DRUG crime in Inverclyde has jumped by more than 50 per cent in the last year according to latest figures.

A government report on policing showed that the area recorded the biggest rise in the country and also has the highest number of drug crimes per head of population.

Inverclyde also had some of the highest rates in the country for drunkenness and other disorder crimes.

But the area’s top police officer says that the figures come as a result of a targeted focus on these crimes and are in direct response to calls from the public for police to act.

Chief Superintendent Alan Spiers, pictured, of the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde division, told the Telegraph: “I think these figures are really positive and good news for Inverclyde.

“These crimes were a real focus for us.

“The consequence of that is that detection rates for things like drug possession go up.

“Drunk and disorderly crimes are recorded when there is an arrest, so any increase is a response to our focus in the town centres.

“Clearing up low level crimes such as these can prevent more serious violent crimes.

“We respond to the local police plan which is put together by local people, the police and the local scrutiny board.

“We have listened to the local people, who tell us that drugs crime is of a significant concern to them.

“I think that this has been the most significant change from introducing Police Scotland — these local police plans are put in place and we have to respond to what local people are saying their priorities are.

“We have a plan for every ward in Inverclyde and have to use our resources accordingly.” The new report said that the 52 per cent increase in drug crime was as a result of an increase in detection rates for possession of drugs and where officers have been particularly pro-active.

Overall, Inverclyde has achieved a 60 per cent clear up rate for all crimes reported in Inverclyde.

The chair of the local police scrutiny committee today praised local police for their record in recent years and said it has left the community feeling safer.

Councillor Terry Loughran, convener of the police and fire scrutiny committee, said: “The performance of the police in Inverclyde is very good and I am very pleased with it.

“There is a real feeling that Inverclyde is a safer place to stay now — the fear of crime is reducing locally and we are fully supportive of the local police force.” Total recorded crime for the area has fallen by 46 per cent in the last 10 years, with 4,323 crimes recorded in Inverclyde last year.

This represents a slight rise of three per cent compared with the year before and comes at the same time as the number of crimes recorded in Scotland falls by one per cent.