We will look closely at what the data is telling us

GLASGOW CRIME LEVEL DROPS OVER SIX YEARS

ADULT criminality statistics across Glasgow have dropped by more than 40 per cent in just six years according to a fresh report.

Figures, laid out in the Community Justice Glasgow Partnership’s annual statement, show that recorded crime levels for young people between 18-21 have plunged from 6481 in 2012/13 to 3355 in 2018/19.

Numbers for those aged 21-25 and 25-30-years old fell from 9485 to 4681 and 14,139 to 7588 respectively during the same time frame.

Records also show that statistics went from 18,481 in 2012/13 to 11,478 in 2018/19 for those aged 3140 years-old and crime rates of people over 41 decreased from 17,977 to 10,821.

One-year reconviction rates, the number of people who have committed a crime and are re-convicted within 12 months following a community based or prison sentence, has also seen a year on year reduction since 2008/09.

Despite the overall reduction of crime, the average prison population for those convicted in Glasgow has risen by 16 people each month following the removal of home detention curfew and a rise in the use of remand.

Between 2016/2017 and 2017/18, the proportion of community sentences, as a percentage of overall sentences, increased by 13 per cent indicating that the partnership’s work to promote and build confidence in community payback schemes as an alternative to custody is providing positive returns and reducing re-offending as a result.

But following a period of steady decline, the recorded crime for eight – 15-year-olds is showing a threeyear upward trend.

From 2012/13 to number of crimes committed by this age group rose from 3802 to 3903 but violent crime committed by under 16s dropped between 2017/18 and 2018/19 by 20.5 per cent.

Recorded criminal offences for young people aged 16-18-years-old also dropped from 3518 to 1817 between 2012/13 and 2018/19.

The annual report, which aims to provide an overview of achievement and areas of improvement, will be delivered to the community planning partnership this afternoon.

Margaret Smith, director of community empowerment and equalities, who drafted the document, said: “Throughout the remainder of 2019 and 2020 we will use the annual report as a key engagement, communication and discussion tool.

“We will also closely examine what the data is telling us and drive discussion and any necessary change through the appropriate strategic and working groups of the Community Justice Glasgow partnership.”

Glasgow City Council’s community planning partnership is also urging that their partners affirm their commitment to the Glasgow Hate Crime Pledge.

In 2016, Glasgow City Council adopted a policy to condemn hate crime and promote tolerance of people’s race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender.

They have been working with their statutory and voluntary sector partners to eradicate hate crime across throughout Glasgow.

Following the success of the White Ribbon Champions Programme to address violence against women momentum to revisit the pledge has surfaced.

There is now an opportunity to bring all community planning partners together and build a comprehensive commitment to the hate crime pledge across the city through an ambassadors programme.

Both issues will be discussed today’s meeting.