North-east fares well in latest crime figures
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POLICE Scotland says the north-east is one of the country's safest places to live after new crime figures were released.
The 2019-2020 year-end Performance Report released yesterday shows a decrease in violent crime when compared to the previous year, as well as significant drops in house-breakings (13 per cent) and motor vehicle crime (nearly 16 per cent).
Total drug crime, in particular supply charges, spiked, which police say is a result of ongoing proactive activity to tackle sale and supply. The force says it is working with partners to refer the most vulnerable into support services.
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Campbell Thomson said: "Our police officers, police staff and special constables are committed to ensuring the north-east remains one of the safest place to live in Scotland and our focus on prevention is absolutely key to our activity each day.
"The strong relationships we have with our partners cannot be underestimated, as well as the targeted operations launched continuously throughout the year to send a clear message that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities.
"Protecting people and supporting victims of crime is a priority and we will continue to work alongside our partners to help the most vulnerable people, strengthen our support and find solutions to issues that cannot be fixed by one agency alone."
He added: "An incredible amount of innovative work was carried out last year to identify vulnerable people being exploited by criminals linked to drugs – known as 'cuckooing' – with many people identified as victims now engaging with support services. This preventative work has been recognised at a national level and we are committed to continuing similar work throughout the next year."
In North East Division, 347 incidents were recorded under the new Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 which came into effect on April 1 last year. Officers have undergone training on forms of abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviours which the new law recognises as abuse. Police say the new law is making a significant difference with perpetrators now facing the consequences of their actions whether their abuse is psychological, physical, sexual or financial.
Chief Superintendent Thomson added: "These are unprecedented times we are living in and the strong relationship Police Scotland has with the public has never been more valued.
"We have always taken great pride in the strong links we have with communities in the north-east and despite the extraordinary powers police have recently been given to help keep people safe, I believe our relationships remain just as strong.
"These year-end figures, which build on the very positive work over past years, serve as a benchmark for the year ahead and I would like to thank the public for your continued support as we work hard to keep people safe."
