Recorded crime hits 37 year low

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today welcomed official statistics which show that recorded crime fell again last year to its lowest level since 1975.

Today’s Recorded Crime statistics show that the number of crimes recorded by the police in 2011/12 fell by three per cent compared to the previous year – a decrease of around 9,000.

The figures also showed that the number of crimes involving handling offensive weapons have fallen by 10 per cent since 2010/11, and by 44 per cent since 2006/7. The number of crimes involving handling an offensive weapon is now at its lowest level in 18 years.

Mr MacAskill said: “These figures are further good news for Scotland and underline that our communities are becoming increasingly safer and stronger. This is the fifth year in a row where recorded crime has fallen – to a 37-year low – and with police numbers remaining well above our pledge to put 1,000 extra officers on our streets.

“I congratulate every one of the more than 17,000 police officers across Scotland for their excellent work to prevent and detect crime and catch criminals. What we are seeing is that recorded crime continues to fall at a time when police officer numbers are strong.

“Next year will see the introduction of a single police service which will strengthen local policing. Reform will protect the frontline and strip costly and unnecessary duplication out of the current structures, delivering estimated savings of £1.7 billion over 15 years.

“There are many pleasing aspects to today’s statistics. I am particularly pleased to see a 10 per cent reduction in crimes involving handling an offensive weapon, an area where we’ve seen crimes fall by 44 per cent since 2006/7.

“We have invested heavily in this area, specifically in our efforts to reduce knife crime. We have rolled out our highly successful No Knives, Better Lives education campaign across the country to get the message across to young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife, and encourage more positive life choices.

“I am pleased we are seeing positive results, and will continue to spread that message and work to reduce knife crime even further.

“However, there is no room for complacency. We take the safety of our communities very seriously, and we will continue to support the outstanding work of our police, prosecutors and courts to bring those responsible for crime to justice.”