North Ayrshire police have revealed that less people have been arrested for robbery over the last year but say that more money has been seized from organised crime

Between April and September this year, police made 14 per cent fewer arrests for robberies in North Ayrshire compared with the same period in 2014.

The figures, revealed at North Ayrshire Council’s Police and Fire and Rescue Committee, also showed positive improvements for police including seizing more money from organised crime groups and significantly more detections for housebreaking.

Councillors heard details on Monday (November 23) about the key priorities for the police as part of the North Ayrshire Local Police Plan 2014-17.

In relation to drug dealing, 52 detections were made compared with 43 in 2014 while 295 detections were recorded for drugs possession – 17 fewer than last year.

Organised crime groups had £5,276 more of their assets seized this year (£3,215,605 in total).

Serious assaults have dropped from 55 to 48, as have common assaults (776 to 753) but the detection rate for serious assaults fell from 87 per cent to 85 per cent.

The number of robberies remained the same as last year with 14 but like serious assaults, the detection rate dropped significantly from 86 per cent to 71 per cent. The total number of victims of violent crime fell to 817 from 854– a drop of 37.

Police reported encouraging figures in relation to domestic abuse. There have been 23 fewer incidents (685 to 662) with detection rates for domestic crimes and offences up to 82 per cent from 79 per cent.

Improvements have also been made in relation to rowdy and drunken behaviour with 728 fewer less complaints about disorder (4,423 to 3,695).

Ayrshire Police Division met their target to increase detection rates for housebreakings, up rising from 20 per cent to 31 per cent.

As of September 2014, only one road death was recorded. However, a handful of fatal accidents have occurred in North Ayrshire in the last two months.

The number of people seriously injured on the roads and the number of drink-driving offences have also dropped from 31 and 58 to 22 and 53 respectively.

Chief Superintendent Gillian MacDonald presented the report to the meeting on Monday and gave her thoughts on the figures.

Within the report, she said: “I recognise the priority that communities attach to tackling drug-related crime and we have worked hard to target those involved in the illegal supply of drugs.

“Our work in that regard has resulted in a pleasing increase in the number of relevant offences detected.

“I am delighted that the number of victims of violent crime continues to fall in North Ayrshire and that all categories of violent crime are showing reductions this year against last.

“Preventing and reducing violent crime remains a real focus of our activity in North Ayrshire and while detection rates are slightly lower than at the same time last year, the area commander, CI Shaw, is working very hard to ensure that officers exploit all investigative opportunities to bring inquiries to a successful conclusion.”

She added: “We have sustained our significant improvement in detecting housebreakings and this is due, in no small part, to the creation of a small dedicated team to tackle issues of particular local concern.

“I am very encouraged by the significant drop in the number of housebreakings too, in most ward areas.”