Lib Dems urge joint working to tackle sex crimes

2.36.49pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 23rd Jul 2010

Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown MSP has revealed that some areas in Scotland have seen a significant jump in the number of sex crimes recorded.

Although the national figures show a drop of crimes recorded, Grampian, Northern, Tayside and Lothian and Borders Police force areas all saw a jump, with Lothian and Borders police force recording an increase of 63 crimes recorded.

A local authority breakdown shows that the biggest increase, 46, was recorded in South Lanarkshire, while the biggest drop, 127, was recorded by Fife.

Figures showing how many people were successfully convicted in court also show wide variances across the country.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

“Sex crimes are serious offences that can cause long lasting trauma to victims, so I’m encouraged that the national picture shows a drop in the number of recorded crimes and a rise in the number of offenders convicted.

“However, positive national statistics will be cold comfort to those living in Grampian, Northern, Tayside and Lothian and Borders police force areas, as they’ve bucked the trend and recorded an increase of sex crimes reported to the police.

“I’m particularly concerned that in addition to this, Northern and Lothian and Borders have also recorded a fall in the number of offenders convicted. This sharply contrasts with Grampian, which has seen 103 more offenders convicted.

“A quick look at the national figures masks serious discrepancies across the country. People should feel safe in their communities, whether they live in Lanarkshire or Fife.

“I want to see police boards sharing notes and good practice on tackling sex crime. Although what works in Fife might not necessarily be the answer for Lanarkshire, sharing tactics and best practice could help further bring down the number of sex crimes across the country.”