POLICE in Fife have presented crime figures for the first quarter of 2016 to the Fife Safer Communities Committee which have shown that anti-social behaviour is continuing to drop.

The Quarter 1 Management Information, covering April-June 2016, showed the total number of crimes reported to have fallen by almost 1%, remaining significantly below the five year average.

Anti-social behaviour, the public’s number one priority for policing in Fife, and the Cowdenbeath area, has seen the greatest reduction with 263 fewer anti-social behaviour incidents reported compared with the same three months last year.

Sexual crime, drugs offences, crimes of dishonesty and domestic crime have also fallen. In particular, following extensive partnership work in respect of rural crime and a push to educate the public on home security, there has been a significant reduction in the number of reported housebreakings.

During this time, Police Scotland launched the national ‘Your View Counts’ Campaign. This is designed to identify the public’s perception of what should be prioritised within their local area.

Between April 7 and June 30 over 10,000 people completed the survey nationally. From the first quarter results the public in Fife identified their top local priorities as: Anti Social behaviour; Housebreaking; Drug Dealing /Misuse; Violent Crime; and Child Abuse Inc. Child Sexual Exploitation.

Divisional Commander for Fife, Chief Superintendent Angela McLaren, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able make a positive start to 2016/17. "Whilst overall crime levels remain the same, all types of housebreaking are down 13% and break-ins to homes are down 19%.

"Your home is where you should feel safest, and this year’s improvement can be attributed to occupants taking simple steps to secure their property, combined with a proactive policing approach in tackling these offences. Likewise we have seen a significant drop in vehicle crime by 18%.

"The number of drugs offences also remains comparable to last year with a reduction in supply, production and cultivation charges.

"Through continued proactivity, partnership working and by members of the public of the public providing valuable information, we continue to take positive action removing these substances from our streets and making our communities safer."

Ms McLaren added: "There has been a very slight increase in violent crime compared with last year.

"The move from spring into summer often involves a peak in crimes of violence that can be partly attributed to the longer days, warmer weather and increased alcohol consumption. Despite this overall increase, common assault figures have actually reduced.

"Fife Division has implemented a Violence Reduction Working Group that focusses on preventing and reducing violence within Fife.

"Through the provision of additional officers during busy times and support from national resources we continue to respond to community needs, making violence a top priority.

"Whilst the number of anti-social behaviour incidents reported to us has fallen, there has been a rise in offences like vandalism and fire-raising which can often be linked to anti-social behaviour.

"Last year saw a record low for reports of vandalism and fire-raising in Fife and we are committed to reducing these instances through our dedicated prevention officers and by continuing to encourage the public to report these crimes to our officers.

"Speeding and road safety continues to concern the communities within Fife. We will continue our dedicated Road Policing Patrols, local initiatives and support for partnership initiatives through Road Safety Events, all with the intention of reducing the number of injuries on our roads, educating drivers and detecting offences."

The Quarter 1 Management Information report was presented to the Fife Safer Communities Committee on Thursday. Margaret Kennedy, chair of the Safer Communities Committee said: “I welcome the continuing reduction in crime as shown in the report today. This is evidence of the hard work of police officers and the strong partnership working that exists in Fife.”