The murder rate  in Dundee doubled in a year. Police statistics, released last week, show that 26 murders were reported in the policing district from April 2015 to March 2016. There were 13 in the corresponding period 2014-2015.
Another scary stat is the rocketing number of burglaries at homes: 254 were recorded as opposed to 177 the previous year.
The number of sexual offences reported remained constant at 59 – one more than in the previous year.
Other figures gleaned from the official police stats include:
 assault with intention to cause grievous bodily harm: 164 (a 5,8% increase)
 common assault: 164 (down 20%)
 burglaries at business premises: 80 (up 17,6%)
 burglaries at residential premises: 254 (up 43,5%)
 theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles: 22 (down 26,7%)
 theft out of or from motor vehicles: 72 (up 53,2%)
 stock theft: 52 (up 57,6%)
 drug-related crimes: 252 (down 38,45)
 driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: 100 (down 1%).
Police say murder is a ‘non-policeable crime’ – these occur often as a result of drunkenness and often among people known to each other.
Burglaries could be cut down but residents will have to beef-up security and consider setting up neighbourhood watches as has been done with great success in Dannhauser town.
The municipality’s dilly-dallying over the much-anticipated security camera system in the central business district makes Dundee especially vulnerable to ‘experienced, travelling criminals’.