Acquisitive crimes including housebreakings and thefts of vehicles have dropped by almost half across Aberdeenshire as officers continue to focus on the issues that matter most to local communities.

North East Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Campbell Thomson presented the region's latest crime figures to Aberdeenshire Council as part of the Division's commitment to local scrutiny.

Thanks to the significant efforts of Operation Magpie - an initiative launched to tackle an increasing number of acquisitive crimes in the North East - housebreakings have reduced by almost 49% compared to the 5-year average, with motor vehicle crime also reducing by 49%.

Detection rates for robberies also reached 100% during April and June this year, while the number of serious assaults decreased by 34%. Detection rates for serious assaults also increased significantly - up to 90% - since the report was prepared as investigations continued and suspects were identified and traced.

Chief Superintendent Thomson said:

"This should send a clear message to those who choose to behave in such a despicable manner that you will be caught and you will be held accountable for your actions.

"Combined with improving detection rates, the picture across Aberdeenshire remains very positive thanks to the combined efforts of Community Policing Teams, crime prevention and CID officers who continue to increase our preventative measures in areas such as acquisitive crime.

"However despite repeated pleas there remains much work to be done to educate home and vehicle owners of the need to be vigilant, and I would take this opportunity once again to urge people to follow basic crime prevention measures including simply ensuring your property is always locked and secure.

"We also continue to work extremely hard to dismantle serious and organised crime in particular the sale and supply of illegal drugs, with the number of drugs supply offences increasing by almost 70% in comparison to the 5-year average. It is clear evidence that Police act on the intelligence provided by communities themselves to detect offences and take those offenders to court."

Since last meeting with the scrutiny board, the number of serving officers stationed across the Division has continued to increase and is now at the highest level for many years.

A new North East Rural Crime Partnership has also been formed with a range of partners including the National Farmers Union and Scottish Land & Estates to address the unique challenges that can face rural communities and landowners.

He added: