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.
Overall crime rates 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:
| 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.
Which Is The Most Dangerous Area In 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).
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.
