POLICE have revealed a slight rise in the number of robberies across North Ayrshire in recent months.

But the good news is that the detection rate for the crimes is well above last year and the five-year average.

A report to North Ayrshire Council's police, fire and rescue committee this month revealed 16 robberies had been reported between April 1 and September 30.

Those figures were slightly up on last year but well below the five-year average. The figures for 2023/24 had been much lower than the previous four years.

The detection rate is currently 81.3 per cent, which is above last year as well as the five-year average.

Three robberies were reported on the High Street in Irvine, two of which occurred at a bus stop.

Seven of the crimes took place within the home, with police reporting that a physical assault was most commonly used against the victims.

Cash remained the most commonly acquired item and the victim knew the offender, in some capacity, in at least 63 per cent of robberies so far this year.

Three of the victims of the robberies were aged 70 or above.

In their report, officers stated: "Irvine Town Centre has featured as a repeat locus and as such a specific action plan to target offending behaviour is ongoing utilising both high visibility and plain clothed officers.

"Addiction is a significant feature in all reported crimes with the offender either being under the influence or committing these crimes to fund their addiction.

"Every crime of robbery is reviewed and assessed by the criminal investigation department who work closely with locality and priority policing teams to bring the offenders to justice quickly."

The police report concluded: "Support is provided to victims by investigating officers with appropriate referrals to support agencies being made."