Recorded crime in Scotland has fallen by around a quarter since measures to support physical distancing came into effect, Police Scotland suggests. Serious assaults have reduced by around 40 per cent while common assault has fallen by just over a quarter between Tuesday, March 24, and Sunday, 19 April, 19, when compared to the same time last year. Housebreakings are down around 30pc.
Fraud, however, has increased by over 10pc and there is some evidence that criminals are exploiting the coronavirus public health emergency to commit offences. After the scandal over shortcomings in the Action Fraud call centre, based in Paisley, last year, Police Scotland has pulled out of the Action Fraud reporting service and asks that fraud offences be reported to it via the non-emergency line 111.
Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “The significant changes that everyone is having to adjust to are undoubtedly having an effect on the nature and level of demand on policing. While decreases in assaults and housebreaking are to be welcomed, this information covers a relatively short period of time and care must be taken to avoid assumptions about trends.
“We are seeing, for example, a slight decrease in domestic abuse incidents but are acutely aware this may not reflect what is happening behind closed doors and we know that people don’t always report abuse immediately. For some, this period of physical distancing and isolation may expose them to a greater risk of abuse, harm and neglect.
“We have been using our social media channels to highlight our concern and raise awareness in communities. We want people to feel safe and we want to prevent harm by identifying people who may be at risk, and putting in place measures that will help keep them safe. There will be no change to how we respond to child protection issues. Protecting children and reducing harm remains a priority for Police Scotland.
“It could be months or years before we have a clear picture of the effect that physical distancing requirements have had on some crime categories in Scotland. What I want to emphasise is that we remain committed to making sure that every one of Scotland’s citizens is looked after.
“Our primary responsibility is to prevent crime. We strive to leave victims of crime feeling safe and we will continue to make sure that those who are living alone, the elderly, the vulnerable are given full protection. If you need the help of the police, please contact us.”
The provisional management information, which may be subject to adjustment, suggests that breach of the peace has fallen by over half; while possession of drugs is down by around a fifth.
What the Scottish force terms ‘public nuisance’ type incidents, generally relating to people reporting those they believe are failing to adhere to physical distancing guidance, have more than doubled and now account for around a fifth of all incidents.
