Incidents of drug crime, sexual offences, fire raising and traffic violations in Edinburgh have all risen significantly over last year, according to figures to be presented to councillors next week.

Drug crime has increased 18% over last year, with 2,489 recorded incidents over 2,098 last year, while sexual offences were up 8%, from 1,219 cases last year to 1,315 this year.

Fire-raising soared a dramatic 24%, with 241 recorded this year, and traffic offences were up 10%, with 9,249 cases reported.

David Dourley, the senior Scottish Fire and Rescue Service officer for Edinburgh, said the service takes a ‘zero-tolerance approach’ to deliberate fire-setting.

He continued: “The consequences of deliberate fire-setting can be devastating – they have the potential to cause serious injury

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