New police crime statistics reveal a worrying number of serious incidents such as robberies and sexual attacks in Aberdeen last year – but an overall reduction in crime.
The statistics for April to September last year reveal that 58 robberies were recorded- up from the five-year average of 45.8.
There has also been a jump in the number of rapes recorded in the city over that period, with 59 recorded compared to a five- year average of 41.6.
But the police report says that this may be due to an increased public confidence to report these offences.
Violent and anti-social crime has dropped significantly in most categories.
A total of 1,333 common assaults were recorded in the six month period compared to the five- year average of 1,656.
Recorded incidents of vandalism have also sharply declined, with 831 noted in the period in comparison with five year average of 1,184.6.
Using stop and search legislation, officers searched a total of 1,274 people in Aberdeen over the six month period
In a foreword to the report by chief superintendent Campbell Thomson, he writes: “I am particularly pleased to report a reduction in overall recorded crime with significant drops in violence and acquisitive crime.
“Our local focus on partnership working combined with an effective use of our resources to prevent crime and protect those at risk is having a positive impact on the city.
“It is particularly noteworthy that our detection rates continue to improve with our overall performance being consistently strong and above the national average”
