CORONAVIRUS lockdown brought with it a decrease in crime across Fife.

Between April and June, the total number of crimes fell by 15.8 per cent – a drop of 1,249 offences compared to the same period last year.

In a report to Fife Council’s environment and protective services committee, Chief Superintendent Derek McEwan said: “During this reporting period, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen Police Scotland operating in unprecedented times.

“For a large portion of the quarter, Scotland has been adhering to ‘lockdown’ and this has had a significant impact on the incidents and crimes recorded, with changes in demand experienced as Government restrictions were introduced.”

Violent crime was down from 141 to 119 with a notable reduction in the number of serious assaults – down 25.4 per cent.

Culpable homicide was down by three while common assaults saw a decrease from 1,011 to 980 compared with the same reporting period in 2019/2020.

“It is likely that the phased easing of COVID lockdown measures will result in increased violence and disorder amongst local communities,” added the report.

“The easing of lockdown has afforded people the opportunity to socialise, combined with alcohol consumption and the limitations due to social-distancing could potentially lead to increased tensions.”

Overall dishonesty offences were down 19.3 per cent, with sexual crime reducing by 29.1 per cent and crimes of housebreaking falling 29.8 per cent.

But there was a dramatic increase in the number of complaints regarding disorder – soaring by 67.9 per cent to 7,795 offences.

Chief Superintendent McEwan said there had been a “developing problem” of anti-social behaviour since the enforced lockdown.

“Since the introduction of the emergency legislation it has been recognised that the best solution to resolve the situation is a partnership approach with the local authority,” he said.

“This ensured that there was maximum opportunity to tackle the anti-social behaviour and resolve the issues arising.”