The controversial policy of stop and search has continued unabated in Dundee since the inception of Police Scotland, according to the latest figures.
Tayside Division carried out 8,328 stop and searches between April 1 and November 30 2013, an increase of 135.4% compared to the five-year average before the national police force was formed.
The startling figure came to light after police presented a report detailing their performance results to the council policy and resources committee.
Broughty Ferry councillor Laurie Bidwell said: “In Scotland you are four times more likely to be stopped and searched (than in the rest of the UK) and Police Scotland has searched at least 10,000 children.
“I think we need advice (from Tayside Division) on stop and search, and particularly the age of those being stopped and searched.”
Chief Superintendent Hamish Macpherson, who presented the figures to the council, said stop and search is an effective means of preventing crime.
He added: “There have only been seven complaints from people who were subject to a search across the whole of Tayside and officers are not set targets on how many people they need to stop.”
The figures detailing the rise in stop and search usage also showed a remarkable reduction in crime across the city.
Violent crime is down more than 28% on the five years average, equating to some 55 fewer victims, while there is a 24% reduction in serious assault and a 48% reduction in robbery over the eight month period.
There have also been 84 fewer victims of common assault.
As well as reporting a drop in these crimes, the committee was also told the chances of being arrested for committing such a crime was at the highest point ever, with police in Dundee detecting 96% of all serious assaults and 80% of all robberies.
In total, there were 5,065 Group 1-4 crimes (violent crime, sexual offences, dishonesties, vandalism, fire-raising and malicious mischief).
However, the committee was also told offences in relation to domestic abuse had risen by 18% over the same period and sexual crimes by some 6%.
Mr Macpherson said: “I am very pleased to present this report to the policy and resources committee and proud of the officers and staff within Dundee who have worked tirelessly to prevent and detect crime in Dundee.
“Dundee remains a very safe place to live and this is borne out by the large reductions in offences which we have seen across all categories of crime.
“Sadly we are still seeing increases in crime of domestic abuse and this will remain a focus for my officers over the coming year.”