Dundee sees sharp rise in number of murders in past year

spike: Police record six murders compared to just one over the same period last year

Dundee has seen a significant spike in murders during the past 12 months.

Police Scotland recorded six murders between April 2016 and March 2017, an increase of five from during the same period in 2015/16.

Despite the sharp rise, police argue the increase cannot be put down to a “trend”.

Officers added the most recent statistics were “unusual” as they involve two instances of involving more than one victim.

Superintendent Graeme Murdoch, of Tayside Division, said: “There were five more murders in Dundee during the year, compared to only one the previous year.

“Whilst this cannot be seen as a trend, what is important is that every one of

There has to be a greater understanding of why these crimes are committed. NORTH EAST MSP BILL BOWMAN

these crimes is a tragedy for the families involved. 2016/17 was unusual in that on two occasions, there was more than one victim.”

North East MSP Bill Bowman said: “Any recorded murder is one too many.

“The fact however that the number of murders in Dundee is actually rising is a real cause for concern.

“People should feel safe living in their community, but this could soon be a challenge if the number of murders in the city continues to increase.

“There has to be a greater understanding of why these crimes are committed so that relevant authorities can address the causes and not just count the occurrences.”

West End councillor Fraser Macpherson said: “Obviously any murder is an absolute tragedy. The positive thing to say to reassure the public is that Dundee has had a low homicide rate compared to many other large cities.

“The important thing is that Police Scotland locally are very proactive when it comes to these very grave incidents.

“I have every confidence in our local police, who do an extremely good job.”

Despite the rise in murders recorded, the number of attempted murders in Dundee fell from four to two during the same period.

Picture: Steven Brown. Forensic officers at work in Dundee. The city has seen a significant spike in murders during the last 12 months.