Sex crimes reported in Renfrewshire in this quarter have almost doubled from the same period last year.


During a period from April 1 to June 30, a total of 108 crimes have been reported in the area – 52 more than the corresponding period in 2017.


A sum of 45 per cent of reported sexual offences in the current year are considered non-recent in nature – up from 30 per cent the previous year.


Superintendent Simon Wright believes the change represents a shift in people’s confidence in coming forward to report sexual crimes.

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Speaking at the police and fire and rescue scrutiny sub-committee on Tuesday, he described the nature of the historic offences.


He said: “In some cases it’s month but in a lot it’s decades. A lot of people are feeling more able to come forward. That’s probably confidence in the partnership.”


Victims aged between 11 and 15 at the time of the offence constituted the highest proportion of sexual crimes, with the majority of the reports being historic and/or cyber-enabled.

The Gazette:

Superindendent Simon Wright 


Meanwhile, overall murder, attempted murder, serious assault and robbery are down 10.4 per cent on last year.


However, robbery itself is actually up from 15 to 22 instances.
Police Scotland reported success in the number of common assaults happening across Renfrewshire, with 59 less than the same period last year and 168 fewer disorder complaints.


“With common assaults, a reduction of that size is really pleasing to us,” Supt Wright added.


However, police bosses admitted the issue of acquisitive crime – including shoplifting and housebreaking – was posing a problem for the force locally.


Shoplifting is up by 7.8 per cent, with the shopping centre at Braehead considered “the primary hotspot location”.


Housebreakings are up by 21.3 per cent.

READ MORE: Cops launch inquiry into historic crimes 


The overall volume of acquisitive crime stands at 1,215 reports, which is an increase of 12 per cent on the previous year.


Supt Wright said: “That’s not such a positive picture for us. We have had some difficulties with domestic housebreakings, which is causing a bit of a problem but there are specialist resources in that.


“There isn’t any particular pattern but it’s a concern for us.”


The number of bogus crimes reported rose to from two to five, while four of the victims were considered elderly and/or infirm.


Common tactics used included posing as utility workers to gain access and steal property or obtaining cash to do gardening work and not complete the agreed work.