Statistics published today by the Scottish Government revealed the “alarming” increase, despite the general trend of crime and offences committed reducing.
According to the annual Recorded Crime in Scotland report, the 10,273 sexual crimes committed in 2015/16 is a seven per cent hike on last year, and a 53 per cent rise from 2006/7.
That includes a 13 per cent increase in the number of attempted rapes in the past 12 months.
It’s the highest number of such crimes on record, and the Scottish Conservatives have urged ministers to take urgent action in a bid to reverse the trend.
Today’s figures also revealed:
- Non-sexual crimes of violence rose by seven per cent
- Recorded instances of fire-raising and vandalism went up by four per cent
- In some areas of Scotland, crime rose by a fifth
- Attempted murder and serious assault increased by 27 per cent
- Cases of stalking have rocketed
- Illegal importation of drugs soared by a massive 148 per cent
Last week, it was revealed that the SNP’s community payback order scheme has resulted in some rapists and child-sex offenders evading a custodial sentence.
It was reported that some were simply handed punishments like litter-picking and snow-clearing.
Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Douglas Ross said:
“The Scottish Government may crow about what it sees as record-low levels of crime.
“But that doesn’t tell the whole story, and will be of no comfort to the increasing number of victims of sexual crime.
“Reporting of historic crime may make up part of this, but it’s clear there is an extremely alarming trend here.
“These are among the most traumatic crimes that can take place, and we owe it to the public to ensure the levels of these crimes reduce rather than increase.
“Despite this, the SNP is presiding over a system of community sentencing which sees some serious criminals like rapists and child sex offenders escaping jail.
“That sends out the wrong message, and has to change as a matter of urgency.”