105% Surge in Sexual Crimes as Cyber Offences and Assaults Rise

Sexual crimes across Inverclyde have surged by an alarming 105% compared to the same period last year, according to the latest figures from Police Scotland.

Between April and June, police recorded 39 sexual offences, up by 20 cases from the previous year. Nationally, sexual crimes rose by 7%, with most being non-contact offences—including cybercrimes such as indecent communications and offences involving indecent images of children.

Incidents of sexual assault more than doubled from six to thirteen, while indecent communications increased from seven in 2024 to eight this year. Crimes related to forcing someone to view sexual content were up by four cases. The number of recorded rapes remained the same at three.

The majority (65%) of sexual offences occurred in private homes, followed by public areas and recreational venues.

The statistics, presented by Chief Superintendent Rhona Fraser to the Local Police and Fire Scrutiny Panel, also revealed an overall 12.2% rise in total recorded crimes to 1,557. However, several crime categories showed decreases:

• Domestic abuse incidents dropped by 9%

• Housebreakings fell by 26%

• Common assaults decreased by 8.4%

• Violent crime overall declined by 8.2%

• Road traffic casualties were down 64.3%

There was, however, an 11% increase in disorder complaints and a rise in missing person reports. Police logged 63 reports involving 45 individuals, with some people reported missing multiple times—a 16.7% increase compared to last year. Children made up 59% of those reports, many of them from care backgrounds. Most missing persons were found safely, and nearly one in four returned on their own.

Police recorded 201 domestic abuse incidents, with 83 leading to criminal charges. The most common offences were assault, threatening behaviour, vandalism, and bail violations.

There were also five suspected drug-related deaths during the period, involving heroin, diazepam, pregabalin, and cocaine. Police said they continue to work with partners to tackle drug-related harm, including education programmes in schools and measures against drug supply.

Common cybercrime cases included fraud, sexual extortion, and threats to leak intimate images.

Finally, complaints against police fell by 40%, with the main issues cited being excessive force and procedural irregularities.