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Fewer Scots are likely to become victims of crime, according to the largest survey of perceptions and experiences of crime carried out in Scotland.

The survey of 13,000 people across the country found that the public feel safer in their communities now than in previous years.

It also shows that violent crime fell by 30 percent in the last two years and people in Scotland are also less likely to experience crimes than those in England and Wales.

The results are contained in the 2010-11 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey. Key findings include:

• The risk of being a victim of crime is lower than in 2009-10 (17.8 percent in 2010-11 compared with 19.3 percent in 2009-10 and 20.4 percent in 2008-09)
• The public are more positive about the local crime rate
• The risk of crime in Scotland is also lower than in England and Wales (17.8 percent in Scotland compared with 21.5 in England and Wales in 2010-11)
• The number of crimes has fallen by 16 percent between 2008-9 and 2010-11 (874,000 crimes in 2010-11 compared with 1,045,000 crimes in 2008-09)
• Violent crimes fell by 17 percent in the last year
• The survey shows that 72 percent agreed that community sentencing is an effective way of dealing with less serious crime
• Fewer offenders had a weapon in crimes
• More victims of violent crime (63 percent) believe that offenders were under the influence of alcohol
• More people are going to the police when they do experience crime and more people are satisfied with the police handling of their complaint.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:

"This comprehensive survey gets to the heart of how people in our communities perceive crime and how safe they feel in their homes.

"Scotland is becoming safer. Violent crime is down, fewer Scots are likely to become victims of crime and the risk of crime in lower in Scotland than in England and Wales.

"Recorded crime in Scotland is at its lowest level in 35 years, reoffending rates are at an 11 year low, and the 1,000 additional police officers that this Government has put on the streets are protecting the public.

"It is also reassuring to see that more people are reporting crimes to the police and almost three quarters of Scots see community sentencing as an effective way of dealing with less serious crime.

"The survey shows alcohol is still a major influence on offenders committing crimes and comes on the same day that Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has announced the publication of the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) Bill. Our plans will tackle Scotland's booze culture and our unhealthy relationship with the bottle.

"Against the backdrop of deep cuts in public spending by successive UK Governments, we have invested to create stronger communities and a safer Scotland. We know the statistics are moving in the right direction and we will continue to work hard to make our communities better places to live."

Related Links

Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2010-11