CRIME in the Borders has fallen, according to the latest Police Scotland figures.

Today (Friday) Police Scotland released its Q1 Management of Information data for April to June.

And compared to the same quarter in 2021 the total number of offences taking place in the Lothians and Scottish Borders division has fallen by 260.

In the first quarter of 2022 statistics show that 4,466 offences took place, compared to 4,726 in Q1 of 2021.

This drop in figures also includes offences against emergency service workers.

Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton, Divisional Commander for the Lothians and Scottish Borders, said: “It is obviously extremely encouraging to view reductions in crime rates across the board, but we must be pragmatic in our approach to the review and analysis of the Management of Information data, as when we compare it to the same period last year, we are looking at a snapshot of when the country was still subject to COVID restrictions.

Nationally violent crime has increased, however, in the Lothians and Borders this type of crime has reduced slightly, with five fewer serious assaults taking place, and four fewer incidents of robbery and assault with intent to rob.

Sexual crime in the division has fallen from 375 in Q1 of 2021 to 268 in Q1 of 2022.

The number of rape and attempted rape reports also fell from 84 last year to 58 in April-June.

There were also four fewer incidents of indecent/sexual assault.

Incidents of fraud have reduced in the division too, with 327 reported incidents in Q1 of 2022, compared to 361 in Q1 of 2021.

However, road safety remains a priority in the division as the number of fatalities doubled from three to six, according to Police Scotland's data.

There has, however, been a reduction in the number of serious and slight injury collisions.

Chief Superintendent Paton added: "The positive decrease in violent crime, sexual crime, fraud and road traffic offences is testament to the dedication and professionalism of officers and staff working, together with partners, and with the support of local communities within and across the division and I thank them for their continued efforts.

“We will continue to work alongside our key partners and to engage with our communities in a way that helps us to continue to reduce crime further, to provide further reassurance and keep our communities safe.

“What the national Q1 data highlights, is that the online realm remains a challenge for policing and DCC Taylor has confirmed that more investment and training is required in this space to tackle online offending and protect those who are using the internet.

“Lothians and Scottish Borders Division will continue to utilise all national and specialist resources at our disposal to protect communities, be it online, or in person.”

Communities can share their views on local policing through the 'Your Police' survey.

To take part in the survey, visit: consult.scotland.police.uk/strategy-insight-and-innovation/your-police-2022-2023/