Overall crime has dropped in East Ayrshire, according to latest statistics.

Police Scotland has released its latest figures on crimes and offences across the country for the year to the end of December.

The Recorded Crime in Scotland figures reveal that in East Ayrshire, total crimes have dropped from 516 up to December 2021, to 510 up to December 2022.

Cases of robbery and sexual assault also dropped. However, common assault rose in the most recent data.

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Instances of shoplifting also rose from 41 to 53.

Fire-raising crimes rose by 13 per cent from December 2021 to December 2022, from 61 to 69.

Vandalism also rose slightly, from 948 cases to 968.

Overall, the total crimes in East Ayrshire dropped one per cent for the year-on-year average.

While over the five-year period from the beginning of 2018 to the end of 2022, crime in the area has risen by one per cent.

Conservative MSP Sharon Dowey, who represents the area as part of her South Scotland regional remit, said: "Looking at the recent figures, it’s really concerning to see that crime is on the rise in East Ayrshire.

"In particular, I’m worried about the increase in common assault, considering this includes offences of attempted murder and serious assault.

“Police Scotland do a fantastic job at preventing, investigating, and deterring criminals, but there’s only so much they can do when the SNP Government continue to cut their budgets.

“With Police Scotland facing significant pressure, we need to see the SNP Government offer support to the service, or risk jeopardising public safety.

“We all want to see more bobbies on the beat and a service that can deter criminals up and down East Ayrshire. Without additional support, I’m worried that deterring offenders will be made all the more difficult, pushing crime rates up even further.

“Now, I’m going to take this forward with the SNP Justice Secretary to find out what the Scottish Government will do to support Police Scotland reduce offending in East Ayrshire.”

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Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “These figures show Scotland continues to be a safe place to live with recorded crime at one of the lowest levels seen since 1974.

“Most people do not experience crime and these latest figures show reductions in incidents such as housebreaking and vandalism compared to pre-pandemic levels.

"This welcome trend reflects separate research showing people in Scotland are significantly less likely to be a victim of crime than those living in England and Wales.

"People here also feel safe walking in their communities during the evening.

“We recognise that there is still work to be done, which is why we have taken robust action to tackle sexual offending and have invested £93 million over the past five years to ensure that victims' rights and needs are at the centre of Scotland’s criminal justice system.

"We also know the harm cyber-crime and fraud can inflict on communities and support the efforts of Police Scotland and partners in tackling these kinds of crime. 

“Nonetheless, these historically low levels of crime are testimony to the continued efforts across policing, justice and community safety partners to deliver a safer Scotland for everyone.”