Less crime in Highlands

CRIME rates in the Highlands fell last year with more than 4,000 fewer victims, while detection improved, according to the latest figures.

Performance statistics issued by Northern Constabulary yesterday show there was a 12 per cent drop in the number of class 1-5 crimes, the most serious group, during 2009-10 over the previous year. At the same time, the detection rate rose from 84.8 per cent to 85.1 per cent over all classes of crime.

Detection of serious crimes against the person reached 92.4 per cent, while the overall detection rate for classes 1-5 was 62.2 per cent. The report shows cases of indecency fell by 25 per cent, and dishonesty by 9 per cent.