CRIME figures released this week show a rise in serious assault and attempted murder numbers in Dumfries and Galloway.
According to the report released by Scotland’s chief statistician, serious assault and attempted murder figures for the year ending December 2024 were 108 in the region, a 23 per cent increase from the 2023 figure of 88 and a 59 per cent increase compared to 2020.
Housebreaking figures also rose from 179 in 2023 to 222 in 2024, and sexual crimes increased by 13 per cent between 2020 and 2024.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “It is deeply disappointing to see any increase in crime rates.
“Behind these figures there are individuals and their families who have suffered at the hands of criminals.
“This needs to act as a wakeup call to the Scottish Government that they have to properly fund our local police to tackle reported crime.
“The police in the region do an excellent job but it is vital that they have the resources to meet the growing challenges they face.
“However, the answer isn’t just more and better policing. Increases in crime are often down to a wider failure to invest in our economy, create jobs and tackle poverty.
“It is no excuse, but often crimes can be linked to deprivation – and we cannot deliver justice without also tackling social injustice and inequality.
“We need a commitment from the Scottish Government to stop the cuts, not just to policing, but to lifeline services and benefits in communities across the country.”
