The number of recorded crimes in Scotland fell last month, but there was a notable increase in violent attacks investigated by police in Dundee.
Housebreaking and non-sexual violent assaults increased by 59% and 39%, respectively, compared to last April in the city of Discovery.
Nationally, there was an 8% decrease in housebreaking and a 14% decrease in non-sexual violent assaults.
Housebreaking was also on the up in Fife, Aberdeen and the Highlands.
The coronavirus pandemic has also had an impact on the types of crime being committed, with fraud cases seeing an upturn.
Driving while under the influence of drink or drugs was on the up across Scotland, with 604 offences recorded by police, compared to 507 the previous year.
Sexual assault offences were down nationally by 46%, while rape and attempted rape reduced by 27% compared to April 2019.
The number of offences recorded by the police in Scotland was 29% lower in April 2020 than in April 2019, reducing from 21,644 to 15,449.
The number of crimes recorded was 18% lower in April 2020 than in April 2019, reducing from 20,994 to 17,171.
Lockdown ‘more effective than SNP’
Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr said: “The lockdown has clearly had a far greater impact on reducing crime in Scotland than the SNP has had in the last 13 years – particularly as crime has been rising for the last two years.
“Against this backdrop it’s pretty shocking that the number of individuals using knives as part of their criminal activity has actually increased.
“Crimes of fraud have been rising for some time, but it is particularly reprehensible that devious criminals have been preying on anyone struggling through lockdown.
“Given this increase in crime involving knives, the SNP government simply cannot be complacent.
“The SNP government must rethink its soft touch justice agenda and resource Police Scotland properly or crime levels may soon begin to soar again.”
Proactive work launched across Tayside
In Dundee, divisional commander chief superintendent Andrew Todd said: “The recorded crime figures show some changes to the demands on policing but it will undoubtedly take months, or even years, before we understand the true impact of the coronavirus pandemic on crime levels in the Tayside area, and Scotland as a whole. During April, there was an decrease in overall crime of 17% in Dundee in comparison to the same month last year.
“Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, proactive operations have still been launched across Tayside to target violent offenders and our police officers, staff and special constables will continue to carry out initiatives in collaboration with our partners to achieve the best possible results for our communities. During April, serious assaults reduced by 58%.
“In relation to acquisitive crime, prevention is absolutely key. When crimes of this nature happen we do absolutely everything in our power to identify offenders and provide high-visibility patrols; however, I urge the public to make their home and vehicle security a priority to reduce your chances of becoming a victim.”
North East ‘continues to be one of the safest places to live’
Aberdeen superintendent Kate Stephen said: “The recorded crime figures show some changes to the demands on policing but it will undoubtedly take months, or even years, before we understand the true impact of the coronavirus pandemic on crime levels in the North East and Scotland as a whole. During April, overall crime in Aberdeen decreased by 11%, 36% in Aberdeenshire and 35% in Moray in comparison to the same month the previous year.
“Overall in the North East there was a reduction in house-breakings when compared to the same month the previous year. The North East continues to be one of the safest places to live in Scotland; however, we cannot be complacent and continue to work with our partners to prevent crime and keep our communities safe. We also need the public to help us to do this by reporting any suspicious activity and taking basic home and personal security measures to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime.”
Detection rate in Fife on the up
Fife divisional commander chief superintendent Derek McEwan said: “The Scottish Government crime statistics issued this week show that a total of six further non-domestic and commercial housebreakings took place during April 2020, compared to 2019.
“However, the detection rate for non-domestic housebreakings has risen in comparison to the previous year and currently sits at around 51%.
“In addition, domestic housebreaking has fallen by around 12%, with detection rates currently sitting at around 44%, while the national detection rate for such offences is around 35%.
“Tackling acquisitive crime, including housebreaking remains one of our top priorities and through Operation Principle we continually identify those involved in such offences and bring them to justice.
“In addition, we also work closely with other divisions whenever intelligence suggests criminals are travelling to or from Fife in order to commit housebreaking.
“While we will always investigate any and all reports of housebreaking to the fullest, the public have a vital role to play in ensuring their homes and property remain safe and protected.
“We have a range of really useful crime prevention advice available on our website at scotland.police.uk.”
Fraud a priority
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “The recorded crime figures show some changes to the demands on policing but it will undoubtedly take months, or even years, before we understand the true impact of the coronavirus pandemic on crime levels in Scotland.
“Our officers will continue to pursue fraudsters who set out to cause harm and misery to our communities. I know that private and virtual spaces are not safe places for some people and that the current restrictions may expose them to a greater risk of abuse, harm and neglect.
“Police Scotland will always pursue reports of domestic abuse or sexual crime whenever they occur and will continue to support those who feel vulnerable in our communities, particularly during this challenging time. Police Scotland is here to help 24 hours a day and if you need our support or intervention, please contact us.”
Praying on vulnerable “abhorrent”
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “While many types of crime have fallen in recent months, we know that some people have been using lockdown as a chance to commit offences, notably fraud – including targeting some of our most vulnerable citizens and exploiting businesses.
“We must remain vigilant to such criminals, and also to the risks of harm against those who may be living in fear of abuse and violence within their own homes. I would urge anyone who has experienced or witnessed crime to continue to report it.
“Some women and children may feel very isolated now, and need our help more than ever. My message to anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence is absolutely clear: while you may feel vulnerable and unseen, you are not alone. Help from police and support services is still available round the clock.
“We know that criminals may also be using lockdown as a chance to exploit the vulnerable, especially those most at risk at home and in the care sector. This behaviour is absolutely abhorrent and we, along with the police, are determined to pursue those who set out to cause harm and misery to our communities.”
