A CRACKDOWN on sex offences and other serious crimes is at the heart of a new three-year plan drawn up by top cops.

The Local Police Plan 2017-2020 details the main objectives for keeping people safe over the next three years.

As well as tackling a surge in sexual offences, there is also set to be a major effort by officers to gain a better understanding of the distribution and supply network of illegal drugs across Renfrewshire, which has the sixth highest rate of drug deaths in Scotland.

Cops have also vowed to make domestic abuse a key priority after a report led by Police Scotland indicated the level in Renfrewshire is above the national average, placing the local authority area seventh in terms of rate of incidents per 10,000 population.

In addition, officers will continue to focus on tackling crimes of serious violence, which have slightly increased in recent months, and the correlation between alcohol and violence or anti-social behaviour, which the report said is “well-evidenced” in Renfrewshire.

Bosses at Renfrewshire Council have given their backing to the policing plan.

Iain Nicolson, council leader, told The Gazette: “Local communities are at the heart of everything the council and local policing does.

“The policing priorities outlined in this plan are rightly formed by listening to the views of local communities and have been aligned with the new 10-year Renfrewshire Community Plan.

“This joined-up, collaborative approach supports our aim to create a safe, strong and thriving Renfrewshire.”

Chief Superintendent Gordon Crossan, the new divisional commander for Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, added: “This key document reflects our commitment to deliver policing which is visible, accessible and responsive to the needs of Renfrewshire’s communities.

“Excellent local policing can only be achieved through a collaborative partnership approach and with the continued support of the communities we serve.

“We have achieved much success locally in partnership with Renfrewshire Council through initiatives such as the Community Safety Hub and, together, we will work to ensure Renfrewshire is a safe place.”