Crimes recorded by the police in Scotland increased by four per cent between 2022-23 and 2023-24 new figures from the chief statistician show.

An estimated 16,910 cyber crimes were committed in Scotland last year, up from 7,710 in 2019/20.

The recording of crime remains below the position immediately prior to the pandemic (2019-20) and down 51 per cent from its peak in 1991.

Non-sexual crimes of violence increased by four per cent, from 68,870 to 71,463. Common assault (up three per cent) makes up the clear majority (83 per cent) of all non-sexual crimes of violence recorded in 2023-24.

Sexual crimes decreased by one per cent, from 14,602 to 14,484. These crimes are now at the third highest level seen since 1971, the first year for which comparable groups are available.

Crimes of dishonesty increased by seven per cent, from 103,393 to 111,054. The recording of these crimes is back to the level seen immediately prior to the pandemic (in 2019-20) and down 74 per cent from the peak in 1991.

Damage and reckless behaviour crimes decreased by five per cent, from 43,123 to 41,129. The recording of these crimes is now at the lowest level seen since 1976.

Crimes against society increased by four per cent from 59,374 to 61,650. Most of these crimes relate to crimes against public justice (41 per cent) or drug possession (34 per cent).

Offences recorded by the police in Scotland collectively increased by one per cent, from 172,207 to 174,073. This included increases in Miscellaneous offences (up eight per cent) and Road traffic offences (up three per cent), whilst antisocial offences decreased by five per cent.