The number of sex crimes committed in the Mearns has rocketed by almost 350%, according to new figures.
A report to the Kincardine and Mearns area committee of Aberdeenshire Council says there were 24 more victims of assaults in the year to March than there were in 2015/16.
While the number of recorded crimes in neighbouring Stonehaven and Lower Deeside fell from 25 in March 2016 to 16 the next year, the Mearns area saw the number of “victims” rocket from seven to 31 in the same period — a 342% increase.
The multi-member ward comprises Laurencekirk, Inverbervie, Fettercairn, Edzell Woods, Johnshaven, St Cyrus, Auchenblae and other associated coastal and rural villages in the Mearns.
The increase covers so-called group two crimes relating to sexual assault, underage intercourse, and the storage of indecent images.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “We have directed resources to licensed premises checks, worked with licensees and prioritised domestic abuse and violent crimes.
“By holding accused persons in custody, using bail requests and follow up checks we continue to use all effective methods to work to reduce offending and keep people safe.
“There have been campaigns against violence and alcohol and violence reduction staff have been deployed regularly in the Mearns to…carry out high visibility patrols.
“Officers will continue to vigorously pursue accused persons for violent offences and seek to use bail requests, curfews and other legal measures to reduce risk and offending.
“Where antisocial behaviour by individuals or groups is identified we will work with partners to identify solutions to reduce offending.
“This will include housing associations, the Police Scotland divisional antisocial behaviour officer and social work departments.”
In the same area, there was a 300% rise in shoplifting — from two to eight victims, and a 150% rise in detections for drug supply and cultivation — from two to five.
Some crimes saw a reduction in the Mearns area, however.
Petty assaults dropped in number from 90 to 52 and only one serious assault occurred in the last year, compared to three in 2015/16.
Drugs seizures
Opportunistic and violent crimes have “significantly” reduced in Aberdeenshire, while officers have recovered more than £500,000 worth of drugs and seized almost £300,000 in cash.
From April 2016 to March 2017 all forms of dishonest and opportunistic crimes decreased compared to the same period the previous year, while a “substantial” reduction of almost 13% was recorded compared to the five-year average.
Chief Superintendent Campbell Thomson presented the latest police performance figures to Aberdeenshire Council as part of Police Scotland’s commitment to local scrutiny.
He said: “Rural communities are generally safe places in which to live and work, however the nature of the environment and way of life means it can be easy to become complacent about how likely you are to become the victim of crime.
“We will continue to work with all our partners, communities, farmers, land owners and residents in rural areas, villages and towns to ensure they are kept as safe as possible and would ask that you also take precautions to reduce your chances of being involved in crime.
“Local policing is at the heart of what we do and is why we are committed to working hand-in-hand with the public – we want to provide a high standard of service which delivers effective policing, tailored to meet your local needs.”
