Crime figures reveal rise in reported sexual offences

The number of sexual crimes reported to police in Scotland has increased, new figures have revealed.

Sexual crimes rose 6.1% to 5,961 from 5,569 in the same period year on year, which the force credited to increasing confidence among victims to report incidents.

In Tayside and Fife, there were 1,075, an increase from 1,026.

A 71% detection rate was an improvement on the 68% the previous year.

However, in Dundee and Angus crimes had risen and detection fallen, while in Fife the rise in crimes had a corresponding increase in detection. Both were lower in Perth and Kinross. Overall 126,954 crimes were recorded between April and September, 3.9% higher than the 122,088 recorded over the same six months in 2016.

Police said the statistics are “management information” and not official statistics but are “intended to address questions about current crime levels across the country”.

Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick said: “This management information shows that through the dedication and professionalism of our officers and staff, working together with local communities and partners, we can see significant results in tackling crime across Scotland.

“The increase in reporting of sexual crimes is important in reflecting increased victim confidence.

“We encourage all victims to come forward to allow us to put in place necessary support with our partners whilst we carry out thorough investigations.

“It is also good to see the significant fall in housebreaking across the country. This crime can be devastating for victims and through a range of initiatives and public awareness campaigns we have seen real results in prevention and reduction.”

Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick.