McArthur comments on rise in sexual crimes, shoplifting and indecent images

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has today warned that the Scottish Government must revere worrying trends in key categories of crime including sexual crimes, indecent images of children and shoplifting.

Figures from Police Scotland show that in the year ending December 2025:

• The police in Scotland recorded 308,532. This was 3% higher than the 298,306 crimes recorded in the year ending December 2024.

• Non-sexual crimes of violence were 5% higher compared to the year ending December 2024 (increasing from 70,635 to 74,384 crimes)

• Sexual crimes were 10% higher compared to the year ending December 2024 (increasing from 14,539 to 16,029 crimes)

• Rape and attempted rape increased by 12% compared to the previous year (from 2,785 to 3,118 crimes)

• Indecent photos of children increased by 20% compared to the previous year (from 797 to 959 crimes)

• Shoplifting increased by 15% compared to the previous year (from 43,556 to 50,300 crimes) and increased by 137% from the year ending December 2021 (from 21,234 to 50,300 crimes).

Liam McArthur MSP said:

"These latest crime statistics paint a worrying picture.

“In too many key categories things appear to be moving in the wrong direction.

“While some of the reported increase may be down to welcome efforts to increase reporting, it is also clear that there is a very real trend here that is pointing firmly in the wrong direction.

"The Scottish Government must make tackling sexual crime a key priority and accelerate work on violence against women and girls that can support victims and prevent crime.

"Police officers work tirelessly to keep people safe, but ministers must ensure that officers have the tools, time and expertise to ensure these crimes are properly investigated."