The number of domestic abuse reports in Aberdeenshire rose during the first year of Police Scotland – but serious assaults are down.
Since last April and March this year, there have been 46 incidents of serious assault compared to 53 the year before.
There was also a decrease in the number of thefts and attempted thefts from homes from 710 to 697.
But a rise in thefts from vehicles was reported with an increase of 99 incidents to 368 and reports of domestic abuse rose by 226 to 1173.
The figures will be discussed by councillors at a meeting of Aberdeenshire Council’s policy and resources committee on Thursday.
Chief Superintendent Mark McLaren, divisional commander for Aberdeenshire and Moray Division, said tackling break-ins and thefts would “continue to be a priority” for his officers.
He said: “It is pleasing that we have seen a slight reduction in thefts by house-breaking, but it is disappointing to see a large increase in thefts from vehicles.
“I want to encourage people to ensure valuables are removed from vehicles and they are locked.
“There has also been an increase in the number of domestic abuse reports; the reporting of which is something we will continue to encourage.
“There is no place for domestic abuse and we will thoroughly investigate reports of this nature to put those responsible to court. I want to encourage victims of domestic abuse to continue coming forward so we can help.”
Officers in Aberdeenshire will still participate in operation RAC – Police Scotland’s national scheme to tackle break-ins and thefts.
Ch Supt McLaren added that a lot of the division’s success was due to local communities being vigilant.
He said: “We will continue to deploy our resources to keep people safe and so the reduction in serious assaults and increase in detections is a welcome result.
“Much of our success comes from the communities themselves and so I want to ask the public to continue to support us by taking good, common sense, crime prevention measures.
“This includes locking their vehicles, and by providing information about suspicious behaviour or driving issues, for example, so we can take action and tackle the issues that matter to the communities.”