More violent crime, but fewer jailed in Scotland than in many countries

Published on Tuesday 3 August 2010 19:45

SCOTLAND has some of the highest levels of violent crime in the developed world, but sends fewer people to jail than many developed countries, according to newly released figures.

The analysis of United Nations figures by think-tank Civitas shows Scotland's murder rate is the fifth-highest of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, behind Mexico, the United States, Turkey and South Korea.

Scotland also has the sixth-highest rate of serious assaults, with 127.5 per 100,000 people, almost four times the rate of 32.2 in England and Wales.

Although the figures relate to crimes committed in 2006, it is the first time such international comparisons have been made.

Scotland's rates for rape and car thefts were lower, but still above average for the 35 countries. Rates of burglary and robbery were both slightly below the average OECD figure.

Civitas also gave each country a punitivity rating by comparing the number of people convicted with those being sent to jail. The analysis showed that, despite having almost double the rate of England and Wales, on average the Scottish justice system sent fewer people to prison than half the countries surveyed.

David Sinclair, of Victim Support Scotland, said: "Any research that shows - particularly when it comes to violent crime - that Scotland comes above the average level is clearly a concern and will be to all authorities involved in tackling criminal justice in Scotland.

"It is certainly a concern to victims of crime."

The Scottish Government successfully put an extra 1,000 officers on the streets.

However, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos) is currently reviewing the structure of forces in the face of budget cuts of up to 25 per cent over the next four years.

A number of chief constables have warned they will struggle to maintain officer numbers, and the two biggest, Strathclyde and Lothian and Borders, have considered forcing those with more than 30 years' service to retire.

Dr David Green, director of Civitas, predicted the cuts would result in violent crime and murder rates rising. He said: "Greater police presence and placing them in the right areas at the right times is the best way to ensure violent crime falls."

However, he said the fact that Scotland had a more punitive justice system than England and Wales would explain why it also had fewer crimes such as theft and house-breaking. He added: "With robbery, burglary and car theft, we would expect a higher risk of being put in prison would lead to fewer crimes committed."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Scotland now has the lowest recorded crime levels for almost 30 years and a record number of police officers on our streets."

Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan, head of the violence reduction unit at the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos), said: "Crime is at a 30-year low. However, we are not complacent and we will continue to tackle crime to ensure Scotland continues to be a safe place to live, work and visit."