Glasgow is one of the UK’s most populated cities with over 1,708,150 residents as per the statistics. 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 roughest areas in Glasgow so that you can stay informed about crime rates and living standards in your area.
What Is The Overall Rate Of Crime In Glasgow?
Glasgow is now famous for its rich cultural history and businesses. It has become the largest economic city in Scotland and is one of the largest economies 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.
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 the Scottish Police Website (Multi Member Ward Crime Data 2023-24 Quarter 1). So, let’s start with checking the overall crime rates in Glasgow.
When talking about the overall crime rate in Glasgow, it is 81.2 crimes per 1000 population making it the most dangerous city in Scotland. Undoubtedly, the city has a diverse culture and lifestyle but due to the increasing crime rate, its reputation is being destroyed. The most common and prominent crime rates in Glasgow are road traffic crimes (18,653 incidents), crimes of dishonesty (17,940 incidents), and violent crimes (11,874 incidents). Police and law authorities are trying hard to control the crime rates but the crime rates in the city are increasing day by day.
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 easiest and most presentable way. The above-mentioned crime statistics provide a faded picture of criminal and illegal activities.
So, let’s start discussing the top 10 most dangerous areas of Glasgow to give you a clear indication so that you can decide whether to live in such areas or not.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Areas of Glasgow
| Areas in Glasgow | Overall Crime Rate |
| Anderston, City, and Yorkhill | 510.2 Crimes Per 1000 People |
| Govan | 188.3 Crimes Per 1000 People |
| Calton | 181.8 Crimes Per 1000 People |
| Southside Central | 155.6 Crimes Per 1000 People |
| Dennistoun | 126.2 Crimes Per 1000 People |
| Hillhead | 119 Crimes Per 1000 People |
| North East Glasgow | 112.5 Crimes Per 1000 People |
| Shettleston | 111.1 Crimes Per 1000 People |
| Pollokshields | 102.9 Crimes Per 1000 People |
| Canal | 122.6 Crimes Per 1000 People |
#1- Anderston, City, and Yorkhill
Overall Crime Rate Index: 510.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
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 according to the fresh batch of data are crimes of dishonesty (4,121 incidents), violent assault (2,687 cases), drug crime (1,602 incidents), and sexual crimes (440 cases). Shockingly Anderston, City, and Yorkhill have the highest sexual crime rates which is highly concerning for both residents and visitors alike.
#2- Govan
Overall Crime Rate Index: 188.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
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 188.3 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 crimes of dishonesty (1,188 incidents), motor vehicle crimes (1,158 cases), and violent assault (633 incidents). But the biggest issue Govan is facing right now is drug cases. According to the most recent batch of data, Govan has faced 274 offences and the number has doubled in the past few months.
#3- Calton
Overall Crime Rate Index: 181.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
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 181.8 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 crimes of dishonesty (954 cases), shoplifting (241 incidents), motor vehicle offences (776 cases), drug crime (748 offences), and violent crime (675 offences). This high number of crimes is creating a lot of challenges for the visitors and local authorities of Calton.
#4- Southside Central
Overall Crime Rate Index: 155.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Southside Central is one of the well-known areas of Glasgow but not for the right reasons. The crime rate of Southside Central is 155.6 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 crimes of dishonesty (1,172 offences), motor vehicle offences (1,032 cases), violent assault (527 offences), and drug offences (280 cases). Drug crimes are also increasing by a huge margin creating difficulties for everyone.
#5- Dennistoun
Overall Crime Rate Index: 126.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Dennistoun has a good amount of green spaces and is considered the residential hub of Glasgow. The crime rate of this area is 126.2 Crimes Per 1000 population. The most common crimes here are assault crimes (353 cases), traffic and motor vehicle crimes (592 offences), and crimes of dishonesty (506 offences).
#6- Hillhead
Overall Crime Rate Index: 119 Crimes Per 1000 People
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 119 Crimes Per 1000 population. The most common crimes in Hillhead are crimes of dishonesty (1,118 offences), theft (323 incidents), shoplifting (239 cases), traffic and motor vehicle crimes (449 incidents), and violent crimes (306 offences).
#7- North East Glasgow
Overall Crime Rate Index: 112.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
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 112.5 Crimes Per 1000 population. The most prominent and common crimes in North East Glasgow are violent crimes (280 offences), traffic and motor vehicle crimes (422 offences), and crimes of dishonesty (631 incidents). Despite having a low population, such high crime statistics clearly show that North East Glasgow is not safe at all.
#8- Shettleston
Overall Crime Rate Index: 111.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
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 111.1 Crimes Per 1000 population. The most common crimes here are Crimes of dishonesty (756 offences), theft and shoplifting (338 cases), motor vehicle offences (508 cases), and violent assault (400 offences).
#9- Pollokshields
Overall Crime Rate Index: 102.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Pollokshields is one of the high convenient cities people dream of living in. But in reality, the crime rate is so high that Pollokshields is in the top 10 most dangerous areas in Glasgow. The overall crime rate of the area is 102.9 Crimes Per 1000 Population. The most common and prominent crimes here are Motor vehicle offences (740 cases), car accidents (94 cases), crimes of dishonesty (707 offences), and drug crimes (245 offences).
#10- Canal
Overall Crime Rate Index: 122.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
The crime rate of Canal is 122.6 Crimes Per 1000 population and the most common crimes in this area are motor vehicle offences (520 cases), crimes of dishonesty (495 offences), violent assault (380 offences), and fire-raising and vandalism (286 offences).
Our Methodology for Finding Crime Statistics
Our number one priority is to provide you with the legit and trusted data sources for which we have used the Scotland Police Website data. 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.
Is Glasgow A Dangerous City?
Glasgow surely is one of the most dangerous areas in Scotland. With an overall crime rate of 81.2 crimes per 1000 population, there are certain areas where you shouldn’t move for both living and working purposes. These areas include Anderston, City, Yorkhill, Govan, Calton, Southside Central and more. In this blog, we’re going to discuss the top 10 most dangerous areas in Glasgow. Read this blog carefully, analyse the crime statistics we have shared, and then decide if those areas are good or bad for you and your family.
Is Glasgow Safe?
As the overall crime rate of Glasgow is high and it is considered the second most dangerous area in Scotland, there are certain areas that are safe and you can live a peaceful life there. Those areas include Glogow City Centre, Merchant City, Bearsden, Kelvinhaugh, The East End, Shawlands, Finnieston, and Blythswood. You can visit these cities, check the house rents, and ask locals about the safety and security measures.
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.
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.
#11- Drumchapel & Anniesland
Overall Crime Rate Index: 94.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
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
Overall Crime Rate Index: 92.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
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
Overall Crime Rate Index: 92 Crimes Per 1000 People
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
Overall Crime Rate Index: 89.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
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
Overall Crime Rate Index: 89.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
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 worst 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
Overall Crime Rate Index: 87.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
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
Overall Crime Rate Index: 72.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
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
Overall Crime Rate Index: 72.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
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
Overall Crime Rate Index: 72 Crimes Per 1000 People
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
Overall Crime Rate Index: 69.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
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
Overall Crime Rate Index: 65.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
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
Overall Crime Rate Index: 62.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
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
Overall Crime Rate Index: 56.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
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).
Breaking Down the Key Terms Discussed Here
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:
1- 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.
2- Crimes of Dishonesty
Crimes of dishonesty include theft, burglary, trespassing, breaking and entering, fraud, money laundering, and more.
3- 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.
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.
