Cases of handling of offensive weapons across the Stirling area have fallen sharply since the SNP came to power in 2007, latest figures have revealed – proving that the SNP’s approach to crime and justice in the community is working.

 

In 2007/08, there was 11 cases of handling offensive weapons per 10,000 of the population in the Stirling area – which has fallen sharply to 4 by 2016/17, a drop of 64%.

 

The latest figures back up Tory Justice Minister Rory Stewart’s comments that the rest of the UK “has a lot to learn from Scotland” – and are a further indication that SNP efforts to tackle issues such as knife crime have worked.

 

Commenting, SNP MSP for the Stirling constituency, Bruce Crawford, said:

 

“This is welcome news – and proves that the SNP’s approach to issues such as knife crime is paying dividends for our communities across the Stirling area.

 

“Thanks to our approach to justice and well-supported police in our communities there has been a marked drop in the number of weapons offences across my constituency – meaning everyone can enjoy living here more safely.

 

“Given this sharp drop in weapons offences – 64% since 2007, contrasting sharply with the trend south of the border – it is no wonder that the Tory UK government are looking to Scotland for answers on how to tackle crime, acknowledging that they have ‘a lot to learn from Scotland’.

 

“The SNP has made justice one of its top priorities since coming to power in 2007 – putting more police on the streets and taking decisive action to reduce reoffending, meaning crime is at its lowest level in over 40 years and our communities are as safe as ever before.”