SEXUAL crimes in Scotland have significantly increased more than any other offences, the latest statistics have revealed.
Crimes of a sexual nature were up 22% in December 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 - increasing from 885 to 1,084 crimes - and were 12% higher than in December 2019.
The only other crimes that increased from the previous year, as well as pre-pandemic times, were violent crimes, according to Police Scotland data. All other types of crime fell over the year.
Sexual assault increased by 56% compared to December 2020 (from 278 to 433 crimes), and increased by 27% compared to December 2019 (increasing from 341 to 433 crimes).
The rise in sexual assault since 2019 and 2020 has been attributed to a rise in attacks on females across the board, including adults aged 16 or older, 13-15 year-olds and young children under the age of 13.
READ MORE: Almost 400 claims of sexual misconduct made at universities since 2016
Rape and attempted rape increased by 20% compared to December 2020 (from 142 to 171 crimes), but decreased by 2% compared to December 2019 (from 175 to 171 crimes).
Overall, crime was down in Scotland for December - 8% (or 1,406 crimes) lower than the 18,229 crimes recorded in the same month of 2020, when pandemic restrictions were in place.
But 12% lower than the 19,209 crimes recorded in the same month of 2019.
Non-sexual crimes of violence were 5% (or 36 crimes) higher compared to December 2020 (increasing from 698 to 734 crimes), and 2% higher compared to December 2019 (increasing from 723 to 734 crimes).
Within this, attempted murder and serious assault increased by 10% compared to 2020, but decreased by 15% from 2019.
The increase in violent crimes seems to be triggered by a rise in drugging from 1 to 72 crimes.
Detectives across the country witnessed a surge in alleged spiking cases last autumn – with Police Scotland receiving dozens of complaints from people who said they had been spiked by injection, but police have found no forensic evidence to support a single allegation.
READ MORE: 'No forensic evidence' of spiking by injection in Scotland despite surge in claims
A rise in threats and extortion was also a factor in the increase in violent crime since December 2019, with the recently published National Statistics bulletin estimating that more than three-quarters (77%) of threats and extortion recorded in 2020-21 were cyber-crimes.
Domestic violence, crimes of dishonesty, Fire-raising and vandalism, and other crimes were all down from 2020 and pre-pandemic levels.
Regionally, a decrease in recorded crime was seen in 23 (72%) out of 32 local authorities.
The largest decrease was seen in the Shetland Islands (down 51%) and the largest increase was in the Orkney Islands, which had 28% more recorded crimes, but small numbers of crimes can fluctuate over time.
However, the biggest contributors by volume to the overall decrease in crimes recorded by the police were North Lanarkshire (down 24%, or 332 crimes), North Ayrshire (down 30%, or 165 crimes) and Fife (down 14%, or 162 crimes).
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