Sexual crimes recorded in Scotland at highest level in over five decades
Scotland's recorded the highest number of sexual offences since 1971, according to a new report.
Last updated 28th Jun 2022
The number of sexual crimes recorded in Scotland has reached the highest level in over fifty years, according to new figures.
The number of sexual offences increased by 15% in the last year to 15,049 - that's the highest total since 1971.
Meanwhile, non-sexual crimes also increased, going from 61,913 in 2020-21 to 69,826 the following year.
Statistics show that sexual crimes accounted for 5% of all crimes reported in Scotland last year - with the report noting this continued a "long-term, upward trend."
According to new data, cases of rape and attempted rape rose by 9% to 2,498 last year - accounting for almost one in five of all reported sexual crimes.
The report found crimes recorded by Police Scotland fell by 4% in 2021-22, to reach the lowest level since 1974.
This fall was driven by a 81% reduction in crimes recorded under Covid related legislation - they dropped from 20,976 to 3,913.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said:
"Scotland continues to be a safe place to live. Recorded crime is at its lowest level since 1974, and considerably lower than a decade ago, with fewer victims. This includes crimes of dishonesty remaining at one of their lowest levels since 1971.
"The Scottish Government continues to invest in crime prevention and measures to tackle reoffending.
"More than £24 million has been invested into violence reduction programmes across Scotland since 2008, including over £16 million to support the work of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and more than £4.5 million to No Knives, Better Lives."