Car crime doubles in Argyll

CAR CRIME has more than doubled in the region in the past year, according to Police Scotland statistics.

Fifty four incidents of vehicle crime were recorded this year in Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire, compared to 26 in 2016.

Chief Superintendent Hazel Hendren, local policing commander for Argyll and West Dunbartonshire, said criminals who commit this type of crime are ‘opportunistic’.

She said: ‘We would encourage everyone to ensure their vehicles are secure at all times and any valuables are not left on display. These type of criminals are opportunistic, so please do not give them any opportunity to target your property.’

There has also been a five per cent rise in domestic abuse incidents in the region, with 17 more crimes reported to police between April and September, compared with last year.

Chief Superintendent Hendren says this is down to more victims having the courage to report abuse.

She said: ‘We would encourage all victims to please come forward to allow us to offer you the necessary support while we carry out thorough investigations.

‘Working with our partner agencies is key to targeting domestic abuse and we will continue to develop new ways to stop this despicable behaviour.’

Fewer people were killed on our roads this year, with three fatalities recorded compared to eight last year.

The number of housebreakings has also fallen, with 50 break-ins recorded, compared to 61 over the same period last year.

In the six months from April this year, reported crimes of a sexual nature decreased by 10, with 73 incidents reported to police.

Speeding offences have dropped by 81, with 726 incidents recorded compared to 807 last year. The number of drivers caught using their mobile phones has also fallen, from 67 to 23.