Crime figures plunge to lowest levels in a decade on Tayside

Published on Monday 28 June 2010 15:06

CRIME in Tayside has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, it was revealed yesterday.

The number of crimes reported across Tayside has decreased by a staggering 12.5 per cent in the past year, according to the force's annual report.

And there has been an even bigger reduction of 17 per cent in crimes of violence and a 28 per cent fall in robberies.

Justine Curran, the force's Chief Constable, told members of the area's Joint Police Board at a meeting in Perth that the dedication and professionalism of the officers of Tayside Police had played a major role in driving down crime in the area.

Ms Curran said: "This high level of performance has been achieved in a year where there has been significant demand on all our resources and expertise. Major investigations including murder enquiries, cross-border drugs enforcement operations, long-running missing person enquiries and even the challenges set by extreme weather, have all required us to demonstrate our resilience.

"While doing this, our officers and staff have continued to deliver a quality of local policing that is the best I have ever experienced. I am proud to lead this force and we will always ensure that the people of Tayside are served and protected in the best possible way."

Ms Curran, who was appointed Chief Constable in February, explained that the overall decrease of 12.5 per cent represented more than 2,500 fewer victims of crime across Tayside.

During the year there was a 17 per cent reduction in violent crime, with 118 fewer victims, a 28 per cent reduction in robbery, with 52 fewer victims, and a 12 per cent reduction in racist crime.

The force also recorded a 24 per cent reduction in vehicle crime and a 14 per cent decrease in vandalism.

Ms Curran added: "Detection rates remain virtually static at 47 per cent, but I am pleased to see significant increases in detection rates in particular areas of crime. Notably, the detection rate for violent crime is 86 per cent - three percentage points higher than last year - and robbery detections are at 69 per cent, the best in five years."

And she pledged: "We will continue to put communities at the heart of everything that we do. We will continue to fight crime, bring criminals to justice and protect the vulnerable, and we will continue to show that we care and deliver a good quality service.

"Community-based policing and proactive initiatives that are tailored to meet the different needs of local communities are paying dividends and driving crime down."

The substantial drop in crime levels was also welcomed by Councillor Ian Mackintosh, the convener of Tayside Joint Police Board.

He said: "Tayside Police is one of the most highly respected forces in Scotland, with the area it polices seen as one of the safest to live in. I am extremely proud of the force and its commitment to the wellbeing of the people of Tayside, but neither I nor the rest of the board members are complacent."