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Homicide level lowest in 15 years Homicide level lowest in 15 years
(about 2 hours later)
The number of homicides in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level in 15 years, according to official figures. The number of illegal killings in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level in 15 years, according to figures.
In the year to April, there were 93 killings - 44 fewer than in the previous 12 months.In the year to April, there were 93 killings - 44 fewer than in the previous 12 months.
There has also been a significant fall in the number of homicides involving knives and the number killed or injured by firearms dropped by almost 40%.There has also been a significant fall in the number of homicides involving knives and the number killed or injured by firearms dropped by almost 40%.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson welcomed the figures as evidence that Scotland was becoming a safer place.Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson welcomed the figures as evidence that Scotland was becoming a safer place.
However, she warned that there was still a long way to go to achieve the kind of year-on-year reductions needed to turn around Scotland's "booze and blades" culture.However, she warned that there was still a long way to go to achieve the kind of year-on-year reductions needed to turn around Scotland's "booze and blades" culture.
Figures for 2004/05 had shown the homicide rate at its highest in a decade.Figures for 2004/05 had shown the homicide rate at its highest in a decade.
The National Statistics publications, Homicide in Scotland 2005/06 and Recorded Crimes and Offences involving firearms, Scotland 2005/06 showed that:The National Statistics publications, Homicide in Scotland 2005/06 and Recorded Crimes and Offences involving firearms, Scotland 2005/06 showed that:
  • The number of homicides fell by 32% in the year up to March
  • There were 93 victims of homicide last year, 44 fewer than in 2004/05
  • Use of a blade as a method of killing decreased by more than half, with 34 victims last year compared with 72 in 2004/05
  • The number of offences in which a firearm was used decreased by 6%, while the number of offences in which a firearm was fired and killed or caused injury dropped by nearly 40% from 342 to 197
  • The number of homicides fell by 32% in the year up to March
  • There were 93 victims of homicide last year, 44 fewer than in 2004/05
  • Use of a blade as a method of killing decreased by more than half, with 34 victims last year compared with 72 in 2004/05
  • The number of offences in which a firearm was used decreased by 6%, while the number of offences in which a firearm was fired and killed or caused injury dropped by nearly 40% from 342 to 197
Det Chf Supt John Carnochan, from the Violence Reduction Unit, welcomed the figures, saying he believed the falls were down to a number of factors.Det Chf Supt John Carnochan, from the Violence Reduction Unit, welcomed the figures, saying he believed the falls were down to a number of factors.
"I don't think it's any one particular thing," he said."I don't think it's any one particular thing," he said.
"I think it may be a combination of things, some of which are by design and that's about strategy, about legislation, the lord advocate's guidelines, health work and alcohol enforcement on the streets, the Knife Amnesty and Safer Scotland.""I think it may be a combination of things, some of which are by design and that's about strategy, about legislation, the lord advocate's guidelines, health work and alcohol enforcement on the streets, the Knife Amnesty and Safer Scotland."
This is welcome news, particularly on the back of figures which showed that violent crime more generally is at its lowest level since devolution Cathy JamiesonJustice Minister Minister's knife crime hope Your views on the figuresThis is welcome news, particularly on the back of figures which showed that violent crime more generally is at its lowest level since devolution Cathy JamiesonJustice Minister Minister's knife crime hope Your views on the figures
The figures also showed that 86% of homicide victims in 2005/06 were male and male victims aged 31 to 50 represented the highest number.The figures also showed that 86% of homicide victims in 2005/06 were male and male victims aged 31 to 50 represented the highest number.
Three quarters of victims knew the main accused - 18% were presumed to have been killed by a partner, 11% by a relative and 49% by an acquaintance.Three quarters of victims knew the main accused - 18% were presumed to have been killed by a partner, 11% by a relative and 49% by an acquaintance.
A total of 69% of the 139 accused of homicide in 2005/06 were reported to have been drunk or on drugs at the time.A total of 69% of the 139 accused of homicide in 2005/06 were reported to have been drunk or on drugs at the time.
The use of firearms in criminal activity constituted a small proportion of all offences recorded by the police in 2005/06 - with eight homicide offences, 35 attempted murders and 74 robberies.The use of firearms in criminal activity constituted a small proportion of all offences recorded by the police in 2005/06 - with eight homicide offences, 35 attempted murders and 74 robberies.
It was found that 43% of all offences in which a firearm was alleged to have been used were cleared up, compared with 38% in 2004/05.It was found that 43% of all offences in which a firearm was alleged to have been used were cleared up, compared with 38% in 2004/05.
Knives amnestyKnives amnesty
Writing for the BBC Scotland news website, Ms Jamieson: "This is welcome news for the law-abiding public, particularly on the back of figures in September which showed that violent crime more generally is at its lowest level since devolution.Writing for the BBC Scotland news website, Ms Jamieson: "This is welcome news for the law-abiding public, particularly on the back of figures in September which showed that violent crime more generally is at its lowest level since devolution.
"However, I know that it will take more than one year of encouraging figures before we can say that we have turned the tide on violence in Scotland.""However, I know that it will take more than one year of encouraging figures before we can say that we have turned the tide on violence in Scotland."
Annabel Goldie said Scotland still had "very real problems"Annabel Goldie said Scotland still had "very real problems"
She pointed out that more than 12,500 knives were taken off the streets during a national knives amnesty and that the Scottish Executive was now legislating to restrict the sale of non-domestic knives, swords and similar weapons.She pointed out that more than 12,500 knives were taken off the streets during a national knives amnesty and that the Scottish Executive was now legislating to restrict the sale of non-domestic knives, swords and similar weapons.
Ms Jamieson added that the firearms laws had also been strengthened across the UK.Ms Jamieson added that the firearms laws had also been strengthened across the UK.
Scottish Conservative Leader Annabel Goldie said: "Some of these figures are encouraging, but as the justice minister herself admits, the tide of violence in Scotland has not yet been turned, so we must proceed with caution.Scottish Conservative Leader Annabel Goldie said: "Some of these figures are encouraging, but as the justice minister herself admits, the tide of violence in Scotland has not yet been turned, so we must proceed with caution.
"The very real problems that exist with crime in Scotland will not be solved until we see more police on the beat, more honesty in sentencing and a proper attempt to address the escalating epidemic with alcohol and drugs.""The very real problems that exist with crime in Scotland will not be solved until we see more police on the beat, more honesty in sentencing and a proper attempt to address the escalating epidemic with alcohol and drugs."
The SNP's justice spokesman Kenny MacAskill said: "It is clear that we still have a real problem here in Scotland with violent crime, particularly in areas of deprivation.The SNP's justice spokesman Kenny MacAskill said: "It is clear that we still have a real problem here in Scotland with violent crime, particularly in areas of deprivation.
"The underlying causes of crime need targeted, but, there must be no mercy shown to those who use guns, knives or other weapons randomly or indiscriminately.""The underlying causes of crime need targeted, but, there must be no mercy shown to those who use guns, knives or other weapons randomly or indiscriminately."