Spike in violent crimes recorded

The introduction of new domestic abuse laws has seen a massive rise in violent crimes recorded in Dunfermline.

New l eg i s la t ion introduced in April last year under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, means for the first time, domestic abuse is included with other non- sexual crimes of violence.

In Dunfermline last year, violent crimes were up from 63 the previous year to 109 – meaning the number of victims nearly doubled.

However, Chief Inspector Paul Dick said that there was a positive aspect to the statistics because more victims were speaking up.

“This is positive as it shows victims have the confidence to report abuse to the police,” town councillors were told at a recent area committee meeting.

It was also revealed that online blackmail was on the increase.

“In addition to this there has been an increase in reports of online blackmail referred to as‘ sex tor ti on’ where individuals obtain indecent images of a person and then threaten to share them with others unless they are paid money.

“Again, this is positive in that the victims are reporting these incidents to the police and supports can be put in place.”

Mr Dick presented a report on the town’s latest crime statistics to councillors, outlining measures that were being taken to tackle offending.

These include the Operation Path initiative and work with CID and other Police Scotland units.

“Weekly management meetings are held where local repeat offenders, emerging trends and hotspot areas are analysed to develop early intervention tactics to engage with offenders and minimise repeat offending,” said Mr Dick.

Councillors were told that detection rates across the Fife division were “healthy” and that there had been a reduction in serious and petty assaults.

Mr Dick said officers would continue to patrol Dunfermline’s anti-social behaviour “hotspots” such as the Bald ridge burn, Broomhead Drive and Pittencrieff Park areas.

He added :“Targeted joint patrols were carried out with support from specialist Police Scotland resources which dealt with the issues.

“Areas such as these will continue to be monitored and dedicated resources will be deployed if required.”