REPORTS of fraud have risen steeply across West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute, information released by police shows.

Management information for the fourth quarter of the 2020-21 financial year revealed there were 395 cases of fraud in the fourth quarter of 2020-21, up from 236 cases in the same period last year.

Police also say they remain concerned about the number of crimes involving the communication and disclosure of indecent images, most of which involve young people.

The data shows increases in offences including domestic abuse (5.7 per cent), offensive and bladed weapons incidents (2 per cent) and drink/drug driving (8.3 per cent).

However, there has been a 16.5 per cent fall in crimes of dishonesty, with a 289 decrease in recorded incidents.

Sexual crimes have also reduced, with 40 fewer rapes and 26 fewer sexual assaults compared to the same period last year.

And total crimes and offences are down across the area, with 6,763 recorded, a 21.6 per cent drop.

Superintendent Douglas Wilson of Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Division, said: “Serious assaults are down by 31, with a 3.5 percentage point increase in detection rates, while common assaults have reduced by 172 with a 1.5 percentage point decrease in detection rates.”

On the rise in fraud cases, Superintendent Wilson said: “We would urge people to take all possible steps to educate and protect themselves from being a victim of this type of crime.

“There remain concerns relating to the communication and disclosure of indecent images, most of which involve young people.

“This type of crime can have a devastating impact on young victims and it is vital that parents speak to them about the dangers and consequences of this.

“We will continue to work with local partners to educate youths on how to use the internet and digital services safely.”