Sharp rise in Stirling knife crime sees response from cops and First Minister
The figures - acquired by a Conservative MSP - have revealed a "shocking" rise in the number of incidents involving 'bladed or pointed article crimes' from 2022 to 2024.
A 'shocking' surge in knife crime incidents has been revealed in Stirling over the last two years according to newly-released data.
The figures were discovered by Central Scotland MSP Stephen Kerr in a parliamentary question at Holyrood which asked about the number of 'bladed or pointed article crimes' reported across the council area.
The data shows that 81 such crimes were recorded in Stirling in 2024, rocketing up from 48 in 2022.
Mr Kerr has raised the alarm over the figures and the impact on local communities - while taking a shot at the Scottish Government's handling of the issue.
The MSP — who is standing at the Conservative candidate in the Stirling constituency at next year's Holyrood election — said: 'These shocking figures lay bare the SNP Government's abject failure to get a grip on Scotland's knife crime epidemic.
'This terrible surge in knife crime in Stirling in just two years isn't just a statistic; it's a terrifying indictment of a justice system that is failing our communities.
'Enough is enough. The SNP need to stop their soft-touch approach to justice, get tough on knife crime, and make Stirling safe again.'
The most recent data from Statista shows a record high in the number of incidents recorded by police involving offensive weapons of all kinds (including knives and bladed weapons), with 10,835 such crimes highlighted in 2023/24.
Forth Valley area commander, Superintendent Lynsey Kidd said tackling knife violence is a priority for local officers.
She added: 'We recently launched an offensive weapon initiative across Forth Valley aimed at tackling and reducing the carrying of weapons, including knives.
'We acknowledge the impact that violent crime has on individuals, families, and local communities, and we remain resolute in our commitment to keeping our communities safe. This includes highly visible patrols across Stirling and Forth Valley, to prevent and detect issues and reassure the public.
'Recognising that the underlying factors are often complex in nature, we work closely with our national and local partners to draw on their collective expertise and resources to develop and deliver tailored responses to detect, deter and respond to such crime.'
She added: 'As ever, we thank the public for their support and seek their help to hold offenders to account. If you have information, please contact us on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
First Minister John Swinney — who this week convened a cross-party summit on youth violence — said: 'There is absolutely no justification for carrying any weapon, including knives, at anytime, anywhere — and we must be relentless in that message to young people.
'We must make sure we are doing everything possible to respond to the changing behaviours of young people at an early stage, while ensuring parents are aware of the help and support available.
'Challenging crime and anti-social behaviour is the responsibility of everyone which is why our approach to tackling violence among young people is focused on education programmes, on the unacceptability of violence, effective punishment for offences, appropriate police powers and sustained school and community engagement.
'This will help show young people the dangers and consequences of violence, including carrying a weapon, and help prevent them from making decisions which could determine the rest of their life and devastate the lives of others.'
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