Firearm offences in Scotland at 30-year low

Published on Tuesday 26 October 2010 12:55

Statistics released today reveal that the number of crimes involving firearms fell by 12% over the last year.

The total number of gun-related offences recorded by police forces in 2009-10 was 839 - down from 951 in the previous year.

However, there was also an increase of 12% in the number of offences in which a gun was fired and resulted in death or injury - 154 instances in the last year alone.

Two murders were recorded in Scotland which involved the use of a firearm - the same number as the previous year.

Almost half of the total number of alleged offences were carried out in the Strathclyde Police force area, with 404 incidents reported.

The figures, published by Scotland's chief statistician, detailed how many times a firearm was alleged to have been used or stolen.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the figures marked further progress from the previous year's 17% fall.

He said: "Today's statistics show that Scotland is travelling firmly in the right direction as we aim to get guns off our streets.

"The number of recorded offences involving firearms is now at a 30-year low, in line with wider recorded crime statistics that show our communities are better protected than ever before."

"We have a record number of police officers in place - 1,190 more than in March 2007 - and I congratulate all of them on the detection, educational and preventative work they are doing to get firearms off our streets."

Mr MacAskill did admit thought that the rise in deaths and injury from firearms caused concern, especially with a total of 43 victims aged between 11 and 15, and 25 victims aged 10 or under.

He said: "There is still much more we can do to make our streets and communities safer, and we will continue working with the police and others to make that happen."

However, with a forecasted Scottish budget that may lead to a cut in front-line officers, firearm statistics for next year may not be so encouraging.