Scotland records seven per cent rise in crime

In the year ending June 2026 police in Scotland recorded 323,531 crimes – seven per cent higher than the 303,343 crimes recorded in the year ending June 2025, and 13 per cent higher than the 285,975 crimes recorded in the year ending June 2022.

Non-sexual crimes of violence were seven per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2025 (increasing from 71,915 to 77,005 crimes), and 10 per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2022 (increasing from 70,157 to 77,005 crimes).

Sexual crimes were nine per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2025 (increasing from 15,129 to 16,560 crimes), and 11 per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2022 (increasing from 14,880 to 16,560 crimes).

Crimes of dishonesty were 10 per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2025 (increasing from 112,421 to 123,906 crimes), and 27 per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2022 (increasing from 97,207 to 123,906 crimes).

Damage and reckless behaviour was two per cent lower compared to the year ending June 2025 (decreasing from 38,925 to 37,962 crimes), and 15 per cent lower compared to the year ending June 2022 (decreasing from 44,455 to 37,962 crimes).

Crimes against society were five per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2025 (increasing from 64,953 to 68,098 crimes), and 15 per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2022 (increasing from 59,180 to 68,098 crimes).

The number of offences recorded by the police in Scotland was 190,335. This is three per cent higher than the 184,331 offences recorded in the year ending June 2025, and 8 per cent higher than the 176,960 offences recorded in the year ending June 2022.

Justice Secretary Neil Gray said: “While Scotland remains a safe place to live and recorded crime has fallen by almost half since its peak in 1991, I am extremely concerned by the rise in sexual crimes and domestic abuse offences recorded under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018. These are abhorrent crimes and, unfortunately, reflect a broader pattern seen across the UK.

“It is encouraging that more victims feel able to come forward and report offences, including historical crimes. Protecting victims and ensuring public safety are at the heart of our justice system, and we have taken action to strengthen confidence in that system by introducing legislation and ensuring that police, prosecutors and courts have the powers they need to bring perpetrators to justice.

“Sexual and domestic abuse crimes are overwhelmingly perpetrated by men against women and, ultimately, men must change their behaviour. We must root out and tackle the toxic masculinity and gender inequality that leads to violence, harassment, misogyny and abuse against women. We should stand against these behaviours and call them out.”