Homicides in Scotland are at the lowest level since the inception of Police Scotland in 2013, a new report shows.
Homicides in Scotland are at the lowest level since the inception of Police Scotland in 2013, a new report shows.
The Police Scotland Quarter 4 Performance Report for 2021-22, published today, shows that 10 fewer homicides were recorded than in 2020-21. Fewer attempted murders have also been recorded, compared to 2020-21.
It also showed an increase in fraud (+18.6%) but a reduction in domestic abuse offences (-1.7%). However, domestic abuse offences are up 3.7% against the five year mean.
Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “The figures published today highlight that the past year has been an exceptional time for policing and the effects of the pandemic on crime continued to be felt.
“An overall increase in violent crime (11.2%) is measured against a significant reduction during 2020-21 (-10%) due to the restrictions in place at the time. The five year mean (+2.1%) offers more insight into violent crime. A reduction in the number of homicides is welcome but there is more to do in order to tackle violence, including working with our partners to prevent offending.
“Police Scotland takes domestic abuse very seriously and we have specialist officers who work in communities across the country to tackle these offences. The comprehensive review we have commissioned into the policing response to public protection will allow us to continue to adapt and respond to shifting demand and vulnerabilities in this space.
“An increase in fraud has been recorded again this quarter and reaffirms that online policing is increasingly a key part of frontline policing. Work to disrupt the activities of criminals and protect the public has continued, with £6.46 million of fraud being prevented through the Banking Protocol alone.”
The Quarter 4 Performance Report also details findings of Police Scotland’s Your Police Survey between January 2022 and March 2022, with more than 14,000 responses received from members of the public.
DCC Taylor said: “Our bond with our fellow citizens is central to our legitimacy and key to enabling effective, community policing. The public have told us that we are doing well in delivering a consistent service and they have welcomed increased visibility and presence in areas which require it. We use the feedback we receive to inform our policing approach, including the Annual Police Plan for 2022-23. I want to encourage the public to continue to engage with the surveys to influence local policing.”
The 2021-22 Q4 Performance Report will be presented at the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee on 7 June. The report, and associated Management Information is available in the How we are performing section of our website.
