Welcome for reduction in Moray’s crime figures

Willie Findlay – positive relationships.

Moray’s police chief has welcome figures that show a widespread reduction in crime in the region over the second quarter of this year.

Aberdeenshire and Moray’s divisional commander is highlighting “encouraging aspects” of the crime figures for the period from April to June, which show that vandalism has fallen by 22% while assaults are down by 19% when compared to the same period in 2013.

The largest reduction is in car crime, with a 41% drop – but over the same period instances of housebreaking went up by 6%.

There was also an alarming increase in domestic abuse cases which saw a 20% increase while the detection rate was also up by 7%.

“There are many encouraging aspects to this performance report – particularly in the area of violence and anti-social behaviour,” Chief Superintendent Mark McLaren said.

He added: “Our primary focus is keeping people safe, so we will not be complacent and we will continue to build on our reductions in crime and increasing our detections.”

The police chief added that there was concern at the increase in housebreakings but that the force had already responded with a number of operations and campaigns already in progress.

Moray’s divisional head, Chief Inspector Willie Findlay, welcomed the figures as a reflection of the hard work put in by his officers and staff.

He said: “A number of positive relationships have been built up over some time in Moray including with the Council, NHS Grampian and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services as well as our local communities.

“This has helped us in a number of ways to target areas of concern including anti-social behaviour.”

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