Inverness police chief reports increases in sexual and violent crimes
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Reported sexual and violent crimes are on the up in Inverness, according to a new report.
Figures show that in the year up to March, the number of reported sexual crimes in the city rose by 133 – 71.5 per cent – from the previous year.
Serious assaults also increased by 12 per cent from the previous year while common assaults went up by 11 per cent.
The supply of drugs, shop lifting and fraud are also on the rise while housebreaking decreased although these involved low numbers with one less for the last year than the previous one.
The latest crime statistics and trends in the Highland capital are detailed in a report by Inverness area police commander, Chief Inspector Judy Hill, to be presented to the city committee next Monday.
She cautions against comparing figures on previous years, particularly the five and three year averages as these include periods where restrictions were in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
But the figures show year-on-year increases for crimes such as anti-social behaviour, violence, acquisitive crime and protecting vulnerable people.
Ch Insp Hill said: "This increase is reflective of the national position and whilst this does indicate good levels of confidence in reporting, particularly around areas of sexual crime, I recognise that we must continue to work collectively with partners to provide early interventions and prevent harm."
She also says the increasing number of assaults against officers is of "significant concern".
"It is not and should not be 'part of the job'," she said.
"Violence against our people not only affects the individuals, but the wider service as well as the communities we serve.
"We will continue to support work in relation to reducing these types of incidents."
The report also shows a continuing increase in drink and drug driving which she described as a "disappointing" statistic and pledged the police would continue to target those who put themselves and others at risk by driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs.
Ch Insp Hill stated: "We are all aware of the impact that the cost of living challenges are having on our communities, including those who have not felt such hardship before.
"We continue to work with our partners to support those who are vulnerable and in need of assistance."
She also highlighted the Custody Link Project which has been operating in Inverness for the last three years as a referral pathway to connect individuals with existing support and services in order to prevent them from returning to police custody.
"This service has interacted with hundreds of people over the last three years and supported improved outcomes for individuals," she said.
At a glance crime figures for Inverness:
Road Safety and Road Crime:
Overall, road crime offences have decreased by 21.1 per cent (582.2 fewer offences) against the five year average and increased by 12.8 per cent (248 more offences) against the Last Year To Date (LYTD).
Mobile Telephone offences have increased by 53.9 per cent (42.4 more crimes) against the five year average and increased by 124.1 per cent (67 more offences) against the LYTD.
Failure to insure against third party risk offences have increased by 18.9 per cent (45.4 more offences) against the five year average and increased by 52.1 per cent (98 more offences) against the LYTD.
Anti-social behaviour, disorder and violence (including alcohol and drugs misuse):
Overall, anti-social behaviour has decreased by 1.7 per cent (11.6 fewer crimes) against the five year average and increased by 30.1 per cent (157 more crimes) against the LYTD.
Offences in relation to common assault have increased by 10.5 per cent (80.4 more crimes) against the five year average and increased by 11.7 per cent (89 more crimes) against the LYTD
Offences in relation to serious assault have increased by 14.3 per cent (9.0 more crimes) against the five year average and increased by 12 per cent (6 more crimes) against the LYTD.
Acquisitive crime:
Overall, acquisitive crime has increased by 11.6 per cent (168.8 more crimes) against the five year average and increased by 23.1 per cent (325 more crimes) against the LYTD.
Offences in relation to housebreaking (dwelling house) have decreased by 5.2 per cent (2.8 fewer crimes) against the five year average and decreased by 1.9 per cent (1 fewer crime) against the LYTD.
Fraud offences have increased by 44.8 per cent (80.4 more crimes) against the five year average and have increased by 13 per cent (30 more crimes) against the LTYD.
Protecting vulnerable people:
Overall, sexual crime has increased by 49.6 per cent (105.8 more crimes) against the five year average and increased by 71.5 per cent (133 more crimes) against the LYTD.
Domestic-related offences have increased by 7 per cent (37.8 more crimes) against the five year Average and increased by 12.5 per cent (68 more crimes) against the LYTD.
Offences in relation to hate crime have decreased by 7.4 per cent (2.8 fewer crimes) against the five year average and have increased by 105.9 per cent (18 more crimes) against the LYTD
Serious and organised crime:
Over the last reporting year in the Inverness area, offences in relation to supply of drugs have decreased by 4.3 per cent (4 fewer crimes) against the five year average and have increased by 17.3 per cent (13 more crimes) against the LYTD
