The number of bail orders breached in Scotland has soared by nearly one-third in the past 12 months, it emerged yesterday.
Figures released by the Scottish Government showed that there were 31% more bail breaches in 2006-7 than there were in 2005-6.
The large rise comes at a time when increasing numbers of bail orders are being handed down by the country's judges.
Opposition parties last night said more must be done to restore the public's faith in the bail system.
Bill Aitken, justice spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: "In Scotland today, granting of bail has become the norm, even for the most serious crimes.
"We have to restore the position where the protection of the public is given a much greater priority."
New rules to come into force in December will increase the maximum sentence for breaching bail from three months to one year in an attempt to tackle the problem.
A spokesman for the government said: "Increases in such bail offences indicate strong and effective enforcement by the police. The police are ensuring bail conditions are strictly enforced and taking action to ensure breach of bail is not being tolerated."
Yesterday's report on recorded crime in Scotland also revealed indecent assaults went up by 10%, although the number of rapes and attempted rapes dropped by 3%.
First Minister Alex Salmond is today expected to announce plans for a new sexual offences bill in a speech unveiling the government's legislative programme for the year ahead.
The new legislation will be aimed at increasing Scotland's low rape conviction rate.
The figures also showed the number of violent crimes had gone up by 3% in the past year, with the number of serious assaults, attempted murders and murders increasing by 5%.
The number of people caught handling an offensive weapon also went up by 5% to 10,110, the highest number on record, adding more weight to government calls for Scotland to be given the right to legislate on firearms controls.
Overall, there were around 7200 more offences in 2006-7 compared to the year before, a rise of 0.4%. However, the clear-up rate rose to 47%, an all-time high.
Kenny MacAskill, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said he was concerned at the rise in indecent assaults.
"There are despicable crimes and those who commit such acts deserve to be convicted and punished, and society protected," he said.
He also said the government was eager to crack down on serious assaults, the carrying of weapons and drug offences.
The "irresponsible" sale and consumption of alcohol will also be targeted, he said, while policing capacity will also be increased.
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