One of the UK’s largest cities, and a shining beacon for culture and commerce across Scotland, Glasgow is often what many picture when they think of a modern Scottish landscape. A booming economy, coupled with its reputation as a former European City of Culture, means Glasgow has rightfully earned its stellar reputation.
However, undercutting all of those indisputable draws is the city’s soaring rates of crime across its multiple different wards and regions. While each of these areas has its issues, they combine to create a worrying trend for crime in Glasgow.
As one of the UK’s foremost security companies, Churchill Support Services completely understands the need to be aware of the things that might affect the safety of your home and business. We’re firm believers that this should begin with effective education, too.
With our pioneering article, we’ll break down Glasgow’s most dangerous areas, looking in more detail at how crime affects each of the locations, and where they rank compared to each other. We’ll offer a comprehensive run-down, so you know exactly where to look for the safest (and worst) areas of Glasgow.
A vast and thriving metropolitan area, the city and conurbation of Glasgow has an exceptionally storied and varied history. While records of Glasgow’s first settlers are lost to time, its Roman history is well documented, especially in terms of its architecture and fortifications.
The city fast became a huge centre for mercantile businesses, and has only continued its upward trajectory since, taking its rightful position as the largest economy in Scotland, as well as the third-largest economy UK-wide.
Money and commerce aren’t the city’s only attractions, though. One of football’s most fiercely contested rivalries dominates Glasgow’s sporting scene, and the city’s diverse and often frequented range of museums, festivals, theatres, and libraries complete a robust and accommodating city-wide presence.
However, the city’s reputation isn’t all positive, and the crime rate takes centre stage in that. The city’s overall rate sits at 81.2 crimes per 1000 residents – placing it second among Scotland’s most dangerous areas, and perhaps indicative of the continued issues with crime that Glasgow faces.
This includes significant numbers across both road traffic incidents (18,653 offences) and crimes of dishonesty (17,940 offences), which are the city’s most pressing issues, although violent crime (11,874 offences) has seen a significant increase over the last year.
Of course, the issues that are prevalent across the city as a whole aren’t the same across each of the city’s individual regions. Let’s look at the most dangerous areas of Glasgow, and compare how the crime rate stacks up against the city as a whole.
We pinpointed 10 of Glasgow’s most dangerous areas, and what their statistics might mean for both residents and visitors alike.
So named because of its proximity to the Forth & Clyde Canal, the Glasgow ward of Canal is far more than just a literal name. With Milton and Possilpark forming huge residential areas within the ward, it’s proven equally popular for homemakers and young professionals. But with a crime rate that’s hovering at 96.3 crimes per 1000 residents, it may not remain that way.
The region’s main issues stem from high proportions of motor vehicle offences (520 incidents), crimes of dishonesty (495 incidents) and violent assault (380 incidents), although equally concerning for residents and businesses alike are the rising figures in fire-raising and vandalism (286 incidents)
Sandwiched between the Pollok Country Park and the bustling M77 motorway, the ward of Pollokshields is quintessential Glasgow, blending classic architecture with the modern conveniences one would expect of life in a city. Despite that modernity, though, the region finds itself among Glasgow’s most dangerous areas with a considerably high crime rate of 102.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
Motor vehicle offences (740 incidents) are the most prevalent issue facing Pollokshields, with car accidents (94 incidents) being among the highest related crimes in that category. There are also significant figures across crimes of dishonesty (707 incidents) and drug crimes (245 incidents), which are equally worrying for Pollokshields security.
With its namesake area lying at the heart of this unitary ward, Shettleston is a bustling Glaswegian ward, comprising the smaller areas of Tollcross, Braidfauld, Mount Vernon and Carmyle, as well as the town itself. With such a vibrant lifestyle, it’s unfortunate then that the crime rate sits as high as it does – 111.1 crimes per 1000 residents.
Crimes of dishonesty (756 incidents) are the region’s most pressing issue, with more than half of those being theft and shoplifting (338 incidents). Closely following this is the region’s rate of both motor vehicle offences (508 incidents) and violent assault (400 incidents).
An overarching term that encompasses the residential and business areas of Easterhouse, Provanhall, Garthamlock, Craigend, and Ruchazie, the North East of Glasgow is one of its more infamous. Sadly though, much of that reputation comes from a crime rate that’s more than 50 points higher than the city’s average at 112.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Across the northeast of Glasgow, the major issues stem from high figures across crimes of dishonesty (631 incidents), motor vehicle offences (422 incidents) and violent crime (280 incidents). These high numbers, coupled with the region’s comparatively lower population, ensure it’s one of the most dangerous areas of Glasgow.
Home to Glasgow’s prestigious university, alongside its major television network BBC Scotland, you’d be forgiven for thinking Hillhead would be one of the safer areas of the city. Unfortunately, with a relatively small area and a dense population, the ward sees a crime rate of 119 crimes per 1000 residents.
Hillhead’s main problem lies in its exceptionally high number of crimes of dishonesty (1,118 offences), with common theft (323 offences) and shoplifting (239 offences) making up two of the contributors towards that inflated rate. Of course, that’s not Hillhead’s only problem, with motor vehicle crimes (449 offences) and violent assault (306 offences) also causing concern.
A central residential hub for Glasgow, encompassing the areas of Dennistoun, Royston, Haghill and Sighthill, the ward of Dennistoun combines a wealth of housing opportunities with a good amount of green spaces. Despite that, Dennistoun’s crime rate of 126.2 crimes per 1000 residents belies its popularity and abundant draws.
The ward faces an uphill struggle concerning its high rates of both motor vehicle offences (592 incidents) and crimes of dishonesty (506 incidents), but there are mounting concerns about the rate of assault (353 incidents), which has seen a significant rise in the last year.
Encompassing two of the more notorious Glaswegian suburbs in Gorbals and Govanhill, the ward of Southside Central is perhaps one of the city’s more well-known, although not always for the right reasons. And with a crime rate of 155.6 crimes per 1000 residents, it’s abundantly clear why that is.
With rapidly rising figures across crimes of dishonesty (1,172 incidents), motor vehicle offences (1,032 incidents) and violent assault (527 incidents), there’s a pressing need to ensure safety and security in this Glasgow area. There are also equally warranted concerns around the soaring rate of drug offences (280 incidents).
Famed for its street markets, the Glasgow suburb of Calton has been the subject of significant urban regeneration in the last 30 years, largely due to its negative reputation in the media, and its past issues with drug crime. While that’s slowly becoming less prevalent, the ward still sees a massive crime rate of 181.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
Despite these substantial renovations, there are several pressing concerns for crime in Calton. There are soaring rates of crimes of dishonesty (954 incidents), including a worrying rate of shoplifting (241 incidents). That comes alongside concerning stats in motor vehicle offences (776 incidents), drug crime (748 incidents) and violent crime (675 incidents).
A former hub for shipbuilding across the whole of Glasgow, Govan has since lost that industrious nature in favour of becoming a more modern and residential area, as well as sporting neighbourhood thanks to its proximity to Ibrox. Unfortunately, that change has brought with it a much greater rate of crime, sitting at 188.3 crimes per 1000 residents, or just under 1 crime per 5 residents.
Govan’s primary problems lie in the climbing rates of crimes of dishonesty (1,188 offences), motor vehicle crimes (1,158 offences), and violent assault (633 offences), but there’s also a worrying trend across drug crimes (274 offences) which has seen the rate more than double in the last few months of the year.
The very heart of Glasgow, and home to the city’s vibrant nightlife, bustling retail districts and cultural stalwarts, the ward of Anderston, City and Yorkhill is a key hub for Glaswegian life and livelihood. It’s this popularity that unfortunately leads to a dizzying crime rate of 510.2 crimes per 1000 residents, and this ward’s place as the most dangerous area of Glasgow.
There are concerning statistics across both crimes of dishonesty (4,121 offences) and violent assault (2,687 offences), which account for over 41% of the total crime in the region. There are also worryingly high numbers in one of Glasgow’s most historic issues – drug crime (1,602 offences) – as well as the highest numbers of sexual crimes (440 offences) citywide.
We’ve taken the most up-to-date crime statistics from the Police Scotland website, alongside cross-referencing these with independent sources, to ensure that they’re as thorough and all-encompassing as possible.
We’ll then display this as a ratio of crimes per 1000 people living in the area. This allows us to give a more fair representation of the area, taking into account key variables like population and the size of the region.
Scotland’s police data groups certain types of offences together, to make the processing and recording of data easier. To ensure that we represent this data fairly, we’ve used the police terminology where possible and separated it appropriately to ensure that you’ve got the exact information you need.
This includes:
All other crime types are represented as they appear across data publications from Scotland’s police data repository.
While we’ve opted to use a data-driven approach to determining the most dangerous areas of Glasgow, we can often feel unsafe wherever we are. Facts and figures only tell a partial story, and while we’ve given statistically the worst areas of the city, there are other areas we’ve not included.
Below, you’ll find the remainder of Glasgow’s areas, as well as how their crime statistics stack up against both the city as a whole and your neighbouring areas.
Home to many of Glasgow’s permanent residents, the ward of Drumchapel and Anniesland was subject to one of Glasgow’s largest post-war housing booms. Its popularity has only grown in the last 70 years, leading to a substantial population that’s offset by a similarly significant crime rate of 94.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
The main issues facing Drumchapel and Anniesland are the soaring figures across crimes of dishonesty (638 offences), motor vehicle crimes (547 offences) and violent assault (383 offences), all of which are higher than the previous year’s figures.
One of the more literal names across the wards of Glasgow, East Centre is an amalgamation of multiple populated regions, including Riddrie, Carntyne, Cranhill, Springboig and Barlanark, alongside swathes of green spaces. With such popularity naturally comes a significant threat of crime, and East Centre is no different – the area sees 92.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
The most pressing concern for residents is the high rates of both motor vehicle crimes (439 offences) and crimes of dishonesty (371 offences), which underscore the need for effective security services across the city.
A ward perched on the banks of the Forth & Clyde Canal, Maryhill couples the recognisable features of Scottish architecture with the modernity that makes it one of Glasgow’s densely populated areas, thanks in part to the Wyndford and Gairbraid estate. However, with that popularity comes a slightly inflated crime rate of 92 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that rate, we find notable figures across crimes of dishonesty (431 offences), assault (259 offences) and criminal damage (235 offences), as well as a concerning trend across drug-related crimes (144 offences).
With roots firmly planted in industrial development, the ward of Springburn and Robroyston has since developed into a more residential area, with Springburn Park being the highest point across the whole of Glasgow, along with one of its more populous. Unfortunately, that reputation isn’t all positive, with the region seeing a crime rate of 89.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Crimes of dishonesty (494 incidents) are the most common issue facing those living in Springburn and Robroyston, but equally worrying are the rising figures across violent crime (405 incidents) and motor vehicle offences (395 incidents).
A large sector of the city that covers the smaller and more built-up areas of Nitshill, Priesthill, Househillwood and Crookston, Great Pollok often acts as the gateway to Renfrewshire and the wider Scotland earlier. While it’s a quiet and retail-focused region, the area’s crime rate is above average, sitting at 89.1 crimes per 1000 residents.
This includes worrying positive trends across crimes of dishonesty (848 incidents), motor vehicle offences (614 incidents), and violent crime (368 incidents), all of which have seen a noticeable increase over statistics from the last year, especially so after the pandemic.
One of the more wealthy areas of Glasgow, it’s understandable you’d expect Newlands and Auburn to have a crime rate that reflects that affluence. However, with a rate of crime that’s more than 15 points higher than the citywide average at 87.1 crimes per 1000 residents, it’s an area that clearly still needs work.
The main issues facing the region lie in the high numbers of motor vehicle offences (506 incidents) and crimes of dishonesty (387 incidents), but equally alarming for residents and businesses alike is the growing spate of violent crime (296 incidents).
Encompassing Garscadden, Scotstounhill and Knightswood, this ward is one of Glasgow’s most populous and, with sweeping vistas of the River Clyde and into Renfrewshire, it’s easy to see the area’s attractions. However, with a crime rate that’s only a shade below the citywide average, it does have its downsides.
That steady rate of crime is predominantly made up of high numbers across crimes of dishonesty (490 offences), violent crimes (344 offences) and criminal damage (325 offences), but equally concerning is the rising number of incidents of motor vehicle crimes (274 offences).
A well-renowned site of Scottish heritage, and home to numerous walking trails that take in the scenic woodlands of Glasgow’s outskirts, the ward of Langside offers a more sedate pace of life for its homeowners. Plus, with a slightly below-average crime rate of 72.5 crimes per 1000 residents, its draws are apparent.
Of course, Langside still has its concerning statistics. The chief among these are the figures across both crimes of dishonesty (503 incidents) and motor vehicle offences (412 incidents), which are among the highest of any ward in the surrounding areas, as well as soaring figures in violent crime (311 incidents).
Named after one of Glasgow’s largest parks, the ward of Victoria Park encompasses both its namesake and the surrounding areas. A sprawling, 50-acre parkland with a large pond at its heart, this glittering gem in Glasgow’s crown ensures the area has a relatively stable crime rate of 72 crimes per 1000 residents.
There are still significant criminal issues, though. Crimes of dishonesty (436 offences), motor vehicle offences (295 offences) and criminal damage (351 offences) are the key points of concern for security in Victoria Park.
Formerly one of Glasgow’s more rural districts, Cardonald has since seen substantial developments in that time, with the landscape now hosting the UK’s first-ever high-rise blocks of flats alongside its greenery. Plus, that rurality means the region sees a lower crime rate of 69.2 crimes per 1000 residents.
Within that ratio, though, there are still problems that need addressing. Cardonald sees consistently high numbers across crimes of dishonesty (450 offences), motor vehicle crimes (361 offences) and violent assault (253 offences).
Perhaps most known for its eponymous park, the council ward of Linn also encompasses the more built-up areas of Carmunnock, Castlemilk and Croftfoot alongside its swathes of parklands and woodland spaces. That balance of greenery and housing spaces ensures that the region sees a lower crime rate of 65.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
That’s not to say Linn is crime-free, though. The area faces a substantial threat from its increasing rates of both crimes of dishonesty (343 incidents) and motor vehicle offences (318 incidents), as well as a concerning rate of violent assault (292 incidents).
Bordered on three of its sides by major motorways and A-roads, the ward of Baillieston and Garrowhill is most popular with working professionals thanks to its superb commuter options and public transport links. It’s this industrious nature that means the area falls below the average crime rate, sitting at 62.6 crimes per 1000 residents.
Within that rate, however, are substantial numbers across motor vehicle offences (310 incidents) and crimes of dishonesty (301 incidents), as well as a soaring rate of violent crime (177 incidents) that spark concern for residents.
One of Glasgow’s greener areas thanks to its borders with the Botanical Gardens and the banks of the River Kelvin, Partick East and Kelvindale is often an area considered by families and those looking to lay down roots. Plus, with a comparatively low crime rate of 56.8 crimes per 1000 residents, it’s easy to see why.
However, that’s not to say the region doesn’t see any problems with crime. Crimes of dishonesty (619 offences) are the most pressing issue for Partick East & Kelvindale, with violent assault (284 incidents) and motor vehicle offences (204 incidents) following closely behind.
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