Perth and Kinross crime falls to 10-year low, study reveals

taskforce: Chief social worker highlights drop in offences

Crime in Perth and Kinross has dropped to its lowest level in 10 years.

A new study by the region’s top social worker shows there were around 4,500 offences recorded in the last year, compared to 6,890 a decade earlier.

Crimes of dishonesty are down 40% in the same period, while reconviction rates are below the Scottish average.

It follows the creation of the Perth and Kinross Community Justice Partnership in 2016, a taskforce dedicated to preventing and reducing crime, as well as helping offenders get back into society.

The group, which includes representatives from among others Police Scotland and NHS Tayside, arranges community service work and offers support to released prisoners.

In a report to go before councillors tomorrow, chief social work officer Jacquie Pepper said the number of young offenders had fallen to an all-time low, with 197 in 2016-17, compared with 342 in 2010-11.

There has also been a significant drop in reported concerns about the wellbeing and welfare of children.

In the last year, there were 4,160 cases – a full third less than the year before.

It is the first time the figures have fallen in the last five years, largely thanks to – according to the study – the introduction of Police Scotland’s Vulnerable Persons database.

Officers are encouraged to add to the database the names of any people whose wellbeing they are concerned about.

Ms Pepper outlines the challenges local social workers face in the next year.

“Perth and Kinross is preparing for population increases and an associated increase in the number of older people and people living with dementia and long-term conditions,” she said.

“The challenges ahead for social care and social work services are unparalleled. Rising demand, the need to redesign and change while maintaining business continuity all at a time of diminishing resources creates significant pressure on the workforce.”

She said: “The council is investing just under £4 million in an ambitious transformation programme across social care and social work services. This will allow the focus on prevention, earlier intervention, personalisation and building resilient and self-caring communities to continue at a time of unprecedented budget restraints.”

The council is investing just under £4 million in an ambitious transformation programme across social care and socialwork services. JACQUIE PEPPER

Picture: PA. The number of young offenders has fallen to an all-time low, with 197 in 2016-17, compared with 342 in 2010-11.