Glasgow is one of the UK’s most populated cities, with over 632,350 residents as of 2022. Known for its vibrant culture and business opportunities across Scotland, Glasgow showcases the heart of Scottish heritage through its history and scenic landscapes.
However, this charm is clouded by a high crime rate, making Glasgow one of the UK’s cities with the most safety concerns. As crime rates rise, the standard of living has also faced challenges. For residents and businesses seeking added security in Glasgow, our security guard services provide reliable protection to help keep properties and communities safe. In this article, we’ll cover the top 10 most dangerous areas in Glasgow, so you can stay informed about crime rates and living standards in your area.
Is Glasgow A Dangerous City?
This is the question people are searching madly on Google but not getting the answer anywhere. There is a whole different definition of safety for everyone. So, this blog is solely based on Glasgow’s statistics and crime rates. Once you have read this blog completely, it will depend on whether Glassgow is dangerous for you.
Moreover, if you are living in Manchester and want to know crime stats, check out our latest blog “Top 12 Most Dangerous Areas in Manchester“ for the sake of improving your safety and security.
What Is The Overall Rate Of Crime In Glasgow?
Glasgow is mostly known for its Roman history which is well preserved in the documented form and shown in their architectural designs and fortifications. It is known as a metropolitan area and has a huge population which results in increased crime rates and illegal activities.
Glasgow is now famous for its rich cultural history and businesses. It has become the largest economic city in Scotland and the largest economy when talking about the whole United Kingdom. Glasgow isn’t just famous for its rich history and businesses but there are many other things that complete its robust reputation including sporting events, theatres, libraries, and more.
Despite having many positive attributes, the crime rate is one of the things that is hurting Glasgow’s reputation badly and making it among the cities with the highest crime rates and illegal activities. Currently, the overall crime rate in Glasgow is 81.2 crimes per 1000 population making it the second most dangerous area in Scotland.
The most common and prominent crime rates here in the Glashow are road traffic incidents (18,653 cases), crimes of dishonesty (17,940 offences), and violent crime (11,874 incidents). The crime of dishonesty is one of the most major and concerning issues in Glasgow. Moreover, violent crimes have also increased by a huge number over the last year. Remember, this is the overall crime rate that provides us with a faded picture. Let’s break it into specific cities and discuss the crime rates in the top 10 most dangerous cities in Glasgow.
At Guard Mark Security, our number one priority is to provide you with the most authentic, approved, and legitimate data. We have been covering several parts of the UK and sharing crime statistics with you in the most easy and presentable way.
Here are some major crimes and the number of crimes happened in Glasgow in 2022:
| Type Of Crime | Count in Glasgow |
| Non-Sexual Crimes of Violence | 1,651 |
| Sexual Crimes | 2,037 |
| Crimes of Dishonesty | 16,883 |
| Fire-Raising and Vandalism | 6,347 |
| Other Crimes | 11,991 |
| Miscellaneous Crimes | 23,102 |
| Traffic and Motor Vehicle Offences | 14,253 |
When talking about years, the total number of crimes in 2018 was 81,212, in 2019 the criminal activities increased and the number of crimes was 82,222. In 2020, the crime rate decreased and the number of crimes was 78,477. In 2021, the crime rate again reduced, and the recorded criminal activities were 73,538. Finally, in 2022, the crime rate increased and the total number of recorded illegal and criminal activities was 76,264.
Now that you know about the crime rates and types of crimes in Glasgow, let’s start discussing the top 10 most dangerous areas in Glasgow.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Areas of Glasgow
Are you wondering what the most dangerous area in Glasgow is? Here is the list of the areas with the total crime rates according to the statistics provided by the UK’s police.
| Areas in Glasgow | Total Crimes |
| Anderston, City, and Yorkhill | 16,747 |
| Govan | 5,302 |
| Calton | 5,039 |
| Southside Central | 4494 |
| Dennistoun | 2734 |
| North East Glasgow | 2306 |
| Hillhead | 3018 |
| Canal | 2813 |
| Shettleston | 2933 |
| Drumchapel & Anniesland | 2842 |
#1- Anderston, City, and Yorkhill
Anderston, City, and Yorkhill are on the top and are considered the most dangerous areas of Glasgow with a crime rate of 510.2 Crimes per 1000 population. These areas are the heart of Glasgow and have the highest number of population. Also, the retail districts here provided great working opportunities but the high population has caused a huge number of crimes here.
The most common crimes recorded in 2022 in these areas are violent crimes (4,263), crimes of dishonest (3,194), traffic and motor vehicle crimes (1,683), fire-raising and vandalism (758), and at last number of sexual crimes (378).
#2- Govan
Govan was once known for its industrial areas and the working opportunities, but with time, the population increased and the number of crimes as well. The crime rate in Govan has risen to 198.9 Crimes Per 1000 population and is in 2nd number when talking about the areas with the highest crime rates in Glasgow.
The most prominent crimes in Govan are traffic and motor vehicle crimes (1,476), violent crimes (1,176), crimes of dishonesty (999), and sexual crimes (118).
#3- Calton
Calton has a very negative and bad reputation in media talks and is known for its high crime rates and illegal activities. There are several assault and drug-related crimes accused in Calton that lead the city towards a bad reputation on Television. The crime rate of Calton is 179.4 Crimes Per 1000 population and saved a spot on number 3 when discussing the areas of Glasgow with the worst living standards.
The most common crimes are violent crimes (1,201), assault (135), crimes of dishonesty (795), and traffic and motor vehicle crimes (706).
#4- Southside Central
Southside Central is one of the well-known areas of Glasgow but not for the right reasons. The crime rate of Southside Central is 175 Crimes Per 1000 population and the illegal activities are increasing here day by day. Local authorities and police are working hard to control and eliminate those who are behind all this.
The most common crimes in Southside Central are traffic and motor vehicle crimes (1,255), violent crimes (1,005), and crimes of dishonesty (914).
#5- Dennistoun
Dennistoun has a good amount of green spaces and is considered the residential hub of Glasgow. The crime rate of this area is 131.3 Crimes Per 1000 population. The most common crimes here are violent crime (735), traffic and motor vehicle crimes (727), and fire-raising and vandalism (207).
#6- North East Glasgow
North East Glasgow has 50 points higher than the other areas of Glasgow making it one of the worst places to live. The crime rate of this area is 128.7 Crimes Per 1000 population. The most prominent and common crimes in North East Glasgow are violent crimes (608), traffic and motor vehicle crimes (531), and crimes of dishonesty (529).
#7- Hillhead
Hillhead is the home of the international BBC Scotland channel and is famous due to the Glasgow University. But don’t think that due to having such things, Hillhead is safe and the crime rate must be shallow. There is nothing like that here. The crime rate in this area is 125.7 Crimes Per 1000 population. The most common crimes in Hillhead are crimes of dishonesty (903), theft (259), shoplifting (225), traffic and motor vehicle crimes (584), and violent crimes (684).
#8- Canal
The crime rate of Canal is 122.6 Crimes Per 1000 population and the most common crimes in this area are violent crime (885), traffic and motor vehicle crimes (549), crimes of dishonesty (440), and fire-raising and vandalism (302).
#9- Shettleston
Shettleston is known for its vibrant lifestyle but unfortunately, the crime rate in the area is a little high. The crime rate in Shettleston is 113.7 Crimes Per 1000 population. The most common crimes here are violent crimes (756), assault (367), traffic and motor vehicle crimes (676), and crimes of dishonesty (576).
#10- Drumchapel & Anniesland
These two are the areas that are home to many permanent residents and the crime rate here in Drumchapel & Anniesland is 105.3 Crimes Per 1000 population. The most common crimes here in these areas are traffic and motor vehicle crimes (887), violent crimes (754), and crimes of dishonesty (496).
How Have Guard Mark Security Sourced This Data?
For this article, we took the most recent and fresh batch of data available on the Police Scotland Website. You can visit the website of Scotland Police to recheck all the data we have shared and mentioned in the article.
Moreover, we have displayed the data with the ratio method (crime per 1000 population living in the area) to make it more understandable and presentable. This method helps us mention the size of the area, population, and key crime there in more specific manners. As Guard Mark is the #1 security-providing company in the UK, we always ensure to provide you with the most accurate and legitimate data shared by some of the most trusted sources.
Key Terminology Used In This Article
Scotland’s Police use different terminologies so that common citizens understand everything easily. We have used the same terminologies police have been using so you don’t get confused. Here are those terminologies and the context behind them:
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes include assault, serious assault, weaponry use, murders, attempted murders, and more. All kinds of crimes in which someone gets hurt counts under the umbrella of violent crimes.
Crimes of Dishonesty
Crimes of dishonesty include theft, burglary, trespassing, breaking and entering, fraud, money laundering, and more.
Motor Vehicle Offences
Motor vehicle offences include road accidents, hit-and-run incidents, speeding beyond the limits, using mobile while driving, and more.
In short, all the offences and incidents that belong to motor vehicles count under the umbrella of motor vehicle offences.
Tips and Suggestions to Improve Your Security in Glasgow
Here are some tips and suggestions to enhance your living standard, security, and safety of your family and business while living in Glasgow.
- Always take the well-lit areas and avoid taking the shortcuts.
- Do not talk to strangers, especially at nighttime.
- Do not stop your cars to provide lift to strangers.
- Always keep pepper spray or steel sticks with you.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep in touch with your neighbours all the time.
My Area Of Glasgow Isn’t Listed Here!
If your area is not in the above top 10 list then congratulations, you are living in some safe area where the crime rate isn’t that bad. But sometimes, people want to see the statistics of their area to get to know the situation so that they can arrange some security measures. Here is a list of some of the common and famous areas with the crime rates and prominent crimes. If your area isn’t on this list as well, you are living in some of the safest areas of Glasgow.
#11- Drumchapel & Anniesland
Drumchapel & Anniesland is the home to most of the permanent residents that have been living here for centuries. The overall crime rate of the area is 94.3 crimes per 1000 population making it among the top 15 most dangerous areas of Glasgow. The most common crimes here are crimes of dishonesty (638 incidents), motor vehicle crimes (547 incidents), and violent assault (383 incidents). Shockingly, when compared with the previous years, all these crimes were higher in the last year.
#12- East Centre
East Centre is one of the most famous areas of Glasgow and when talking about the crime rates, the overall crime rate of the city is 92.4 crimes per 1000 population. The most common and prominent crimes here are motor vehicle crimes (439 incidents) and crimes of dishonesty (371 incidents).
#13- Maryhill
Maryhill is one of the densely populated areas and is famous for its rich history and architecture. The overall crime rate of the area is 92 crimes per 1000 population which is concerning for the residents and visitors alike. The most prominent crimes here are crimes of dishonesty (431 incidents), assault (259 cases), and criminal damage (235 incidents). Moreover, in the last year, drug-related crimes(144 offences) have also increased by a huge margin.
#14- Springburn & Robroyston
The overall crime rate of Springburn & Robroyston is 89.5 crimes per 1000 population damaging its reputation and positivity. The most common crimes here are Crimes of dishonesty (494 incidents), violent crime (405 cases), and motor vehicle offences (395 cases).
#15- Greater Pollok
Greater Pollok is famous for its retail-focused region and contains many signs of older architecture. The overall crime rate of the area is 89.1 crimes per 1000 population making it the 15th most dangerous area in Glasgow. The most common and prominent crimes here in the Greater Pllok are crimes of dishonesty (848 offences), motor vehicle offences (614 cases), and violent crimes (368 cases). All these crimes have increased by a huge margin after the pandemic. Moreover, when comparing the last year’s data with the previous years, all the mentioned crimes increased to the highest.
#16- Newlands & Auburn
Newlands & Auburn is one of the richest and wealthiest areas in Glasgow. The overall crime rate of the area is 87.1 crimes per 1000 population which is creating troubles for the residents. Due to having some of the richest people in the area, the most common crimes here are motor vehicle offences (506 offences), crimes of dishonesty (387 incidents), and violent crimes (296 cases).
#17- Garscadden & Scotstounhill
The overall crime rate of the Garscadden & Scotstounhill is 72.7 crimes per 1000 population. The most common and prominent crimes here in the area are crimes of dishonesty (490 incidents), violent crimes (344 cases), criminal damage (325 incidents), and motor vehicle crimes (274 incidents).
#18- Langside
The overall crime rate in Langside is 72.5 crimes per 1000 residents. The most common and prominent crimes in the area include crimes of dishonesty (503 incidents), motor vehicle offences (412 incidents), and violent crimes (311 incidents).
#19- Victoria Park
The overall crime rate in Victoria Park is 72 crimes per 1000 residents. The key concerns in this area are crimes of dishonesty (436 offences), criminal damage (351 offences), and motor vehicle crimes (295 offences).
#20- Cardonald
The overall crime rate in Cardonald is 69.2 crimes per 1000 residents. The most frequent crimes include crimes of dishonesty (450 offences), motor vehicle crimes (361 offences), and violent assaults (253 offences).
#21- Linn
The overall crime rate in Linn is 65.4 crimes per 1000 residents. The most prominent crimes in the area are crimes of dishonesty (343 incidents), motor vehicle offences (318 incidents), and violent assaults (292 incidents).
#22- Baillieston & Garrowhill
The overall crime rate in Baillieston & Garrowhill is 62.6 crimes per 1000 residents. Common crimes here include motor vehicle offences (310 incidents), crimes of dishonesty (301 incidents), and violent crimes (177 incidents).
#23- Partick East & Kelvindale
The overall crime rate in Partick East & Kelvindale is 56.8 crimes per 1000 residents. The most reported crimes are crimes of dishonesty (619 offences), violent assaults (284 incidents), and motor vehicle crimes (204 incidents).
Ideal Security Services Provider in Glasgow
If you are a business owner and looking for professional security companies that can help you safeguard your business premises, Guard Mark Security can help you do it in the best manner. All of our security guards are SIA licenced and are vetted per BS7858 standards. If you need our services or have any questions in mind, contact us and we will be more than happy to help you in all aspects.
