MSP concerned by the huge increase in offending throughout Tayside

Despite experiencing a net decrease in crime over the past 10 years figures for Courier Country show a steep year on year increase in crimes and offences taken as a whole.

In Dundee, there was a 16% rise in crimes and offences between 2014/15 and 2015/16.

The percentage rise was the same for Angus and Perth and Kinross saw a 23% spike – the highest in Tayside and Fife.

Fife was the only region to experience a slight decrease (-1.4%).

In comparison, Scotland as a whole saw crime fall by 8% in a one-year period.

Murdo Fraser, MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, said: “When set against a backdrop of falling crime across the UK the significant rise in recorded offences and crime in Perth and Kinross is concerning.

“I would hope that Police Scotland can offer some clarity as to why crime has increased by 23% in the region and what is being done to ensure that current policing resources are able to solve these crimes.

“Police Scotland must reassure the public that they have the resources to cope with increasing incidences of crime as well as outlining what is being done to reduce crime in the area.”

Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “We recognise the increase in crimes of violence and although this remains low in a historical context, we continue to work with partners in communities to tackle

I would hope that Police Scotland can offer some clarity as to why crime has increased by 23%

MURDO FRASER MSP

violence and address the influence that alcohol plays in many of these crimes.

“On a daily basis officers and staff provide help, advice and assistance on many different subjects ranging from anti-social behaviour, missing persons and mental health issues.

“In addition, we are developing a better understanding of the demands on modern policing in relation to issues such as cyber crime and online child exploitation which will be a focus for us in the future.”