Risk of crime falling

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% 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% in 2010-11 compared with 19.3% in 2009-10 and 20.4% 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% in Scotland compared with 21.5% in England and Wales in 2010-11).
• The number of crimes has fallen by 16% between 2008-9 and 2010-11.
• Violent crimes fell by 17% in the last year.
• The survey shows that 72% 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%) 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.