CRIME overall has fallen in the Forth Valley, according to fresh police figures.

Police Scotland quarter one management information for April to June 2022, shows that the overall number of offences recorded in the division has reduced from 3,064 to 2,687, compared to the previous year.

The fall in crime also coincides with a decrease in the overall number of sexual offences taking place.

In total, 85 fewer crimes of this nature were reported and this includes the number of indecent and sexual assaults reducing from 75 to 59.

There were also five fewer incidents of rape and attempted rape recorded.

The division has, however, seen a rise in acquisitive crime with overall reports rising from 987 to 1,161.

The total number of housebreakings, including attempted break-ins has increased from 64 to 86.

The performance report was due to be presented at the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee yesterday as the Advertiser went to print.

Chief Superintendent Alan Gibson, divisional commander for Forth Valley, said: “While we are no longer operating within Covid restrictions, our data for Q1 is compared with the same period of 2021 when some restrictions were still in place and so we must be pragmatic when conducting review and analysis.

“Nevertheless, I am very encouraged by the downward trend in recorded crime, including in some very important areas, such as sexual crime drugs and weapons offences.

“This is undoubtedly as a result of the dedicated work of proactive CID officers and local policing teams working in collaboration.

“I recognise the rise in acquisitive crime and we will continue to work closely with communities to, in the first instance, deter such offences, but to also conduct robust investigations with relevant partners and neighbouring divisions whenever these crimes do occur so those responsible can be brought to justice.

“As DCC Taylor has confirmed, the national rise in fraud reflects the growing prevalence of cyber-crime and the need for continued investment and training to allow Police Scotland to properly get to grips with these challenges and further safeguard the public when online."

Residents in the area are being encouraged to have their say on the work of the police via a survey.

Visit bit.ly/3fF7clA for more details or contact insightengagement@scotland.police.uk to complete it in a different format.