Safer? Not if rape and theft cases are soaring

RAPE, shoplifting and domestic abuse are all on the rise in Scotland, according to an alarming new report.

- By David Walker Scottish Politics Reporter

RAPE, shoplifting and domestic abuse are all on the rise in Scotland, according to an alarming new report.

It flies in the face of claims by John Swinney and his ministers that Scotland is safer than ever under the Scottish Government.

The latest figures showed another rise in crime in the year to June, with Police Scotland recording 303,343 crimes — up by 1% on the previous 12 months.

One of the most concerning aspects was the 15% increase in reported rapes and attempted rapes.

Some 3,004 were recorded, a big jump from 2,609 in the year previous.

Since 2021, the number of rape and sex attack reports has increased by 21%.

Overall, the total number of sexual offences grew by 5% in the most recent year, rising to 15,129 from 14,417. There was also an increase in domestic abuse.

Accused

Those cases rose by 26% from 2,169 to 2,742 the following year. There’s been a 63% increase recorded since 2021.

Meanwhile, the number of serious violent crimes recorded by Scottish police has increased by 12% since 2021.

Critics accused the SNP of failing women due to the shocking figures.