Murders and serious assaults have fallen while domestic housebreakings are at their lowest level for five years, according to the latest figures issued by Police Scotland.
The Quarter 3 Management Information Report provides in-depth information about the service and recorded crime across the country.
The data, while not official statistics, relates mainly to crime recorded by Police Scotland but some information about incidents and some survey data are also included. It covers the period from April 1 2017 to December 31, 2017.
Published alongside this report is a detailed breakdown of data available at police division or local authority level.
The statistics show that while there has been a slight rise in overall violent crime, there has been a fall in the most serious incidents.
There were 40 murders, compared to 47 in the same period the previous year.
Serious assaults fell from 3069 to 2992 with the detection rate also rising.
There was a rise in reports of sexual crimes, evidence of increasing confidence among victims to report incidents.
There has been a rise in fraud cases. Work is under way to reduce levels of fraud and theft through the Scottish Retail Working Group. Police Scotland Safer Communities is also working with retailers to help protect individuals at risk and engage with businesses on cyber fraud. Domestic housebreaking has fallen to its lowest level in the last five years, while the detection rate has also improved.
The number of people killed on Scotland’s roads has fallen, from 145 to 124. Serious injuries also fell.
The number of serious organised crime groups has fallen. Operation Escalade resulted in nine people admitting a range of charges and forfeiture of £1.8m.
Overall, confidence in Police Scotland remained high, with eight in 10 people saying they were satisfied with the way police dealt with an incident reported.
Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick said, “Through the dedication and professionalism of our officers and staff, working together with local communities and partners, we can see significant results in tackling crime across Scotland.
“Violent crime is a priority for Police Scotland and it is encouraging to see a continuing reduction in the most serious violent crimes, including murder and serious assaults. This has been achieved by a combination of strong enforcement action and extensive prevention work.
“The rise in reporting of sexual crimes reflects increased victim confidence. Police Scotland remains absolutely committed to working closely with partners, especially third sector support and advocacy services, to encourage survivors of rape and sexual crime to come forward.
“It is also good to see the continued decline in housebreakings across the country. We recognise the impact that housebreaking can have on victims and the wider community and have taken robust action to target criminals who carry out this type of offending.”
The Management Information Report will be presented to the SPA board meeting on Tuesday 27th February.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
