Police campaign to address rise in Perth and Kinross break-ins

CRIME: Police plan safety campaign following rise in housebreaking

Police chiefs are planning a summer safety campaign after a sharp rise in break-ins across Perth and Kinross.

Latest stats released by Police Scotland show an increase of more than 45% in thefts and attempted thefts by housebreaking.

There were 183 cases probed by officers between April and December last year, compared to 126 the year before.

The figures, which also reveal a similar-sized rise in shoplifting cases, were presented to members of Perth and Kinross Council’s housing and community safety committee on yesterday.

Chief Inspector Ian Scott said the crimes included break-ins to houses and commercial premises, as well as sheds and outbuildings.

“This is something we will be looking to address as we come into the summer period,” he said.

“We get people who find their lawnmower has stopped working and rather than go and buy a new one, they’ll just steal one from their neighbour.

“We will be putting out safety messages in relation to home and shed security.”

He added: “While we have seen an increase, I should point out that last year was particularly low for recorded housebreakings. If you look at the five-year average (226.8 cases), you’ll see we are still in a relatively healthy position.

“These cases can have a real detrimental impact on individuals, their feelings of safety at home and in the wider community, so it will continue to be a focus for us.”

The rate of detection in these cases has also risen from 20.6% to just under 40%.

Councillors heard there had been a 24% drop in violent crimes, although the number of incidents where emergency service workers were abused or attacked was on the rise.

Mr Scott said: “We continue to support staff including police, fire service and NHS staff, when they have been abused by members of the public.

“Often these incidents are linked to alcohol, drug abuse and occasionally mental health issues, but they are never acceptable in any shape or form and will be dealt with robustly by myself and my colleagues.”

Meanwhile, the number of domestic abuse incidents reported to police had dropped by 10.7%, from 932 to 832.

There were less sexual crimes – 209 between April to December 2017, compared to 226 the year before – while the amount of vandalism and malicious mischief rose from 564 to 600

While we have seen an increase, I should point out that last year was particularly low for recorded housebreakings.

CHIEF INSPECTOR IAN SCOTT