Fraud crimes spike for North East Police Division

NORTH-EAST police have seen a spike in fraud crimes compared to the same period last year, new figures show.

The first two-quarters of 2021-22 saw an increase in recorded crimes across the north-east, returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest police performance report.

North East Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent George Macdonald said: "As has been underlined by the chief constable, the summer period presented an exceptional level of demand on officers and staff, including displaced demand from key partners who continue to operate under critical pressure.

"Officers and staff in the North East Division have continued to rise to the challenges they faced, including the complex demand that online offending brings.

"We have seen a significant rise in fraud reports compared to the same period last year and we have dedicated resources to tackle cyber-enabled crimes.

"The new team was established this summer and they work alongside national units within Police Scotland as we respond to the evolving nature of crime as part of our Cyber Strategy 2020: keeping people safe in a digital world."

He added: "Tackling sexual offending and domestic abuse continues to be a priority and with an increase in crimes recorded, I want to reassure the public that we remain committed to investigating these offences and bringing offenders to justice.

"Improving road safety across the north-east remains a priority as well, and we have all seen, heard or read about the devastating consequences poor driver behaviour can have.

"We have recorded an increase in a number of road traffic offences, including dangerous or careless driving and speeding. We all have a role to play in keeping the roads safe and I want to reiterate my plea to drivers to be safe and not put themselves, or others, at avoidable and unnecessary risk."

The performance report will be presented at the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee on Thursday, December 9.