Official figures released this month have shown a five per cent fall in recorded crimes in 2005-06 – more than 20,000 fewer than the previous year.

The figures released by the Scottish Executive also show:
- 1,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime, with violent crime overall down 7 per cent to its lowest level since devolution;

- 6,000 fewer households broken into since 2002-03, with housebreaking now around half the level it was in 1997;

- a fall of nearly 40,000 in the number of recorded offences, like minor assault, drunkenness and speeding;

- levels of recorded crime for 2005-6 lower than in 2002-3 and 1998-9

The Justice Minister, Cathy Jamieson said:

“People want to see crime falling, offenders punished, and more individuals taking responsibility for their own actions. Fewer crimes mean fewer victims and recorded crime last year fell to the second lowest figure in a generation – within one percent of the modern low in 2003-04.

“This is despite the new victim-centred reporting standard, which means that the police record reports of more minor crimes that in previous years simply were not logged without corroborating evidence.

“We now have a clearer picture of crime levels in Scotland and by most measures they are falling. That is good news for decent, law-abiding Scots who want to feel safe on the streets and in their homes.

“Our unprecedented action to tackle the menace of booze and blades on our streets is beginning to pay off. These figures show that – whatever fears people still have – Scotland is becoming a less violent place.

“As well as tackling the most serious crimes, communities across Scotland quite rightly expect that lower-level disorder and antisocial behaviour should be dealt with and not swept under the carpet. Many more offences are now being recorded and looked into. These figures prove to me that local communities’ concerns are being taken seriously.

“The new powers we have delivered for local agencies are now being used to bring relief to hard-pressed communities and root out antisocial behaviour- like the first use of a dispersal order Glasgow which began last week. More respite for communities – but also a chance for communities to win back a culture of respect.

“Today’s crime figures show the picture up to the end of March this year and despite this success, we are not complacent. Much remains to be done, to build on the achievements, to continue pursuing those who prey on our communities, to cut crime across more areas, and further protect the lives and property of the people of a safer Scotland.”