Listen
Lowest crime rate for nearly 30 years
29/09/2009
Just over 8,000 fewer crimes were recorded in Scotland last year, meaning recorded crime is two per cent lower than 2007-08 - its lowest level since 1980, according to figures released today.
The clear up rate for all recorded crimes was 49 per cent, the highest for over 20 years and comes after a significant increase in police numbers, with the most recent statistics showing an increase of 1,044 since March 2007.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill welcomed the figures but made clear that everyone has a responsibility to report crime and help the police.
He signalled no let up in the Scottish Government's determination to tackle crime and address the underlying causes of crime - drink, drugs and deprivation.
The main findings of Recorded Crime in Scotland 2008-09 include:
- a two per cent drop in the total number of crimes
- a two per cent drop in violent crimes
- a three per cent drop in sexual crimes which includes a nine per cent reduction in recorded cases of rape and attempted rape
- an increase in crimes of dishonesty: theft by opening a lockfast place increased by nine per cent and shoplifting increased by ten per cent and
- a seven per cent decrease in recorded cases of vandalism
- a clear up rate for all recorded crime of 49 per cent
All eight police forces showed some decrease in the number of crimes recorded in 2008-09 compared to 2007-08. This ranged from a marginal fall in Northern and Lothian and Borders to an 11 per cent decrease in Dumfries and Galloway.
Speaking before launching new Crimestoppers material in Edinburgh, Mr MacAskill said:
"For the second year in a row, crime in Scotland is down, to the lowest level in nearly 30 years. With record numbers of police officers tackling crime and serving our communities, this Government is working to make Scotland safer and stronger.
"We all have a role to play in helping the police and standing up for our communities.
"If you see or suspect a crime is being carried out, pick up the phone to the police or tell Crimestoppers anonymously - don't ignore it or hope someone else reports it.
"Whether it is someone breaking into a house or car or someone being attacked, we all have a responsibility to tell the police. We make our communities safer by looking after each other.
"We need to report crime, act as witnesses, go as jurors. The police need the support of the community to make our communities safer.
"Although the reduction in crime and the higher clear up rate is welcome, we are certainly not complacent and are committed to taking the action needed to drive crime down further and for the long term.
"There will be no let up in our blitz on bevvy and blades as we work with the Violence Reduction Unit on tougher enforcement and changing attitudes to knife carrying as well as tackling the gang culture that encourages knife crime.
"We're also tackling the underlying causes of crime - drink, drugs and deprivation and through the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, we are supporting the police in smashing the criminal gangs that are using our communities to cultivate and peddle illegal drugs.
"Our Cashback for Communities scheme is using crooks cash to give our youngsters exciting things to do to get them off the streets and divert them from crime and antisocial behaviour.
"Although it is too early to say, the increase in crimes of dishonesty could be partly related to the current difficult economic climate. The Scottish Government is working with ACPOS and the Scottish Business Crime Centre to ensure an integrated approach to crime prevention and community safety.
"As part of that work, we are currently developing a crime prevention booklet with partners to provide the public with advice on how to protect themselves and their property and we hope to publish it shortly.
"We are committed to building a safer, stronger Scotland for all of our communities. We are on the right road but everyone has to play their part."