Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Recorded crimes of serious assault reduce
Recorded crimes of serious assault are down across Lanarkshire.
Housebreakings, including attempts, also reduced by 150 and there were 147 fewer crimes involving offensive bladed weapons compared to the same period last year.
Figures for the area reveal a drop of 40 recorded incidents of serious assault and 35 fewer crimes of fire-raising.
The latest statistics from Police Scotland’s Quarter 3 Performance Report also show that public confidence in policing has strengthened with increased officer visibility and a consistent service during COP26 being key factors behind the rise.
The report outlines findings of the service’s Your Police Survey between October and December 2021, when more than 800 members of the public shared their views on policing in Scotland.
Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Alan
Waddell, told the Advertiser: “Officers across Lanarkshire are interacting with our communities and their visible presence has contributed to that renewed strength in public confidence.
“They will continue to engage, listen and act upon information to ensure the safety of those who live and work here.
“Dedicated local action plans are reducing crime across some categories but in line with the national picture, Lanarkshire has recorded an increase in indecent sexual assault by 43 more incidents.
“Police Scotland is developing a Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy and a key part of it will be involving and listening to survivors.
“As Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said, tackling sexual crime remains a priority and we will continue to focus campaigns and enforcement in this area.”
The Performance Report was presented to the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee earlier this month.