Edinburgh home break-ins on the rise, as overall crime falls

THE number of break-ins to people's homes is on the rise again, new crime figures revealed today.

Home break-ins on the rise. File picture: Steve Taylor

Overall crime in Edinburgh fell by eight per cent between April and December 2014 and the same period in 2015.

And incidents classified as housebreaking were also down - by nearly 21 per cent.

But most of that reduction came in fewer break-ins to businesses and other buildings, such as garden sheds.

Domestic housebreaking rose by 2.7 per cent - or 38 more crimes.

Housebreaking has been a sensitive issue in the Capital since the formation of Police Scotland led to the disbandment of specialist squads to tackle the problem. Break-ins soared, but the squads were restored and the figures improved.

Today’s figures also show an increase in violent crimes, including a 35 per cent rise in serious assaults.

Robberies - including street muggings and shop robberies - were down 23 per cent.

Anti-social behaviour was up by 1.9 per cent.

Sexual crimes were up by 34 per cent - but many are “historical” cases which people are now reporting.

Edinburgh’s police commander Chief Superintendent Kenny McDonald, said:

“Crime is down within the city, which is very positive news. But there remain challenges for my officers to address, in particular tackling domestic housebreaking and tackling violence.

“We will continue to tackle these issues and we would look for the public to support us.”

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