The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
End of Covid lockdown reflected by increase in county’s levels of crime
The impact of criminals coming out of lockdown has emerged in Angus figures that show increases in drug dealing, speeding and robbery compared to a year ago.
Drugs supply offences between April and June registered a 367% rise – from three to 14 crimes – with a detection rate dropping from 100% to 71%.
The return of traffic to the roads has also seen a 304% jump in speeding offences, with 291 drivers caught compared to just 74 during the same period in 2020.
Data delivered to Angus scrutiny committee councillors in the quarterly policing report showed a dip in only one crime category, with drink/drug driving offences dropping 5.8% from last year – to 49 offences compared to 52.
Tayside’s top police officer said the figures should be looked at in the context of the strict Covid19 rules that kept people at home during the same three months in 2020.
Chief Superintendent Phil Davison said crime rates in key categories also remained around or below the five-year average.
He said: “The figures make a direct comparison with the same period last year when there were significant lockdown restrictions in place, so it does mean some vast differences.
“The easing of Covid-19 restrictions has coincided with policing responses becoming more aligned to pre-pandemic policing demands.
“We’ve seen significant rises in road usage, social interaction and the reopening of the licensed trade, and that does lead to increased associated offences.
“Covid is still with us, and the impact will be felt for a long time.”
Mr Davison went on to say: “Nationally, we are aware of issues with county lines and cuckooing, which are linked to organised crime groups whereby they target vulnerable people in our communities.
“The higher drug possession crime figures are considered to be a positive reflection of the efficient use of criminal intelligence.”
Opiates such as heroin and benzodiazepines, including diazepam, continue to be recovered by police across Angus.
Mr Davison said the volume of “street Valium” in Angus remains a concern.
He added: “Following the execution of a drug search warrant at one Forfar residential premises, in excess of 30,000 such tablets were recovered”.
Forfar councillor Lynne Devine said the huge haul had stood out in the report, but she fears locals who have drug activity happening in their midst may be reluctant to speak up.
“I always say to them to get in touch with the police, and there’s always a wee bit of reticence there,” she said.
“Do you feel you are getting any more intelligence because it is clearly an issue that is worrying communities?”
Mr Davison said: “There is a positive flow of information coming back from communities and it is encouraging to see some of the returns we have had from Angus and other parts of Tayside. But we would always wish to seek more.”
Angus area commander, Chief Inspector Leanne Blacklaw, added: “We continue to receive intelligence and will act upon it in an appropriate manner.
“We often receive information through our partner agencies.
“Sometimes the information we get is the last piece of the jigsaw, so I would encourage anyone to report that – regardless of how small they think it is.”
The Angus data was revealed as Mr Davison said supply and use of drugs remains a “strong factor” in serious and violent crime in Dundee.
Earlier this week, Scotland’s Lord Advocate announced possession of class A drugs such as heroin and cocaine could be dealt with by a police warning rather than by prosecution.