Highlands and Islands still safe place to live, says top cop
Recently published police performance figures reveal a slight rise in some recorded crime categories during the first half of the year.
Commenting on the figures, divisional commander Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett said the Highland and Islands area continues to be one of the safest places to live in Scotland, but warned the region is not immune to issues faced elsewhere.
‘During this period we have seen an increase in serious and common assaults being recorded as well as a rise in fraud,’ he said.
‘Supporting victims of sexual crime and targeting perpetrators is a priority and we welcome the increase in recorded sexual crimes as confidence in reporting grows.
‘However, we know there is still much more to do to improve reporting of traditionally under-reported crimes such as sexual offending.
‘The innovative ThatGuy campaign underlines the importance of this work and we remain committed to taking action against perpetrators.
‘The decrease in the number of people killed on our roads is welcome, however road traffic offences continue to be an area of focus as we continue our commitment to improving road safety.
‘To that end, we have recorded an increase in road traffic offences including dangerous and careless driving, drink/ drug driving, speeding and seatbelt offences.’
Chief Superintendent Trickett added that comparing statistics is always challenging as there is a unique set of circumstances behind every incident and the different levels of restrictions faced due to Covid will have an impact for some time to come.
He concluded: ‘One thing that remains unchanged however, is the commitment from officers and staff to make the Highland and Islands Division a safe place for all.’
The Performance Report was presented at the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee last Thursday.