Homicide rates in Ayrshire remain at historically low levels despite an increase last year.
Statistics published by the Scottish Government revealed that, in total, three people were murdered in the county in 2023-24.
That figure represents the second-lowest number of homicides in one year over the last 20 years – the period for which the Homicide in Scotland 2023-24 statistical bulletin covers at local authority level.
In both the previous years, 2021-22 and 2022-23, there were two murders in Ayrshire.
West Scotland Labour MSP, Katy Clark, has said the increase of one murder in the region was “deeply troubling” while Justice Secretary, Angela Constance, said that she was “encouraged” that homicide rates across Scotland remain at a “near record low”.
Of the three homicides in the region last year, two were in North Ayrshire and one in East Ayrshire. No one was murdered in South Ayrshire.
Over the last five years, from 2019-20 to 2023-24, there were 18 murders in Ayrshire – seven less than the previous five-year period from 2014-15 to 2018-19.
Across Scotland, there was a 9.6 per cent increase in homicides last year to 57 although this figure remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Ms Clark, who is Labour’s community safety spokesperson, said: “These figures should be a wake-up call for the Scottish Government.
“The recent rise in homicides is deeply troubling, especially as it affects communities right here in Ayrshire. Families across the west of Scotland deserve to feel safe, yet repeated cuts to policing resources and an overburdened justice system are leaving communities vulnerable and exposed.
“The fact that we are seeing an increase at all, after decades of hard-won progress, highlights the urgent need to support local police forces and address the root causes of violent crime.
“Community safety should be non-negotiable. The Scottish Government must act now to ensure our police are properly resourced, our justice system is capable of responding swiftly, and the root causes of violence in our communities are tackled head-on.”
Ms Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: “Scotland continues to be a safe place to live and I am encouraged that recorded homicides remain at a near record low, falling by 53% since 2006-07. However one homicide victim is one too many, with the consequences devastating for their loved ones and communities.
“The greatest reduction in homicide victims over the last 20 years has been amongst young people aged 16-24, dropping to 29 between 2019-20 and 2023-24, from 125 victims in this age range between 2004-05 and 2008-09. This follows focused action that we have taken in this area.
“Tackling all forms of violent crime continues to be a top priority for this Government. That is why through our Violence Prevention Framework, we are taking forward a range of activities to prevent violence, supported by over £2 million investment, in addition to our record police funding of £1.55 billion this year – an increase of £92.7 million. This has enabled Police Scotland to take on more recruits this year than at any time since 2013 and they have stated that current officer numbers are about 16,400.
“We also introduced the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill in September 2024 to create a statutory framework for Scotland’s first national multi-agency domestic homicide and suicide review model.”
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