Figures show rise in sexual crimes

The number of sexual crimes in July rose by 8 per cent, according to new figures.

A 42 per cent rise in the number of rapes and attempted rapes contributed to the increase in sexual crimes, from 1,117 to 1,203 in July, compared with last year.

The statistics are part of a new monthly release by the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Conservatives attributed the rise to the “softtouch” approach taken by the Scottish Government to crime and a lack of resources for Police Scotland.