Drug link to rise in frontline worker attacks

Attacks on emergency service staff in Dundee have increased almost 25% in the last year.

A new report from Police Scotland shows that between April 1 and June 30 2020, there were 77 attacks recorded.

This has increased to 96 in the same period during 2021.

A rise in assaults has been connected to increased drug use.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service senior officer Stephen Wood said: “Any attack on any emergency service worker is unacceptable.

“It is important that they can carry out their duties as safely as possible.

“Firefighter safety is of paramount importance to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and we are committed to helping to keep all of our employees safe.

“The SFRS takes a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour towards firefighters and will continue to work closely with our Police Scotland colleagues to ensure the safety of all emergency services workers.”

This comes as reports show that drug supply offences in Dundee were up 44% for the period of April-June this year, compared with the same period in 2020, when the country was in its first lockdown.

Officers also say drugs and alcohol were a factor in more than a third of serious violent crimes recorded during that period.

Speaking at the Dundee City Council Community Safety meeting on Monday, Councillor George McIrvine said: “It’s clear the big issue is the possession and supply of drugs.

“When I look at the statistics, I see the biggest increases in Coldside, Lochee and the East End, which are the three poorest areas in Dundee.”