The way police deal with what they call “low level crimes” could be about to change. Reports of things, like a parked car being damaged, or a garden gnome being stolen, could be filed away without any investigation by officers.
It follows a pilot of what’s being called a “proportionate response”.
The trial in the north-east found around five per-cent of reported crimes did not need further action – an approach which has freed up thousands of hours of officers time.
Gordon Chree reports
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
