Figures show small rise in crime
4 Sep 07
Justice Secretary pledges action to tackle "deep seated causes"
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today pledged action to tackle the deep-seated causes of crime, as statistics published for 2006-07 showed an overall rise of 7,000 crimes recorded by the police.
Within that figure, a rise of under 0.5% to 419,257 crimes, non-sexual crimes of violence and crimes of indecency each increased by 3%, though rape and attempted rape decreased by 3%; vandalism rose by 1% but crimes of dishonesty fell. Overall clearup rates showed a small increase.
Mr MacAskill said the figures showed that levels of the most serious crimes had barely changed in 10 years.
"Police are dealing with a greater volume of crimes involving serious assault, handling offensive weapons and drugs than in 1997-98. Scotland's government is determined to turn the figures around - taking action for the long term, on many fronts and beginning with the next generation of adults.
"That means early intervention to support young parents and their children, giving them hope and instilling a culture of personal responsibility. Health, education and other services will form a key part of our early years approach."
He promised further action on weapons, looking to the national Violence Reduction Unit to lead the way. He added: "While challenging the all too common acceptance of violence, we will also tackle the three 'd's of drink, drugs and deprivation."
Police and prosecution servicces will continue to make efforts to ncourage victims of crimes of indecency to come forward, even where these were committed decades before.