Police stats show violent crime increase
The number of violent crimes committed in the Forth Valley area has risen, according to the latest statistics.
Forth Valley Police Division has released its management information figures which show that between April and December 2019, the total number of crimes recorded rose from 9254 the previous year to 10,146.
Non-sexual crimes of violence rose from 322 to 405. Sexual crimes dropped from 602 to 562.
Crimes of dishonesty increased from 3972 to 4145 with an increase from 1997 to 2054 in fire raising and malicious mischief.
The number of recorded murders rose by one, from two to three, with a decrease in attempted murder, from 16 down to 13.
The number of recorded serious assaults also dropped from 170 to 160.
A total of 79 crimes were recorded under new domestic abuse legislation covering coercive and controlling behaviour and this accounted for an overall rise in violent crime in the division.
A total of 80 rapes were recorded, a drop from 104 the previous year.
Housebreaking is on the rise, from 231 the previous year to 255. Recorded vandalism saw a jump, from 1794 to 1834. There was also an increase in the number of recorded incidents involving offensive weapons and handling blades as well as the supply of drugs.
Threatening and abusive behaviour jumped from 2017 to 2423.
There were a total of nine fatal road traffic collisions, an increase of one.
Chief Superintendent Alan Gibson, Divisional Commander for Forth Valley, said: “We have made some encouraging steps in tackling some very significant criminal offences.
“It is very positive to note that serious assaults and sexual crimes such as sexual assault, indecent assault and rape have all fallen. Within our busy town and city centres, we have regular deployments of officers to deter such offences and provide a visible and reassuring presence to our communities.
“We also take robust action against perpetrators of these offences and it is my hope that such action serves as a warning to others who may have looked to commit similar incidents.
“While each area of Forth Valley, like each area of Scotland, is different, we know that 60 per cent of violent crimes involves alcohol and occur during the weekend, predominantly within private residences.
“It is essential, therefore, that we continue to work with relevant partners to tackle alcohol and substance addiction and signpost individuals to the relevant support agencies, while at the same time investigating all crimes with the utmost professionalism and thoroughness to provide justice for victims.
“We note the rise in acquisitive crime and while we will continue to do all we can to tackle incidents such as public space robberies, there are important steps our communities can take to safeguard their homes and businesses from being targeted.”
The Police Scotland 2019-20 Quarter 3 Performance Report will be presented to the Scottish Police Authority tomorrow (Thursday).