Marked drop in crime in Angus, say police

COMMUNITY: Fall in number of reported incidents in last three months of 2018 welcomed by authority

Positive policing is paying dividends in Angus, according to a new report.

Local area commander David Mcintosh revealed the overall number of reported crimes in Angus in the last three months of 2018 showed a reduction of 19.3%, a fall from 7,376 to 5,954 incidents for this reporting period.

At Angus Council’s scrutiny and audit committee in Forfar yesterday, he said: “This is 1,422 fewer victims of crime in the communities of Angus.

“The overall number of group one, serious violent crime shows a reduction of 3.7% from 82 incidents previously to 79 incidents for this reporting period.”

Area commander Mcintosh was commenting on a report compiled by Chief Superintendent Andrew Todd, which found there was a slight increase in serious assaults, which rose from 46 incidents to 49.

The detection rate for these crime types is 89.8%, an improvement of 9.4 %.

The meeting heard focused activity on robberies and those responsible for perpetrating such crimes remains successful with the overall number of robberies remaining low at 13 compared to 19 in the previous year’s quarter.

Area Commander Mcintosh told councillors tackling serious and organised crime groups remains a key focus for Police Scotland.

He said: “Local officers are supported by divisional and national resources and target groups operating in the Angus area.

“Such groups take every opportunity to gain profit from criminal activities ranging from dealing controlled drugs and crimes of dishonesty.”

In the last quarter, a total £10,261 of controlled drugs have been recovered in Angus made up of approximately 52% heroin, 40% cannabis and 7% cocaine. Amphetamine and other drugs make up the final 1%.

Mr Mcintosh said: “For the first time we have seen the recovery of heroin outstrip cannabis. This is something we will be keeping an eye on.”

Another area for concern was the highest-ever level of recorded anti-social behaviour for Angus with in excess of 5,500 recorded incidents.

The report added: “The effects of this is felt most in Arbroath where youth-related disorder and anti-social behaviour remains a key issue.

“A community officer continues to be dedicated to support work at Arbroath Academy, Arbroath High School and Ladyloan Primary Schools.

“Work continues between Police Scotland, education and partners to tackle ongoing youth issues in Arbroath.

“Opportunities around specific mentoring programmes in schools are being explored with a bid to access national funding being prepared.”

Work continues between Police Scotland, education and partners to tackle ongoing youth issues in Arbroath. POLICE REPORT