Recorded crime in Scotland is at its lowest level since 1974 according to new figures released today. The statistics have been welcomed by local MSP Ben Macpherson.
In total, 246,243 crimes were recorded in 2015-16, compared to 256,350 in the previous year. Key highlights include:
- Crimes of dishonesty including theft, housebreaking and shoplifting fell from 126,857 to 115,789
- Non-sexual crimes of violence are at their second lowest level since 1974 despite a slight rise over the twelve months from 6,357 to 6,775
- Fire-raising, vandalism etc. increased from 52,091 to 54,226, though this remains 58% lower than in 2006-07
- Other crimes (mostly drug related or crimes against public justice) fell from 61,488 to 59,180.
- Crimes of handling offensive weapons have fallen to their lowest level since 1984, down to 3,111
- The number of offences recorded by the police in Scotland fell from 379,498 to 339,193. These include motor vehicle offences and breach of the peace
- The overall police clear-up rate increased by 1.2 percentage points to 51.6%.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson said: “I am very pleased that Scotland now has the lowest rate of recorded crime in 42 years, including reductions in drug crime, theft and handling offensive weapons over the last year.
“I am grateful for the excellent work of Scotland’s police officers and their specialist and other civilian colleagues in detecting, disrupting and deterring criminal activities. Each of us can contribute to keeping our communities, homes and businesses safe, including by minimising opportunities for criminals.
“Police continue to lead that preventative approach alongside partners in other public services and the private and third sectors – not least in addressing emerging threats online, including child sexual exploitation, radicalisation and cyber-fraud.
“While higher levels of recorded sexual crime are broadly in line with UK trends, include a significant number of historical cases and may reflect greater willingness by victims to come forward, such incidents are completely unacceptable. This is why we have taken tough action to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Since 2006-07 we have also invested more than £10.5 million in a range of violence reduction programmes during which time violent crime has more than halved (down 52%) and is at its second lowest level since 1974.
“Today’s report also indicates that female victims of common assault were far more likely than men to be assaulted by a partner or ex-partner – underlining why the Scottish Government has committed an additional £20 million over three years to tackle violence against women, alongside our plan to strengthen legislation against all forms of domestic abuse.”
Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “The overall recorded crime picture remains largely positive with a 4% fall in overall recorded crime across our communities. This coupled with an increase in the detection rate of 1.2% reflects the hard work carried out by police officers and police staff throughout the country. The report also highlights the large demand on Police Scotland with 246,243 crimes recorded during 2015-16.
“The increase in the report of sexual crime is in part a reflection of the increased level of confidence the public has in reporting this type of crime to the police with the knowledge that every complaint will be handled sensitively and professionally. This equally applies to reports of historical abuse.
“We recognise the increase in crimes of violence and although this remains low in a historical context, we continue to work with partners in communities to tackle violence and address the influence that alcohol plays in many of these crimes. The recorded crime statistics are an important barometer on the level of service that the public get from Police Scotland, but they are only part of the picture.
“On a daily basis officers and staff provide help, advice and assistance on many different subjects ranging from anti-social behaviour, missing persons and mental health issues. In addition, we are developing a better understanding of the demands on modern policing in relation to issues such as cybercrime and online child exploitation which will be a focus for us in the future.
“Police Scotland will continue to engage with the public to identify issues in local communities across Scotland that will direct and inform the shape of policing for the future.”
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, has also welcomed the latest figures.Recorded crime in Edinburgh has fallen by 34% in the ten years between 2006/07 and 2015/16, part of a nationwide fall of 41% and the local MSP believes this shows the success of SNP policies in policing and justice.
Ben Macpherson said: “These are welcome figures that show a steep fall in recorded crime in the period since the SNP entered office in 2007 – and shows that SNP policies, such as having more police officers, have made our communities safer.
“It is excellent to see a decline in recorded crime of 34% across Edinburgh, part of a Scotland-wide picture that shows an overall fall of 41% since 2006/07.
“I am pleased to also see that the largest fall in recorded crime between 2014-15 and 2015-16 was in the City of Edinburgh, with a 11% decline. Having safe communities where everyone feels welcome are vital to creating the Scotland that we all want to see – and these figures show that, under the SNP, we have made significant progress in achieving this goal.”
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