Dundee’s top police officer has said he is disappointed to see a rise in violent crime in the city.
Figures from April 1 and June 30 show an increase of ten recorded serious assaults compared to the same period last year.
The statistics that have been presented to the local scrutiny board also show a 21.7% increase in the number of drug detections, a 35% reduction in robberies and a 7.6% reduction in the number of complaints of anti-social behaviour.
The number of drink/drug detections has increased by 20.1% but there has been a significant reduction in the number of people seriously injured on Dundee’s roads compared the same reporting period last year.
Chief Superintendent Eddie Smith said: “It is disappointing to see an increase in violent crime, this is partly due to a change in the Crime Recording Standards and a change in the guidelines interpreting serious assault.
“We will continue to focus on tackling those who offend and violence of any kind.
“The detection for this quarter in relation to housebreaking is the highest rate in the last five years and this has been achieved by focused investigations into targeting Dundee’s most prolific offenders.
“We remain committed to carrying out full enquiries to ensure all avenues are looked into if your home is broken into.
“It is encouraging to see the increase in the number of drug detections.
“Operation Slate is an ongoing operation targeting individuals involved the supply and distribution of in the Dundee area.
“To date this has proved very successful with 26 individuals arrested for a variety of crimes and offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act and the recovery of drugs worth over £88,000.
“Road safety continues to be a priority for Tayside Division and the increase in the drink/drug driving detections demonstrates that there are still too many people willing to take the risk.
“This trend is particularly disappointing given the significant publicity that followed the reduction of the drink drive limit during late 2014.
“Additional detections can also be attributed to increased high visibility intelligence led patrolling, continuing support of the public in reporting instances of suspected drink/drug driving and a 50% increase in the number of vehicles stopped and checked by the Divisional Road Policing Unit during this period.
“Our Centre Safe operations and Campaign Against Violence deployments have successfully contributed to a decrease in the overall number of complaints of disorder and officers will continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure this good work continues.”
Mr Smith continued: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank police officers, police staff and special constables for their hard work and support.
“We will continue to work closely with partner agencies and local communities in order to keep Dundee’s residents and visitors safe”.