Drop in Falkirk district crime levels in April and May

Compared to the same two months in 2019, there was a 3.7 per cent decrease in offences.

Police have highlighted “significant reductions” in housebreakings and violent crime, which includes assault, serious assault and robbery, during the coronavirus lockdown.

The news comes amid calls from Central Scotland Conservative MSP Alison Harris for a greater police presence in the region.

Ms Harris spoke out after the latest publication of recorded crime statistics revealed there had been 608 offences committed in the district in May this year compared to the 524 recorded the previous month.

She said: “It is worrying to see any increase in crime in the Falkirk area and I would hope that there would be an increase in police presence to reassure local residents.

“This is sadly lacking in many areas as a result of the SNP centralising police services. As we ease out of lockdown restrictions, we must ensure that our communities are safe places to live in and that any crime is being fully dealt with by officers.”

However, Chief Inspector Chris Stewart, Falkirk Area Commander, insists analysing crime figures from one month into the next doesn’t paint the full picture.

He said: “This information covers a relatively short period of time and it is still too early to assess the true impact of coronavirus on crime levels in Falkirk or indeed any other area in Scotland.

“It is important to note that comparing crime figures per month in the same year does not give a true reflection of crime trends as it fails to take account of a range of factors which can vary month to month.

“What the communities of Falkirk can be rest assured of, however, is that significant work has been undertaken to reduce crime in the region and, recent data shows, overall crime has reduced in Falkirk by 3.7 per cent since April 1, 2020, compared to the same period last year.”

In the past two months, police have searched 23 addresses across the Falkirk area for controlled drugs, resulting in a number of people being charged for a variety of offences.

Chief Inspector Stewart continued: “We will not become complacent in our efforts to reduce crime further and bring offenders to justice.

“My officers and staff provide a visible presence in Falkirk each day to deter criminal activity, reassure the public and investigate any offences that do occur.

“We are here to keep people safe in all aspects of their lives, whether private, public or virtual spaces.

"If you need police assistance, if you need our support or intervention, or if you have concerns about someone else, contact us and we will help.”

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