The 2021/22 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS) shows a significant decline in overall crime levels and victimization rates in Scotland.
Scotland’s Chief Statistician has released the main findings of the 2021/22 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS), revealing a positive trend in the country’s crime rates. The survey indicates that the volume of crime, including incidents not reported to the police, has decreased by 53% since 2008/09. The survey also highlights a decrease in the proportion of adults experiencing crime, from one-in-five in 2008/09 to one-in-ten in 2021/22. While the survey shows improvements in overall crime levels, it also raises concerns about declining confidence in the police across various measures.
Decrease in Crime Volume and Victimization Rates
The 2021/22 SCJS reveals that there were an estimated 494,000 crimes in Scotland during that period. Property crimes accounted for 73% (360,000) of the total, while violent crimes made up 27% (133,000). Property crime has halved since 2008/09, experiencing a decline of 51%, while violent crime has fallen by 58% over the same period. The majority of adults (90%) did not experience any crime in 2021/22, and the proportion of adults experiencing crime has decreased from one-in-five in 2008/09 to one-in-ten in 2021/22.
Public Perception of Safety and Confidence in the Police
Despite the positive trends in crime rates, confidence in the police has declined over the years. Only 49% of adults believe that the police in their local area do an excellent or good job, compared to 61% in 2012/13 and 55% in 2019/20. Victims of crime and those living in the most deprived areas of Scotland are less likely to have positive views of the police. However, most adults expressed confidence in the local police force’s capability in handling incidents and solving crimes, although confidence in preventing crime decreased.
Disparities in Crime Rates Among Different Groups
The survey highlights that certain population groups are more likely to experience crime than others. The likelihood of experiencing crime in 2021/22 was higher among those aged 16 to 24, disabled adults, those living in the most deprived areas, and urban areas of Scotland. Conversely, the likelihood of experiencing crime was lowest among those aged 60 and over. While many population groups have seen a decrease in crime rates since 2008/09, significant disparities still exist.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the SCJS
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no survey was conducted for the 2020/21 reporting year. To fill the evidence gap, the Scottish Victimisation Telephone Survey (SVTS) was conducted, focusing on crime experiences, safety, and policing perceptions during the pandemic. The 2021/22 SCJS, which resumed fieldwork in November 2021, was conducted using a mixed-mode approach, combining remote and face-to-face interviews. The survey has been deemed comparable to previous years, and the decision has been made to maintain the National Statistics designation.
Conclusion:
The 2021/22 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey brings encouraging news of a significant decrease in overall crime levels and victimization rates in Scotland over the past 15 years. The survey indicates that most adults did not experience any crime during the reporting period, and people generally feel safer in their local communities. However, the decline in confidence in the police raises concerns and highlights the need for continued efforts to improve public perception and trust. The survey also emphasizes the importance of addressing disparities in crime rates among different population groups. As Scotland moves forward, these findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and law enforcement agencies to further enhance the safety and well-being of its citizens.
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