Homicide cases show consistent level, official figures reveal

A continuing but historically relatively low level of homicide in Scotland has been revealed by the latest official figures from the country’s Chief Statistician.

Sixty crimes of homicide, involving 61 victims, were recorded by the police in Scotland in 2018-19, compared with 59 cases with 59 victims in 2017-18. The number of cases has remained at between 59 and 63 cases recorded each year since 2012-13, but over the 10 year period from 2009-10 to 2018-19 it has fallen from 80 to 60, and 59 in the lowest recorded in any 12 month period since 1976.

Of the 61 victims, 75% (46) were male, and of 83 persons accused of homicide, 88% (73) of them were male. Fifty seven of the 60 cases in 2018-19 have been solved and three are currently unsolved.

For each of the last ten years, the most common method of killing was with a sharp instrument, accounting for 44% of deaths.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf commented: "We are determined to help people break free from cycles of violence. We will continue our efforts to drive down violent crime, both through education and enforcement, supporting prevention work with people of all ages and ensuring Scotland’s law enforcement agencies and courts have the resources to deal with those who harm others."

Click here to view the full statistical publication.