Complaint
An item in the programme reported an increase in rural crime in the UK.Β A viewer complained that it was at fault in not referring to the figures for Scotland, on account of Scotland having a separate legal system and of the fact that rural crime in Scotland had declined.
Outcome
The existence of a separate jurisdiction does not mean that crime figures for Scotland should be separately reported as a matter of course, but the difference between the Scottish and UK figures in this instance was of such significance to the story as to merit attention.
Partly upheld
Further action
The production team has been reminded of the continuing need to consider the news merits of the separate figures for the devolved nations within the overall statistics that are provided by the relevant body.