One in five Scottish adults a victim of crime last year, survey shows

Almost one in five adults in Scotland was a victim of crime last year, according to the latest figures.

The research also found that almost one-in-10 people was the victim of a fraud or computer misuse crime, in the first analysis of such offences by the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS).

The 2023-24 survey estimates that 1,185,000 crimes happened in Scotland in that time frame.

It found that 19.9% of adults were estimated to have experienced at least one crime, and this included property offences (10.3%), violence (2.9%) and fraud and computer misuse (9.5%).

Fraud and computer misuse are estimated to account for more than two-fifths (44%) of all crimes in the latest year, with almost half of these offences (47%) being bank and credit card fraud.

The proportion of adults who experienced at least one property or violent crime increased from 10.0% in 2021-22 to 12.1% in 2023-24.

The figures showed that, similar to previous years, the majority of violent incidents were cases of minor assault resulting in no or negligible injury (61%), while instances of serious assault (8%) and robbery (5%) remained relatively uncommon.

The report noted that the proportion of violent crime offenders aged under 16 was 31%, the highest level recorded by the SCJS.

However, it noted that this increase is based on a single year and said it will be “important to monitor future surveys to see if this is a new trend.”

The survey found that while the volume of property and violent crime combined has increased since 2021-22, it remains at similar levels to the pre-pandemic position in 2019-20 and below that in 2008-09.

Scotland’s Justice Secretary, Angela Constance, said: “Crime continues to be down significantly over the long term, though the survey does highlight areas of concern and the need for continued action from governments and justice partners.

“While the levels of crime experienced remain similar to the pre-pandemic position in 2019-20, I am keen to understand what has contributed to the rises in crime identified since the 2021-22 survey.

“I am also concerned about levels of fraud and computer misuse, including bank and credit card fraud, which can cause significant harm to individuals and businesses.

“A range of action will continue to enhance Police Scotland’s response to fraud, to raise awareness among the public of the potential risks and to help protect individuals and organisations from cyber criminals.

“Overall, and importantly, this survey shows most people do not experience any crime and only a very small proportion are affected by violent crime, but I have been consistently clear that any incidence of violence is one too many.

“That is why we are taking forward a wide range of actions to prevent, reduce and tackle violence, funded with more than £6 million invested over the past three years on top of our record funding for police.”

The survey also found that less than half of adults in Scotland (45%) believed the police in their local area were doing an “excellent” or “good” job in 2023-24, down from 61% in 2012-13 and 49% in 2021-22.

However, in 2023-24, the majority of adults in Scotland said they felt very or fairly safe walking alone in their local area after dark (75%) and when in their home alone at night (95%).

These findings were based on a survey of 4,973 adults (aged 16 or over) living in private households in Scotland with interviews conducted between July 2023 and April 2024.

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said: “With so much of our lives now online, the Scottish Government need to wake up to the threats posed by criminals who are seeking to exploit that.”

Commenting on the violent crime figures, he said: “For many years, the SNP have failed to properly invest in our justice system.

“After stretching the thin blue line of Scottish policing to breaking point, violent crime is on the rise and too many don’t feel safe in their own communities.”

Scottish Labour justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill said: “This damning report shows crime continues to devastate communities across Scotland.

“Violent crime is on the rise and increasing levels of property crime leave far too many people feeling unsafe in their own homes.

“Our justice system is stretched to breaking point after years of SNP mismanagement and neglect so it is no surprise public trust is declining.”

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr MSP said: “This damning survey exposes how badly the SNP’s soft-touch justice system is failing Scots.”

He added: “SNP ministers must urgently show some common sense, ditch their soft-touch agenda, get tough on criminals and properly fund our police so they can keep the public safe.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “Over a period of many years, Scotland has experienced less crime and continues to be a safe place to live and work.

“I would encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed a crime to contact the police.

“We’ll treat you with respect and provide the response our communities need and deserve.

“Levels of crime are similar to the period before the pandemic, while estimates that around one in 10 adults experienced fraud and computer misuse underline that policing must continue to respond to changing demands.

“The Chief Constable has outlined a vision for policing of safer communities, less crime, and supported victims and we’re delivering on those ambitions, including through a dedicated cyber and fraud unit and plans for a strengthened community policing model.”