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  4. Most crime down but fraud up since lockdown: police

Most crime down but fraud up since lockdown: police

27th April 2020 | criminal law

Recorded crime has fallen by around a quarter since the COVID-19 restrictions took effect, according to early indications reported by Police Scotland.

The national force said that serious assaults have reduced by around 40% while common assault has fallen by just over a quarter between Tuesday 24 March, and Sunday 19 April 2020, when compared to the same time last year. Housebreakings are down around 30%.

The provisional management information, which may be subject to adjustment, further suggests that breach of the peace has fallen by over 50%, while possession of drugs is down by around a fifth.

Fraud, however, has increased by over 10% and there is some evidence that criminals are specifically exploiting the coronavirus emergency.

Domestic abuse incidents have seen "a slight decrease" to date, but the police say they are "acutely aware this may not reflect what is happening behind closed doors and we know that people don’t always report abuse immediately".

"Public nuisance" type incidents have more than doubled and now account for around a fifth of all incidents, generally relating to people reporting those they believe are failing to adhere to physical distancing guidance.

Noise incidents have also increased significantly, anecdotally related to the increased time which people are believed to be spending in their home address. 

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor commented: “The significant changes that everyone is having to adjust to are undoubtedly having an effect on the nature and level of demand on policing."

She warned, however: "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."

Ms Taylor added: "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."

And she said it could be months or years before there is a clear picture of the effect that physical distancing requirements have had on some crime categories in Scotland. She thanked people for their continued co-operation and support.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf commented: "I welcome these figures which indicate a fall in crime. In particular I am pleased that people are continuing to adhere to the physical distancing requirements. However we must continue to seek to protect the public and reduce opportunities generated by the current COVID-19 outbreak that some will use to exploit members of the public. We must also remain vigilant to the risks of harm and offending against our most vulnerable citizens, in particular those living in fear of abuse and violence in their own homes."

 

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