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Low crime in Highlands and Islands       3/3/13

The majority of people feel safe in the Highlands and islands according to a survey.

A community consultation survey by Northern Constabulary indicated that public also wants a localised approach to services, facilities and information.

89% of respondents reported that they are satisfied with the service provided by Northern Constabulary.

The top three community concerns continue to be road safety, alcohol abuse and anti-social behaviour.

Respondents indicated that the police and courts’ priorities should be promoting road safety, tackling the supply of illegal drugs and crime prevention.

There was a decrease in the level of concern expressed over alcohol abuse, antisocial behaviour and serious and organised crime, including illegal drugs.

Chief Constable George Graham welcomed the response.

He said: "As we move forward into the Police Service of Scotland at the beginning of April, we, and our partners, want to influence the focus for policing priorities in this area and the support we have received through the response to the consultation will allow us to continue to make this area one of the safest in the UK to live, work and visit.

"As Northern Constabulary draws to a close we are leaving the people of the Highlands and Islands in a great position with low levels of crime and high detection rates.

"I am sure with the public’s continued support for our officers in the Highlands and Islands then we will continue to deliver those levels of success.”

Procurator Fiscal for the North, Andrew Laing commented: "Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal service is keen to hear from the people that we serve to ensure that we can respond appropriately to local concerns and priorities. I note that those responding have indicated that the authorities should prioritise road safety and tackling the supply of illegal drugs.

"We continue to seek to promote road safety by taking action in relation to a host of road traffic offences including dangerous driving, drunk driving, driving without insurance and speeding offences.

“Whilst some cases can take some time to get through the court process the majority are dealt with very quickly and the prosecution process in Highland and Islands is the fastest in Scotland with the average interval between a person being charged by the police and being convicted in our courts standing at just 100 days.

"Prosecutors work with police to bring those who deal drugs in our communities to justice and we continue to secure convictions and custodial sentences against those who peddle in misery. "

Over 10,000 households across the Highlands and Islands were surveyed with a very high 29% response.