Violent crime rises for first time in five years

Daniel Johnson MSP

Scottish government figures show there were 7,164 violent crimes in Scotland last year, compared to 6,737 in 2015/16.

Despite a dramatic fall in recent years,  the number of violent crimes has risen sharply, with a jump of 14 per cent in the past two years.

The increase has also been matched by a fall in the proportion of the crimes solved by Police Scotland – falling from 84 per cent to 77 per cent.

Recent research also suggests that violent crime is linked to poverty, inequality, alcohol and experience of violence itself.
The figures come after Sheriff Marie Smart suggested Scotland was suffering a knife crime “epidemic”.

Scottish Labour’s Justice spokesperson Daniel Johnson MSP said: “These are worrying figures that will concern people across Scotland.

“This is just one way to measure crime, but it does appear to suggest that recent progress on reducing violent crime may be stalling.

He added: “With more of these incidents than ever in Police Scotland’s history, it is no surprise that the proportion of crimes being solved is falling.

“We need continued action to ensure crime rates fall, and that includes making sure police officers are properly resourced.

“But there are also broader questions the SNP government should be asking about the kind of conditions – social exclusion, poverty, and direct experience of violence - that may have led to an increase in recorded crimes such as serious assault.”