Agenda item

Chief Superintendent John McKenzie began by introducing Chief Inspector Vincent Fisher to the meeting explaining that he would be a great addition to the Division particularly with regard to road safety with his experience in road policing.  He advised that Superintendent Angus MacInnes (Partnerships) moved to a new role and his replacement would commence on 27 February 2021. Ten probationer police officers had also been appointed, all of which had a connections with the Scottish Borders, recruitment would continue throughout 2021.   With regard to Covid-19, Chief Superintendent McKenzie reiterated that the four Es approach continued with enforcement in place for those breaching travel restrictions.  He added that increased police presence on the main trunk routes within the Borders had resulted in a number of drug supply captures.

1.2          Chief Superintendent McKenzie went on to advise that he was supporting the introduction of body worn cameras for front line police officers, and  he made mention of the consultation and welcomed Board members’ comments.  The cameras would assist with evidence gathering and protect officers and the public.  He further advised that there had been an increase in Taser Hubs to prevent police officers having to travel to uplift their taser.  A wider discussion would take in 2021 regarding the increase in taser officers in the Scottish Borders, with updates brought to the Board.  Regarding the Quarter 3 Scrutiny Report, he highlighted the difference in the profile of Criminal activity for Group 2 crimes.  There had been a 16 crime increase relating to people engaging in online sexual exposure and extortion for money which was classified as a Group 1 crime.   In addition Group 2 sexual crimes had decreased.  However, there had been an increase in online categories.   To conclude his report Chief Superintendent McKenzie advised that with reference to paragraph 2.5(b) of the Minute of 6 February, statistics on referrals to victim support groups would be circulated following the meeting. 

3.3       There had been circulated copies of Police Scotland’s Scrutiny Report for Quarter 3 – 2020/2021.  Chief Inspector Fisher highlighted the main areas of note within the report:  Lockdown and travel restrictions had forced people to stay at home and there had been a general shift from public space criminality towards private space, in particular crimes committed using the internet and telephone.   With regard to anti-social behaviour (ASB) relating to Covid-19 breaches, an online reporting mechanism had been introduced which made it easier to report such incidents.   These changes in society were reflected in a 36.1% rise in ASB which was just above the national average of 33.7%.   As Chief Superintendent McKenzie had referenced, Group 1 - violent crime had risen by 30 crimes from 72 the previous year.  The increase could be attributable to the rise in extortions – from one last year to 16 this year.  This was consistent with a significant rise in extortions seen nationally.   Online and telephone frauds had also increased with transfers of large sums of money to accounts overseas.  Sexual crimes had also increased by 25.7%, again a proportion of these crimes were committed remotely.      Referring to the summary report, Chief Inspector Fisher explained that Group 1 – 5 crimes were down 3.6%, housebreakings were down 19.5% and there had also been a reduction in road casualties - down 54%.  The rise in bail offences was due to police proactive efforts to ensure that bail conditions were adhered to and victims protected. 

3.4       Inspector Fisher then highlighted the main points from the Scrutiny Report.  Regarding missing persons, the number had falling by 23.3%.  However, the number of adults, particular cared for adults, continued to rise.  The police were working with NHS Borders to examine possible causation factors to improve the situation.  Domestic Abuse incidents had risen, resources had been dedicated to enhance detection of violent crime, with a focus on those with a domestic element (Operation BACRE).   There had been no increase in Racially Aggravated Conduct since last year, but there had been a slight increase in those deemed criminal.  Hate crimes directed towards police officers accounted for 1/5^th.    There had been a 25.7% rise in overall Sexual Crime, as reported above this could be attributable to the rise in crimes committed remotely – which had risen by 125%.  There had been a fall in reported rapes down from 51 last year to 34.   Regarding Drugs supply, production and cultivation, Chief Inspector Fisher referred to the excellent work of the Community Action Teams (CAT) advising that they had searched 73 persons with half of those searches proving positive.   The CAT had also carried out 23 premises searches with drugs being recovered from all.  There had been a 42% rise in Violent Crime, serious assaults were up 22% on last year (seven crimes).  Police Scotland continued to prioritise violent crime and violent criminals and it was hoped performance would improve in Quarter 4.   As reported above, ASB had increased, the majority of incidents being attributable to Covid-19 breaches.   Chief Inspector Fisher was analysing CAT shift patterns to ensure they aligned with demand in terms of ASB.   Acquisitive Crime – Dishonesty and Housebreakings were both down.  However, business break-ins were up with a detection rate of 94%.     Less traffic has meant less casualties and a drop in fatal, serious and slight injuries.  This has been replicated across Scotland.     In partnership with Graham Jones, an initiative against rural crime was being introduced which would enable the sharing of intelligence and best practice in terms of prevention and detection.    Complaints had remained the same and were largely due to police response to Covid-19 breaches, he was issuing direction to officers with a view to reducing complaint volumes.   

3.5       To conclude his report Chief Inspector Fisher emphasised the value of the CAT throughout the period.  They had been responsible for significant drugs and cash seizures and proactive persons and vehicle searches.   They continued to resolve persistent youth issues and had been instrumental in reducing long standing anti-social behaviour, particularly in Eyemouth, and contributed to a 9% reduction in vandalism.  In terms of road safety, they had issues eight ASBO warnings, seized two vehicles, with a further 14 vehicles seized for no insurance.  They have also issued 394 parking tickets up from 316 during Q2.  

3.6       Board members then raised a number of questions which were answered by officers. With regard to including Scam advice packs with food deliveries, Chief Inspector Fisher would investigate.  Regarding wildlife crime, an update would be provided at the next meeting.  A number of organisations were involved in the partnership against rural crime initiative, including the National Farmers Union (NFU) he would clarify if the Association of Young Farmers Clubs was also involved.  Crimestoppers was promoted through social media and the SBC alert system and he encouraged as many people as possible to report incidents.

3.7       Ms Smith, Partnership Manager advised that there were five Community Assistance Hubs (CAHs) in the Scottish Border.  Weekly meetings were held for each Hub and there were up to 30 organisations attending.  The CAHs were a good way to get information out to the community.  If anyone wished to attend they were to contact Ms Smith direct.  A request for additional police presence on the main trunk roads in Tweeddale was raised. 

            DECISION

NOTED

(a)       The report; and

(b)       That the Board supported the introduction of body worn cameras. 

MEMBER

Councillor Robson left the meeting during consideration of the above report.