CRIME in Argyll and Bute has risen markedly in the last 12 months, resulting in calls for more policing in the area.

Preliminary statistics released by Police Scotland revealed the number of incidents had risen from 2,150 in 2016-17 to 2,264 last year.

The report found that the number of sexual crimes in Argyll and Bute rose by a fifth, from 141 to 170.

Violent crime rose from 52 to 63, while figures for crimes of domestic abuse increased by three per cent, from 633 to 654.

Crimes of dishonesty also showed an increase, from 698 to 722, although drug crime in the area fell from 428 incidents to 416.

The statistics appear in Police Scotland management data for 2017-18 and are not official recorded crime figures, which will be released later in the year.

Local MSP and shadow minister for community safety, Maurice Corry, told the Advertiser: “The report makes for depressing reading due to the increase in crime which seems to be happening in Argyll and Bute.

“This may be result of factors such as better reporting and recording, but what is unforgivable is the increase in crime for assaults on police officers and domestic abuse in particular.

“I hope that the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act in the Scottish Parliament will help bring these figures down.”

The Conservative MSP recently suggested training retired veterans as police officers in order to tackle staffing shortages in Police Scotland.

He added: “I had put forward proposals which will bring a wealth of knowledge about the local area to Police Scotland while being cost effective.”

Although the rise in Argyll and Bute is smaller than some areas of Scotland, the increase has been put down to cuts and a lack of police resources.

Paul Connelly, the chair of the Scottish Police Federation, saidr: “Argyll and Bute is generally a low crime area but after recent tragic events I can understand why the local population would be concerned about the increase in particular crimes.

“There’s an obvious link between a reduction in officer numbers and the increase in crime.”

The report revealed an increase in the number of assaults against emergency service personnel, including ambulance staff and firefighters, from 72 in 2016-17 to 110 last year.

Mr Connelly explained that most of these assaults happen to police officers while on duty.

He added: “It is particularly disturbing that the number of emergency officers being assaulted is going through the roof in Argyll and Bute and that’s because people know we are thinner on the ground.

“That’s really concerning, because if police officers can’t keep themselves safe, how can they keep people safe? "That’s the people who are trying their best to bring crime down and they are getting nowhere.”

Chief Superintendent Hazel Hendren, Police Scotland’s divisional commander for Argyll and West Dunbartonshire, said: “It is important to note that whilst there has been a slight increase in Group 1-5 crimes, the total remains significantly lower than the five-year average.

“A main priority for the division is tackling violent crime, and we are disappointed to see the increase in incidents where our officers and other emergency service personnel have been attacked on duty.

“We also note the increase in reported domestic abuse crimes. Whilst any increase is concerning, we understand that a reason could be that victims feel more confident to report this to the police, which is to be welcomed.”