Crime detection rates in the Highlands show rise in latest figures

Recorded crime across the region has also risen slightly since the region began to emerge from Covid-19 restrictions.

There were 415 detections relating to drug crime according to a police performance report for the first quarter of 2022-23.

New data also shows a reduction in serious assaults, and a nine per cent rise in the detection rate for so-called “Group 3” crimes which includes house-breakings and theft.

Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett, said: “According to the latest quarterly figures, the Highlands and Islands continues to record one of the lowest crime rates per head of population in Scotland.”

Referring to the shocking incidents in Skye and Wester Ross in August which left islander John MacKinnon (47) dead and others injured he acknowledged comment about low crime rates might be as difficult for some to hear as it was to say but added: “This was an extremely rare incident which shocked the country and my thoughts continue to be with all those affected.

“Detectives from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team led the investigation, while our officers are still working closely with the local community to provide reassurance and support.”

He continued: “While statistics are not reflective of the vast amount of important and preventative work ongoing in our communities to keep people safe, the quarter one figures serve as a useful tool to shape our local policing plans moving forward.

“It is absolutely vital that we continue to work closely with the diverse communities that exist across the Highlands and Islands so that we can understand your views and priorities – we want to know what we’re getting right, and what we can do better.”

Nationally, crime continues to evolve with another increase in fraud offences, up 8.1 per cent on the previous year and up 59 per cent on the five-year mean.

Around 90-95 per cent of frauds have an online aspect and police say they are taking action to protect people from digital harm and crimes in the virtual world through the Policing in a Digital World programme.

Ch Sup Trickett added: “Policing is relentless and always evolving.

“The effects of the pandemic will continue to be felt for some time and we will now face new challenges, such as the current cost of living crisis, that will undoubtedly be reflected in recorded crimes going forward.”

Members of the public can share their views on policing via an online survey at https://bit.ly/3ehtV78