Crime stats show rise in sexual offences in Forth Valley

The latest quarterly figures reveal that the number of recorded criminal incidents in the area has risen from 2,678 to 2,985.

Within these figures, the number of sexual crimes occurring in the region has increased from 156 to 177.

Violent crime has seen an additional 10 offences recorded, while acquisitive crime has risen to 1,304 reports, with housebreakings, including attempted break-ins, also on the increase.

Chief Superintendent Barry Blair, divisional commander for Forth Valley, said: “This data reflects a particularly challenging time for policing, not only for Forth Valley, but for the country as a whole.

“The increased levels of crime being experienced within our communities are being felt across Scotland.

“I recognise that rising crime in our communities will be a cause for concern and I want to reiterate my commitment that we will continue to address emerging crime trends, target criminality and provide the best possible service we can to the public.

“However, as T/DCC Spiers outlined earlier this week, Police Scotland is facing increased and sustained levels of demand with over 600,000 calls received from the public and 420,000 incidents recorded over this period.

“Such demand, couple with the reduction in police personnel and ongoing budget restrictions means we must make hard choices in relation to the prioritisation of our resources and how we can best meet the needs of our communities.”

Promising signs from the report showed that there had been a significant reduction of people being hurt on Forth Valley roads.

There have been no fatalities during the first quarter of 2023, while there have been 10 fewer serious injury collisions and seven fewer slight-injury collisions.

Chief Superintended Blair added: “The public has a vital role in helping to shape our policing priorities and I would ask that you take time to complete our Your Police Survey, which is available on the Police Scotland website at scotland.police.uk.”