Undoubtedly, drug crime is one of the worst crimes that is increasing by a huge margin in the UK and most of the major cities, regions, and towns are fully occupied by drug dealers, sellers, and gangs. Drugs are becoming one of the greatest issues in the United Kingdom and are destroying the youth badly. The newspapers and channels are full of highlights regarding drugs, illegal substances, gang wars, and the nightlife of the UK.
The city centre and the nightlife are being impacted badly due to these increasing drug cases and incidents. Moreover, most of the drug intakers are students and teenagers who don’t have any idaea how bad this substance is for their physical and mental health.
So today, at Guard Mark Security, we are going to analyse the top 25 worst areas for drug crimes in the UK. We often publish articles on topics relevant to crimes and illegal activities. In this article, we will discuss the drug crime rates in the areas that are affected badly due to drug dealers and gangs.
How Have Guard Mark Security Sourced This Data?
The data we are going to share in this article at Guard Mark Security is sourced directly from the Office of National Statistics. This data is from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2024, the most recent and fresh batch of data available at the Office of National Statistics. You can visit the website and double-check all the data we are going to share here at Guard Mark Security.
An Overview of Drug Crime in the UK
Drug cases and crimes are increasing by a huge number and every year, the statistics shock the UK’s residents, government, and law authorities. When looking at the crime rate and batch at the Office of National Statistics for 2017, the number of reported cases was 132,935 drug offences. However, the most recent and fresh batch of data from 2023/24 shows that the number of reported drug cases is 181,421 drug offences and incidents.
The United Kingdom has witnessed the highest number of drug cases in 2020 due to the pandemic (COVID-19). The number of record drug cases in 2020 was 198,410 as per the data provided by the UK’s police and law authorities.
The highest number of drug incidents happened in the capital (London) in 2023/24. The number of drug crimes in London according to the most recent data is 37,554 cases which is 21.1% of the total drug crimes in the UK. North West is at the 2nd place when it comes to drug crimes. In 2023/24 alone, the residents have witnessed 34,030 drug offences in total which is 19.1% of the total drug crimes in the UK.
However, Wales has the lowest drug crimes according to the data available at the Office of National Statistics. The number of drug crimes that happened in Wales is 7,021 drug offences which is only 3.9% of the total drug crime rate of the United Kingdom.
The data we have provided above only gives a partial overview of drug crimes and illegal activities regarding chemical substances. Let’s discuss the top 25 worst areas of crimes for drugs and other illegal chemical substances to understand the metrics in a perfect manner.
The 25 Worst Areas for Drug Crime in the UK
#1- Westminster
Westminster is always in the highlight and top 10 when it comes to crimes. No matter if it is theft, drugs, burglary, vandalism, or violent crimes, this specific area always comes under the umbrella of the top 10. The overall drug crime rate in Westminster is 12.5 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. The area faced 2,649 drug crimes and offences last year making it to the top when discussing the top 26 areas related to drug crimes and offences.
#2- Liverpool
Liverpool is famous for its musical contributions and sporting events. But, the drug crime rate here is increasing by a huge margin. The overall drug-related crime rate in Liverpool is 12.3 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. Moreover, the residents have witnessed 6,093 drug crimes and offences in 2023/24 which means 17 drug offences, incidents, and crimes per day.
Our full report on the most dangerous areas in Liverpool breaks it all down if you’re looking to move to the city.
#3- Knowsley
Whenever someone says Knowsley, most people think about the enjoyment, entertainment, and the national Safari park. But the increasing drug cases are destroying the reputation of the area very badly. The overall drug crime rate of Knowsley is 8.4 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. Last year, there were almost 1,320 drug offences happened making it to the top 3.
#4- Manchester
Manchester is the capital of the North and has the highest number of active police officers right now. But despite having the highest number of officers, whenever it comes to crimes and illegal activities, Manchester is always in the top 10. The overall drug crime rate in Manchester is 8.4 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. Moreover, the capital of the North faced almost 4,758 drug offences last year which was 38% higher than the previous years.
Our comprehensive report on the most dangerous areas in Manchester provides valuable insights for anyone considering a move to the city.
#5- Glasgow
Glasgow is the 2nd largest city in Scotland and is always under destruction by gangs, drug dealers, and thieves. The overall drug crime rate in Glasgow is 7.4 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. Last year the residents faced almost 5,547 drug offences which mean 15 drug cases and incidents per day.
#6- Middlesbrough
When discussing narcotics and drugs, Middlesbrough is also in the top 10 despite its vibrancy and rich culturalism. The overall drug crime rate in the area is 7.2 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. Additionally, the police have recorded 1,951 drug offences and incidents which is 13% higher than the previous year’s crime rates and offences.
#7- Inverclyde
You might be wondering how Inverclyde is in the top 10. The numbering we are giving here in the article is population-based and according to it, the drug crime in the area is also high. The overall drug crime in the area is 7 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. The area faced around 69 drug crimes and offences in the last year which is a huge issue according to its population.
#8- West Dunbartonshire
West Dunbartonshire is a central area of Scotland and is famous for its Trossachs National Park. The overall drug crime rate here is 6.5 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. The area contains a small population and the drug cases here last year were 107 which is a huge issue for the residents and local law authorities.
#9- Nottingham
When talking about narcotics, Nottingham is at number nine. The overall drug crime rate in Nottingham is 6.4 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. According to the data provided by the Office of National Statistics and police, the area saw 2,114 drug offences and cases in the last year. But the good news is that when compared with the previous years, there is almost an 8% decline in drug crimes and incidents in Nottingham.
#10- St Helens
St Helens is a town in Liverpool with an overall drug crime rate of 6.3 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. Due to being part of Liverpool, the area is suffering from drug crimes, gangs, and many other illegal activities. The area witnessed 1,157 drug offences and cases last year which is 22% higher than the previous years.
#11- Camden
Camden is known for its contributions to the world of art and culture. But the increasing number of drug cases and offences are damaging its reputation badly. The overall drug crime rate of Camden is 6.1 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. The area saw almost 1,339 drug offences and incidents last year which declined by 3% when compared with the previous years.
#12- Bury
Bury is the part of Manchester which is one of the major reasons it is on the list. The overall drug crime rate in Bury is 6.1 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. Moreover, last year, the area faced 1,191 drug offences which mean 3 drug incidents every day per 1,000 population.
#13- Tower Hamlets
Tower Hamlets is known for its Tower Bridge and has an overall drug crime rate of 5.9 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. Last year, Tower Hamlets witnessed around 1,921 drug offences and cases. The police and local law authorities are trying hard to control the situation.
#14- Haringey
Haringey has been in the highlights for the past 2 years when discussing drug cases, gangs, drug dealers, and violent crimes. The overall drug-related crime rate in the area is 5.9 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. The area faced almost 1,532 drug offences last year but the amazing news is there was a decline of 14% in drug crimes in last year when compared with the previous years.
#15- Halton
The overall drug crime rate of Halton is 5.7 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. Halton is famous for its industries and manufacturing units but due to having a large number of drug crimes, the reputation is being destroyed badly. Halton saw almost 729 drug offences last year which is a major issue when looking at the perspective of its population.
#16- Southampton
Southampton is one of the most famous and well-known coastal cities in England. The overall drug crime rate of the area is 5.6 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. Last year, the residents of Southampton witnessed around 1,472 drug cases and offences. Moreover, when comparing the drug crime rate of the last year with previous years, there is a hike of 14% which should be taken seriously.
#17- Barking & Dagenham
Barking & Dagenham are the neighbouring cities and are host to the 20-12 London Olympics. The overall narcotics crime rate of the area is 5.6 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. When looking at the data provided in the most recent batch (2023/24) by the Office of National Statistics, the area faced 1,472 drug offences and incidents.
#18- Aberdeen
Aberdeen is facing the ongoing issue of drugs with an overall drug crime rate of 5.6 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. The area and its residents faced almost 1,246 drug offences and incidents last year which is equivalent to 3 drug cases per day.
#19- Kensington & Chelsea
Kensington & Chelsea is known for their wealth and economically rich personalities. But seeing this area in the list of crime rates and drug crimes can be a shock to some people. The overall drug crime rate in the area is 5.5 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. Last year, the area’s residents witnessed around 806 drug and narcotics-related cases and incidents.
#20- Leicester
Leicester is famous for its rich culture, art, and sports but the increasing narcotics cases are destroying its image badly. The current overall drug-related crime rate in Leicester is 5.5 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. The police recorded 2,059 drug incidents and offences last year and when compared with the previous years, the drug crime rate has increased by 10% in 2023/24.
#21- Salford
Salford is one of the famous cities in Manchester and it is also one of the major reasons for being on the list. The overall drug crime rate of the Salford is 5.4 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. Moreover, the area witnessed around 1,502 separate drug offences and cases last year.
#22- Islington
Islington is one of the most populated and dense areas in London. Due to having such a high population, the drug crime rate here is increasing by a huge margin. The overall drug crime rate of the area is 5.4 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. Last year, the city faced 1,180 drug and narcotics-based offences which is equivalent to 3 cases every day.
#23- Sefton
Sefton is one of the well-built residential areas in Liverpool. The overall crime rate in Sefton is 5.4 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. In the last year, the residents of Sefton have faced almost 1,504 drug-related cases but the welcoming news is that the crime rate here has decreased by 19% when compared with the previous years.
#24- Argyll & Bute
Argyll & Bute is an area in Scotland famous for its picturesque views and rolling hills. The current crime rate related to drugs and other illegal chemicals here is 5.1 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. The area doesn’t have much population but still it faced around 445 drug cases and offences last year which is a huge issue for the local authorities and police.
#25- North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire is an area which you can never expect to be on the top list but unfortunately, it is. The overall drug crime rate in the area is 5 Drug Offences Per 1,000 Population. According to the freshest and recent batch of data available at the Office of National Statistics, North Lanarkshire faced around 1,699 drug offences and cases last year.
Is Drug Crime Getting Worse in the UK?
As we have discussed the worst area related to drug crimes is the UK but there are many other small areas and towns in the country where drugs are an ongoing issue. When looking at the statistics and the metrics provided by the Office of National Statistics, the drug crime rate has increased by 1% in the United Kingdom. For instance, the number of reported crimes at the end of March 2023 was 179,467 offences. But when looking at the offences by the end of March 2024, the figure has increased to 181,421 drug offences and incidents.
So, drug crime is increasing in the United Kingdom and the law authorities should take preventive measures to control the situation. Moreover, when we look at the statistics, most of the drug addicts are teenagers and university students. So as a parent, you should ask your children where they are going, what their activities are, and which people they are meeting.
Additionally, it is wise to do routine health checkups so you are always aware of your children’s health. By taking care of all these things, you can save your children from drug addiction and also can help your country by playing your positive part.
