Crime in Glasgow plummets during lockdown

Crime in Glasgow has plummeted amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, new figures from Police Scotland reveal.

The number of crimes recorded by Greater Glasgow Police Division has fallen by over 2500 in the past two months, with Scotland having entered lockdown in late March.

Police in the city recorded 11,549 crimes between March 9 and May 3, compared to 14,060 for the same period last year - a drop in 2511 crimes.

With 1,183 crimes recorded between April 27 and May 3, compared to 1,848 for the same period last year - a drop of 665 compared to 2019.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 16: Police officers attend a public gathering at Glasgow Green, as part gatherings taking place this weekend across Scotland and the UK-wide against the coronavirus pandemic restrictions on May 16, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. The prime minister announced the general contours of a phased exit from the current lockdown, adopted nearly two months ago in an effort curb the spread of Covid-19. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) ((Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images))

The Glasgow figures reflect the situation across Scotland, with all police divisions in the country witnessing a decrease in recorded crime compared to the same time period in 2019.

The latest figures also show that between May 7 and May 13, 7,500 people in Glasgow have been dispersed when informed to do so, 2,273 having done so after receiving instruction.

65 people have been dispersed using 'reasonable force', with 645 fixed penalty notices handed out to people in the city and 43 people arrested for breaching the restrictions.