NORTH EAST POLICE are saying that they are seeking significant reductions and increase detection rates for crimes that are most common in communities throughout their area of responsibility.
Acquisitive crime and overall violent crimes are at the forefront of local policing activity in recent months – with proactive action taken under Operation Magpie added to efforts to support the public in taking responsibility for their own safety and security proving particularly successful.
Housebreaking incidents have fallen by over one third on average compared to last year – while motor vehicle crime down by 21.5%. Across the region crimes of dishonesty have dropped by just over 10%, with detection rates up from 40.7% to 42.9%.
Significant efforts have also been made in reducing and tackling the most serious cases of violence, with a 14% reduction in serious assaults across the Division and detection rates up from 87.5% to 93.6%.
Detection rates for robberies are also up by more than 9% to 84.6% despite an increase in reports from 58 to 77, while detection rates for overall violent crimes as a whole remain positive (an increase from 72% to 74%).
Tackling violence and the devastating consequences it can have while bringing those responsible to court is a priority for North East Division, bolstered by the recently launched national ‘One Punch’ campaign and many local initiatives.
The figures cover the period from April to September this year and have been submitted to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) as part of Police Scotland’s commitment to public scrutiny. Data has also been submitted from all Divisions across the country and shows the North East to be in a strong position nationally, with detection rates for many crime groups above the national average.
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Campbell Thomson said: “These figures are evidence of the incredibly positive work ongoing in the North East to tackle the crimes that have caused most concern to our communities. This area is generally an extremely safe area to live and work so when crime does happen we take action quickly and do everything in our power to prevent it from recurring.
“Acquisitive, opportunistic crimes in particular have been a challenge locally, with one of the main causes being that because we live in such a safe area people think they will never be the victim of crime.
“A group of individuals emerged who preyed on this attitude and caused significant hurt and damage by targeting homes, businesses and vehicles, however as reflected in these latest figures we continue to record significant successes in apprehending many of the criminals involved and making the North East a hostile place in which to try and commit such crime.
“Across the board this data reflects the very positive ongoing work of Police officers, Police staff, Special Constables and our external partners, but I also know we could not record such results without the continued support from communities themselves.
“It is the public who can tell us when and where suspicious activity is happening so that we can target our resources to the right places at the right times, whether it be to tackle acquisitive crime or seize drugs.
“It is also the public who can listen to our warnings of the devastating consequences of violent crime and perhaps think twice, and it is the public who can tell us if a vulnerable person is at risk so that we can intervene as soon as possible and work with our partners to ensure they are safe.
“We will never be complacent and be rest assured that our efforts will continue to ensure the area you live remains as safe as possible. However I ask the public to continue working with us to help us do this.”