Agenda Item No. TAYSIDE JOINT POLICE BOARD 26 August 2002 Report by the Chief Constable No. PB 33/2002 SUBJECT: TAYSIDE POLICE HIGHLIGHT REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 16 APRIL 2002 TO 26 July 2002 Abstract: This Report provides members with an update in relation to crime in the Force area, an overview of notable events since the last Highlight Report and other matters of interest. 1. RECOMMENDATION 1.1 It is recommended that the Board note the terms of the report for its information. 2. CRIME SUMMARY – Quarter 1 2002/03 2.1 Summary 2.1.1 The summary in this report is based on the crime figures for the 1st quarter of financial year 2002/03, that is 1 April 2002 to 30 June 2002. 2.1.2 In the first quarter of 2002/03 there has been a consecutive monthly reduction in reported crime, although the total figure shows a 13.4% increase on the same period last year. As previously reported to the Board much of the overall increase is to be expected following the Force’s revised and more robust approach to crime recording (mainly impacting on vandalism and some minor crime categories) introduced in September 2001. These changes still continue to work through in the year on year comparative figures. Setting aside the impact of the changes there remains significant concern at the increase in acquisitive crime, specifically Domestic Housebreaking in Central Division (City of Dundee) where there is an increase of 28% (100 crimes) over the same period as last year. This pattern continues the trend of the last quarter of 2001/02. On a very positive note, against a picture of an increase in reported crimes the Force’s solved crime rate has been sustained at 38% for the period. This reflects more than 380 extra crimes solved compared to the same period last year. Work on the full implementation of the National Intelligence Model continues and following training new crime analysts will be in post in Dundee, Forfar and Perth by December. 2.2 Drugs 2.2.1 The Force has continued its own intelligence led campaign against those who deal in Class “A” drugs, particularly Heroin, Cocaine, “Crack” Cocaine and so called “designer” drugs in communities across Tayside, as well as working closely with the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency (SDEA) on its operations. Document in F:\Committee Services\Police Board\Report Index\TJPB Report Index 2002.rtf 2.2.2 In the first three months of this financial year, the number of offences reported to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to the supply of illegal drugs has increased by 37% (50 crimes) compared to the same period last year. As reported previously, however the level of availability, particularly of Heroin and “Crack” Cocaine across in the Dundee area is of continuing concern. There is no doubt that this is a major factor in the increase in Housebreaking and other acquisitive crimes as abusers seek to service their habit. Notable operations since the last report include:- The arrest of a man in Perth in possession of 120 individual “score bags” of Heroin with a street value of £2,400. In July officers arrested a man in possession of 3,000 “Diazepam” tablets which were for destined for sale in the Kirriemuir area. Following a successful operation 6 men and a woman were arrested in Dundee. During the operation half a kilo of Heroin with a street value of over £80,000 was recovered. This quantity had the potential to produce up to 8,000 individual street deals. Following a raid on premises in a rural area in the north of Angus a man was arrested and 10 kilos of Cannabis Resin (value £50,000) and 1.75 kilos of Amphetamine (value £44,000) was recovered. The arrest of a man in the Hilltown area of Dundee resulted in the recovery of 14 grams of Cocaine (value £850) and 10 kilos of Cannabis Resin (value £50,000). 2.3 Domestic Housebreaking 2.3.1 The solved rate for Domestic Housebreaking shows some encouraging signs rising from 17% for this period last year to almost 28% for 2002/03. As outlined in the summary, however, Domestic Housebreaking remains a key area of concern generally, but particularly in Central Division (City of Dundee) as the trend of last year continues. In Eastern Division (Angus) reported crimes of Domestic Housebreaking is unchanged on the same period last year, but there is a significant increase in the solved rate up from 17% to 35% (an additional 10 crimes solved). In Western (Perth & Kinross) there has been a small reduction of 6.7% (5 crimes) in reported crimes whilst the solved rate has risen from 20% to 31% (an additional 7 crimes solved). Central Division (Dundee) has continued to see an increase with a rise of 28% in reported crimes (100 crimes). The link between this and the need to fund a dependency on Heroin and “Crack” Cocaine is evident. On a very positive note, however, the solved rate in Central Division has risen from 16% to 25% (an additional 49 crimes solved) reflecting the priority being given to this issue. 2.4 Serious Violent Crime 2.4.1 The picture in this category is somewhat clouded following changes by the Scottish Executive to the specific crimes which comprise this overall category. Whilst last years statistics have been recalculated to enable comparison the change in the individual categories used has altered the picture overall. On the amended basis this category shows an increase of some 25% (36 crimes) over the same period last year whilst the solved rate has risen from 82% to 84%. 2 2.5 Vehicle Crime 2.5.1 The overall picture on Vehicle Crime shows only a small increase of 4.5% (55 crimes) and continuing positive outcomes from our targeted operations sees the solved rate up from 17% to 20 % (an additional 50 crimes solved) compared to the same period last year. Of particular note in this category is a 15% reduction (33 crimes) in reported crimes in Eastern Division (Angus) 3. ROAD CASUALTIES 3.1 A key priority for Tayside Police is to work with its partners in Local Authorities and the Scottish Executive to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads in line with the National Targets for 2010. 3.2 2002/03 has got off to a positive start with a Forcewide reduction in the “killed or seriously injured” category of 35% which reflects a fall from 118 people killed or seriously injured on our roads to 76. The reduction is reflected across the three Territorial Divisions with reductions of 34% in Eastern, 61% in Central and 27% in Western. 4. INCIDENTS AND EVENTS OF NOTE 4.1 Jubilee Visit – Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 4.1.1 On the afternoon of 28 May 2002 HM The Queen, as part of the golden Jubilee celebrations, visited Dundee. Arriving at Dundee Railway Station Her Majesty was met by The Lord Provost before travelling to Dundee College to open the state of the art “Space” dance centre, whilst HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited the Wellcome Building at Dundee University. Following a visit to the City Chambers the Royal Party carried out a public walkabout in the City Square where a large and enthusiastic crowd had gathered. The Royal party left Dundee by Royal Train. 4.1.2 The afternoon was the culmination of several weeks of detailed planning and preparation for Tayside Police who worked closely with the City Council, Dundee College, the University of Dundee and many others to ensure a safe, smooth and successful visit. 3 4.2 HMS Montrose 4.2.1 The first week in July saw the visit of the frigate HMS Montrose to the Angus town whose name she proudly bears. Over recent years the ship and her company have forged strong links with the local people who have displayed great warmth for her crew and pride in the ship. The visit culminated on Saturday 6 July 2002 with a spectacular ceremony within the town when Provost Duncan bestowed “The Freedom of Angus” on “HMS Montrose” on behalf of the people of Angus. Members and Officers of Angus Council, local dignitaries and Senior Naval Officers joined a large and enthusiastic crowd of local people and visitors to witness the impressive ceremony before the Ship’s Officers and Crew marched through the town lead by the Band of The Royal Marines. Tayside Police was involved in significant planning and preparation to ensure events ran smoothly on the day. 4.2 “T in The Park 2002” 4.2.1 Perth and Kinross once again played host to Scotland’s leading Pop Festival at Balado, Kinross from Friday 12 – Monday 15 July 2002. This year saw the biggest event yet with a crowd of some 52,500 on each of the two performance days and over 26,000 people resident on the event campsite from the Friday till Monday. 4.3.2 Many weeks of detailed work by the dedicated police planning team, alongside similar activity by the local authority, other emergency services and the promoters culminated in a very smooth and trouble free event. Despite a lot of wet weather in the run up, for once, the event was blessed with good weather throughout. Crime and public order offences were down on last year as were the numbers needing medical attention. From a policing perspective “T in the Park 2002” was a very successful operation – detailed planning and multi-agency co-operation combining to ensure an enjoyable and safe event for all and limited disruption to the surrounding communities.