CASH SEIZED FROM drug dealers has increased by over £24,000 in the last twelve months, according a report from the North East Police divisional commander.
In his report prepared for the Police, Fire and Rescue Service Committee at Moray Council this week, Chief Superintendent Campbell Thomson reports that in the year to February, just over £69,000 has been recovered under proceeds of crime legislation in Aberdeenshire and Moray.
That is compared to just under £36,000 the previous year – and reflects a corresponding increase in the number of arrests drug possession offences in Moray, up 10 to 208 from the year to February 2015.
However, there was a very slight fall in arrests for drug supply, down by two at 33 for the year – these figures not reflecting the 16 arrests made only last week through a series of high-profile raids in Moray.
In his report Chief Superintendent Thomson says: “Serious Organised Crime and Drugs continues to be a priority both in terms of enforcement and education.
“It is noted that over the period there has been an increase in Drug Deaths which is an obvious cause for concern. Proactive work in this area will remain a priority in Moray over the forthcoming year.”
The report also highlights a significant fall in the number of Housebreakings recording in Moray, down 27, or 13.6%, over the year with a corresponding detection rate showing an increase of 7.8%. Motor Vehicle crime, however, saw an increase of 34.2% with 40 more incidents recorded.
The Chief Superintendent comments: “The review period has seen a drop in the number of Housebreakings with detection rates for such crimes also rising.
“Motor Vehicle Crime in the Moray area remains an issue with a rise experienced in terms of such crimes. Preventative measures continue to be adopted with particular emphasis being placed on tackling opportunist thefts across the area with ongoing crime patrols and additional advice being provided to the public in terms of properly securing their vehicles.”
An ongoing issue facing Moray is vandalism, with the report showing a 26.3% increase in recorded incidents and a detection rate increase of just 1.6%.
Speeding offences have remained pretty much the same having fallen by just 0.2%, while driving while using a mobile phone saw an increase of 17.8% and drink/driving offences rising by 10%.
The full report will be considered by the committee on Thursday.