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Recorded Crime in Scotland at 41-year-low

Police Scotland statistics has revealed that crime in Scotland has reached a 41-year-low with crimes being at their lowest level since 1974.

The figures, which were announced by the Scottish Government showed that crime, in general, was down by 5% in Scotland to 256,350 in 2014-15 compared to 270,397 in the previous year.

Rise in Sexual Crimes

Violent crime was one of the biggest types of crime to fall with a 6% decrease, however, worryingly there was a rise in the number of report sexual offences with an 11% increase. Despite the worrying statistic, Police Scotland state that the rise is due to a 45% increase in the number of historical sexual abuse claims, with senior officers stating that high profile cases and the success of investigations have led to a willingness for people to come forward. 

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: "These strong statistics are backed by over 1000 extra police officers since 2007, protecting the public and keeping communities safe.

"The falling figures around violent crime are especially encouraging and are testament to increased policing and to the huge amount of ground-breaking work being done by the Violence Reduction Unit and the Scottish Government’s No Knives, Better Lives programme among others to educate our young people about the dangers and consequences of becoming involved in any form of violence.

"Indeed, the number of young people under 19 convicted of handling an offensive weapon has fallen by 80% between 2006-07 and 2013-14. Alongside enforcement of legislation, our approach through education and awareness raising is having a huge impact on young people and will undoubtedly have a lasting effect on future generations.

"There has been another rise in sex crimes in the last year, reflecting the general upward trend of the past few years. Police Scotland have made clear around 45 per cent of the increase is due to a rise in historic reporting and may also be down to more victims of current crimes coming forward."

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