Concerns have been raised over the public's confidence in local policing after a series of recent incidents.
Officers were faced with questions from local councillors this week after a quarterly report noted a policing satisfaction level of just 56%.
This has been compared to 81% in Argyll and Bute and 67% nationally.
Councillor William Rooney asked: "“Confidence in the Police in West Dunbartonshire is only 56%. Recently residents have reported car break‑ins, and even a milk snatcher in Clydebank, creating an atmosphere that people don’t have confidence in the police.
“Since Police Scotland was formed, there are 1,000 fewer officers on the beat. How do we rebuild public confidence in West Dunbartonshire?”
The recent scrutiny report showed acquisitive crimes, which involves thievery and stealing, has increased by 13.5%.
This was largely contributed to through a rise in shoplifting, common thefts, vehicle crime and housebreakings.
Divisional Commander Gary I’Anson says the force has been undertaking "tremendous" work around sexual crime.
Sexual assaults and rape offences have seen a marginal reduction compared to the same time last year, whilst indecent images or communication crimes have almost doubled.
L'Anson said: "There has been a tremendous amount of work done in particular around sexual crime.”
“I would say when you look at the Violence Against Women and Girls there is a sea change in relation to the amount of reporting.
“You do see year and year increase in reporting that I would suggest is giving us a truer picture of the scale of the problems and which there is painstaking investigation and a tremendous amount of partnership work done.
“Public trust in confidence is absolutely at the heart of what police Scotland and L division who operate in west Dunbartonshire are all about”.
Further concerns were also raised ahead of the 20 day closure of the front counter at Clydebank Police Station.
We previously reported that the desk will be shut from March 30 to April 19 to allow for refurbishment work.
Meanwhile, the counter at Dumbarton Police Station will move to a 24/7 opening time whilst the work is ongoing.
Chief Inspector Lynn Edwards replied: “We did consider the use of portacabins, but we have lone workers who are civilian staff, so we made the decision to move Dumbarton police office to 24/7 coverage.
“We do have lots of alternative ways to contact the police.”
Police can also be contacted by visiting https://orlo.uk/I1GxI, calling 101, or 999 in an emergency during this time.
Share