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Mixed emotions over latest Highlands police statistics





Latest Police Scotland statistics show a mixed picture
Latest Police Scotland statistics show a mixed picture

An “improving road safety picture” was highlighted by Police Scotland for the Highlands and Islands this week, although there was “real disappointment” over the rise of violence.

The stats were produced on Wednesday (September 30) by the Divisional Commander for the Highland and Islands to the local scrutiny board of the Highland Council.

Chief Superintendent Julian Innes presented the figures for the first quarter of 2015/16 [1 April to 1 August] to local councillors as part of Police Scotland's “commitment to local scrutiny.”

The figures show that seven people were killed on the roads in the Highlands compared to eight for the same period last year. The number of people detected for drink/drug driving offences was 153 compared to 152 and the number of people detected speeding was 2864 compared to 1910.

The number of people reported in relation to drug offences has increased from 68 for the first quarter of 2014/15 to 94 for the same period of 2015/16.

Commenting on the figures, Chief Superintendent Julian Innes said: “We continue to focus our resources on the issues that local communities tell us matter to them.

“Road safety is our number one priority and I am pleased that we are seeing some improvements. However, any death on our roads is regrettable and we will continue our work to raise awareness about the dangers of the road.

“The way we deploy our road policing resources is just one way we deal with road safety and we will make no apology for taking action against those who pose a danger on our roads by committing offences like drink or drug driving, speeding or using a mobile phone.

“I am also encouraged by the increase in reported incidents of sexual offences and domestic abuse as more people come forward in the knowledge that we will take sensitively and thoroughly investigate any report made to us. Much credit has to go to our partners who support us in this challenging area of work, particularly Women’s Aid.

“Our officers continue to take action against those involved with drugs and we have seen an increase in the number of people reported. We rely on information from the local community in order to take action and I would encourage people to keep supporting us with this either directly to ourselves or through Crimestoppers.”

The Chief Superintendent was “really disappointed” in the rise in violence within the Highlands.

He commented: “There have been far too many serious assaults this year. Alcohol and drugs do play their part but I am calling on the people of the Highlands to respect each other more and to resist from resorting to violence. It is not acceptable and the likelihood is that any person committing an act of violence will be locked up, kept in custody and will appear in court the next day.

“I am also, however, encouraged by the increase in reported incidents of sexual offences and domestic abuse as more people come forward in the knowledge that we will take sensitively and thoroughly investigate any report made to us.

“Much credit has to go to our partners who support us in this challenging area of work, particularly Women’s Aid.”

Chair of the Community Safety, Public engagement and equalities committee, Councillor Hamish Fraser welcomed the report by Chief Superintendent Julian Innes, saying:

“The increase in violence is a worrying trend. This kind of crime is often behind closed doors and so is difficult for police to prevent. It is important to note the role of alcohol misuse associated with violent crime and the Council is fully committed along with our partners in doing what we can to highlight this issue and address it.”

He added: “The rise in shoplifting reported here today is also of concern and there are wider social and economic issues at play here. Theft from our shops is not a victimless crime and results in higher costs for everyone. I would especially like to see the bigger supermarkets and shops taking action to address this problem.”


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