Sexual crime at highest level since 1971

Non-sexual crimes of violence increased by six per cent, from 71,170 to 75,601. Common assault (up six per cent) makes up the clear majority (83 per cent) of all non-sexual crimes of violence recorded in 2025-26.

Sexual crimes increased by 10 per cent, from 14,892 to 16,430. These crimes are now at the highest level seen since 1971, the first year for which comparable groups are available.

Crimes of dishonesty increased by six per cent, from 110,913 to 118,040. This is the highest level since 2014-15, though remains down 73 per cent from the peak in 1991.

Damage and reckless behaviour crimes decreased by one per cent, from 38,738 to 38,166. The recording of these crimes is at the lowest level seen since 1976.

Crimes against society increased by six per cent from 63,398 to 67,120. Most of these crimes relate to crimes against public justice (44 per cent) or Drug possession (30 per cent).

Offences recorded by the police in Scotland collectively increased by nine per cent, from 175,979 to 192,276. This included increases in antisocial offences (up seven per cent) and road traffic offences (up 11 per cent), whilst miscellaneous offences decreased by one per cent.

This bulletin also includes an estimate of how many cyber-crimes were recorded in Scotland during 2025-26.

In 2025-26, an estimated 14,200 cyber-crimes were recorded by the police in Scotland. This was similar to the estimated volume for 2024-25 (up 80 crimes or one per cent). Levels remain significantly above the pre-pandemic year of 2019-20 (7,710 cyber-crimes).

Justice Secretary Neil Gray said: “While for the majority, Scotland is a safe place to live with recorded crime down almost half from its peak in 1991, I am of course concerned by any increase in recorded crime and in particular the rise in sexual crime and domestic abuse crimes recorded under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018.

“The increase in sexual crime is part of a broader pattern seen across the UK. While more victims are coming forward with the confidence to report offences, including historical crimes, this shows we need to remain focused on tackling these horrendous crimes, and importantly prevent them by challenging the behaviours that underpin them.

“We are taking action to strengthen confidence in the justice system and ensure police, prosecutors and the courts have the powers they need to bring perpetrators to justice. But enforcement alone is not enough. Sexual and domestic abuse crimes are overwhelmingly perpetrated by men against women, and ultimately, men must change their behaviour. That responsibility rests with all of us to challenge unacceptable behaviour whenever we see it.

“We are working with partners to implement Equally Safe, Scotland’s strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls. Over the next two years we will invest £43.2 million through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund, alongside more than £1.7 billion for policing.”