Third of Scots think crime in their area increased in past two years – poll

Ministers have been urged to make policing a “greater priority” as a poll found a third of Scots believe crime in their area has increased.

Research by Survation revealed  that 34% of those questioned think the crime rate in their areas is either a little or a lot more than it was two years ago.

That comes despite the latest Scottish Government figures showing recorded crime in 2024-25 was down slightly from the previous year – and has more than halved since 1991.

Nearly two-thirds (62%) of Scots added they were not confident the police have enough resources to prevent crime happening in the first place, while almost half (49%) said the same for dealing with incidents as they occur.

In addition, 51% said they were not confident the police have the resources to respond quickly to calls and information from the public.

Meanwhile, 46% were not confident police in their area have enough resources to solve crimes, and 58% are concerned they are not able to provide a visible presence in the community.

He said: “When police have the tools and the resources, they have the ability to get the job done but, at present, we’re not able to carry out basic police functions like interacting with the public to prevent crime in the first place.

“Operational cops are hamstrung because they are carrying out health functions.

“Policing has got to become a greater priority for Government.”

Labour justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill said: “Everyone should be able to feel safe in their local community. However, this poll suggests that for too many people, that is sadly not the case.”

She added that this “pinpoints exactly the problem with policing under the SNP” – saying the Government has “allowed basic policing to decline, therefore trust in the police service is being eroded”.

Ms McNeill insisted: “Members of the public must be given the reassurance that when they need help, our police will be there for them.

“Unfortunately, this SNP Government has failed to back Police Scotland, just as it has allowed public services to decline.”

Scottish Conservative community safety spokesperson Sharon Dowey said: “This damning survey exposes how badly the SNP’s soft-touch justice system is failing Scots.”

She claimed ministers had “consistently cut police resources, which has left them unable to investigate certain crimes”.

The Tory continued: “Law-abiding Scots have clearly lost trust in the SNP’s system which continually panders to offenders and leaves victims as an afterthought.

“SNP ministers need to urgently show some common sense and start to prioritise frontline policing by delivering the resources required to keep communities safe.”

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said she was “concerned” to hear of a “perceived increase in crime” as she stressed the Scottish Government was providing record budget funding for policing.

Ms Constance told 1919: “Our thoughts remain with anyone affected by crime and I am concerned to hear there is a perceived increase in crime being experienced by some.

“I want to reassure people that Scotland continues to be a safe place to live with reported crime falling by more than half since 1991.

“This is backed up by the recently published Recorded Crime in Scotland 2024-25, which shows reported crime falling by more than half since 1991 and the flagship Scottish Crime and Justice Survey which also showed people feel safer in their communities.”

The Justice Secretary continued: “This year, we will invest £4.2 billion across the justice system including a record £1.64 billion for policing – an increase of £90 million on 2024-25.

“Our continued investment has enabled Police Scotland to take on more recruits in the last financial year than at any time since 2013, with further intakes planned throughout 2025. There were 16,553 police officers as of March 31 2025.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We welcome scrutiny and the Chief Constable is very clear about the priority of strengthening the front line as part of our vision of safer communities, less crime, supported victims and a thriving workforce.

“We are delivering on those ambitions including plans for a strengthened community policing model.

“Over a period of many years Scotland has experienced less crime. However, we are not complacent and work in partnership to ensure the country remains a safe place to live and work.”