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 burgeoning 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 it’s multiple different wards and regions. While each of these areas has their own individual issues, they combine to create a worrying trend for crime in Glasgow.
As one of the UK’s foremost security companies, Churchill 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 each of the city’s council wards, looking in more detail at how crime affects each of the locations, and where they rank compared to each other. We’ll count down to the most dangerous, so you know exactly where to look for the safest (and most dangerous) areas of Glasgow.
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, so as to make the processing and recording of data easier. In the interests of ensuring 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:
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 76.8 crimes per 1000 residents – the second highest Scotland-wide, and representative of the continued issues with crime that Glasgow faces.
This includes significant numbers across both road traffic incidents (15,594 offences) and crimes of dishonesty (15,165 offences), which are the city’s most pressing issues, although violent crime (11,603 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 Glasgow’s individual regions. Let’s look at each council ward individually, and compare how the crime rate stacks up against the city as a whole.
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 62.3 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. Violent crimes (484 offences) are the most pressing issue for Partick East & Kelvindale, with crimes of dishonesty (480 crimes), including theft and fraud, following closely behind.
Formerly one of Glasgow’s more rural districts, Cardonald has since seen substantial developments in that time, with the landscape now hosting what were the UK’s first ever high-rise blacks of flats alongside its greenery. Plus, that rurality means the region sees a lower crime rate of 68.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
Within that ratio, though, there are still problems that need addressing. Cardonald sees consistently high numbers across violent crime (534 incidents), motor vehicle offences (478 incidents) and crimes of dishonesty (356 incidents).
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 68.4 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 violent crime (586 incidents) and motor vehicle offences (489 incidents), as well as a concerning rate of fire raising and vandalism (215 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 73 crimes per 1000 residents.
Within that rate, however, are substantial numbers across violent crime (446 incidents), motor vehicle offences (390 incidents) and crimes of dishonesty (274 incidents), as well as a soaring rate of vandalism (141 incidents) that spark concern for residents.
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 74.8 crimes per 1000 residents, it’s draws are apparent.
Of course, Langside still has its concerning statistics. The chief among these are the figures across both violent crime (541 incidents) and motor vehicle offences (512 incidents), which are among the highest of any ward in the surrounding areas.
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 a shade above the citywide average, it does have its downsides.
That steady rate of crime is predominantly made up by high numbers across violent crime (680 offences), vehicle crimes (470 offences) and crimes of dishonesty (423 offences), but equally concerning is the rising number of incidents of fire raising and vandalism (311 offences).
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 is heart, this glittering gem in Glasgow’s crown ensures the area has a relatively stable crime rate of 77.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
There are still significant issues with crime, though. Violent crimes (397 incidents), motor vehicle offences (391 incidents) and crimes of dishonesty (351 incidents) are the key points of concern for security in Victoria Park.
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 through 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 88.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
This includes worrying positive trends across crimes of dishonesty (679 incidents), violent crime (622 incidents), and motor vehicle offences (606 incidents), all of which have seen a noticeable increase over statistics from the last year, and especially so after the pandemic.
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 88.6 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that rate, we find notable figures across violent crime (515 offences), crimes of dishonesty (420 offences) and fire raising and vandalism (287 offences), as well as a concerning trend across drug-related crimes (162 offences).
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 affluency. However, with a rate of crime that’s more than 15 points higher than the citywide average at 92.7 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 violent crime (567 incidents) and motor vehicle offences (531 incidents), but equally alarming for residents and businesses alike is the growing spate of crimes of dishonesty (332 incidents).
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 95.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crime (761 incidents) is by far the most common issue facing those living in Springburn and Robroyston, but equally worrying are the rising figures across crimes of dishonesty (529 incidents) and motor vehicle offences (474 incidents).
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 98.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
The most pressing concern for residents are the high rates of both violent crime (815 offences) and motor vehicle crimes (577 offences), which underscore the need for effective security services across the city.
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. In spite of that modernity, though, the region sees a considerably high crime rate of 104 crimes per 1000 residents.
Motor vehicle offences (966 incidents) are the most prevalent issue facing Pollokshields, with uninsured driving (107 incidents) being among the highest related crimes in that category. There’s also significant figures across crimes of dishonesty (518 incidents) and violent crime (498 incidents), which are equally worrying for Pollokshields security.
Home to many of Glasgow’s permanent residents, the ward of Drumchapel and Anniesland was subject to one 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 105.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
The main issues facing Drumchapel and Anniesland are the soaring figures across motor vehicle crimes (887 offences), violent crime (754 offences) and crimes of dishonesty (496 offences), all of which are higher than the previous year’s figures.
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 – 113.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crimes (756 incidents) are the region’s most pressing issue, with almost half of those being assault (367 incidents) inclusive of violence towards emergency service workers (29 incidents). Closely following this is the region’s rate of both motor vehicle offences (676 incidents) and crimes of dishonesty (576 incidents).
So named because of its close 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 122.6 crimes per 1000 residents, it may not remain that way.
The region’s main issues stem from high proportions of violent crime (885 incidents), motor vehicle offences (549 incidents) and crimes of dishonesty (440 incidents), although equally concerning for residents and businesses alike are the rising figures in fire raising and vandalism (302 incidents)
Home to Glasgow’s prestigious university, alongside its major television network in 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 125.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
Hillhead’s main problem lies in its exceptionally high number of crimes of dishonesty (903 offences), with other theft (259 offences) and shoplifting (225 offences) making up two of the contributors towards that inflated rate. Of course, that’s not Hillhead’s only problem, with violent crimes (684 offences) and motor vehicle crimes (584 offences) also causing concern.
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 128.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
Across the north east of Glasgow, the major issues stem from high figures across violent crime (608 incidents), motor vehicle offences (531 incidents) and crimes of dishonesty (529 incidents). These high numbers, coupled with the region’s comparatively lower population, ensures it’s one of the most dangerous areas of Glasgow.
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 131.3 crimes per 1000 residents belies its popularity and abundant draws.
The ward faces an uphill struggle with regards to its high rates of both violent crime (735 incidents) and motor vehicle offences (727 incidents), but there’s mounting concerns for the rate of fire raising and vandalism (207 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 175 crimes per 1000 residents, it’s abundantly clear why that is.
With rapidly rising figures across motor vehicle offences (1255 incidents), violent crime (1005 incidents) and crimes of dishonesty (914 incidents), there’s a pressing need to ensure safety and security in this Glasgow area.
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 179.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
In spite of these substantial renovations, there’s several pressing concerns for crime in Calton. There’s soaring rates of violent crime (1201 incidents), including a worrying rate of assault against emergency service workers (135 incidents), as well as concerning stats in crimes of dishonesty (795 incidents) and motor vehicle offences (706 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 close proximity to Ibrox. Unfortunately, that change has brought with it a much greater rate of crime, sitting at 198.9 crimes per 1000 residents, or just shy of 1 crimes per 5 residents.
Govan’s primary problems lie in the climbing rates of motor vehicle crimes (1476 offences), violent crimes (1176 offences), and crimes of dishonesty (999 offences), but there’s also a worrying trend across sexual crimes (118 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 the exponential growth of the region’s crime rate, which sits at a dizzying 510.2 crimes per 1000 residents.
There’s concerning statistics across both violent crime (4263 offences) and crimes of dishonest (3194 offences), which accounts for over 48% of the total crime in the region. There’s also worryingly high numbers across motor vehicle crimes (1683 offences) and fire raising and vandalism (758 offences), as well as the highest numbers of sexual crimes (378 offences) citywide.
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