualty and fatality rates provide an indication of the amount of serious, life-threatening injuries that occur due to fire. This can indicate not only the success of SFRS in reducing the number of life risk fires through community fire safety and similar activities, but also their success in response activity in saving lives. During this reporting period, 104 Home Fire Safety Visits were carried out. We continue to work with our partners in Midlothian Council and seek opportunities with social work and NHS to target those most vulnerable and at risk from fire. In response, we received 33 Home fire safety visit referrals. We have provided 6 referrals for support to partner agencies. Appendix 1 'Midlothian Prevention & Protection Activities' provides further details on current activities. Historically Midlothian has low numbers of casualties from fires and it is positive to note that this trend remains low. 0 2 4 6 8 10 Q1 18/19 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 19/20 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 20/21 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 21/22 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 22/23 Q2 Five year data for Midlothian 8 1 3 8 0 5 10 2021/22 2022/23 YTD Incidents Incs Target 0.0 50.0 100.0 Q1 18/19 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 19/20 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 20/21 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 21/22 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 22/23 Q2 Reduction of 'All fire casualties (fatal & non-fatal (incl. p/c's))' per1000000 head of population Midlothian East Scotland 7 Page 13 of 60
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Progress on local fire & rescue plan priorities Midlothian - Priority - All deliberate fires excl. dwellings Reduction of 'All deliberate fires excl. dwellings' Results Midlothian - Results - All deliberate fires excl. dwellings Reasons Midlothian - Reasons - All deliberate fires excl. dwellings Actions Midlothian - Actions - All deliberate fires excl. dwellings 164 165 166 167 168 YTD ward ave. for Midlothian - 38 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Sparklines Midlothian 154 166 127 120 227 Penicuik 8 8 12 3 19 Bonnyrigg 14 23 22 16 25 Dalkeith 38 35 25 21 45 Midlothian West 20 22 19 11 22 Midlothian East 38 57 31 42 69 Midlothian South 36 21 18 27 47 #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A There were 110 deliberate fires within the reporting period, which is a increase of 53 when compared to the same period last year. The long-term trend based upon incidents/10,000 population shows Midlothian performing slightly above the Scottish and East Service Delivery Area trend line. Of the 110 deliberate fire incidents, 67 (61%) of incidents were ‘deliberate secondary fires’ mainly, waste or scrubland, wood or crop; 19 primary fire incidents involving trees; 19 involved refuse/bins including wheelie bins and recycling bins; 2 incidents involved vehicles. Unusually hot weather being experienced in the UK during this time may also account in part for the increase in incidents. Historically deliberate fire setting has not been a significant problem for the SFRS in Midlothian, however recent years have shown a distinct increase in this activity and there is a close link between deliberate secondary fires and other forms of anti-social behaviour. In the main, deliberate fires are secondary fires categorised into refuse/bins, grassland or derelict buildings incidents. Reduction of Deliberate Fire Setting contributes to the Single Midlothian Plan. The SFRS continue to work with our Partners and any emerging themes are managed in Partnership with relevant intervention and prevention activities carried out. Various on-going preventative activities have been undertaken throughout the year targeting the issue of deliberate fire-raising. This includes various youth engagement events, thematic actions, information sharing/visits to schools and other partnership work. 0 50 100 150 200 250 Q1 18/19 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 19/20 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 20/21 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 21/22 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 22/23 Q2 Five year data for Midlothian 127 227 166 127 0 100 200 300 2021/22 2022/23 YTD Incidents Incs Target 0.0 20.0 40.0 Q1 18/19 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 19/20 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 20/21 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 21/22 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 22/23 Q2 Reduction of 'All deliberate fires excl. dwellings' per10000 head of population Midlothian East Scotland 8 Page 14 of 60
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Progress on local fire & rescue plan priorities Midlothian - Priority - Special Service - RTCs Reduction of 'Special Service - RTCs' Results Midlothian - Results - Special Service - RTCs Reasons Midlothian - Reasons - Special Service - RTCs Actions Midlothian - Actions - Special Service - RTCs 164 165 166 167 168 YTD ward ave. for Midlothian - 4 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Sparklines Midlothian 16 16 5 14 23 Penicuik 2 6 2 2 3 Bonnyrigg 0 0 0 0 2 Dalkeith 7 1 0 3 7 Midlothian West 2 1 1 5 4 Midlothian East 5 7 1 1 5 Midlothian South 0 1 1 3 2 #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A While much of this risk is out with the control of SFRS, responding to Non-Fire Emergencies such as Road Traffic Collisions is a key part of our intervention activities. The SFRS is committed to working with partners and other stakeholders to drive continuous improvement in this area. Reduction of Casualties from Non-Fire Emergencies contributes to the Single Midlothian Plan, number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents. The SFRS is a member of a multi-agency approach to reducing Road Traffic Collision’s and the associated casualties and fatalities. The continued delivery of Tomorrow’s Driver programme targeting young people is an excellent partnership approach to reducing road traffic collisions. We attended 18 Road Traffic Collisions during this period, which is an increase of 13 when compared with the same reporting period last year. Per 10,000 head of population, Midlothian is above the Scottish and East Service Delivery area trend lines. The SFRS only attend those RTC’s they are requested to attend this number does not reflect the total number within Midlothian. An increase in RTCs in comparison to those attended in Q2 2021 may be as a result of COVID restrictions being lifted. 0 5 10 15 20 Q1 18/19 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 19/20 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 20/21 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 21/22 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 22/23 Q2 Five year data for Midlothian 14 23 5 14 0 10 20 30 2021/22 2022/23 YTD Incidents Incs Target 0.0 2.0 4.0 Q1 18/19 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 19/20 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 20/21 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 21/22 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 22/23 Q2 Reduction of 'Special Service - RTCs' per10000 head of population Midlothian East Scotland 9 Page 15 of 60
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Progress on local fire & rescue plan priorities Midlothian - Priority - Special Service Casualties - All Reduction of 'Special Service Casualties - All' Results Midlothian - Results - Special Service Casualties - All Reasons Midlothian - Reasons - Special Service Casualties - All Actions Midlothian - Actions - Special Service Casualties - All 164 165 166 167 168 YTD ward ave. for Midlothian - 3 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Sparklines Midlothian 19 26 15 16 19 Penicuik 4 6 4 3 3 Bonnyrigg 0 4 1 0 4 Dalkeith 5 2 4 0 6 Midlothian West 6 1 3 3 4 Midlothian East 3 12 3 4 1 Midlothian South 1 1 0 6 1 #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A While much of this risk is out with the control of SFRS, responding to Non-Fire Emergencies is a key part of our intervention activities. The SFRS is committed to working with partners and other stakeholders to drive continuous improvement in this area. Reduction of Casualties from Non-Fire Emergencies contributes to the Single Midlothian Plan. There were 10 non-fatal casualties, 90% of which were as a result of RTC incidents. SFRS routinely attend SS incidents to provide forced entry to properties to enable access for our emergency response partners. We attended special service incident types in the last quarter with a total of 10 casualties. This is a decrease of 1 special service casualty when compared with the same reporting period last year. Per 10,000 head of population, Midlothian is performing below the Scottish area trend line. The SFRS in Midlothian will continue to respond to the communities needs in terms of other non-fire emergencies with the overall objective of reducing casualty and fatality rates within Midlothian. 0 5 10 15 20 25 Q1 18/19 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 19/20 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 20/21 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 21/22 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 22/23 Q2 Five year data for Midlothian 16 19 15 16 0 10 20 2021/22 2022/23 YTD Incidents Incs Target 0.0 2.0 4.0 Q1 18/19 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 19/20 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 20/21 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 21/22 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 22/23 Q2 Reduction of 'Special Service Casualties - All' per10000 head of population Midlothian East Scotland 10 Page 16 of 60
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Progress on local fire & rescue plan priorities Midlothian - Priority - False Alarm - UFAs Reduction of 'False Alarm - UFAs' Results Midlothian - Results - False Alarm - UFAs Reasons Midlothian - Reasons - False Alarm - UFAs Actions Midlothian - Actions - False Alarm - UFAs 164 165 166 167 168 YTD ward ave. for Midlothian - 30 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Sparklines Midlothian 189 199 139 229 182 Penicuik 16 21 22 22 26 Bonnyrigg 30 33 17 28 20 Dalkeith 32 29 13 32 30 Midlothian West 58 64 47 81 52 Midlothian East 27 32 23 46 26 Midlothian South 26 20 17 20 28 #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) are defined as incidents where an automated fire alarm system activates and results in the mobilisation of SFRS resources, when the reason for that alarm turns out to be connected with faulty or defective alarm equipment. The SFRS is committed to working with partners and other stakeholders to reduce Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals. We continue to monitor Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals calls and our Fire Safety Enforcement Officers work closely with premises to reduce further incidents. This includes discussing technological, procedural and management solutions in order to prevent future Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals incidents. In Midlothian, we are currently engaging with various premises giving advice to prevent further occurrences. Note: Appendix 1 'Midlothian Prevention & Protection Activities' provides further details. SFRS attended 99 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals incidents during this reporting period, which is a decrease of 40 incidents when compared to the same reporting period last year. Midlothian trend line is performing below the Scotland and the East delivery area trendline. Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals were caused by the following: 22% faults/Defects & cause of actuation unknown, 15% Carelessly set off, 18% due to contaminents (dust/insects/steam/aerosol), 21% caused by fumes from people smoking, cooking or burnt toast, and 17% fire alarm system testing. 0 50 100 150 Q1 18/19 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 19/20 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 20/21 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 21/22 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 22/23 Q2 Five year data for Midlothian 229 182 139 229 0 100 200 300 2021/22 2022/23 YTD Incidents Incs Target 0.0 10.0 20.0 Q1 18/19 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 19/20 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 20/21 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 21/22 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 22/23 Q2 Reduction of 'False Alarm - UFAs' per10000 head of population Midlothian East Scotland 11 Page 17 of 60
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Page 4 of 5 Midlothian Prevention & Protection Activities Quarter 2: 1st July– 30th September 2022 Fire Safety Enforcement Audits The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is the enforcing authority for the Fire Scotland Act 2005 and Fire Safety Regulations 2006. The act applies to specific non-domestic premises and requires duty holders to comply with relevant aspects of the Act and Regulations. SFRS responsibilities as the enforcing authority are captured within an Enforcement Framework. The Framework identifies and assigns priority to premises type with those premises deemed as higher risk given priority for auditing purposes. Premise providing sleeping accommodation such as hospitals, care homes, houses of multiple occupation, hostels and hotels receive an annual audit. Other premises that are subject to audit but deemed lower risk will be visited every three or five years. Within Midlothian we have Officers who plan and carry out these duties. The Officers are also available to provide Fire Safety advice, consulting with partners such as Local Authority Building control functions and the wider public with Fire Scotland Act 2005 responsibilities. MIDLOTHIAN AUDITS 22/23 JULY- SEPT YTD 20 60 Home Fire Safety Visits The delivery of Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) is the corner stone of the SFRS Community Safety Engagement framework. By visiting households to provide fire safety advice and smoke alarms, the numbers of dwelling fires and casualties will be reduced. Requests for HFSVs are generated in several ways, including self-referral, SFRS partners referring and visits carried out after SFRS have attended a domestic fire incident. This is known as Post Domestic Incident Response (PDIR), offering a HFSV to the properties and occupants impacted directly by the fire and the wider neighbourhood area. When a HFSV is generated, the risk within the property is calculated by asking the occupant a number of specific questions. The outcome will be either, High, Medium or Low risk. This outcome determines priority in relation to carrying out the visit and the frequency for future re-visits. The table below highlights the number of visits carried out in Midlothian for this reporting period. MIDLOTHIAN HIGH MEDIUM LOW TOTALS PREV QRT 22/23 YTD Ward Bonnyrigg 2 6 5 13 Dalkeith 10 2 6 18 Mid East 10 8 7 25 Mid South 9 17 8 34 Mid West 8 3 1 12 Penicuik 5 4 2 12 TOTALS 104 125 229 Page 19 of 60
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Page 2 of 3 Home Fire Safety Referrals The table below details how HFSVs were generated. Post Domestic Incident Response (PDIR) 28 YTD British Red Cross 6 EMPPO 3 Housing providers 10 Midlothian Falls Team 2 Other 2 Police Concern 4 Self-referral 43 SP Energy Networks 2 Social Services 2 Women’s Aid East & Mid 2 Total 104 229 Page 20 of 60
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Page 3 of 3 Partnership Working/Youth Engagement During this period or Community Action Team (CAT) have been busy delivering our Summer Thematic Action Plans (TAPs). This involved working with various youth groups and schools across Midlothian. The focus of this particular TAP was Summer/Countryside safety and Fire related Anti-social behaviour. The relationship we have established with partners including Police Scotland, Midlothian Council and the third sector has greatly assisted with delivery of this agenda. We have experienced an increased number of deliberate fire raising during the first two months of this reporting period, however, the aforementioned engagement activities and partnership working has realised a sharp decrease in this activity. Safeguarding During this period our teams continued to identify and refer adults at risk of harm and/or in need of support. This has resulted in 6 referrals being processed to Social Services. Partner agencies have also requested 8 Enhanced Home Fire Safety Visits through Police concern reports or direct requests from social services. Other Work Completed or In Progress Our Local Community Action Team have also been involved with delivery and promotion of the following initiatives during the reporting period; UN World Drowning Prevention World Suicide Prevention Gas safety Chimney Safety The Local CAT attends various multi-agency forums within Midlothian. This includes Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC), Midlothian Alcohol Partnership and Midlothian Voluntary Sector. We are also delivering courses and sessions to support our Corporate Parenting responsibilities within Midlothian. Page 21 of 60
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OFFICIAL 1 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian Area Command The Lothians and Scottish Borders Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel Quarter 2 – 2022/2023 The data provided in this report is for information purposes only and is not official crime statistics. This report has been generated to allow Partnership Members to conduct their scrutiny responsibilities. Due to delayed reporting or recording of crimes, incidents or road accidents and the management of crime enquiries, there is likely to be differences between the information in this report and the final Police Scotland statistics. It would not be appropriate to refer to, quote or use any data in this report as official statistics. Page 23 of 60
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OFFICIAL 2 | P a g e OFFICIAL Our Vision Sustained excellence in service and protection. Our Purpose To improve the safety and wellbeing of people, places and communities in Scotland. Our Values Integrity, Fairness and Respect. Page 24 of 60
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OFFICIAL 3 | P a g e OFFICIAL Contents of Report Lothian and Scottish Borders Division Policing Priorities 4 Introduction 5 Performance Summary Report 6 Executive Summary 7-10 Protecting the most vulnerable people Missing Persons 11-12 Domestic Abuse Incidents 13-14 Racially Aggravated Conduct 15 Crime (Group 2) 16-17 Drugs supply, Production & Cultivation 18 Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour Crimes of Violence (Group 1) 19 Reducing Anti-Social Behaviour 20 Reducing Acquisitive Crime Dishonesty (Group 3) 21 Housebreaking 22 Improving Road Safety Road Safety 23-24 Tackling Serious & Organised Crime Tackling Serious & Organised Crime 25 Complaints About the Police 26-27 Midlothian CAT team – Q2 Update 28-32 Appendix Lothian and Scottish Borders Divisional Crime Overview 33-35 Midlothian Crime Overview 36-38 Page 25 of 60
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OFFICIAL 4 | P a g e OFFICIAL Lothian and Scottish Borders Division Policing Priorities Page 26 of 60
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OFFICIAL 5 | P a g e OFFICIAL Introduction 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 2 – Sexual Crimes Group 3 – Crimes of Dishonesty Group 4 – Fire-raising, Malicious Mischief etc. Group 5 – Other (Pro-activity) Crimes Group 6 – Miscellaneous Offences Group 7 - Offences Relating to Motor Vehicles Police Scotland publishes management information on an annual and quarterly basis by local authority and police division, as well as at a national level. These reports are produced to demonstrate Police Scotland’s commitment to transparency. Police Scotland publishes all of these reports on the ‘Our Performance’ section of the Police Scotland website. The reports can be accessed here: http://www.scotland.police.uk/about-us/our-performance/ The Midlothian Policing Plan uses the following Police performance indicators, and these have been mirrored in the Scrutiny Report to maintain parity of understanding: 1. Protecting the most vulnerable people; 2. Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour; 3. Reducing acquisitive Crime; 4. Improving road safety; 5. Tackling Serious and Organised Crime. All figures quoted in this report are for the period April 2022 to September 2022 and are compared against the same reporting period from the previous year. Where figures are quoted on rate per 10,000 population, these are based on Midlothian’s population of 92,460 in 2019 (Scottish Government figures, published April 2020). Page 27 of 60
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OFFICIAL 6 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian Performance Summary Page 28 of 60
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OFFICIAL 7 | P a g e OFFICIAL Executive Summary The statistics which have formed this Quarter 2 Report for the 2022/23 year have partly been taken from ‘PowerBI,’ the new reporting tool available to Police management at a sub-divisional level. Contextual data is provided using a modern data visualisation tool, Microsoft PowerBi. This allows users across Policing Divisions to ‘self-serve’ and drill down into the underlying data in order to answer key operational and strategic questions. Users can access a range of interactive dashboards. This system provides local management with the flex to closely examine data to inform local action and partnership discussion in response to ongoing and emerging issues. Data and contextual information for all of the previously agreed local policing priorities is provided in the main body of this report, however this foreword summarising the work undertaken to protect those most at risk of harm is appropriate. As anticipated in Midlothian, Concern For Person incidents were high and required a disproportionate percentage of local policing time and resources to manage. This was a pattern repeated across the wider Lothians and Scottish Borders Division. A number of ongoing actions have been undertaken to minimise this demand, including the Herbert Protocol, and working in partnership with establishments and agencies managing looked after and accommodated children and young people. This partnership work and consultation will continue to find new ways of managing vulnerable people in the community in a joined up fashion which decreases stress points in individual organisations. Management in Midlothian recognised the high levels of domestic related incidents and daily management was enhanced to ensure that victims of domestic crime were supported prior to incident occurring through the ‘Right to Ask’ and ‘Power to Tell’ which have proved to be effective pro-active tools. Perpetrators are managed from offending, through court and upon release with the effective application of Domestic Bail Checks. Tasks are raised when police are required to visit the victim of a domestic offence to pass specific information about the status of a suspect or accused. This allows Police to provide additional reassurance to vulnerable victims as well as implement appropriate safety measures and ensure that perpetrators have not breached conditions of release. As Midlothian Local Area Commander I will continue to focus on the current Policing priorities however, work is ongoing to refresh the Divisional Local Police Plan for publication next year. Public engagement is ongoing via the ‘Your Police’ online survey which is allowing for priority activities to be identified. A formal consultation period is expected to commence mid to late November where Scrutiny Boards and other key stakeholders will be afforded the opportunity to comment on the draft plan. All Scrutiny Boards will be asked to formally agree the finalised version in 2023 prior to publication. The survey can be accessed by visiting Your Police 2022-2023 - Police Scotland - Citizen Space Page 29 of 60
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OFFICIAL 8 | P a g e OFFICIAL Missing Persons During Q2 2022/23 there have been 28 Adults, 0 Cared for Adults, 27 Children and 8 Looked after Children reported as missing and traced safe and well by Midlothian police. Domestic Abuse By the end of Q2, there were 570 incidents reported, a reduction of 0.87% on the 5 year average. 45% of all domestic related calls did not result in a crime being recorded, which is entirely typical of recent trends. The total number of domestic abuse crimes and offences recorded is 2.8% higher than the 5 year average. The Q2 Detection Rate for Total Crimes and Offences has decreased 30.62% compared to the 5 year average Hate Crime There has been a reduction of 2.4 Hate Incidents reported in Q2 compared to the 5 year average. There has been a reduction of 7 Hate Crimes reported in Q2 compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate for Hate Crime at the end of Q2 is 51.35% which is an increase on Q1. Sexual Crimes By the end of Q2 2022/23, reports of all Group 2 Sexual Crime within Midlothian, had decreased 7.20% marginally to 98 in comparison the 5 year average of 105.6 reports. The overall Detection Rate for Group 2 crime in Midlothian during Q2 is 42.86%, this reflects a 5.36% increase on the Q1 Detection Rate. During Q2 2022/23, 17 reports were recorded regarding Rape or Attempt Rape. By the end of Q2, reported rapes show a small decrease against the five year average. Detection rates for Rape and Sexual Assault during Q2 is 64.71%, reflecting an increase of 9.15% on Q1. During Q2 2022/23, 32 reports were received regarding Indecent / Sexual Assault, representing a 25.93% decrease on the 5 year average. The Detection Rate regarding this crime type during Q2 is 37.50%, which reflects a 17.5% increase on the Q1 Detection Rate. Drugs Supply, Production and Cultivation The detection rate relating to the ‘Production, Manufacture or Cultivation of Drugs’ during Q2 2022/21, is 75% with 4 out of 5 incidents solved. Reports regarding the Total Supply of Drugs remain 26.17% down compared to the 5 year average, with 22 crimes being recorded Q2 2022/23 compared to the 5 year average of 29.8. The detection rate for Q2 is 54.55%. During Q2 2022/23 there were 111 Possession of Drugs crimes recorded, with a detection rate of 98.2%. As a result of pro-active enquiries £87,000 worth of Class A and B drugs were recovered within Midlothian during Q2 2022/23. Crimes Of Violence During Q2 2022/23, reports of Serious Assault have decreased by 42.62% against the 5 year average, with a detection rate of 78.57%. Across the wider Lothian and Scottish Borders Division the detection rate is a lower 72.93%. Page 30 of 60
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OFFICIAL 9 | P a g e OFFICIAL During Q2 2022/23, reports of Robbery have similarly reduced 54.55% against the 5 year average, with a 100% solvency rate. During Q2 2022/23, a total of 464 Common Assaults in Midlothian were reported. This figure is 12.79% above or 52.6 more recorded incidents than the 5 year average of 411.4. Detection rates during Q2 are 59.48%. By the end of Q2, there have been 28 Assaults on Emergency Service Workers, which is 27% below the five year average, and for reasons that are generally understood (corroborated incidents and very often dealing with named persons), solvency is at 100%. Reducing Anti-Social Behaviour During Q2 2022/23, a total of 2,538 Antisocial Behaviour incidents were reported in Midlothian, this is a 21.23% reduction compared to the 5 year average. During Q2 26 reports of Fireraising were reported, 2.6 more incidents or 5.69% than the 5 year average. Midlothian continued to record a decrease in the number of Threatening & Abusive Behaviour type incidents, with 278 recorded during Q2 2022/23, compared to the 5 year average of 395. This represents a 30% reduction in this type of incident and during Q2 the detection rate for Threatening & Abusive behaviour remained high at 70.86%. During Q2 2022/23 a total of 327 Vandalism type offences were recorded. This reflects 55 fewer reports than the 5 year average. The detection rate remains 23.55%. Dishonesty YTD 2022/23, a total of 886 overall Group 3 crimes (including housebreaking crimes) have been recorded within Midlothian. This figure represents 132 fewer crimes or a 12.974% reduction compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate of 25.40% remains above the wider Lothian and Scottish Borders Division detection rate of 23.23%. Reported Theft of vehicles continues to remain below the 5 average with 41 incidents reported during Q2 2022/23. The detection rate for this offence is 34.15% which is above the wider Lothian and Scottish Borders Division detection rate of 33.67%. During Q2 2022/23 there were 24 Thefts from Insecure Vehicles, reflecting 33 fewer incidents or a 60% reduction on the 5 year average. Overall motor vehicle crime decreased by 40% when measured against the 5 year average. Common Theft and Theft by Shoplifting remain volume crimes under the Dishonesty heading. A total of 244 Common Theft incidents were recorded during Q2 2022/23, an 8% increase or 19 more incidents compared against the 5 year average. A total of 274 Theft Shoplifting incidents were recorded during Q2 2022/23, a 21% reduction or 69 fewer incidents compared against the 5 year average. Housebreaking During Q2 2022/23, there were 65.6 fewer reports of all Housebreaking (including Dwelling House, Non- Dwelling House or Other Premises) in Midlothian compared to the 5 year average, continuing this positive trend. This represents a 42.99% reduction compared against the 5 year average. Page 31 of 60
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OFFICIAL 10 | P a g e OFFICIAL The Detection Rate for Midlothian during Q2 2022/23 is 24.14%, representing a 7.86% increase on the Q1 detection rate of 16.28%. During Q2 2022/23, a total of 26 Housebreaking (Dwelling House) was recorded, this figure is 41.36% or 18.2 fewer incidents than the 5 year average. The Q2 Detection Rate is 30.77%, representing a 19.66% increase on the Q1 detection rate of 11.11%. During Q1 2022/23, a total of 38 Housebreaking (Non-dwelling House) was recorded, this figure is 39.49% below the 5 year average, with a Detection Rate of 7.89%. Road Safety During Q2 2022/23 there has been 1 reported Fatal Road Traffic casualty reported within Midlothian. A further 18 Serious Road Traffic casualties were recorded, this figure is reflects the Q2 2021/22 return. Similarly during Q2 there were 2 children under the age of 16 seriously injured, reflecting the same return during Q2 2021/22. There was 33% reduction in the number of Slight Road Traffic casualties, with 39 recorded compared to the 5 year average of 58 incidents. During Q2 2022/23, a total of 77 Drink and Drug Driving offences were detected, 19.6 offences or 34.15% more than the 5 year average. Tackling Serious Organised Crime Continued efforts to disrupt organised crime groups by targeting drugs supply offences, gathering intelligence and generating enforcement opportunities Page 32 of 60
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OFFICIAL 11 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Missing Persons Missing Person Type - JULY 2022 Adult 7 46.67% Cared for Adults 0 0% Child 6 40% Looked After Children 2 13.33% Missing Person Type - AUGUST 2022 Adult 9 34.62% Cared for Adults 0 0% Child 11 42.31% Looked After Child 6 23.08% Missing Person Type - SEPTEMBER 2022 Adult 12 54.55% Cared for Adults 0 0% Child 10 45.45% Looked After Child 0 0% The Lothians & Scottish Borders (J) Division and the communities of Midlothian recognise that protecting people, particularly those considered vulnerable, is a policing priority. Within the remit of protecting people is the work and investigations carried out to trace people who are reported missing. To put the scale of this work into context: • Police Scotland, on an annual basis undertake over 22,000 investigations into missing people; • In the Lothians and Scottish Borders Division this equates to the following; • Year 2017 / 2018 – 2390 missing person investigations; • Year 2018 / 2019 – 2581 missing person investigations; • Year 2019 / 2020 – 1786 missing person investigations. • Year 2020 / 2021 – 1468 missing person investigations. Recognising the vulnerability associated with missing people, particularly those that are young or suffering from mental health challenges, Police Scotland has adopted a rigorous investigation structure and management approach to incidents involving missing people. During Q2 2022/23 the co-ordinated use of specialist resources and local police officers in the search for several High Risk missing people resulted in them being found alive and I am pleased to report there have been no fatalities in respect of Midlothian Missing People. During Q2 2022/23 there have been 28 Adults, 0 Cared for Adults, 27 Children and 8 Looked after Children reported as missing and traced safe and well by Midlothian police. Page 33 of 60
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OFFICIAL 12 | P a g e OFFICIAL During Q2 2022/23 there have been 28 Adults reported as missing, representing an 15% reduction on Q1 2021/22 where 33 reports were received. During Q2 2022/23 there have been 0 Cared for Adults reported as missing, compared to Q1 2021/22 where 2 reports were received. During Q2 2022/23 there have been 27 Children reported as missing, representing a 4% increase on Q1 2021/22 where 26 reports were received. During Q1 2022/23 there have been 8 Looked After Children reported as missing, representing a 53% reduction on Q1 2021/22 where 17 reports were received. This reduction is a direct result of recent positive engagement with police and partnership working alongside staff and partners who provide care to looked after children. Page 34 of 60
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OFFICIAL 13 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Domestic Abuse Incidents 5yr Average Q2 2022/23 % Change Number of Domestic Abuse Incidents 575 570 -0.87 Total Crimes and offences in domestic abuse incidents 305.2 314 2.88 Percentage of Domestic Incidents that result in a crime 39.41 38.25 -1.16 Total crimes and offences detection rate 73.44 50.96 -30.62 Total Detections for Domestic Bail Offences 31.6 23 -27.22 Domestic Abuse will always be a priority matter for all Midlothian officers. By the end of Q2, there were 570 incidents reported, a reduction of 0.87% or 5 incidents on the 5 year average. The number of reported domestic abuse incidents (314 reports) is 2.88% higher than the 5 year average. From these reports, the percentage of Domestic Incidents that resulted in a crime report being submitted was - 1.16% lower than the 5 year average. This reflects continued successful work with partners to support victims and encourage reporting of potential offences. The Lothians & Scottish Borders has a well-established Domestic Abuse Prevention Delivery Group which meets on a monthly basis to share good practice and new ideas across all areas within the Division. Throughout Q2, Community Policing officers have continued to optimise social media and use of ‘pop-up stalls’ and various events, to continue to raise awareness of the issue domestic violence, signposting potential victims towards support from key partner agencies. MARAC continues to be a multi-agency priority. The steering group are now monitoring volume of referrals and impact on those involved. At this time referral volume is in line with Safe Lives National expectations. The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) has two main approaches. The “Right to Ask” is open to anyone who has concerns about a new partner’s abusive past or has concerns about another person’s new partner. The “Power to Tell” is when we receive information or intelligence about the safety of a person who may be at risk, this information is thereafter disclosed to the person concerned so they are able to make informed decisions about their personal safety. Page 35 of 60
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OFFICIAL 14 | P a g e OFFICIAL During Q2, there were 16 Midlothian applications progressed highlighting the ever increasing awareness of the scheme and that more individuals are being empowered with information to keep themselves safe. In over 50% cases intervention through DSDAS brought about an end to the relationship and safeguarded vulnerable families and individuals from further abuse. The wider trend is of huge increase in the numbers of DSDAS referrals with an 811% increase in cases from 2016/17 to 2021/22 in Midlothian (figures are 9 in 2016/17 to 82 2021/22). One of the main reasons behind this are multi-agency DSDAS training events run by Police which have seen an increase in referrals by all partner agencies. Page 36 of 60
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OFFICIAL 15 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Hate Crime Midlothian 5 year average Q2 2022/23 Q1 Per 10,000 Hate Incidents 46.4 44 4.76 Hate Crimes * 44 37 4.00 Hate Crime Detection Rate 74.09 51.35 Please note that in respect of recorded Hate Crimes, this section references; • Criminal Law Consolidation 1995 S50a (1) (B) & (5) Cause Distress & Alarm • Racially Aggravated Harassment (Criminal Law (Consolidation) (S) Act 1995 S50a (1) (A)) Racist Official Hate Crime statistics include all crime types which have a hate crime aggravator added to the crime. The aggravators are Disability, Race, Religion, Sexual Orientation and Transgender Identity. A Hate Crime is ‘any crime which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated (wholly or partly) by malice and ill-will towards a social group’. • There has been a reduction of 2.4 Hate Incidents reported in Q2 compared to the 5 year average. • There has been a reduction of 7 Hate Crimes reported in Q2 compared to the 5 year average. • The detection rate for Hate Crime at the end of Q2 is 51.35% which is an increase on Q1. We are aware that these types of crimes are massively underreported, and over recent years have worked with many partner agencies to create new reporting mechanisms, including remote, online and 3rd party reporting, to try and increase reporting (and confidence in reporting), whilst better understanding patterns and identifying better support for victims. We continue to review investigative opportunities and seek to build on solid performance, and work towards higher detection levels. Other patterns within this crime type remain constant – victims are primarily shop workers, police officers, and to a point other emergency service workers, who most often are verbally abused in the course of their daily work duties. In all instances Midlothian Officers pro-actively investigate Hate Crimes and Incidents with increased scrutiny from the Community Policing Inspector who reviews all crime reports on a weekly basis to ensure all investigative opportunities are identified and progressed to identify those responsible. As part of the strategy to prevent further incidents reoccurring, all victims are signposted to support groups. Similarly raising awareness and education around this matter, Midlothian School Link Officers provide preventative inputs to all Midlothian High Schools. Page 37 of 60
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OFFICIAL 16 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Sexual Crimes (Group 2) Crime Type 5 Year average Q2 2022/23 Change YTD Per 10,000 population Q2 2022/23 Detection Rate Group 2 105.6 98 -7.20% 10.6 44.90% Rape & Attempt Rape 19.2 17 -11.46% 1.84 64.71% Indecent/Sexual Assault 43.2 32 -25.93% 3.46 37.50% Other Group 2 43 49 13.95% 5.3 42.86% Tackling criminality that poses the greatest threat and risk is and will always be, a priority for officers in Midlothian. Rape and Sexual Crime is an area of focus in terms of providing confidence to report, undertaking professional investigations, providing victim support, pursuing perpetrators and managing offenders. The investigation of rape and sexual crime, alongside the management of offenders is achieved through close partnership working and we will continue to work with all partners and explore further collaborative working opportunities. By the end of Q2 2022/23, reports of all Group 2 Sexual Crime within Midlothian, had decreased 7.20% marginally to 98 in comparison the 5 year average of 105.6 reports. The overall Detection Rate for Group 2 crime in Midlothian during Q2 is 42.86%, this reflects a 5.36% increase on the Q1 Detection Rate. The reduction in Group 2 offences is more of a return towards normal levels 2020/21 saw a massive increase in reporting of sexual offences, many of the reports were of non-recent offences which coincided with widespread media attention regards sexual offending. We continue to work with partners in the Gender Based Violence Committee to encourage the reporting of all sexual and domestic offences and to ensure that the right support is in place when survivors are ready to come forward During Q2 2022/23, 17 reports were recorded regarding Rape or Attempt Rape. By the end of Q2, reported rapes show a small decrease against the five year average. The majority of these reports relate to non-recent reports, with victims reporting historical crimes committed against them by persons known to them. These enquiries can be especially challenging and resource intensive, in particular where forensic evidence no longer exists. Despite this, detection rates for Rape and Sexual Assault during Q2 is 64.71%, reflecting an increase of 9.15% on Q1. During Q2 2022/23, 32 reports were received regarding Indecent / Sexual Assault, representing a 25.93% decrease on the 5 year average. The Detection Rate regarding this crime type during Q2 is 37.50%, which reflects a 17.5% increase on the Q1 Detection Rate. As per previous quarters, we continued to utilise social media to elevate awareness of so called “sextortion” scams where fraudsters befriend individuals online, entice them into performing sexual acts/send explicit photographs and thereafter blackmail them into sending money. Despite raising awareness, more and more Page 38 of 60
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OFFICIAL 17 | P a g e OFFICIAL social media users are falling for this type of scam. We continue to support victims and direct them to appropriate third party agencies. In addition to reviewing vulnerabilities and supporting victims, we continue to support national work, including, national “Online safety - sexual abuse of children online” and “Domestic Abuse” campaigns. We continue to look at Bystander training when possible. During Q2, increases have been observed against the 5 year average in further GROUP 2 offences namely Communicating Indecently (4.7% increase) and Threatening / Disclosure of Intimate Image (28% increase). These increases are driven by online offending where we have observed patterns continuing from COVID and impacting on all age groups. These increases in highlight a decline in physical/contact offences in favour of offending online. Seeking to raise awareness of how to remain safe within the cyber arena, Midlothian Community officers delivered internet safety and cyber bullying inputs prior to the summer holiday period, to all Midlothian school age young person helping them remain safe whilst online. Page 39 of 60
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OFFICIAL 18 | P a g e OFFICIAL Protecting the most vulnerable people. Drug Supply, Production & Cultivation Drugs Supply 5 year average Q2 2022/23 Change YTD Per 10,000 population Q2 2022/23 Detection Rate Drugs Supply, Production and Cultivation 29.8 22 -26.17% 2.38 54.55% Drugs supply has a close link to Organised Crime Groups (OCG), and is a blight on any community. We focus on those who bring harm to our communities, and particularly those who are involved in drugs supply, cultivation/production and the sale and distribution in particular, but not exclusively, of Class A drugs. We recognise the national Drugs Deaths statistics in Scotland and are committed to targeting drug dealers, whilst working in partnership along with the Midlothian and East Lothian Drugs Partnership (MELDAP). Our divisional approach is now well established which introduces multi-agency engagement and recording of all Non-Fatal Overdoses. We send notification of any NFO to the local addiction services who ensure the individual is offered support. This programme is seeing an increased engagement with local drug support groups and is allowing for intelligence streams around developing drug trends and potentially harmful products. The detection rate relating to the ‘Production, Manufacture or Cultivation of Drugs’ during Q2 2022/21, is 75% with 4 out of 5 incidents solved. The outstanding incident is still under investigation and requires forensic analysis of items recovered by police. Reports regarding the Total Supply of Drugs remain 26.17% down compared to the 5 year average, with 22 crimes being recorded Q2 2022/23 compared to the 5 year average of 29.8. The detection rate for Q2 is 54.55%. This reduction in offences is due to the policy decision to target the Organised Crime Groups responsible for supplying street dealers, rather than individual street dealers/users. This targeted action is more effective at reducing the overall supply of drugs within Midlothian. During Q2 2022/23 there were 111 Possession of Drugs crimes recorded, with a detection rate of 98.2%. As a result of pro-active enquiries £87,000 worth of Class A and B drugs were recovered within Midlothian during Q2 2022/23. Looking forward our focus will shift to target Class C Benzodiazepine street drugs such Valium or Xanax as it has recently been identified that these have led to an increase in drug related deaths when used in a cocktail mixed with Class A drugs. We continue to developed drugs intelligence from the local community. Drugs enforcement requires information from sources to build a picture and fill in the pieces of the jigsaw. We rely upon community intelligence, and encourage reporting direct to police by phone, online, in person, via remote reporting sites and / or anonymously through Crimestoppers (0800 555111). Page 40 of 60
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OFFICIAL 19 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour Crimes of Violence (Group 1) Crime Type 5 year average Q2 2022/23 Change YTD Per 10,000 population Q2 2022/23 Detection Rate Group 1 60.6 53 -12.54% 5.73 66.04% Serious Assault 24.4 14 -42.62% 1.51 78.57% Robbery 8.8 4 -54.55% 0.43 100.00% Common Assault 411.4 464 12.79% 50.18 59.48% *Common assaults are not recorded as group 1 crimes. Reducing violence remains a policing priority for all areas within The Lothian & Scottish Borders Division of Police Scotland. We recognise the impact violence has in our communities and the desire from these communities that we work to prevent such incidents and where they have occurred, swiftly identify the perpetrators. Detection rates for crimes of violence remain strong, led predominantly by CID and Proactive Crime Team officers. The overall Group 1 detection rate remains lower than expected due to prevalence of ‘sextortion’ cases involving victims who befriend persons online who subsequently threaten to post embarrassing images of the victim to their family and friends unless payment is made. As these offences occur online within the cyber arena they are global in nature with suspects residing overseas. These offences are ethically recorded without any realistic chance of detection, complying with Scottish Criminal Record Standards. All victims receive police support and are also signposted to various support mechanisms to help prevent further incidents. Midlothian officers remain focused on preventing serious physical violence and crime recognising the positive impact this can have on local communities. During Q2 2022/23, reports of Serious Assault have decreased by 42.62% against the 5 year average, with a detection rate of 78.57%. Across the wider Lothian and Scottish Borders Division the detection rate is a lower 72.93%. During Q2 2022/23, reports of Robbery have similarly reduced 54.55% against the 5 year average, with a 100% solvency rate. During Q2 2022/23, a total of 464 Common Assaults in Midlothian were reported. This figure is 12.79% above or 52.6 more recorded incidents than the 5 year average of 411.4. Detection rates during Q2 are 59.48%. Across the wider Lothian and Scottish Borders Division the detection rate for Common Assault a lower 55.39%. By the end of Q2, there have been 28 Assaults on Emergency Service Workers, which is 27% below the five year average, and for reasons that are generally understood (corroborated incidents and very often dealing with named persons), solvency is at 100%. This remains a Force Focus with the Chief Constable previously publishing his commitment to reduce the impact of violence and to improve the safety of officers and staff in his ‘Your Safety Matters Assault Pledge’. The Chief has made it clear that aggressive or threatening behaviour or verbal abuse against Police Scotland personnel is simply not part of the job and has provided improved safety and welfare support. Page 41 of 60
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OFFICIAL 20 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour Reducing Antisocial Behaviour Indicator 5 Year Average 2022-23 Q2 Change TYTD Per 10,000 population Q2 2022/23 Detection Rate Antisocial Behaviour Incidents 3222.2 2538 -21.23 Vandalism (Including Malicious Mischief) 382.4 327 -14.49% 35.37 23.55% Fire-raising 24.6 26 5.69% 2.81 19.23% Breach of the Peace and S38 CJ&L(S) A 2010 414 298 -28.02% 32.23 72.15% We continue to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour in its various forms with our partners. At 2,538 incidents reported to Police, ASB remains a volume complaint, however is again showing reporting levels below the five year average, which, considering the Covid affected increases in 2020/21, is both positive and welcome. Reported Vandalism continues to fall and solvency is on par with LYTD. In partnership with Scottish Fire Rescue Service, throughout Q2 we continued positive engagement with young person’s residing in Midlothian. This activity was specifically targeted at reducing the previously reported 78% increase in Fireraising type incidents compared to the 5 Year Average, as reported in the Q1 Report. I am pleased to highlight that during Q2 we received 26 reports of fire-raising which was 2.6 more incidents or 5.69% than the 5 year average, demonstrating this positive engagement is taking effect. Midlothian continued to record a decrease in the number of Threatening & Abusive Behaviour type incidents, with 278 recorded during Q2 2022/23, compared to the 5 year average of 395. This represents a 30% reduction in this type of incident and during Q2 the detection rate for Threatening & Abusive behaviour remained high at 70.86%. During Q2 2022/23 a total of 327 Vandalism type offences were recorded. This reflects 55 fewer reports than the 5 year average. The detection rate remains 23.55% which remains above the wider detection rate of 21.12% for the wider Lothians and Scottish Borders Division The highlighted decreases in Anti-Social behaviour are a result of a mixture of traditional good police work along with using new joined up techniques and technology to identify those responsible. An example would be working in partnership with Midlothian Council to locate new portable CCTV cameras to identified hotspots, and thereafter having School Link Officers identify and report the young persons responsible for anti-social crimes. Similarly these CCTV cameras act as a visible deterrent against further incidents. We continue to work with partners with the Community Safety Partnership and Midlothian Partnership Against Rural Crime in relation to anti-Social use of off road motorcycles. This is an issue that I appreciate has a detrimental impact of local communities and is priority to address. This month our Midlothian Community Action Team officers commenced ‘Operation Jewel’, using new techniques and training to identify those responsible for this anti-social behaviour. I will report further on this initiative within my Q3 report. Page 42 of 60
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OFFICIAL 21 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Acquisitive Crime Dishonesty (group 3) 5 Year Average Q2 2022/23 Change YTD Per 10,000 population Q2 2022/23 Detection Rate 1018 886 -12.97% 95.83 25.40% Given the wide range of ‘Acquisitive Crimes’ this priority is covered in 2 sections within this report: • Dishonesty (covered in this section) • Housebreaking (covered in next section) Dealing with Acquisitive Crime to protect people by reducing the impacts of theft on individuals and communities remains a priority YTD 2022/23, a total of 886 overall Group 3 crimes (including housebreaking crimes) have been recorded within Midlothian. This figure represents 132 fewer crimes or a 12.974% reduction compared to the 5 year average. The detection rate of 25.40% remains above the wider Lothian and Scottish Borders Division detection rate of 23.23%. Reported Theft of vehicles continues to remain below the 5 average with 41 incidents reported during Q2 2022/23. The detection rate for this offence is 34.15% which is above the wider Lothian and Scottish Borders Division detection rate of 33.67%. During Q2 2022/23 there were 24 Thefts from Insecure Vehicles, reflecting 33 fewer incidents or a 60% reduction on the 5 year average. Overall motor vehicle crime decreased by 40% when measured against the 5 year average. Common Theft and Theft by Shoplifting remain volume crimes under the Dishonesty heading. A total of 244 Common Theft incidents were recorded during Q2 2022/23, an 8% increase or 19 more incidents compared against the 5 year average. A total of 274 Theft Shoplifting incidents were recorded during Q2 2022/23, a 21% reduction or 69 fewer incidents compared against the 5 year average. We continue to keep a close eye on these figures as we expect an increase due to Cost of Living Crisis and would ask partners to do likewise. Looking ahead within Midlothian our Community Policing team have planning at an advanced stage for Operation Frankincense, working in partnership with the retail sector to target acquisitive crimes over the festive period. Page 43 of 60
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OFFICIAL 22 | P a g e OFFICIAL Reducing Acquisitive Crime Housebreaking Crime Type 5 Year Average Q2 2022/23 Change YTD Per 10,000 population Q2 2022/23 Detection Rate Dwelling HB 44.2 26 -41.18% 2.81 30.77% Non Dwelling (Sheds, garages) HB 62.8 38 -39.49% 4.11 7.89% Other (Business) HB 45.6 23 -49.56% 2.49 43.48% All HB 152.6 87 -42.99% 9.41 24.14% During Q2 2022/23, there were 65.6 fewer reports of all Housebreaking (including Dwelling House, Non- Dwelling House or Other Premises) in Midlothian compared to the 5 year average, continuing this positive trend. This represents a 42.99% reduction compared against the 5 year average. The Detection Rate for Midlothian during Q2 2022/23 is 24.14%, representing a 7.86% increase on the Q1 detection rate of 16.28%. During Q2 2022/23, a total of 26 Housebreaking (Dwelling House) was recorded, this figure is 41.36% or 18.2 fewer incidents than the 5 year average. The Q2 Detection Rate is 30.77%, representing a 19.66% increase on the Q1 detection rate of 11.11%. During Q1 2022/23, a total of 38 Housebreaking (Non-dwelling House) was recorded, this figure is 39.49% below the 5 year average, with a Detection Rate of 7.89%. Much of our focus towards reducing Acquisitive Crime is around raising awareness, offering crime prevention advice, recommending target hardening strategies and enhanced security provision, and trying to improve the likelihood that residents will not become victims. We continue to publicise advice to householders through our social media accounts. Page 44 of 60
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OFFICIAL 23 | P a g e OFFICIAL Improving road safety Road Casualties Q2 2021/22 Q2 2022/23 Change Fatal 1 1 0% Serious 18 18 0% Slight 58 39 -33% Total 77 58 -24.68% Children (aged<16) Killed 0 0 - Children (aged<16) Seriously Injured 2 2 0% 5 Year Average Q2 2021/22 Change Dangerous driving 29.2 25 -14.38% Disqualified driving 18.8 10 -46.81% Driving Licence 64.6 40 -38.08% Insurance 147 120 -18.37% Drink/Drug Driving Detections 57.4 77 34.15% I am sad to report there was 1 reported Fatal Road Traffic casualty reported during Q2 2022/23 within Midlothian. However I have discussed this with the Road Policing Inspector and my understanding is that this incident is currently under review by the Procurator Fiscal and may be reclassified. During Q2 2022/23, within Midlothian 18 Serious Road Traffic casualties were recorded. This figure is reflects the Q2 2021/22 return. Similarly during Q2 there were 2 children under the age of 16 seriously injured, reflecting the same return during Q2 2021/22. Page 45 of 60
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OFFICIAL 24 | P a g e OFFICIAL There was 33% reduction in the number of Slight Road Traffic casualties, with 39 recorded compared to the 5 year average of 58 incidents. During Q2 2022/23, a total of 77 Drink and Drug Driving offences were detected, 19.6 offences or 34.15% more than the 5 year average. We will continue to support the Roads Policing campaign calendar during 2022/23. During Q1, we supported the Global Road Safety Week, National Seatbelt Operation, Child Safety Week and the Mobile Phone Enforcement week. Similarly earlier this month I participated in the inaugural Lothians and Scottish Borders Road Safety Governance Group, chaired by Superintendent Carson. This group is in addition to the existing local Midlothian group, and is designed to provide greater joined–up thinking and learning from across the entire division, and will no doubt enhance the improvement of Road Safety in Midlothian. I will share the agreed Action Plan in due course. Page 46 of 60
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OFFICIAL 25 | P a g e OFFICIAL Tackling Serious & Organised Crime Tackling Serious & Organised Crime The UK National Threat Level is SUBSTANTIAL: an attack is likely. On Wednesday, 9 February 2022, the Home Secretary announced that the UK’s Terrorist Threat Level has been lowered from Severe to Substantial. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: “At this time there is nothing to suggest that there is any specific threat to Scotland. However, I would remind the people of Scotland that they should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Police Scotland.” Response Policing officers in Midlothian have received CT training ACT for Policing – Your Vital Role. This is a campaign to raise awareness of the vital role front line officers play in spotting the signs of attack planning and radicalisation of individuals. Midlothian continue to work closely with partner agencies to actively target “County Lines” nominals that use Midlothian as a base to distribute drugs throughout our community. Significant recoveries of Class A and B drugs been seized this YTD, including £87,000 worth of drugs throughout Q2. A joint operation (Operation Liven) was carried out with SFRS and SAS following information a male was in possession of harmful chemicals within an address in Dalkeith. MCAT officers took the lead and executed a search warrant with partnership agencies on standby due to the potential risk. Numerous chemicals were located within. The occupier was later traced and spoken with. Following consultation with experts it was found that the chemicals did not amount to criminality. However, all chemicals were seized for destruction to prevent any harm. Page 47 of 60
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OFFICIAL 26 | P a g e OFFICIAL Complaints Executive Summary April 2022 – September 2022 Number of Complaints about the Police Number of Complaints per 10,000 Police Incidents Complaints received about the Police 46 37.74 On Duty Allegations Off Duty Allegations Quality of Service Allegations Total Number of Allegations Total Allegations Recorded 42 24 66 The breakdown above details the total number of Complaints about the Police, received in relation to the Midlothian area command as at 30th September 2022. The breakdown below provides further detail on the Allegation Category and Type. Area Allegation Category and Type LYTD YTD % change Midlothian Council On Duty - TOTAL 52 42 -19.2% Assault 3 5 66.7% Discriminatory Behaviour 0 2 x Excessive Force 7 7 0.0% Incivility 12 12 0.0% Irregularity in Procedure 23 13 -43.5% Oppressive Conduct/Harassment 4 1 -75.0% Other – Criminal 0 1 x Other - Non Criminal 0 1 x Traffic Irregularity/Offence 3 0 -100.0% Quality Of Service - TOTAL 32 24 -25.0% Policy/Procedure 3 2 -33.3% Service Delivery 13 14 7.7% Page 48 of 60
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OFFICIAL 27 | P a g e OFFICIAL Service Outcome 16 8 -50.0% Grant TOTAL 84 66 -21.4% As can be seen there has been a 21.4% decrease in the overall number of Complaints about the Police when comparing LYTD and YTD, reflecting the continued professionalism of officers and the service delivery standards across Midlothian’s local communities. Page 49 of 60
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OFFICIAL 28 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian CAT team – Q2 Update VISION & ACTIVITIES Vision Impact positively on life quality within the communities of Midlothian by reducing all types of antisocial behaviour through prevention, disruption and enforcement. More specific details under each heading can be found in the monthly reports already submitted. Activities 1. High Visibility Patrolling: the provision of community support and reassurance by undertaking high visibility vehicle, foot and cycle patrols focusing on identified antisocial behaviour issues. Throughout Q2 2022/23, MCAT officers have continued to conduct high visibility patrols in the Midlothian area, with extra attention being provided to Bonnyrigg, Rosewell, Gorebridge, and Mayfield areas in relation to youth issues such as anti-social behavior (ASB), vandalism and minor fire raisings. MCAT continued to work closely with both Lothian Buses (LRT) and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in an effort to combat this collectively. In particular Operation Raeda ran which involved a combination of plain clothes officers riding on buses and high visibility officers on mobile patrol responding to any incidents. Drivers and youths were positively engaged with which helped reduce the number of related calls this quarter. Patrols were carried out at Waverley Park, Bonnyrigg in response to a report of a suspicious incident. MCAT carried out regular foot patrols at the park and nearby railway path in order to reassure the local community. A High vis presence was given at New Dundas Park for Bonnyrigg Rose’s Scottish League Cup games against Falkirk and Hibernian. They passed without incident. 2. Recidivist Offenders: intelligence led focus on individuals known to engage in antisocial behaviour, drugs use/supply and persistent alcohol abuse, with specific attention being given to persons subject to ASBOs and judicial bails (including curfews). All opportunities are taken to challenge recidivist offenders, often historically responsible for a large number of offences. In total 69 Bail Curfew checks were carried out with a compliance rate of 89%, demonstrating how the continued use of this tactic curtails criminal behavior. Where there is a legislated reason, MCAT officers search individuals for controlled substances, stolen property, and weapons, progressing these to house searches if the circumstances allow. Page 50 of 60
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OFFICIAL 29 | P a g e OFFICIAL House searches under warrant have continued and have been successful in recovering drugs, cash and weapons. A number of reports have been submitted and details are in the monthly reports. These searches do rely on a steady flow of intelligence from the community, as well as proactivity by the team. MCAT executed a misuse of drugs warrant at an address in Penicuik from which a Cannabis cultivation of 99 plants was seized with an estimated street value of £83160. A total of 4 Misuse of Drugs Warrants were executed by MCAT officers during Q2 2022/23, resulting in the following recoveries with the upper street value totaling: Class A: £600 Class B: £86400 Class C: £0 Bail Curfew Check COMPLIANT 69 Bail Curfew Check FAILED 8 Arrest on warrant 8 Search Person MDA Positive 8 Search Person MDA Negative 7 Search Property MDA Positive 3 Search Property MDA Negative 0 Search Weapons Positive 1 Search Weapons Negative 1 Search Stolen Property Positive 0 Search Stolen Property Negative 0 3. Youth Engagement: actively engage with youths and foster a positive image of the police and their local communities. Act as primary first responders to youth calls, disrupt antisocial behaviour and enforce appropriate legislation firmly but fairly. Maximise alcohol seizures. Engage with partners and CBO colleagues to identify appropriate support and diversionary activities. Throughout Q2 2022/23, MCAT attended 70 youth incidents throughout Midlothian wards, an increase on last quarter, although there was a reduction in the number of Vulnerable Person’s Database entries created. This suggest an increase in complaints about youths but a reduction in offending/concerning behaviour. An increase is also to be expected over the warmer summer months. The majority of these calls related to anti-social behaviour such as noise, assaults and fire-raising’s. Page 51 of 60
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OFFICIAL 30 | P a g e OFFICIAL A 15 year old male was found in possession of an offensive weapon after he had brandished a large wooden stick in an aggressive manner in public 3 youths were charged in front of their parents after being found to be shoplifting in Asda, Straiton. 2 further youths were charged after stealing electrical equipment from Tesco, Dalkeith and a separate male was charged after stealing from the Co-Op, Bonnyrigg 4 Youths were located smoking cannabis in Mayfield. 8 Grams of the drug were recovered along with 3 potentially stolen pedal cycles. On passing patrol Police observed a 10 year old setting fire to a deodorant can causing a 1m fireball at Straiton Retail Park. The child was spoken to in front of their parent and VPD submitted. A 13 year old missing person was traced in Gorebridge and returned to their home address in the Borders. Youth Calls Attended 70 Alcohol Seizures 5 Children At Risk VPDs Submitted 14 4. Licensed Premises: monitor licensed premises activity and act as first responders to antisocial behavior related incidents whenever possible. All Midlothian Licensed premises continued to be monitored by MCAT officers. A female was identified and arrested after she was found to be responsible for numerous thefts from supermarkets and other stores in Midlothian and Edinburgh. Various Innkeeper reports were also submitted as a result of proactive preventative visits. LP Visit Public House 21 LP Visit Off Sales 5 5. Support Partners & Colleagues: engage with community partners to work together towards the vision and promote joint patrolling. Support divisional colleagues by acting as first responders to antisocial behaviour related incidents that are occurring in real time whenever possible. Instigate and contribute to operations and initiatives linked to the core vision. A joint operation (Operation Liven) was carried out with SFRS and SAS following information a male was in possession of harmful chemicals within an address in Dalkeith. MCAT officers took the lead and executed a search warrant with partnership agencies on standby due to the potential risk. Numerous chemicals were located within. The occupier was later traced and spoken with. Following consultation with experts it was found that the chemicals did not amount to criminality. However, all chemicals were seized for destruction to prevent any harm. Page 52 of 60
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OFFICIAL 31 | P a g e OFFICIAL MCAT consulted and liaised with housing, social work and mental health services whilst managing the protest of a registered sex offender in Loanhead. Allowing for a safe protest to be carried out with minimal disruption to the wider community. MCAT worked alongside the Scottish Prison Service in order identify and trace a female who had sent a package containing Cannabis and Cocaine to Saughton Prison. The female was subsequently charged with supplying a controlled drug. Joint Activity NHS/SAS 3 Joint Activity Local Council 0 Joint Activity SFRS 1 Joint Activity Public Event 1 6. Road Safety: tackle antisocial vehicle use, giving specific attention to inconsiderate vehicle use on the Midlothian road network and the illegal use of off-road motorcycles. Maximise the appropriate use of ASBO warnings and vehicle seizures. The use of off road motorcycles being driven recklessly and causing ASB continues to be a problem in Midlothian. One rider was stopped and found to have no insurance. He was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). A youth was traced in possession of a stolen E-Scooter which was returned to its rightful owner. A female was charged with driving without insurance in Rosewell. A separate male was also charged with driving without insurance and attempting to pervert the course of justice after he gave a false name to MCAT officers in Dalkeith A male driver collided with a parked motor vehicle at speed in Bonnyrigg. The male passed the breath test and drugs wipe but was charged with dangerous driving due to manner of driving and earlier linked incident. MCAT officers seized vehicles and cautioned and charged drivers driving with no insurance in Rosewell and Loanhead. A van driver in Penicuik failed the roadside breath test following a minor crash. The driver was taken to the ERI for medical treatment and Police drink driving hospital procedures. MCAT will await the result of lab analysis to confirm the charge of drink driving prior to reporting the incident to the Procurator Fiscal. Page 53 of 60
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OFFICIAL 32 | P a g e OFFICIAL Static Road Checks 5 Fixed Penalty Tickets (RTA only) 2 Section 165 Seizures 4 Breath Tests Negative (pass) 4 Breath Tests Positive (fail) 3 S5A Drug Wipe Negative (pass) 3 S5A Drug Wipe Positive (fail) 0 ASBO Seizures 0 Other Incidents and Arrests of Note A male from Dalkeith was arrested and charged with domestic assault, breach of bail and various road traffic offences. The same male was arrested later in the month on an outstanding warrant and another breach of bail. 2 further males were arrested on outstanding domestic packages and put before the courts. A Bonnyrigg male was arrested and charged with breach of bail after he failed to sign on at Dalkeith Police Station as part of his conditions. He was held in custody. MCAT officers working alongside Response colleagues identified the perpetrator of a housebreaking in Loanhead and in doing so recovered much of the stolen property. The accused was arrested cautioned and charged with theft by housebreaking and held on remand when they appeared at court the next day. MCAT officers assisted CID colleagues in executing a misuse of drugs and general evidence warrant in Mayfield. During the search various substances believed to be controlled drugs were seized. These will be sent for laboratory analysis prior to any charges being reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Planned Activity MCAT officers have a number of search warrants in hand at this time to execute in the coming month and, as always, intelligence related to high tariff offenders in Midlothian is being developed and will be actioned upon both proactively and reactively. In addition there will be specific policing patrols and initiatives planned targeting those issues that are brought to the attention of the MCAT by residents, partners, colleagues or indeed by proactive patrol and engagement with our communities. #TheCatsAreOut Page 54 of 60
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OFFICIAL 33 | P a g e OFFICIAL Appendix Lothian and Scottish Borders Divisional Crime Overview Lothian and Scottish Borders Division 5 Year Average 2022/23 Q2 Per 10,000 Q2 2022/23 Detection Rates 2022/23 GROUP 1: NON SEXUAL CRIMES OF VIOLENCE 301.4 391 7.85 58.06 Murder (excluding culpable homicide at common law) 1.6 1 0.02 100.00 Culpable homicide (at common law) 0 0 0 - Culpable homicide (under statute including RTA, sec. 1) 1.6 2 0.04 100.00 Attempted murder 8.4 11 0.22 90.91 Serious assault 133.8 133 2.67 72.93 Robbery and assault with intent to rob 43.8 38 0.76 76.32 Domestic Abuse (of female) 0 73 1.47 69.86 Domestic Abuse (of male) 0 4 0.08 50.00 Domestic Abuse (Total) 0 77 1.55 68.83 Cruel & Unnatural treatment of children 38.6 29 0.58 79.31 Threats and extortion 26 76 1.53 6.58 Other group 1 crimes 19.2 24 0.48 29.17 GROUP 2: SEXUAL CRIMES 554.4 516 10.36 52.13 Rape 100.6 96 1.93 56.25 Assault w/i to rape or ravish 3.4 9 0.18 55.56 Rape and attempted rape - Total 104 105 2.11 56.19 Sexual assault (pre-SOSA 2009)* 7.4 1 0.02 200.00 Sexual assault (SOSA 2009)* 158.2 149 2.99 53.69 Lewd & libidinous practices* 51.6 31 0.62 19.35 Indecent/Sexual Assault - Total 217.2 181 3.63 48.62 Prostitution related crime - Total* 0.4 0 0 - Taking, distribution, possession of indecent photos of children 26.4 32 0.64 100.00 Communicating indecently (SOSA 2009)* 44.8 47 0.94 61.70 Communications Act 2003 (sexual) 19.8 7 0.14 28.57 Sexual exposure (SOSA 2009)* 18.4 17 0.34 52.94 Public indecency (common law) 7 5 0.1 100.00 Other sexual crimes (SOSA 2009)* 77.4 73 1.47 38.36 Other sexual crimes (non-SOSA 2009)* 9.2 8 0.16 37.50 Threatening / Disclosure of intimate image* 29.8 41 0.82 34.15 Other Group 2 crimes 0 0 0 - Other Group 2 crimes - Total 232.8 230 4.62 53.04 GROUP 3: CRIMES OF DISHONESTY 4379.6 4086 82.02 23.23 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - dwelling house 190 138 2.77 15.94 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - non dwelling 167.4 149 2.99 16.11 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - other premises 191.4 118 2.37 43.22 Housebreaking (incl. Attempts) - Total 548.8 405 8.13 23.95 Page 55 of 60
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OFFICIAL 34 | P a g e OFFICIAL Opening Lockfast Places - Motor Vehicle 110.4 81 1.63 7.41 Theft of a motor vehicle 224.6 199 3.99 33.67 Theft from a Motor Vehicle (Insecure etc.) 290.8 147 2.95 10.88 Attempt theft of motor vehicle 19 14 0.28 21.43 Motor vehicle crime - Total 644.8 441 8.85 20.86 Opening Lockfast Places - NOT Motor Vehicle 67.4 67 1.34 10.45 Common theft 1192.6 1300 26.1 16.15 Theft by shoplifting 1166.6 948 19.03 41.46 Fraud 431.2 688 13.81 12.06 Other Group 3 Crimes 328.2 237 4.76 28.27 GROUP 4: FIRE-RAISING, MALICIOUS MISCHIEF etc. 2110.6 2004 40.23 22.75 Fireraising 125.8 146 2.93 20.55 Vandalism (including malicious mischief) 1870 1728 34.69 21.12 Reckless conduct (with firearms) 3.4 2 0.04 50.00 Culpable and reckless conduct (not with firearms) 106 124 2.49 48.39 Other Group 4 Crimes 5.4 4 0.08 0.00 GROUP 5: OTHER (PRO-ACTIVITY) CRIMES 2174.6 1960 39.34 89.80 Carrying offensive weapons (incl. restriction) 78.4 93 1.87 92.47 Handling bladed/pointed instrument 76.8 87 1.75 88.51 Offensive weapon (used in other criminal activity)* 69.8 55 1.1 65.45 Bladed/pointed instrument (used in other criminal activity)* 43.4 30 0.6 56.67 Total offensive/bladed weapons 268.4 265 5.32 81.51 Production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs 38 23 0.46 82.61 Supply of drugs (incl. possession with intent) 112.4 120 2.41 62.50 Bringing drugs into prison 11 6 0.12 83.33 Supply of drugs - Total 161.4 149 2.99 66.44 Possession of drugs 928.8 746 14.98 95.71 Other drugs offences (incl. importation) 7.2 9 0.18 55.56 Total drugs crimes 1097.4 904 18.15 90.49 Offences relating to serious and organised crime 1 1 0.02 100.00 Bail offences (other than absconding) 424 440 8.83 90.00 Other Group 5 crimes 383.8 350 7.03 94.00 GROUP 6: MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES 5086.4 5090 102.18 64.58 Common Assault 2054.4 2336 46.89 55.39 Common Assault (of emergency workers) 208.4 197 3.95 103.05 Common Assault - Total 2262.8 2533 50.85 59.10 Breach of the Peace 98.8 34 0.68 102.94 Threatening & abusive behaviour 1883.4 1722 34.57 69.22 Stalking 50.6 37 0.74 78.38 BOP, S38 & S39 Crim Just & Lic (S) Act 2010 - Total 2032.8 1793 35.99 70.05 Racially aggravated harassment/conduct* 71.4 29 0.58 100.00 Drunk and incapable 25.8 12 0.24 100.00 Consume alcohol in designated place local bye-law 26.6 10 0.2 90.00 Other alcohol related offences* 18 17 0.34 105.88 Page 56 of 60
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OFFICIAL 35 | P a g e OFFICIAL Drunkenness and other disorderly conduct (TOTAL) 70.4 39 0.78 100.00 Wildlife offences* 19.6 31 0.62 203.23 Other Group 6 offences 629.4 665 13.35 60.60 GROUP 7: OFFENCES RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES 3636.2 3607 72.41 80.93 Dangerous driving offences 129.2 131 2.63 74.05 Drink, Drug driving offences incl. Failure to provide a specimen 270 326 6.54 92.33 Speeding offences 364.8 139 2.79 100.00 Driving while disqualified 64 44 0.88 90.91 Driving without a licence 299 232 4.66 97.84 Failure to insure against third party risks 732 623 12.51 99.84 Seat belt offences 71.8 57 1.14 100.00 Mobile phone offences 93.2 78 1.57 100.00 Driving Carelessly 298.2 353 7.09 84.42 Drivers neglect of traffic directions (NOT pedestrian crossings) 65.2 185 3.71 94.59 Using a motor vehicle without test certificate 339.6 463 9.29 100.00 Other Group 7 offences 909.2 976 19.59 43.24 Page 57 of 60
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OFFICIAL 36 | P a g e OFFICIAL Midlothian Recorded Crime Overview Midlothian 5 Year Average 2022/23 Q2 Per 10,000 Q2 2022/23 Detection Rates 2022/23 GROUP 1: NON SEXUAL CRIMES OF VIOLENCE 60.6 53 5.73 66.04 Murder (excluding culpable homicide at common law) 0.2 0 - - Culpable homicide (at common law) 0 0 - - Culpable homicide (under statute including RTA, sec. 1) 0.6 0 - - Attempted murder 0.2 0 - - Serious assault 24.4 14 1.51 78.57 Robbery and assault with intent to rob 8.8 4 0.43 100 Domestic Abuse (of female) 0 11 1.19 72.73 Domestic Abuse (of male) 0 3 0.32 66.67 Domestic Abuse (Total) 0 14 1.51 71.43 Cruel & Unnatural treatment of children 15 8 0.87 100 Threats and extortion 3.4 10 1.08 10 Other group 1 crimes 3.4 3 0.32 33.33 GROUP 2: SEXUAL CRIMES 105.6 98 10.6 44.9 Rape 18.8 17 1.84 64.71 Assault w/i to rape or ravish 0.4 0 - - Rape and attempted rape - Total 19.2 17 1.84 64.71 Sexual assault (pre-SOSA 2009)* 2.2 0 - - Sexual assault (SOSA 2009)* 30.8 27 2.92 44.44 Lewd & libidinous practices* 10.2 5 0.54 0 Indecent/Sexual Assault - Total 43.2 32 3.46 37.5 Prostitution related crime - Total* 0.2 0 - - Taking, distribution, possession of indecent photos of children 6.2 7 0.76 71.43 Communicating indecently (SOSA 2009)* 6.4 14 1.51 50 Communications Act 2003 (sexual) 4.8 0 - - Sexual exposure (SOSA 2009)* 5 3 0.32 33.33 Public indecency (common law) 1.2 1 0.11 100 Other sexual crimes (SOSA 2009)* 12 12 1.3 33.33 Other sexual crimes (non-SOSA 2009)* 1.4 1 0.11 100 Threatening / Disclosure of intimate image* 6 11 1.19 18.18 Other Group 2 crimes 0 0 - - Other Group 2 crimes - Total 43 49 5.3 42.86 GROUP 3: CRIMES OF DISHONESTY 1018 886 95.83 25.4 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - dwelling house 44.2 26 2.81 30.77 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - non dwelling 62.8 38 4.11 7.89 Housebreaking (incl. attempts) - other premises 45.6 23 2.49 43.48 Housebreaking (incl. Attempts) - Total 152.6 87 9.41 24.14 Opening Lockfast Places - Motor Vehicle 18.4 12 1.3 0 Theft of a motor vehicle 52 41 4.43 34.15 Page 58 of 60
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OFFICIAL 37 | P a g e OFFICIAL Theft from a Motor Vehicle (Insecure etc.) 57.6 24 2.6 12.5 Attempt theft of motor vehicle 4 3 0.32 33.33 Motor vehicle crime - Total 132 80 8.65 22.5 Opening Lockfast Places - NOT Motor Vehicle 11.6 12 1.3 8.33 Common theft 224.6 244 26.39 17.21 Theft by shoplifting 343.4 274 29.63 42.34 Fraud 81 145 15.68 6.21 Other Group 3 Crimes 72.8 44 4.76 40.91 GROUP 4: FIRE-RAISING, MALICIOUS MISCHIEF etc. 432 380 41.1 25.26 Fireraising 24.6 26 2.81 19.23 Vandalism (including malicious mischief) 382.4 327 35.37 23.55 Reckless conduct (with firearms) 0.2 0 - - Culpable and reckless conduct (not with firearms) 23 26 2.81 53.85 Other Group 4 Crimes 1.8 1 0.11 0 GROUP 5: OTHER (PRO-ACTIVITY) CRIMES 457.6 316 34.18 92.09 Carrying offensive weapons (incl. restriction) 13 25 2.7 100 Handling bladed/pointed instrument 15.4 11 1.19 100 Offensive weapon (used in other criminal activity)* 12.2 4 0.43 100 Bladed/pointed instrument (used in other criminal activity)* 6.2 4 0.43 25 Total offensive/bladed weapons 46.8 44 4.76 93.18 Production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs 5 4 0.43 75 Supply of drugs (incl. possession with intent) 24.8 18 1.95 50 Bringing drugs into prison 0 0 - - Supply of drugs - Total 29.8 22 2.38 54.55 Possession of drugs 210.4 111 12.01 98.2 Other drugs offences (incl. importation) 0.4 0 - - Total drugs crimes 240.6 133 14.38 91.73 Offences relating to serious and organised crime 0.2 0 - - Bail offences (other than absconding) 94 85 9.19 84.71 Other Group 5 crimes 76 54 5.84 103.7 GROUP 6: MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES 970.6 917 99.18 63.9 Common Assault 373.2 436 47.16 56.65 Common Assault (of emergency workers) 38.2 28 3.03 103.57 Common Assault - Total 411.4 464 50.18 59.48 Breach of the Peace 14.4 11 1.19 100 Threatening & abusive behaviour 392 278 30.07 70.86 Stalking 7.6 9 0.97 77.78 BOP, S38 & S39 Crim Just & Lic (S) Act 2010 - Total 414 298 32.23 72.15 Racially aggravated harassment/conduct* 10.8 6 0.65 133.33 Drunk and incapable 4.4 2 0.22 100 Consume alcohol in designated place local bye-law 7.6 3 0.32 66.67 Other alcohol related offences* 4.4 5 0.54 100 Drunkenness and other disorderly conduct (TOTAL) 16.4 10 1.08 90 Wildlife offences* 2.8 1 0.11 100 Page 59 of 60
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OFFICIAL 38 | P a g e OFFICIAL Other Group 6 offences 115.2 138 14.93 55.8 GROUP 7: OFFENCES RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES 656.8 716 77.44 79.19 Dangerous driving offences 29.2 25 2.7 80 Drink, Drug driving offences incl. Failure to provide a specimen 57.4 77 8.33 96.1 Speeding offences 15.2 26 2.81 100 Driving while disqualified 18.8 10 1.08 70 Driving without a licence 64.6 40 4.33 100 Failure to insure against third party risks 147 120 12.98 101.67 Seat belt offences 3.6 17 1.84 100 Mobile phone offences 12.6 31 3.35 100 Driving Carelessly 47.2 69 7.46 86.96 Drivers neglect of traffic directions (NOT pedestrian crossings) 7 26 2.81 100 Using a motor vehicle without test certificate 47.2 61 6.6 101.64 Other Group 7 offences 207 214 23.15 38.32 Page 60 of 60