Tougher sentences for housebreaking extended

A Christmas crackdown on housebreaking in Scotland, which saw offenders face up to five years in prison, is to stay in force.

The Crown Office introduced a tough new prosecution policy over the recent festive period which saw anyone caught breaking into people’s homes face up to five years in jail instead of the previous maximum of one year.

The move was criticised for being a stunt because it was only for the Christmas holidays but now Solicitor General Lesley Thomson QC has revealed the tougher sentence regime will stay in place for the time being.

Police Scotland has recorded a 4% rise in housebreakings since the force was created last April and it is hoped the move to tougher sentences will help them make inroads into the problem.

Scottish Labour justice spokesman Graeme Pearson said: “I’m pleased the Solicitor General has taken the common sense approach with this issue and extended this initiative.

“Housebreaking isn’t a seasonal crime, its devastating effects are the same the whole year round and accordingly it needs to be treated seriously.

“I’ve written to the Solicitor General to see if we can get any more information on how successful, or otherwise, the trial over the Christmas period was as, although this move is welcome, we still need to assess its impact.

Housebreaking offences are usually prosecuted on summary complaint in front of a sheriff, with a maximum sentence of one year.

But the crackdown means there is now a presumption all cases involving a charge of theft by housebreaking, or housebreaking with intent to steal, or attempts of either of those offences, will be prosecuted on indictment before a sheriff and jury.

This means anyone accused of these crimes could face a penalty of up to five years behind bars.

A spokesman for Victim Support Scotland said: “We would very much welcome this move and victims of crime will be delighted to know tougher sentences are going to be available for longer.

“Housebreaking can affect people of all ages and all walks of life so any coordination between the Crown Office and Police on the problem has to be welcomed.”

The move to tougher sentences for housebreaking was tested last summer in Edinburgh.

Miss Thomson said she would consider the position further once an evaluation of the Christmas initiative and the one in Edinburgh has been completed.