Matheson promises action as figures show rising sexual cybercrime

Fresh action to prevent sexual crime, particularly offences involving young people, has been promised by Justice Secretary Michael Matheson in the wake of new research findings, along with the newly published figures for Recorded Crime in Scotland 2016-17.

The latest study suggests that around half of the growth in all recorded sexual crimes between 2013-14 and 2016-17 has been due to growth in sexual cybercrime, and that the average age of both perpetrators and victims is substantially lower when the internet is used as a means to commit such offences.

Overall, the crime figures show that crimes recorded by the police in Scotland fell by 3% from 246,243 to 238,651 in 2016-17, the lowest level since 1974, with crimes of dishonesty (down 2%), fireraising and vandalism (down 3%) and other crimes (mostly drug related or crimes against public justice, down 7%) all decreasing from 2015-16 levels, and recorded offences down 15% to 288,961, with a 19% drop in motor vehicle offences.

However the number of non-sexual violent crimes was 6% higher, though still 49% lower than 2006-07, and sexual offences rose by a further 5% to the highest level since 1971.

The clear-up rate for all recorded crimes decreased by 1.6 percentage points from 51.6% to 50.0%.

Mr Matheson commented: “The sexual crimes research makes clear that more work is required to understand why particularly young males are behaving in this way and to prevent sexual offending, building on the recent Education Summit held by the Solicitor General.

“While we have taken considerable steps in this area, such as our recent ‘intimate images’ campaign, the national action plan on internet safety and our ‘Equally Safe’ strategy, I am bringing together an expert group to identify further steps needed to better tackle and ultimately prevent such offending.

“Through our strong and sustained focus on prevention, violent crime is now almost half the level it was a decade ago. However, I’m determined to build on this, ensuring further progress in future years. That’s why I have asked for more detailed analysis into how violence, and the factors behind it, are changing and what is needed to secure further reductions in violence in future, with fewer victims and still safer communities.”

Solicitor General Alison Di Rollo QC added: “Too many children and young people are coming into contact with our justice system as a result of sexual offending, and we know that technology has an increasingly significant part to play. I convened the Education Summit last month to emphasise the need to protect our young people by educating them about their rights and responsibilities under the criminal law.

“I am delighted that this new expert group will now build on the success of the summit, and acting on the key messages we heard, identify and take the next steps to inform and protect our young people. COPFS will provide our experience and expertise to the group and together better tackle and prevent sexual offending among young people.”