Fraud incidents rise in Highlands but detection figures for serious assault are up, according to police report

THE number of fraud related incidents in the Highland and Islands is rising, reflecting a widespread increase across Scotland, according to a police report.

But it also shows that detection rates for serious assault are up 92.6 per cent and average detection rates for all sexual crimes, including sexual assault and indecent communication, are above 70 per cent.

The latest report published by Police Scotland for April 2021 to March this year shows the number of recorded fraud incidents were up from 476 in 2020/21 to 606.

Recorded incidents of drug supply and possession were down while detections remain above 90 per cent.

Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett, divisional commander for the Highland and Islands, said: "Fraud is increasing across Scotland and our communities are also affected by this rise. Prevention is a key part of tackling fraud and I would encourage people to seek advice, which can be found on our website, and share this with family and friends.

"Recorded incidents of driving offences continue to increase in line with a return to normality. Our commitment to tackling drink and drug drivers remains unchanged, highlighted by a rise in our recorded incidents and detection rates."

He added: "I would encourage people to continue engaging with us, whether that’s talking to officers on the street or using our surveys to give us meaningful insight to help shape local policing."

Work to disrupt the activities of criminals and protect the public has continued, with £6.46 million of fraud being prevented through the Banking Protocol. Advice can be found on Police Scotland website: https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds

The report was presented at the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee on Tuesday (June 7).