Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Crime drops in Lanarkshire as detection rates increase
Police have revealed a drop in crime incidents and an increase in detection rates in Lanarkshire – but “a concerning rise” in reports of domestic abuse.
Crime across the region dropped by more than 1600 incidents during the first three quarters of 2020/21, while the number of crimes solved by police in the area increased by seven per cent.
Management performance figures for April to December 2020, released earlier this month, also highlight reductions in violent crime and theft by house-breaking, compared to the same period the previous year.
Police say protecting people at risk of harm is a priority, with lockdown seeing an eight per cent rise in the number of reports of domestic abuse in Lanarkshire.
The force revealed it remains committed to tackling domestic abuse and will continue to work with its partners to encourage anyone experiencing abuse to come forward.
Lanarkshire’s divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Alan Waddell, insists domestic abuse is taken seriously and, despite Covid-19 restrictions, help and support remains available to anyone affected.
He said: “There is no question that the ongoing public health crisis continues to influence the needs and behaviours of our communities, which has changed the demands on policing.
“Although I always welcome reductions in crime, I must stress that these figures have been recorded during an unprecedented time and it could be many years before we fully understand the impact of coronavirus on policing generally in Scotland.
“Our dedication to ensuring Lanarkshire’s communities remain safe places to live and work has not changed, and is reflected in the strong detection rates we continue to record.
“We are committed to working with partners and listening to the thoughts and concerns of communities whilst gathering information and intelligence to improve the safety and wellbeing of the people of Lanarkshire.
“Any criminal behaviour that has a detrimental impact on our communities will not be tolerated.”
Police Scotland also published its performance report, which revealed that the force received an additional 25,000 calls between April and December compared to the same period last year, taking the total number of 999 and 101 contacts to almost two million during the first three quarters of 2020/21.
Service centres are operating successfully with reduced capacity due to physical distancing requirements, while also coping with increased call demand from the public seeking guidance on coronavirus related issues.
Chief Superintendent Waddell added: “The past year has been challenging for everyone.
“I would like to thank our communities for their ongoing support, and pay tribute to our partners as our close links have never been so crucial.
“I would also like to recognise the efforts of our police officers, staff and special constables who have continued to play a key role in the national effort to combat the spread of coronavirus, while facing the same personal and professional challenges as their fellow citizens.”