SERIOUS assaults and robberies have decreased in Argyll and West Dunbartonshire according to new Police Scotland figures.

The number of serious assaults fell by almost nine per cent between 2018/19 and 2019/20.

Meanwhile, there were 17 cases of robbery and assault with intent to rob in 2019/20 - 10 fewer than in the previous 12-month period.

Proactive work in targeting knife crime and drugs by local police led to an increase in the number of offences recorded for carrying of offensive weapons and the supply of drugs.

Officers also successfully detected more of these offences’ year-on-year, with 2,404 detected in 2019/20, compared with 2,212 in 2018/19.

There was also a rise in fraud, from 167 offences to 285.

The introduction of new domestic abuse legislation led to a slight rise in the overall figures for violent crime, however, when the new offences are removed, non-sexual crimes of violence fell by more than 10 per cent, from 249 to 222.

Chief Superintendent John Paterson, divisional commander of Argyll and West Dunbartonshire, said: “The safety of all of our citizens is a priority and we are committed to protecting those who are vulnerable or victims of crime.

“Police Scotland officers and staff are out in communities across our division every day, supported by national specialist divisions on issues such as domestic abuse and cybercrime.

“We have listened to the concerns of those who live in our division and I am pleased that through targeted, intelligence-led proactive policing, we have succeeded in taking more weapons and drugs off our streets.

“In line with our policing plan, violence and drugs are priority areas for us and we remain focused on ensuring that people do not carry weapons or supply illegal substances. Where they do, they will be caught and charged.

“Our proactive approach has also seen a rise in detection rates for serious assaults and robberies, while our officers have worked hard to support victims of domestic abuse in line with the new legislation.

“I recognise that and want people in Argyll and West Dunbartonshire to know that we are here to help, particularly at this time.

“Anyone who is at risk, or who is concerned about someone else who may be at risk of harm, should come forward and report this to us. We will listen, investigate and ensure appropriate support is provided.”