Recorded crime has more than halved since 1991, according to
newly-published official statistics.
The Recorded Crime in Scotland 2024-25 bulletin shows
that total crime remains at similar levels to 2023-24, with a
small reduction in the headline figure.
Levels of non-sexual crimes of violence have also dipped slightly
over the year and continue to be 23% lower than in 2006-07 – with
serious assault and attempted murder now at their lowest level
since 1977.
There was a 6% decrease in 2024-25 in recorded incidents of
damage and reckless behaviour – now at its lowest level since
1976, with vandalism down 73% from 2006-07.
The detection of overall crime by police has increased, with
clear-up rates rising to 56%.
The recording of crimes of dishonesty are now at pre-pandemic
levels and down 74% from the peak in 1991, however there was has
been a 16% rise in shoplifting.
There was a rise in recorded sexual crimes (up 3%), with rape and
attempted rape up by 15%. A quarter of these crimes were reported
at least one year after they had occurred.
Justice Secretary said:
“These figures show that Scotland continues to be safe place to
live with reported crime falling by more than half since 1991.
This comes on the back of the flagship Scottish Crime and Justice
Survey which also showed people feel safer in their communities.
“Violent crime is down significantly in the past 20 years, with
serious assaults and homicide levels at record lows. However, we
cannot afford to be complacent and I have been consistently clear
that any instance of violence is one too many. That is why we are
taking a wide range of actions to prevent, reduce and tackle
violence, with more than £6 million funding invested over the
past three years.
“I am concerned these figures also show a rise in reported sexual
crimes. Multiple factors will lie behind this and our action to
tackle sexual offending includes increasing confidence in the
justice system so more victims come forward, improving support
for victims and modernising the law on sexual offences.
“I also recognise the significant harm and disruption caused by
retail crime, which is why we have made £3 million available in
this year's Budget for Police Scotland to work with the retail
sector to help tackle this issue.
“This year we will invest £4.2 billion across the justice system
including a record £1.64 billion for policing – an increase of
£70 million on 2024-25.
“As part of the Scottish Government's broader package to tackle
violence, we have increased funding to the Scottish Violence
Reduction Unit from £1.17 million last year to over £1.2 million
this year. Projects supporting young people at risk of being
drawn into criminal activities, under the Cashback for
Communities programme, will receive up to £26 million over the
next three financial years.”
Background
Full statistical
publication Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2024-25
