Statistics from the Scottish Government’s Recorded Crime in Scotland publication has shown that the number of recorded crimes and offences has risen by over 2,500 in the past year- an increase of 23%.
These startling figures are set against a backdrop of falling crime across the rest of Scotland and the UK. In Perth and Kinross, motor car offences have increased sharply as have crimes relating to vandalism or fire raising. There were also noted increases in violent and sexual crimes.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has questioned why there has been such a sharp increase in recorded crime and offences in Perth and Kinross over the past year.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“When set against a backdrop of falling crime across the UK the significant rise in recorded offences and crime in Perth and Kinross is concerning.
“I would hope that Police Scotland can offer some clarity as to why crime has increased by 23% in the region and what is being done to ensure that current policing resources are able to solve these crimes.
“There has been a significant increase in motor vehicle offences and crimes relating to fire-raising and vandalism and it would be helpful to know if this increase is down to a specific policing initiative operating in the area.
“However, increases in violent and sexual crimes would appear to suggest that something else is going in Perth and Kinross that warrants further investigation. Police Scotland must reassure the public that they have the resources to cope with increasing incidences of crime as well as outlining what is being done to reduce crime in the area.”