VIOLENT and sexual crime figures in Argyll and Bute have risen, according to a report which will go before councillors today (Thursday).

The Police Scotland document produced for the area’s community services committee shows that the number of sexual assaults in the area has gone from 32 in 2016/17 to 44 in 2017/18.

It also states that 60 crimes of violence have been reported compared to 50 in the previous year, and serious assaults have increased from 28 to 38. The 2017/18 figures in the document are up to date as of Friday, March 2.

The report, by Chief Superintendent Hazel Hendren, also tells how officers recovered drugs and firearms from a Helensburgh property, with two men subsequently charged.

Chief Superintendent Hendren’s report says: “At the end of Quarter 2, the total number of Group 2 sexual crimes reported within Argyll and Bute shows an increase of 14.1 per cent, compared to the previous year, which equates to 18 more crimes being recorded. Crimes levels are also 18.7 per cent higher than the five-year average.

“In line with previously noted trends, increased crimes levels are largely due to a rise in sexual assaults. ‘Other’ crimes primarily those relating to indecent images and indecent communication have also increased.

“Around a third of all crimes recorded were historical reports.

“The detection rate for Group 2 Sexual Crime has reduced slightly year on year from 63.3 per cent to 47.9 per cent.”

On crimes of violence, it adds: “In total 60 crimes have been reported compared to 50 in 2016/17, however crime levels remain below the five-year average (of 68.4 per cent).

“Crimes of robbery have reduced however this continues to be offset by an increase in serious assaults.”

It also says: “Following a drugs search at a house in the Helensburgh area a quantity of firearms ammunition and small quantity of drugs were recovered. Two males were subsequently charged as a result.”