We need to tackle the root cause of violent crime

18/12/07

Responding to figures showing the number of homicides in Scotland has increased by a quarter, Margaret Smith MSP has promised to hold the Scottish Government to its commitment to tackle violent crime.

Official figures show that homicide rates have risen 26 per cent in the last year. The most common method of killing in the last ten years has been with a sharp instrument and 47 per cent of those accused in homicide cases were reported to have been drunk or under the influence of drugs at the time.

Commenting, the Edinburgh West MSP said:

“These figures are extremely disturbing. Too many lives have been lost by this culture of violence, particularly by knife crime.

“I want to see a crack down on knife crime. I believe that there should be maximum seven year combined custody and community sentences for possession of a knife.

“I think that more must be done to tackle the root cause of violent crime and we have supported the World Health Organisation’s claim that violent crime is a public health issue.  The figures showing that almost half of those accused of homicide had taken drugs or were under the influence of alcohol justify this focus.

“I will hold the Scottish Government to its commitment to more Early Years’ intervention and cooperative working between Education, Health and Police services to tackle violent crime.”