Scots 'feeling safer from crime'

The study examined experiences of crime and attitudes towards it

People in Scotland feel they are safer from the risk of crime than those living in other parts of the UK, according to a new survey.

The Scottish Crime Survey said 20.4% of people were at risk of being a victim of crime in 2008-09, compared with 23.4% in England and Wales.

But it suggested violent crime was higher in Scotland.

The research looked into the perceptions and experiences of crime among 16,000 adults in Scotland.

The survey reported an estimated 1.04 million crimes in Scotland in 2008-09, with 20.4% of adults a victim of crime.

We are beginning to turn the corner in our battle against crime Kenny MacAskill Scottish justice secretary

It estimated that there was a 4.1% risk of adults in Scotland being a victim of violent crime, compared with a figure of 3.2% in England and Wales.

However, the rate of violent crime per 10,000 individuals was higher in Scotland - suggesting that violent crime was more concentrated among fewer victims north of the border.

The fear of fraud was greater than the fear of violent attacks, with 56% expressing concern that someone would steal their credit or bank details.

Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill welcomed the figures, but said there would be no let-up in the fight against crime.

"We are beginning to turn the corner in our battle against crime and anti-social behaviour in Scotland," he said.

"We are working harder than ever before, tackling the booze and blade culture that still blights far too many communities, taking on the dealers who peddle misery and despair on the streets, and bringing down the 'Mr Bigs' who pull the strings of serious and organised crime."

'Soft on crime'

But Labour justice spokesman Richard Baker said the survey showed the Scottish government was soft on crime.

He said: "Kenny MacAskill is failing to persuade the law-abiding, hard-working majority that he knows how to tackle crime.

"The opposition to his dangerous plans to scrap prison sentences for offenders including people guilty of assault and knife crimes shows he's completely out of touch with communities across Scotland."

The Conservatives' John Lamont said the survey indicated a lack of confidence in the justice system, adding: "There is little in these findings to be encouraged about - the picture is nothing like as rosy as Alex Salmond's Scottish government would have us believe."

Elsewhere, the survey said those responsible for 58% of violent crime were under the influence of alcohol at the time. Victims also reported that offenders had a knife in 3% of all crimes.

Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Robert Brown called for more action against drink-fuelled violence, adding: "We must focus on tackling the reasons why people choose to carry a knife or drink themselves stupid in the first place if we are ever to make a real impact on these figures."

Recent figures showed recorded crime in Scotland had fallen to its lowest level in almost 30 years.