In the year ending September 2025:

The police in Scotland recorded 305,925 crimes. This was two per cent higher than the 300,136 crimes recorded in the year ending September 2024, and three per cent higher than the 297,712 crimes recorded in the year ending September 2021.

• Non-sexual crimes of violence were three per cent higher compared to the year ending September 2024 (increasing from 71,004 to 73,033 crimes), and 14 per cent higher compared to the year ending September 2021 (increasing from 64,147 to 73,033 crimes).
• Crimes of dishonesty were less than one per cent higher compared to the year ending September 2024 (increasing from 112,324 to 112,830 crimes), and 26 per cent higher compared to the year ending September 2021 (increasing from 89,385 to 112,830 crimes).
• Damage and reckless behaviour was four per cent lower compared to the year ending September 2024 (decreasing from 40,011 to 38,569 crimes), and 12 per cent lower compared to the year ending September 2021 (decreasing from 43,831 to 38,569 crimes).
• Crimes against society were six per cent higher compared to the year ending September 2024 (increasing from 62,146 to 65,789 crimes), but one per cent lower compared to the year ending September 2021 (decreasing from 66,436 to 65,789 crimes).

The number of offences recorded by the police in Scotland in the year ending September 2025 was 189,019. This is three per cent higher than the 184,084 offences recorded in the year ending September 2024, and two per cent higher than the 185,863 offences recorded in the year ending September 2021.

Former police officer and Scottish Liberal Democrat deputy leader Wendy Chamberlain MP said: “Scotland still has mountains to move to tackle violence against women and girls.

“The increase in sex crime may be partly down to more reporting, which is only to be welcomed, but it still points to a very worrying trend. By ditching the misogyny law proposed by Baroness Kennedy’s working group, the SNP threw away a real chance to get on top of the problem.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have a realistic plan to tackle violence against women and girls in all its forms. That includes getting ministers to finally implement crucial protections contained within the Domestic Abuse Act and end their long delays.

“We would back that up by giving police officers the tools, time and expertise to ensure these crimes are properly pursued.”