Glasgow is one of the UK’s most populated cities with over 632,350 according to 2022. It is known for its culture and business opportunities across Scotland. Glasgow shows the true picture of the Scottish culture and landscapes when talking about its history and heritage.

But all of its beauty starts to fade when talking about the crime rates there. Glasgow is considered one of the UK’s cities with the highest crime rates and the standard of living is worse with every passing day. In this article, we are going to share the top 10 most dangerous areas in Glasgow with you so that you will be aware of the crime rates and the living standard of your location.

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.

Overall crime rates in Glasgow

Bar chart showing crime rates in Glasgow (2022). Miscellaneous Crimes and Crimes of Dishonesty are highest. Crime Areas in Glasgow.

Before I tell you about the crime rates in Glasgow, please note that all the data we are going to share with you is provided publically by Scotland police on their website and anyone can access it by submitting the data access request. So, let’s start with checking overall crime rates in Glasgow.

The total number of crimes that happened in Glasgow at the end of 2022 was 76,264 which includes many serious criminal and illegal activities. According to the data provided and published publically on the Scotland Police Website, the crime rate in Glasgow has decreased by 6% between 2018 and 2022 which is a great achievement but still, there are a lot of crimes happening in the city making it worse to live in.

Here are some major crimes and the number of crimes happened in Glasgow in 2022:

  •         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.

High Crime Areas in Glasgow

Anderston, City, and Yorkhill

Bar chart showing 2022 crimes in Anderston, City, and Yorkhill: Violent, Dishonest, Traffic, Fire & Vandalism, Sexual.

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).

Govan

Bar chart displaying crime distribution in Govan. Traffic & Motor Vehicle Crimes are the most frequent. Crime Areas in Glasgow.

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).

Calton

Bar chart showing crime distribution in Calton with categories: Violent Crimes, Assault, Dishonesty, and Traffic.

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).

Southside Central

Bar chart of crimes in Southside Central, Glasgow: Traffic & Motor Vehicle, Violent, and Dishonesty Crimes.

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).

Dennistoun

Bar chart showing crime distribution in Dennistoun, Glasgow with categories: Violent Crime, Traffic & Motor Vehicle, and Fire-raising & Vandalism.

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).

North East Glasgow

Bar chart of common crimes in North East Glasgow: Violent, Traffic & Motor Vehicle, and Dishonesty Crimes. Red bars.

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).

Hillhead

Bar chart of crimes in Hillhead: Dishonesty, Theft, Shoplifting, Traffic, and Violent Crimes. Blue bars.

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).

Canal

Bar chart showing crime distribution in Canal with categories: Violent Crime, Traffic & Motor Vehicle, Dishonesty, and Fire-Raising & Vandalism.

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).

Shettleston

 The chart shows Shettleston crime rates, with the highest in violent crimes and the lowest in assault.

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).

Drumchapel & Anniesland

The chart shows crime distribution in Drumchapel & Anniesland, with the highest in traffic crimes and the lowest in dishonesty.

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).

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.

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.