RECORDED crime figures show that vandalism across North Ayrshire has fallen by a massive 56 per cent since the SNP came to power in 2007.

In 2007/08, there were 253 instances of vandalism per 10,000 people in North Ayrshire whereas it is now 111 in every 10,000.

MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “People across North Ayrshire will have noticed that their areas have become safer over the last 11 years. The sharp decrease in crime has been mirrored by a steep decline in vandalism, which again confirms the effectiveness of the SNP Government’s approach. Thanks to the hard work of police in our communities, people across North Ayrshire can enjoy living here more safely, with less fear of damage to property.

“The SNP made Justice one of its top priorities, putting more police on the streets and taking decisive action to tackle knife crime and reduce reoffending, which is why crime in Scotland is now at its lowest level in over 40 years.”