Data shows shocking surge in knife crime

STUART MCFARLANE

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A “shocking” surge in knife crime incidents has been revealed in Stirling over the last two years according to newly-released data.

The figures were discovered by Central Scotland MSP Stephen Kerr in a parliamentary question at Holyrood which asked about the number of “bladed or pointed article crimes” reported across the council area.

The data shows that 81 such crimes were recorded in Stirling in 2024, rocketing up from 48 in 2022.

Mr Kerr has raised the alarm over the figures and the impact on local communities - while taking a shot at the Scottish Government's handling of the issue.

The MSP-who is standing at the Conservative candidate in the Stirling constituency at next year’s Holyrood election-said: “These shocking figures lay bare the SNP Government's abject failure to get a grip on Scotland's knife crime epidemic.

“This terrible surge in knife crime in Stirling in just two years isn’t just a statistic; it's a terrifying indictment of a justice system that is failing our communities.