Crime rate reaches 30 year low

Published on Tuesday 29 September 2009 11:59

THE number of crimes reported in Scotland is at its lowest level for 30 years, figures released today showed.

However, there was a rise in crimes of dishonesty, such as as shoplifting, for the first time in a decade.

The total number of crimes recorded in Scotland dropped by 2% in 2008/09 over the previous year to 377,433, according to Government figures.

The number of violent crimes, excluding sexual violence, was also down 2% over this period to 12,612.

The clear-up rate for all recorded crimes was 49%, the highest in over 20 years.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill welcomed the figures.

He 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.

"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."