THE number of drink/drug driving crimes in Nithsdale has almost doubled, shock new figures have revealed.
There were 211 driving under the influence offences recorded in this part of the region in the six-months between April 1 and September 30 last year.
This was 101 more incidents than the five-year average – representing an increase of 91.8 percent.
This statistic is a stand-out in the latest Nithsdale Police Scotland report, which is due to be presented to councillors at Nithsdale area committee next week.
Chief Inspector Duncan Cameron will attend the meeting to present the report and answer queries from councillors to get a clearer picture on what’s behind fluctuating crime stats.
His report states: “Driving under the influence offences have increased by 58 on the previous year to date, and by 101 on the five-year average.
“Speeding offences have decreased by 328 on the previous year to date, and by 569 on the five-year average.
“Mobile phone offences have decreased by 24 on the previous year to date and are 45 higher than the five-year average.”
Meanwhile, a total of 521 violent crimes were recorded over the April-September period last year, which is a 9.9 percent increase on the five-year average.
There were 11 robberies in that time. The previous year’s number was five, while the five-year average was six.
However, police reported a positive detection rate, tracking down those responsible in ten out of the 11 cases.
There was one attempted murder – the same number as the previous year – and a total of 31 serious assaults (13 more than the five-year average).
The report continues: “Drug possession charges have reduced by ten on the previous year to date and are 93 less than the five year average.
“There are currently 21 recorded drug related deaths across the division during the period April to September 2024. This figure is subject to additions as toxicology results are received.”
Sex crimes in the Nithsdale area showed a downward trend last year.
There were 12 rape cases in the April-September six-month period – compared to a five-year average of 16.
Meanwhile, 40 sexual assaults were recorded, which was a slight decrease on the five-year average of 42.
