SOUTH AYRSHIRE CRIME FIGURES DROP

Dec 9 2011 by Jennifer Buchanan, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

SERIOUS crime figures in South Ayrshire have plummeted by over 40 per cent since last year.

And serious assaults have also dropped by 27per cent.

The stats have been released by the Ayrshire division of Strathclyde Police as part of their control strategy performance update.

And it’s very nearly good news across the board.

Robbery figures have almost halved, youth disorder is down 23 per cent and street drinking is down 19 per cent.

But chief inspector for South Ayrshire, Neil Kerr, insists it is far too early to take their eye off the ball.

He said: “All it takes is a few bad incidents and our good stats are a thing of the past.

“The thing we have to remember is it’s not just figures. It’s people, there’s victims behind everyone of these crimes.

“So to have 41 per cent less serious crimes than last year, means there’s 41 per cent less victims.

“These are people in our community, our friends and families.”

The only crimes that haven't fallen since last year are common assaults which have risen by 5 per cent, and vandalism which has stayed the same.

Chief Inspector Kerr insists that a visible and targeted police presence is key to keeping crime figures low.

Stop searches are up 91 per cent compared to the same time last year.

And the police chief is certain that using the metal detectors to search people for knives has been key.

He added: “There used to be a culture of carrying knives for protection.

“But people would get drunk, get into a fight and use the weapon.

“We’re seeing a lot less of that.

“Our serious assaults are mostly with fists or weapons of opportunity.”

Road offences such as speeding and drink driving have also fallen significantly.

And Chief Inspector Kerr puts that down to working with South Ayrshire Council.

He said: “Having the weight of South Ayrshire Council behind us has a big effect.

“Committees like the licensing board play a key role in sending a message to those who sell alcohol that they have a huge responsibility.”

Central Ayrshire MP, Brian Donohoe, has also passed on his congratulations to the police.

He added: “Some of these figures are fantastic and go to show the great job being carried out by our local police officers.”