Murders in Strathclyde up 40% in past year

Published on 23/06/2011 20:57

The number of murders in Scotland's largest police force area increased by almost 40 per cent in the past year, according to new statistics.

In 2010-11, there were 59 murders and two culpable homicides in the Strathclyde Police area, compared to figures of 41 and three respectively for the previous year.

Speaking as the force published its annual report, Chief Constable Stephen House said he was "disappointed" with the rise.

The figures also showed 361 rapes, compared to 358 in 2009/10, while serious assaults dropped by 9.2 per cent in 2010-11 to 3,028.

Mr House said: "It is our job to keep people safe in our communities. We do this by tackling what I believe is still the number one issue in this part of the world - violence.

"The figures released today show that we are having an impact but that there is still much more that can be done."

Overall crime rates fell by 5 per cent - from 322,583 in 2009-10 to 300,424 in 2010-11, while housebreaking, including attempts, increased by 1,044 to 12,273 in the past financial year.

There was also an increase in the number of targeted stop-and-searches.

Mr House said changes still need to be made and called for "strong, decisive action" from politicians.