Levels of housebreaking have increased across Forth Valley, the latest figures have shown.
Police Scotland last week released statistics covering April to June this year, which shows that the overall number of offences recorded in the division is 2687 – compared to 3064 last year.
Whilst the latest figures revealed a drop in the number of sexual offences taking place over the three-month period, instances of what police term as “acquisitive crime” – crimes which include theft, aimed at acquiring property – are on the rise.
The division saw a rise in acquisitive crime with overall reports rising from 987 to 1161.
The total number of housebreakings, including attempted break-ins, has increased from 64 to 86.
The report also shows that in total, 85 fewer sexual offences were reported, including the number of indecent and sexual assaults reducing from 75, to 59.
There were also five fewer incidents of rape and attempted rape recorded.
Motor vehicle crime has reduced, with 19 fewer incidents having been reported.z
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Fraud is an ongoing issue for communities across the country, with numbers continuing to rise and Forth Valley has not been immune to this. In total, crimes of this nature have risen from 212, to 221.
Police Scotland says that proactive work within Forth Valley is continuing to prove successful, with the total number of weapons and drugs offences falling from 963 to 646. That includes positive reductions for instances of handling and using knives and bladed weapons, as well as drug possession and supply offences.
Overall motoring offences increased throughout the region from 1264 to 1248, however, drink and drug driving has reduced along with dangerous driving and speeding.
The total number of road casualties has more than halved, with no fatal collisions having taken place, three fewer serious injury collisions occurring and 29 less slight injury collisions recorded.
Divisional Commander for Forth Valley, Chief Superintendent Alan Gibson, said: “While we are no longer operating within Covid restrictions, our data for Q1 [first quarter] is compared with the same period of 2021 when some restrictions were still in place and so we must be pragmatic when conducting review and analysis.
“Nevertheless, I’m very encouraged by the downward trend in recorded crime, including in some very important areas, such as sexual crime, drugs and weapons offences. This is undoubtedly as a result of the dedicated work of proactive CID officers and local policing teams working in collaboration.
“I recognise the rise in acquisitive crime and we will continue to work closely with communities to, in the first instance, deter such offences, but to also conduct robust investigations with relevant partners and neighbouring divisions whenever these crimes do occur so those responsible can be brought to justice.”
He added: “The national rise in fraud reflects the growing prevalence of cyber-crime and the need for continued investment and training to allow Police Scotland to properly get to grips with these challenges and further safeguard the public when online.”
The Q1 2022-23 Performance Report was due to be presented at the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee on Tuesday, October 11.
