KINGLASSIE MSP, Jenny Gilruth, has highlighted recently published figures that show cases of vandalism across Fife have fallen sharply since the SNP came to power in 2007 - a clear indication, she says, that the Scottish Government’s approach to crime and justice in the community is working.

In 2007/08, there were 231 instances of vandalism per 10,000 of the population in Fife – which has fallen sharply to 86 cases by 2016/17, a drop of 63%.

The latest figures back-up, said the MSP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife, Tory Justice Minister Rory Stewart’s comments that the rest of the UK “has a lot to learn from Scotland”.

Commenting Ms Gilruth said: “These latest figures will come as welcome news to communities across Fife, and especially in Glenrothes and Kinglassie, and prove that the Scottish Government’s efforts to tackle this issue are paying dividends for communities across Scotland.

“The Scottish Government’s approach to justice, coupled with well-supported police in our communities, has resulted in a marked drop in the rate of vandalism in Fife.

“However, there is still work to be done in the fight against mindless vandalism in our communities.

“The Scottish Government have made justice one of its top priorities since coming to power in 2007 – putting more police on the streets and taking decisive action to reduce reoffending".

She concluded: “With crime at its lowest level in over 40 years, I am sure the significant year-on-year reduction in vandalism cases in Fife will continue.”