Violent crime falls but fraud cases up
Crimes of fraud and housebreakings have risen but violent and sexual crimes are falling - according to the latest police figures.
The data from Police Scotland’s Q2 Management of Information report - which covers the period between April and September 2022 - sees a drop in the main five crime groups across Forth Valley from 5,908 to 5,554.
It includes a drop in violent offences which were down from 329 to 280 with the number of serious assaults falling by 118 to 84, meanwhile there were also four fewer robberies and assaults with intent to rob.
The number of sexual crimes reported within the region has dropped from 445 to 330 - with the number of reported rapes down by three and attempted rapes and indecent sexual assaults falling from 140 to 112.
The detection rate for these crimes also rose by 20 percentage points in the second quarter.
However, the picture does contain some more worrying statistics with housebreakings including attempted break-ins - up from 150 to 182 and both common theft and shoplifting also on the rise.
Fraud levels in Forth Valley are also matching a national trend - incidents of this nature have climbed from 404 to 436 in Q2.
Chief Superintendent Alan Gibson, Divisional Commander for Forth Valley said: “The second quarter of 2022 was a significantly demanding period for policing and within Forth Valley we have continued to rise to the challenges and have seen from very positive reductions in a range of crime types.
“Nevertheless, we will not become complacent and recognise that in order to build on these successes and inspire further confidence in policing, we must continue to work alongside our communities to identify and address the issues they identify as priorities for the division.
“While I welcome the fall in overall violent and sexual offences, I know that acquisitive crime can have a significantly detrimental effect on victims, particularly given the current cost of living crisis and this is an area we will be looking to address with the utmost urgency.
“Much like with the rise in fraud, I believe the best form of protection against such crimes is to equip our communities with all the necessary information they require to safeguard themselves and so I would urge everyone to visit our website www.scotland.police.uk to view all of our crime prevention and personal safety information.”
Elsewhere, a renewed focus on road safety offences has led to casualties almost halving from 150 to 79 - with fatal collisions falling from seven to one and serious road casualties going down from 59 to 36.
Chief Supt Gibson added: “The DCC has reaffirmed Police Scotland’s commitment to road safety and while the national Q2 Management of Information show that fatalities have sadly risen, Forth Valley is bucking this trend and will continue to work alongside our relevant partners to keep our roads safe for all who use them.
“Feedback from the public we serve remains vitally important to help us shape our policing priorities and dedicate resources appropriately.
“Please help us provide the best level of policing service by taking the Your Police survey, which is also available on our website.”