Crackdown on violent crime in North Lanarkshire

Jan 27 2010 by Robert Mitchell, Wishaw Press

VIOLENT crime in North Lanarkshire has decreased dramatically – following a series of initiatives aimed at tackling offenders.

That’s the message from the area’s top cop after officers turned the spotlight on violent individuals resulting in the number of serious assaults dropping by 13 per cent since October.

Now Strathclyde Police divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Graham Cairns, is delighted with the success achieved so far. He said: “The latest figures demonstrate we are having a significant impact on violent crime and this is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of officers in recent months.

“It is easy to hide behind figures and statistics but, in real terms, these results show that we are bringing violent individuals to justice more often and more importantly there are fewer victims in our communities.

“Throughout the past year, we carried out a wide range of direct operations which targeted every level of criminality, whether it be violent crime, drug dealing or robberies.

“We are listening to the residents of North Lanarkshire and the feedback we receive is shaping our policing activities more than ever before. I urge local people to continue to play a part in this process and work with us to achieve further success.

“Expect to see further high-profile operations in the weeks and months that lie ahead and feel safe in the knowledge that we have more officers on the street, at the right times, and in the right places, than ever before.”

Over the last six weeks, police have cracked 79 per cent of serious assaults. In addition to the progress made regarding violent crime, recent figures relating to robbery also show a marked improvement. The detection rate has increased and the number of robberies for the same six-weeks period last year have decreased by 12.

A significant impact has also been made in reducing domestic abuse incidents. A specialist unit has been set up in the division, resulting in 24 per cent reduction in the number of incidents for December 2009 when compared to the same period the previous year.

On New Year’s day, there was a 46 per cent reduction for the same time last year.

Chief Superintendent Cairns added: “Domestic abuse was an area we recognised as in need of improvement and we now have dedicated officers focusing specifically on that type of crime.

“Again, the results can often mask the real benefit for local people. The reality is, less individuals are being subjected to domestic abuse, and we are breaking down the barriers for people to report incidents. The increased level of detections is sending out a strong message to the perpetrators of domestic violence that their behaviour will not be tolerated. The support available to victims is ever-improving and our success in this area will continue.

“We need the assistance of the people in North Lanarkshire to continue to make a real difference to your communities. The progress we have made is encouraging and you can look forward to another successful year of policing in the area.”

Anyone with information on crime in their area should visit the force website at www.strathclyde.police.uk for contact details. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where anonymity can be maintained.