Focus on reducing domestic violence

ALMOST FOUR incidents of domestic abuse are reported in Angus every day, according to a new report.

Results of Police Scotland’s public protection and safety work were presented to councillors on the local authority’s scrutiny and audit committee in Forfar.

Councillors heard violence and antisocial behaviour indoors are a focus for Chief Inspector David McIntosh, the area commander for Angus, and his officers.

The most recent statistics revealed that 683 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to police between April and September last year — 4.5 per day. And the same period this year there were 588 incidents — 3.92 per day.

Operations Superintendent Graeme Murdoch told meeting: “The number of assaults is down but they are much higher than we’d like to see for an area like Angus. We’re probably higher than comparable areas across the country, so that’s very much a focus for David and his team.”

The meeting heard there had been a 14.6% overall reduction in total violent crime but domestic incidents have more than doubled in the last five years.

Mr Murdoch added: “Licenced premises and public space are really well managed in Angus and pose fewer issues. Our focus is on private space, antisocial, behaviour and violence.”

Dick poses beside his statue at St Francis. Dick’s sister Anne cries for joy at the station (above), during scenes of jubilation as he arrived home.