Area sees drop in serious crime

Nov 19 2008 by Robert Mitchell, Wishaw Press

CRIME across North Lanarkshire has hit a six-year low according to Chief Superintendent Caroline Scott.

The good news was announced as she left her post as Divisional Commander on Friday for an intensive training course which will see her qualify as Assistant Chief Constable.

Before leaving, the Commander paid tribute to the effort and commitment of her officers and thanked partners for the support they have provided to help achieve these excellent results, which include the lowest level of serious crime for three years.

Chief Supt Scott said: “I am delighted that the figures show such a significant improvement, it is just reward for the dedicated approach from everyone involved in making our communities safer.

“Overall, crime and offences have fallen by 13 per cent. This represents a drop of over 5000 crimes, while more serious crimes have fallen by six per cent.

“Particularly pleasing is the fall of nearly 17 per cent in relation to serious violent crime, taking this to its lowest level for six years. Common assault, rape, robbery and housebreaking have also plummeted to a six-year low while vandalism and related destruction crime have fallen to their lowest level for five years.”

There are plenty positives in the figures for the police. Murder and attempt murder are down 11 crimes (40 per cent) from 28 to 17, while serious assaults are down 23 crimes (nine per cent) from 266 to 243.

Common assault is down 254 crimes (nine per cent) from 2984 to 2730, and rape/attempted rape is down six crimes (23 per cent) from 26 to 20.

Crimes of indecent exposure are down 18 (43 per cent) from 42 to 24, housebreaking is down 99 crimes (nine per cent) from 1085 to 986 and vandalism is down 690 crimes (13 per cent) from 5119 to 4429.

Chief Supt Scott added: “More important than statistical reports is the fact that this means that there have been many hundred fewer victims of crime. Safer people in safer communities has to be our real drive.

“The great deal of effort by our officers, staff and the partners they work with in North Lanarkshire has contributed to achieving that.”