Scotland is the most violent country in the developed world, with people nearly three times more likely to be assaulted than in the U.S., according to a United Nations study.
The study by the U.N.’s crime research institute was based on telephone interviews with victims of crime in 21 countries.
It found that 3 percent of Scots have been victims of assault, compared with 1.2 percent in the U.S. and just 0.1 percent in Japan.
More than 2,000 Scots are attacked in an average week, almost 10 times the official police figure, the study revealed.
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Violent crime has doubled in Scotland over the past 20 years, and per capita levels are now comparable with cities such as Rio de Janiero and Johannesburg.
The assaults have been fueled by a "booze and blades” culture in the west of Scotland, the London Times reports.
Since January there have been 13 murders, 145 attempted murders and 1,100 serious assaults involving knives in the west of Scotland. Hospitals report higher admissions following some soccer matches.
Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan of the Strathclyde Police recommends restricting access to alcohol and knives to reduce the problem.
The study also found that England and Wales recorded the second highest number of violent assaults. Surprisingly, Northern Ireland – long the scene of sectarian clashes – recorded the fewest.