Drink- drive figures soar in lockdown
Ayrshire’s top cop this week slammed figures which reveal a surge in drink driving offences in lockdown.
A total of 153 cases were recorded in Ayrshire between April 1 and June 30 – up 54 per cent from 99 in the same period last year.
That’s despite a huge drop in traffic as the region “stayed at home” during the coronavirus lockdown.
Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain, commander of Ayrshire Division, said: “It is disappointing that despite fewer cars being on the road, some motorists have continued to drive dangerously and under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
“The devastating impact of drink and drug driving cannot be understated and we are committed to reducing road casualties and improving road safety in the division.”
The figures also reveal crimes of fraud have more than doubled, with cyber- crime blamed for
the increase as criminals take advantage of new technology.
Between April 1 and June 30, 273 instances of criminal fraud were recorded by Ayrshire police officers – up from just 116 during the same period last year.
The data also revealed more weapons and drugs were removed from our streets – with 36 crimes recorded, 10 more than last year.
Mr Hussain added: “Officers have been working throughout the pandemic keeping people in Ayrshire safe in public, private and virtual spaces.
“This has been an extraordinary period and it is too early to draw any conclusions about long- term crime trends.
“However, we are committed to taking weapons and drugs off our streets and the latest figures show our determination to protect our communities from harm.
“There is no doubt that criminals will use any opportunity to exploit a situation and we have seen targeted attempts by fraudsters to take advantage of the pandemic.
“We work with colleagues in our specialist resources to tackle issues such as fraud and we will persistently pursue those who set out to cause misery to our communities.
“It is important that people also remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from fraud.”
A Police Scotland Q1 Performance Report says public confidence in policing was up by 20 per cent during the first quarter of 2020- 21.