LESS than two thirds of crimes including cruelty to children, threats, extortion and abduction were resolved in Scotland last year, prompting calls for increased police funding.

Clear-up rates for offences regarded as “other violence” by Police Scotland have dropped to their lowest level since records began, despite a 24 per cent increase in cases year-on-year.

The number of such crimes, which make up 22 per cent of non-sexual violent offences, went up from 567 in 2017-18 to 717 in 2018-19.

With less than two thirds of these incidents resolved, politicians have called on the Scottish government to increase funding to Police Scotland to keep communities safe.

Scottish Labour justice spokesman James Kelly said: “It is unacceptable that our police force is battling through cuts as it deals with rising crime levels.

“Fewer crimes being cleared up by police is not the fault of hard-working officers but rather a symptom of an under-resourced police force.

“The SNP government must take a deep look within and revisit the priorities that have allowed funding cuts to Police Scotland to go unchecked for too long.”

Police Scotland said the increase was in part due to historical abuse of children, as well as new types of offences being categorised.

Detective Chief Superintendent Lesley Boal said: “We are committed to protecting our communities from harm and intimidation.

“Although we would never become complacent, overall crime has been reducing consistently and Scotland is a safe place by head of population.”

The Scottish government was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of going to press.