THERE were just eight crimes of urinating in public across Argyll and Bute last year, compared to hundreds a decade ago, according to police figures.

More serious crimes such as rape and attempted rape were down to 29 from 60 a year earlier, but still up on a decade ago, when there were 19. Sexual assaults were down by 15 per cent.

With stores closed for long periods over the past two years due to Covid-19 restrictions, shoplifting was down by 45 per cent compared to the year before, with 83 incidents recorded during 2020/21.

Breaches of the peace were down by 18 per cent and common assault was down by 25 per cent. Attempted murder and serious assaults were down by 22 per cent.

However, fraud was up by 49 per cent in a year – to its highest level in a decade – as criminals found new ways to target residents.

READ MORE: Watch out for people impersonating our officers, says Police Scotland

Dangerous and careless driving was up by 15 per cent in a year to 322 during 2020/21 but that is down on five years ago. Driving while under the influence was up slightly but largely level over the past decade.

There were 373 coronavirus-related offences last year across the entire Argyll and Bute area, which had less strict restrictions for much of that time. Neighbouring West Dunbartonshire had more than 1,000 such crimes in the same period.

Jackie Baillie MSP said: “I suspect that some of the offences recorded relate largely to visitors to the area, particularly in Luss over the summer months, when large numbers of young people came to Loch Lomond.

“Tourism increases the pressure on any area and, whilst it is welcome for the local economy, the police and other local partners, such as the National Park, should be given extra resources so they can address any rise in disorder.

“With fraud on the rise, please be vigilant and don’t get caught up in scams, especially those online. If in doubt, contact the police for advice.”