Moray crime figures welcomed

CRIME figures are broadly down in Moray, according to latest statistics.

According to Police Scotland, when compared to the same period last year, robberies are down by 40%, vandalisms by 17% and assaults by 4%.

Performance reports for the first six months of the year also show the number of recorded sex offences to have dopped by 8%

However, while the percentages in those areas are down, incidents of domestic abuse have increased by 17%.

Theft by housebreaking numbers are up by 24%, with the detection rate up by 15%.

Moray Division Chief Inspector Willie Findlay said the figures reflect "the dedication and professionalism of the police officers and staff in the area".

He said: "The performance report highlights a number of positive outcomes for the Moray area, which is to a large extent down to the positive relationships which have been built up with partner organisations including the Moray Council, NHS Grampian and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, as well as our communities.

"Our focus is on keeping people safe and we have listened to the concerns of our communities and acted upon them. For example, vandalism was an area of concern and due to initiatives focused on tackling the issue and anti-social behaviour, we have seen a 17% reduction.

"Although we have seen a slight increase in the number of thefts in the area our detection rate has also increased.

"The rise in the number of reported incidents of domestic abuse is down to the support and encouragement victims or those who know victims are being given in coming forward.

"Tackling domestic abuse is very much a priority under Police Scotland and we will proactively identify and arrest offenders and continue to monitor their compliance with any bail conditions or home curfews after they’ve been to court."