Crime down by 25% since physical distancing came into effect

Recorded crime has fallen by around a quarter since measures
to support physical distancing came into effect, early indications suggest.

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%.

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

“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.

“We are seeing, for example, a slight decrease in domestic
abuse incidents but are acutely aware this may not reflect what is happening
behind closed doors and we know that people don’t always report abuse
immediately.

“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.”

DCC Taylor added: “It could be months or years before we
have a clear picture of the effect that physical distancing requirements have
had on some crime categories in Scotland.

“What I want to emphasise is that we remain committed to
making sure that every one of Scotland’s citizens is looked after.

“Our primary responsibility is to prevent crime. We strive
to leave victims of crime feeling safe and we will continue to make sure that
those who are living alone, the elderly, the vulnerable are given full
protection. If you need the help of the police, please contact us.”

The provisional management information, which may be subject
to adjustment, 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 public
health emergency to commit offences.

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

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

DCC Taylor said: “These early indications suggest that there
are fewer crimes committed on the streets and in our town and city centres
because the overwhelming majority of people are stepping forward to do their
part to protect the NHS and save lives.

“I would like to thank people for their continued
co-operation and support as Police Scotland carries out our role in supporting
the national effort to make the changes needed to combat the spread of
coronavirus.”