Statistics show a decrease of five per cent in 2013-14.
The number of homicide cases in Scotland has dropped to its lowest level on record, according to new statistics released today.
Figures from Homicide in Scotland 2013-14 show there were 61 homicide victims last year, a drop on the previous year and the lowest number since current records began in 1976. Police have identified the accused for all of the 60 cases.
The statistics show similar trends to previous years, that the majority of cases took place in a house or flat (63 per cent), between victims and accused that were known to one another (70 per cent).
Sharp objects, including but not exclusively knives, were the main methods of killing, however these levels are also at their lowest since current records began.
Commenting on the figures, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said:
“Homicide is a devastating crime for the families of victims and, while I am encouraged that last year we had the lowest levels on records, we cannot be complacent and must never forget the grieving families left behind.
“It is concerning that alcohol and drugs continue to be factors in over half of homicides and is another stark reminder of the devastating social harm these substances can cause. This is one reason why we are continuing in our efforts to encourage people to drink less alcohol, maintaining our commitment to introduce minimum pricing, and to tackle the scourge of cheap, strong alcohol. Our national drugs strategy is also having an effect and problem drug use is also falling, particularly amongst young people.
“We will not be complacent though. This Government is constantly looking at new ways to reduce knife crime even further by changing the culture on young people carrying knives through education and over the last five years Scottish Government has funded the No Knives Better Lives programme with over £2.5 million. We are also increasing the maximum penalty for knife possession from four to five years, combining tough enforcement alongside our education work.
“This Government is also taking action to tackle the scourge of domestic abuse in Scotland. Last week, we announced our intention to consult on a specific domestic abuse offence and we are providing £34.5 million in funding between 2012 and 2015 to be targeted at a range of
domestic abuse initiatives across Scotland.”
Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said:
“Police Scotland welcomes the continued reduction in homicides. That said, we are aware that behind each of these numbers there is a person whose life has been taken. The impact on the families and friends of each victim and on the wider communities they lived in can never be underestimated. Policing in Scotland has a strong record of homicide detection and we continue to work every day to reduce not only homicides but all forms of crime, especially violent crimes.
“Recent cases such the convictions of Angus Sinclair for the World’s End Murders and John Docherty for the historic murder of Elaine Doyle should give the public confidence that regardless of how long it takes we will continue to work with partners to bring to justice those take the life of another.
“The recent reform of policing in Scotland and the creation of a Single Force has brought many benefits including ensuring that every community across Scotland has equal access to specialist officers like the Major Investigation Teams who specialise in homicide investigations. All homicides are subjected to robust scrutiny by specialist officers and are reviewed if they remain unsolved after 28 days.”
