Lib Dems reveal hidden cost of crime (Shetland Liberal Democrats)

Shetland Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems reveal hidden cost of crime

July 27, 2009 10:31 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Robert Brown MSP, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson, has revealed that more than £100 million has been paid out over the last five years to victims of violent crime in Scotland.

Figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats through Freedom of Information requests show the hidden cost of violent crime. In the last five years, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority has received 35,954 claims, making 17,647 awards, paying out £5,853 on average.

Almost 10% of the total compensation paid out has come from claims caused by knife crime. The average payment of £4,611 for incidents involving a bladed weapon has been awarded for injuries ranging from serious disfigurement of an upper limb, partial loss of a nose or significant disfigurement of the face.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

"The number of claims for compensation underlines the urgency with which we need to tackle the problem of violent crime in Scotland.

"The rise in violent crime has cost Scotland dear in terms of serious injury and loss of life. The figures show that compensation claims are also costing the taxpayer to the tune of £100 million over the last five years.

"It is right and proper that innocent victims of crime should receive compensation for serious injury and loss of earnings. It is not right, however, that this hidden cost of crime should be wholly met by taxpayers.

"There must be more effort to make sure that criminals pay for the crimes they commit, not only in terms of prison or community payback work but also in cash. Victims of violence deserve no less.

"We must do everything possible to reduce the number of violent crimes in Scotland. But where these crimes are committed, Ministers should look at ways to allow for criminals to re-compensate their victims where possible."