Increase in violent and sexual crimes in Midlothian

Recently-published Recorded Crime figures have shown an increase in violent and sexual crimes in Midlothian.
Handling of offensive weapons used in other criminal activity saw a 43 per cent jump in Midlothian.Handling of offensive weapons used in other criminal activity saw a 43 per cent jump in Midlothian.
Handling of offensive weapons used in other criminal activity saw a 43 per cent jump in Midlothian.

The National Statistics publication has revealed that between 2018-19 and 2019-20 sexual assault crimes increased by almost a fifth and serious assault and attempted murder cases rose by over 20 per cent. ‘Other Violence’ also increased by 13 per cent.

Another notable increase was in reported theft by opening a lockfast place, which rose by nearly 60 per cent. Handling of offensive weapons used in other criminal activity saw a 43 per cent jump.

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South Scotland List MSP Michelle Ballantyne (Con) commented: “I’m troubled to see that crime in Midlothian is rising in some key areas.

“Violent and sexual crimes are some of the most destructive forces in our society and it is vital that the police are given the resources necessary to tackle this rise.

“Last year, Midlothian Council had to consider cutting their Community Action Teams (CATs) to balance the books after the Scottish Government slashed local authority budgets.

“While the CATs were eventually saved, councils should not have to put the safety of their inhabitants on the line as a consequence of cost cutting measures by the SNP.

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“These statistics show that more needs to be done to support police and give councils access to effective CATs that have the skills and local knowledge needed to prevent these heinous crimes.”

Chief Inspector Arron Clinkscales, Local Area Commander for Midlothian, said: “Tackling violence is not only a local priority in Midlothian, but for all of Police Scotland.

“Typically, violence occurs where alcohol or drugs play a contributing factor and we work with a range of partners to signpost those with addictions to appropriate treatments that can help break the cycle of offending.

“In addition, we liaise closely with all licensed premises in our area to ensure they adhere to the terms of their licences in terms of responsible sale of alcohol, as well as to share information with us about criminal activity taking place on or around their venues.

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“Targeted stop and search activity is also regularly undertaken to identify anyone in possession of a weapon, remove these items from our streets before they can do harm and bring offenders to account for their actions.

“We will always thoroughly investigate any crimes of violence and anyone wishing to make a report of this nature should contact police immediately.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Overall levels of violent crime have fallen significantly in Scotland over the last decade.

“We are committed to providing the best possible support to victims of crime and we have provided more than £1.2 million funding to Victim Support Scotland to establish a service giving dedicated and continuous support to families bereaved by crime, which has been operational since April 2018.

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“Alongside enforcement and prosecution, Scotland has adopted a public health approach to tackling violent crime, focusing on early intervention and collaborative prevention work and there has been a significant and long-term reduction in violent crime, with a 48 per cent fall in violent incidents experienced by adults in the last decade.

“We have also invested £20m over the last decade in violence reduction programmes, including £14m to support the work of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and more than £4m for No Knives, Better Lives.”