Police put soaring crime rates down to cash crisis

THE credit crunch is being linked to a soaring number of thefts and burglaries in Edinburgh.

Latest figures show crimes of dishonesty – which includes housebreaking, shoplifting and fraud – have increased by nine per cent on last year, with 1576 more crimes recorded in the Lothians.

Temporary chief constable Tom Halpin told the Evening News the increase could be down to the economic downturn.

He said: "There are crime groups such as shoplifting where we are beginning to see a rise in reports. I'm very alert to the possibility that the current financial climate could have had an effect on the level of crime, particularly acquisitive crime and particularly crime in our high streets, such as shoplifting and credit card fraud.

"We are positively engaging with retailers. We are helping groups that are at risk to protect themselves."

The latest report to the Lothian and Borders Police Board shows that the number of recorded crimes between April and September 2008 has risen 1.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. There were 35,700 crimes overall, with the "detection" rate – or number solved – rising one per cent to 43.6 per cent.

There was a slight fall in violent crime, of one per cent on last year, and fireraising and vandalism fell by seven per cent. But there was a six per cent increase in the number of rapes, sexual assaults and other crimes of indecency.

Crimes of "dishonesty" account for almost half of all recorded crime. The detection rate is only 35 per cent, but this is up one per cent from last year. Police say these crimes can often be particularly difficult to solve due to lack of evidence.

A report to the Lothian and Borders Police Board states there are "early indications" that the increase in crimes of dishonesty "may be attributable to the current economic climate", but says no firm evidence exists.

Councillor Iain Whyte, the convener of the Lothian and Borders Police Board, said: "This is obviously something we have to look out for, although it's early days. We know unemployment is rising. The last thing we need is an upsurge in shoplifting or casual crime as a result of any financial difficulties.

"I'd be very concerned about any increase in crime. However, there is still a long-term downward trend in crime."

Police chiefs have introduced a number of initiatives recently to tackle shoplifting in the city centre. After analysing hotspots, a new exclusion zone has been introduced, which includes busy shopping spots such as Princes Street, George Street, Lothian Road and Multrees Walk.

Each person accused of shoplifting is now shown a map of the area and has to sign-up to the exclusion zone as part of their bail conditions. Although bail orders have previously included areas where accused thieves cannot enter, it is the first time in Scotland that a zone has been formalised for use across different cases.

Force 'is winning' drugs and gun war

LOTHIAN and Borders' acting police chief said today his officers were winning the war on gun crime and drugs.

Tom Halpin, the temporary Chief Constable, said the latest figures show a fall in gun crime this year, despite several high-profile incidents. And he insisted Edinburgh is still one of the safest cities to live in, with a very low chance of the public being involved in a violent crime.

The number of crimes involving firearms this year was 196, a fall of around ten per cent from 220 last year. Of these, 44 per cent were linked to drugs.

Mr Halpin said: "There are not a large number of gun crimes, although they do have a high profile. We know from our investigations these are not random attacks. They are predominantly between acquaintances, who are linked to criminals. I believe we're making big inroads in tackling this type of crime. The number of times we have to deal with firearms incidents is going down."

Five shootings, including shots being fired at a private hire cab in Granton, brought gun crime back on to the agenda. Mr Halpin said: "We know there are organised crime gangs in Edinburgh. We've got a very effective picture of street-level dealing. We do understand the market much more."

The latest figures show recorded drugs offences have fallen by six per cent in April-September this year, compared to the same period in 2007. But there has been a large increase in the value of the drugs being seized. Police seized almost £1.4 million worth of drugs between April and September, almost twice as much as the same period last year.

Violent crime has fallen by one per cent in the six-month period. This includes murder, attempted murder, serious assault, robbery, threats and extortion.