Homicides down to 59 last year as proportion of killings in residential areas rises

Scotland’s chief statistician today published Homicide in Scotland, 2014-15. The publication provides information on crimes of homicide recorded by the police in Scotland in 2014-15.

There were 59 homicide victims recorded by the police in Scotland in 2014-15, two less than in 2013-14. This is the lowest number of victims since comparable data became available in 1976.

There were 77 people accused of homicide, a 13 per cent decrease from the 89 accused of homicide in 2013-14. This, like homicide victims, is the lowest number of accused since comparable data became available.

In 2014-15, the number of homicides in the Glasgow City local authority area has more than halved (-56 per cent) since 2005-06. This compares to a fall of around a third across Scotland in that time.

The number of homicides taking place in residential locations continue to rise as a proportion of all homicides, and in 2014-15 over two-thirds (68 per cent) of all homicides took place in residential locations.

Over the last ten years, males have accounted for the vast majority of homicide victims and also those accused of homicide. In 2014-15, males accounted for around three-quarters of all victims and over 90 per cent of all those accused of homicide in 2014-15.

When males are victims of homicide they continue to be most likely to be killed by a friend or other acquaintance (39 per cent of all male victims) in 2014-15. Females, in comparison, continue to be most likely killed by a partner or ex-partner, accounting for 43 per cent of all female victims in 2014-15.

Sharp instruments continue to be the most common method of homicide, and accounted for over half (56 per cent) of all homicides in 2014-15. When a sharp instrument was used, the instrument was overwhelmingly (82 per cent) a knife.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “It is encouraging to see another fall in homicides in Scotland, now at their lowest level in 39 years. This continues the downward trajectory we have been seeing in recent years which is to be welcomed.

“However, the impact of homicide is far-reaching, it has devastating consequences and we must not forget the grieving families who are left behind coping with the death of a loved one.

“Scotland’s law enforcement agencies are working hard to bring those responsible to justice and we are making strides in preventing and reducing all forms of violent crime, including attempted murder and serious assault. There will be no let-up in efforts.

“We’ve also seen encouraging falls in knife carrying in Scotland, particularly amongst young people, through a combination of education and tough enforcement. Our courts discharge the toughest sentencing regime in the UK for knife crime and we are continuing to invest in the successful No Knives, Better Lives campaign aimed at educating people about the dangers of knives.”

Assistant chief constable Malcolm Graham said: “Since the advent of Police Scotland, every murder committed has been detected. We have developed a very high standard of investigating major crimes, including homicide.

“Our Major Investigation Team (MIT) structure means we have a strong team of experienced specialist investigators supporting local policing wherever and whenever such a crime occurs. MITs have delivered a consistent and professional approach to all such investigations, using specialist skills and the latest investigative techniques and technologies. This ensures flexibility and equity of service across Scotland.”