Huge rise in number of sexual assaults

Figure has increased by almost 350%

The number of sex crimes committed in the Mearns has rocketed by almost 350%, according to new figures.

A report to the Kincardine and Mearns area committee of Aberdeenshire Council says there were 24 more victims of assaults in the year to March than there were in 2015-16.

While the number of recorded crimes in neighbouring Stonehaven and Lower Deeside fell from 25 in March 2016 to 16 the next year, the Mearns area saw the number of “victims” rocket from seven to 31 in the same period – a 342% increase.

The increase covers so-called group two crimes relating to sexual assault, underage intercourse, and the storage of indecent images.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “We have directed resources to licensed premises checks, worked with licensees and prioritised domestic abuse and violent crimes.

“By holding accused persons in custody, using bail requests and follow up checks we continue to use all effective methods to work to reduce offending and keep people safe.

“There have been campaigns against violence and alcohol and violence reduction staff have been deployed regularly in the Mearns to ... carry out high visibility patrols.

“Officers will continue to vigorously pursue accused persons for violent offences and seek to use bail requests, curfews and other legal measures to reduce risk and offending.

“Where antisocial behaviour by individuals or groups is identified we will work with partners to identify solutions to reduce offending.”

In the same area, there was a 300% rise in shoplifting – from two to eight victims, and a 150% rise in detections for drug supply and cultivation – from two to five.

However, petty assaults dropped in number from 90 to 52 and only one serious assault occurred in the last year, compared to three in 2015/16.

By holding accused persons in custody, using bail requests and follow up checks we continue to use all effective methods to work to reduce offending