Crime down but rate of detections is up
Crime rates in Forth Valley have fallen whilst ‘detection rates’ have risen, Police Scotland has confirmed.
The latest figures come as the force published its Quarter 3 Management Information data for the period from April 1 to December 31, last year.
The Forth Valley Police Division, which includes Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Falkirk, recorded 655 fewer incident compared to the same period the previous year.
Additionally, the total detection rate for crimes occurring within Forth Valley rose by two per cent during this time.
The force says that the Covid lockdowns and more people staying at home contributed to a reduction of domestic housebreakings, down from 254 to 150.
There was also a reduction in housebreaking offences, with the total number of incidents, including attempted housebreakings, falling from 537 to 362.
Instances of anti-social behaviour spiked, with more than 4000 more incidents being recorded for overall antisocial behaviour incidents.
Reports of fraud were also on the rise, with almost 300 more incidents having been recorded in comparison with the third quarter of 2019/20.
Recorded incidents of drug crime was also up. While 1522 offences were recorded last year, 1630 were recorded this year. Overall offences involving a weapon or bladed article have, however, fallen within the division, with almost 100 fewer crimes occurring this year.
Despite Covid restrictions limiting travel, there was overall rise in motoring offences, including drink driving, speeding and driving without a licence. In addition, there was one more fatal incident in Forth Valley, compared with last year’s third quarter.
Chief Superintendent Alan Gibson, Divisional Commander for Forth Valley, said: “While I am very encouraged by the overall reduction in crime, I am fully aware that the ongoing impact of coronavirus, is likely to have played a part in the number of offences occurring.
“DCC Fiona Taylor has reiterated the Chief ’s commitment to Police Scotland always be here to help the public who we serve and I am grateful for the continued dedication and professionalism of all policing teams within the division for helping keep Forth Valley a safe place to live, work and visit.
“Nationally, fraud and antisocial behaviour are on the rise and the effect of this has also been felt but I want to encourage communities to keep coming forward and reporting these crimes, so they can be properly investigated.
“Tackling violence and promoting road safety are both national and divisional priorities and while I welcome the reduction in offences using a weapon, I am once again disappointed that motoring offences, including drinkdriving, have risen.
“I want to make it clear that getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated. If you choose to do so, you will be caught, you will be arrested and you will lose your licence.
“Please help us make the Forth Valley road network safe for all who use it.”