Robberies, fraud and car crime increase during city lockdown
CRIME in Glasgow has reduced during lockdown but there has been an increase in certain offences. While the city witnessed a fall of almost 20% in all crimes recorded from 3641 in April 2019 to 2939 in April this year, there has been a significant rise in robberies, some sexual offences and car crime.
Reported robberies increased from 23 to 33 – an increase of 43% on April, the previous year.
While rape, attempted rape and sexual assault dropped significantly, there was an increase in crimes categorised as other sexual crimes, from 38 to 54, a rise of 42%.
Theft of a motor vehicle increased slightly from 58 to 62, but theft from a motor vehicle increased from 52 to 70 – a rise of 35%.
Housebreaking showed a 15% drop from 197 to 168.
Drugs offences stayed largely the same from 588 in April 2019 to 583 in April, this year.
Homicides fell by 15%, from 150 to 127, and attempted murder and serious assaults fell by a third, from 82 to 55.
Recorded rape and attempted rape more than halved, from 32 to 14. And sexual assaults fell by a third, from 44 to 31.
Crime across Scotland overall decreased but some crimes like fraud increased.
Across Scotland
atotal of 17,171 crimes were reported in April, representing an 18% reduction (or 3823 fewer crimes) compared to the 20,994 crimes recorded in April 2019.
Humza Yousaf, Justice Secretary, said: “While many types of crime have fallen in recent months, we know that some people have been using lockdown as a chance to commit offences, notably fraud – including targeting some of our most vulnerable citizens and exploiting businesses.
“We must remain vigilant to such criminals, and also to the risks of harm against those who may be living in fear of abuse and violence within their own homes.
“I would urge anyone who has experienced or witnessed crime to continue to report it.
“We know that criminals may also be using lockdown as a chance to exploit the vulnerable, especially those most at risk at home and in the care sector. This behaviour is absolutely abhorrent and we, along with the police, are determined to pursue those who set out to cause harm and misery to our communities.”
Iain Livingstone, Police Scotland, Chief Constable, said: “The recorded crime figures show some changes to the demands on policing but it will undoubtedly take months, or even years, before we understand the true impact of the coronavirus pandemic on crime levels in Scotland.”