Violent crime in the north-east has fallen since Police Scotland came into being – but the number of motorists caught flouting speeding laws has soared.
Drivers who speed, drive without insurance, use their mobile and do not put on their seatbelt are all on the rise, although the number of people who choose to get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs has fallen slightly.
Between April and December last year, speeding offences soared to 3,145 from 1,687 during the same period of 2012 – an increase of 86%. During those first nine months of the single force, the number of seatbelt offences detected rose by 278 to 394 – an increase of 239% – while the mobile phone offences rose by 140% from 129 to 310. However, there were 26 fewer drink or drug drivers detected, with numbers falling from 226 to 200.
Last night the Scottish Campaign against Irresponsible Driving welcomed the news that police were catching those who broke the laws, but said it was up to the courts to take action against them. Secretary Margaret Dekker said: “The fear of detection is a great deterrent to law breaking.”
The new statistics, which will be presented to Aberdeenshire Council’s policy and resources committee today, also show that robberies have fallen by 35% – from 20 to 13 – while serious assaults dropped by 12%, with 35 detected last year. The combined total of murders, attempted murders, culpable homicide, petty assaults and vandalism also fell by about 250 according to the new statistics.
The figures also show an increase in housebreaking and thefts from vehicles, with 138 more offences being committed.
Chief Superintendent Mark McLaren, divisional commander for Aberdeenshire and Moray, said: “It is disappointing that housebreakings have increased, however we have dedicated resources to tackle this problem and Police Scotland has also launched a national campaign, Operation RAC, to target offenders and reduce break-ins. Thefts from unsecured properties, including vehicles, is also a challenge for us that we continue to tackle.”
Comment, Page 30