Central Scotland Police

Crime continues to fall across Central Scotland

Friday, 21st May 2010
Levels of recorded crime fell in Central Scotland's communities last year by more than 12 per cent.

The figures, published in the Chief Constable's annual report for 2009-2010, show there were 2,286 fewer crimes during that period than the year before. The fall follows a decrease of more than 900 crimes during 2008-2009.

Overall crime fell across each of the three Area Commands in Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010. The force detection rate was 60 per cent, which is above the national average. Within the three Area Commands, significant drops in crime were recorded - 18 per cent in Clackmannanshire, 13 per cent in Falkirk and six per cent in Stirling.

Crimes of violence, dishonesty, vandalism and anti-social behaviour all decreased during 2009-2010.

Chief Constable Kevin Smith presented his report, entitled 365, to the Joint Police Board today. The report and crime figures have been published online here.

Mr Smith said: "The reality of crime in this area is that it has fallen significantly in the past year and a high number of crime committed were successfully detected. To have seen more than 2,200 fewer crimes across the Forth Valley should be highly reassuring for the public in Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire."

The report highlights the areas of work focused on by the force over the past 12 months, from tackling drugs and serious organised crime to reducing road death and injuries. Anti-social behaviour and disorder, public protection and counter terrorism have all come under the spotlight.