East Ren crime figures plunge

The number of calls received from the public about disorder in East Ren fell by 21 per cent — marking 700 fewer reports in the last year.

Group one crimes, including serious assault, robbery and attempted murder, saw a 23% reduction — which, according to communities inspector Alan Dickson, means 10 less East Ren victims — while less serious assaults fell by 15%.

Thefts of and from cars — a problem common to the area — were down by 22%, with 44 fewer cars targeted than last year.

Housebreakings also dropped by 15%.

Chief inspector Campbell Crawford, area commander for East Renfrewshire, told The Extra: “This follows on from a reduction the previous year, and I’m happy to report a further fall in crime rates, combined with an increase in detection rates.

“East Renfrewshire is a low crime area, and we’re looking to continue to target issues which the public identify as their priorities, as well as targeting those who continue to commit crimes.”

Multi-member ward plans have now been published for 2014/15, setting out priorities for individual areas based on public consultation.

In each ward, speeding motorists and incosiderate drivers, drugs, housebreaking and theft and violence and antisocial behaviour are the top four priorities.

Giffnock, Netherlee, Stamperland and Williamwood and Newton Mearns South residents remain most concerned about speeding, while Busby, Clarkston and Eaglesham households identified housebreaking and theft as their biggest worries.

Community policing plans for each area are available via Twitter feed @EastRenPolice.