While overall crime levels in Scotland have reduced, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the demands on policing go beyond crime; some 80 per cent of calls for service do not result in a crime report being submitted. That’s among the points in the latest Police Scotland ‘Performance Report’ for the second quarter of 2020.
According to the report, crimes of fraud have increased by 45.4pc in the first six months of 2020-21 compared to the same period last year and are 83.4pc above the five year average. Between April and September there were 7,466 reported crimes of fraud, compared to 5,136 during the same period last year. Police Scotland pulled out of the UK Action Fraud system of having frauds reported to a central hub – ironically based in Paisley – after The Times revealed call centre failings.
According to a survey, minor incidents were often heightened by the underlying threat of COVID-19 transmission. “Individuals may feel more concerned about an ongoing neighbour dispute or antisocial behaviour if they feel these interactions may increase the risk of catching the virus,” the report said. It’s particularly true for the vulnerable, and those shielding or living with others at risk, the report added.
Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “The rapid increase in online abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people and children, either for financial gain or for sexual purposes, underlines that policing must continue to operate in public, private and, increasingly, in virtual spaces to provide education, re-assurance and enforcement.
“This report outlines action to support those at risk, including significant enforcement in relation to child sexual abuse as well as a campaign to help people better protect themselves from fraud.
“Our investment in specialist areas continues to uncover significant additional and, as yet, not fully quantified policing needs and requirements. In September, we published our ambitious cyber strategy which sets a clear direction for how we will tackle the threat, risk and harm from digitally-enabled crimes.”
The document shows reports of many other crimes are returning to pre-lockdown levels, following a drop in overall offending between April and June.
DCC Taylor said: “While reported crime is lower year on year across a number of categories, this can be attributed to the exceptional circumstances during quarter one and demand has returned to levels we would more usually expect to see.
“The high level of demand has also been evident in our contact centres where service advisors have played a critical role during this public health emergency. On occasion callers to 101 have had to wait longer for their calls to be answered, with emergency 999 calls prioritised at all times.
“Officers and staff have engaged with members of the public about COVID on over 75,000 occasions to explain rules and guidance, to encourage people to comply and, where necessary, to enforce the law.
“Our fellow citizens have shown high levels of support and co-operation, with the overwhelming majority of people taking personal responsibility to do the right thing.
“We have taken significant steps to support our officers and staff as they discharge their duties during this public health emergency, including a large-scale programme to supply personal protective equipment and the issue of thousands of laptops to support home working.”
