United Kingdom is one of the greatest economies in the world and millions of people move there to start a new life. But the crime rates in the UK are also increasing due to the increase in population. So, it is crucial to do some research before choosing the city or region whether it’s for business or to move with the family.
At Guard Mark Security, we have started a series to share crime insights across different UK regions and cities, including the most dangerous areas in London. So, today’s region is Scotland and we will share the top 15 most dangerous of Scotland with you. If any of these areas is on your wishlist, we recommend you read the statistics carefully and think again because after all, it’s a matter of the safety and security of your family and loved ones.
An Overview Of Crime In Scotland
When looking at the statistics provided by the UK’s police and Scottish Police data repository, the crime rate in Scotland has been on the decline for the last 20 years. The reason behind this continuous decline is; the number of active police officers, new law policies, and contributions to the security of Scorland’s residents with police against crimes and illegal activities.
The time period of 2004-2005 was the worst time for Scotland when it came to crimes. In the single year, Scotland saw almost 511,834 crimes and illegal activities making the worst year in the history of Scotland. When talking about the freshest and most recent batch of data (2022/23), the number of offences was 289,362, almost 43% lower than the highest number of crimes that happened in 2004/05.
However, unfortunately, when we compare the previous year’s crime statistics with the most recent batch, there is an increase of 1% in crime rate. In 2021/22, the number of crimes in Scotland was 286,484 offences which was 1% less than the crimes that happened in 2022/23.
When we convert the crime rates into the ratio (crime ratio per 10,000 population), this shows us a clearer picture of the crime rates. For instance, the overall crime rate in Scotland in 2004/05 was 1,007 crimes per 10,000 population. On the other hand, when talking about 2022/23, the overall crime rate in Scotland was 528 crimes per 10,000 population.
The 15 Most Dangerous Areas Of Scotland
At Guard Mark Security, we have done thorough research and have selected the top 15 worst areas related to crimes in Scotland. Here are detailed statistics of the top areas in Scotland:
1- Glasgow City
Glasgow is always in the top position when we talk about the crime rates and illegal activities. It is the largest city in the whole of Scotland and the 4th largest in the United Kingdom. Despite its rich culture and heritage, its reputation in the UK is becoming worse day by day. The overall crime rate of Glasgow city is 1251 crimes per 10,000 population.
When looking at the previous year’s statistics, the crime rate in Glasgow has increased by 2.4% in the recent year making it to the top of the list of the 15 worst areas of crimes in Scotland. The most common and prominent crimes here in Glasgow are crimes of dishonesty (17,971 incidents), road traffic offences (16,906 cases), crimes against society (12,196 offences), and drug offences (5326 cases).
The number of drug cases in Glasgow is almost double that of any other area of Scotland. The police and law authorities are trying hard to control the situation and requesting the residents to report any drug-related crime in the first second.
2- Dundee City
Dundee City is famous for its trades and merchanting in Scotland due to the high number of industries. This city is also known as the “City of Discovery” due to its instant increase in reputation and trading-related activities. The overall crime rate of Dundee City as per the most recent batch of data is 1152 crimes per 10,000 population making it the 2nd worst area in 8the Scotland.
The crime rate of the city has dropped when compared with the last year with previous year’s crime rates. Despite a decline in crime rates, the most common crimes in Dundee City are crimes of dishonesty (5383 offences), violent crime (2853 cases), shoplifting (1668 incidents), and motor vehicle theft (315 cases).
3- West Dunbartonshire
West Dunbartonshire is home to some of the biggest business persons in Scotland. But the situation of the crime has worsened here with time. The overall crime rate of West Dunbartonshire according to the most recent batch of data is 1100 crimes per 10,000 population. When comparing the crime rates of the last year with the previous years, the crime rate has gone up to 3%.
The biggest issue and most common offence in West Dunbartonshire are traffic offences. In a single year, the recorded road traffic offences in the city are (3070 incidents). Other major crimes are crimes of dishonesty (1488 offences) and crimes against society (1386 offences).
4- Dumfries & Galloway
Dumfries & Galloway are one of the largest areas in Scotland and are at number 4th in our crime ranking. The overall crime rate in the area is 1093 crimes per 10,000 population making it one of the worst areas to live or work in Scotland. Due to the hard work of the police and quick responses, the crime rate in the area has dropped by 10% when compared with the previous year’s crime rates. But still, the situation of the city is out of control and there are chances of increasing the crime cases again.
The most common and major issues of Dumfries & Galloway are road traffic offences (6165 cases), crimes of dishonesty (2114 offences), and crimes against society (2049 offences). These are some of the issues residents and visitors are facing and feeling troubled while being present in the area.
5- Aberdeen City
Aberdeen City is famous for its rich cultural history and heritage. It is situated at the most eastern points of mainland Scotland and offers a diverse culture. The city is contributing most to the UK’s economy due to its increasing population but at the same time, the crime issues and illegal activities are also increasing. The overall crime rate of Aberdeen City is 945 crimes per 10,000 population which is a huge issue for both residents and visitors alike.
The most common crimes in Aberdeen City are crimes of dishonesty (5449 cases), road traffic offences (4162 cases), violent crimes (3608 offences), and public urination (177 offences). The urination cases in Aberdeen City are the second highest in the whole of Scotland.
6- North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire is well known and reputed for its rich industrial history and contributions to Scotland’s economy. However, the crime rate in the area has been unchanged for the last two years and there is no significant increase or decrease. The overall crime rate in North Lanarkshire is 898 crimes per 10,000 population.
The most common crimes here are road traffic offences (6977 cases), crimes of dishonesty (5790 offences), and crimes against society (4751 offences). Moreover, North Lanarkshire ranks second when it comes to drug and weapon possession cases. The reported number of cases related to the drugs last year was 1750 incidents and weapon possession was 484 cases in a single year.
7- City of Edinburgh
The City of Edinburgh is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom and the reason for its popularity is that it used to be the capital of Scotland. You might be thinking that due to its larger area and population, there will be a huge crime rate, but shockingly, the area is number 7th, and the overall crime rate here is 877 crimes per 10,000 population.
Undoubtedly, the crime rate here is less than in many other areas and cities but unfortunately, the city ranks on number 2nd when it comes to some criminal issues including crimes of dishonesty (14,623 offences) and road traffic offences (9091 cases). The other major criminal issues here are burglaries (1449 cases) and thefts from a motor vehicle (525 cases). Remember, these are all the crimes the City of Edinburgh has witnessed in a single year.
8- Fife
Fife is the region at north of the sea and is famous for its cool breezes and friendly environment. Despite having a friendly and good environment, crime has been a major issue here creating difficulties for the residents and visitors alike. The overall crime in Fife as per the recent batch of data is 835 crimes per 10,000 population. Moreover, the crime rate here is unchanged when compared the last year with the previous year’s crime rates.
The most common and prominent crime issues here are crimes of dishonesty (8030 offences), road traffic offences (6417 cases), violent crimes (5223 offences), and sexual crimes (1418 offences). Unfortunately, Fife is ranked number 2nd in Scotland for sexual offences and harassment cases.
9- North Ayrshire
The county of North Ayrshire is famous for its seaside and the popular harbours used at the time of the 2nd World War. Shockingly, the county is the new entry in the crime rates because, in previous years, the crime rate here was almost none. Unfortunately, this sudden increase in crimes here has created some real issues for the residents. The overall crime rate in the county of North Ayrshire as per recent reports was 833 crimes per 10,000 population.
The most common crimes here are road traffic offences (2684 cases), crimes of dishonesty (2294 offences), and driving under the influence (220 offences). The county of North Ayrshire ranked number 6th among the other areas of Scotland when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol or other chemical substances.
10- East Ayrshire
The crime rates of East Ayrshire are unchanged according to the recent batch data provided by the UK’s police and Scottish Police data repository. When comparing the statistics with the previous years, there is no significant increase or decrease in the crime rates in this area. The overall crime rate of East Ayrshire is 816 crimes per 10,000 population.
The most prominent crimes in East Ayrshire are road traffic offences (2256 cases), crimes of dishonesty (1930 offences), and violent crimes (1524 offences). These issues have been real problems for the residents of East Ayrshire and are creating trouble for those who visit.
11- Highland
It might be a surprise for you to see the Scottish Highland in the worst areas of crime in Scotland. The Highland is a new entry to our list and before the last year, there were almost no crimes. The overall crime rate in Highland is 813 crimes per 1000 population.
The major crimes here in Highland are road traffic offences (7286 cases), crimes of dishonesty (2982 offences), violent crimes (2536 offences), and crimes against society (2259 offences). Road traffic crimes and offences are the biggest issue of the Highland and are ranked 3rd when compared with the other areas of Scotland.
12- Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire is also a new entry to the list and the overall crime rate of the area is 806 crimes per 10,000 population. The most common and major crime issues in the area are road traffic offences (3360 cases), crimes of dishonesty (3301 offences), crimes against society (2120 offences), and environmental offences (44 cases). The area ranks on number 3rd when it comes to environmental cases and offences.
13- Clackmannanshire
Clackmannanshire is one of the smallest counties in Scotland and has fallen to the 5 places when compared with the previous year’s crime reports. The overall crime rate in Clackmannanshire is 799 crimes per 10,000 population according to the most recent and fresh batch of data. The major criminal issues in the area are crimes of dishonesty (894 offences), road traffic offences (763 cases), and violent crimes (696 offences).
14- South Ayrshire
The crime rate in South Ayrshire is lower than the East Ayrshire and North Ayrshire but the area is still on the list of the top 15 due to its surrounding areas. The overall crime rate here is 776 offences per 10,000 population and the most common criminal issues are crimes of dishonesty (2053 offences), vehicle offences (1965 cases), and shoplifting (931 incidents). When looking just at the shoplifting offences, the area ranks 2nd in Scotland.
15- Inverclyde
Now finally, the number 15th – Inverclyde. This is also a new entry in the top 15 list and the crime rate here is increasing by a huge margin. Inverclyde is famous for its rich historical culture, tourism, and shipbuilding. Tourists come from different parts of the world to witness its beauty and experience shipbuilding. Unfortunately, the increasing crime rate here is destroying its excellent reputation and the tourism rate is also dropping.
The overall crime rate of Inverclyde as per recent reports is 768 offences per 10,000 population and the most common and major criminal issues here are crimes against society (1352 offences), crimes of dishonesty (1326 offences), and road traffic offences (920 cases). The crimes against society are the second highest in Inverclyde as compared to all the other areas and regions of Scotland.
How Have Guard Mark Security Sourced This Data?
At Guard Mark Security, we have analysed and derived all the data directly from the Scottish Police Data Repository. This ensures the transparency and trustworthiness that all the information and statistics we have shared in the article are approved and published by the law authorities. You can visit the Scottish Police Data Repository and double-check all the statistics we have shared in the article at any time.
