Islands’ crime rate drops to a 41-year low

CRIME in the Western Isles has dropped by 60 per cent since 2007 and crime in Scotland has reached a 41-year low, figures have shown.

The statistics, which were published by the Scottish government, show that Police Scotland recorded 444 crimes for 2014-15 in the islands.

This is down from 478 recorded the previous year and represents a 60 per cent reduction from 2006- 07, when 1125 crimes were recorded.

The Western Isles currently has the second lowest rate of crime in Scotland.

MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, said: ‘This is fantastic news for everyone in the Western Isles.

‘Recorded crime has been steadily dropping over the past eight years and we are now seeing the lowest levels of crime for a generation.

‘ With the islands having the second lowest rate of recorded crime in Scotland, this cements our reputation as one of the safest places in the country and one of the best to bring up children.’