The security company Churchill Support Services have deep-dived into the crime statistics from the Scottish Government to reveal which areas have the highest crime rates per 10,000 people.
Ranking 7th among the most dangerous areas in Scotland, Edinburgh saw 34,976 crimes over the course of 2023 into 2024. A deeper dive uncovers significant rates of crimes of dishonesty (17,099 incidents), road traffic offences (8,439 incidents) and violent crime (7,278 incidents), all of which underscore the need for effective security in the Scottish capital.
A spokesperson for Churchill Support Services said: “We’ve opted to break down Edinburgh by its local council wards. We’ve then displayed this as a ratio of the number of crimes per 1000 people living in that area. This allows us to take into account the size of the area, as well as crucial variables like population and area density.”
Take a look through our photo gallery to see the 17 most dangerous areas of Edinburgh for crime.

9. 10. Fountainbridge & Craiglockhart
Overall Crime Rate Of 68.3 Crimes Per 1000 People. Combining the modernity and convenience of a vibrant retail economy in Fountainbridge, and a clear sense of Scotland’s rich tapestry of heritage and history in Craiglockhart and its crumbling castles, it’ll come as no surprise that this is one of Edinburgh’s more popular areas. That’s further compounded by a stable crime rate of 68.3 crimes per 1000 residents. There are still issues to consider for residents and businesses, though. Crimes of dishonesty (578 offences) and motor vehicle crimes (248 offences) are the two most prevalent issues, but there’s equal concern for the rising numbers across violent assault (212 offences), which has seen a year-on-year increase. Photo: Google Street View

10. 9. Craigentinny & Duddingston
Overall Crime Rate Of 70.6 Crimes Per 1000 People. Craigentinny and Duddingston encompasses a huge complement of green spaces and natural beauty, juxtaposed against a backdrop of modern neighbourhoods and sweeping views out over the Firth of Forth. That well-struck balance ensures that the crime rate has stayed lower than the city’s average at 70.6 crimes per 1000 residents. That’s not to say that residents and businesses alike haven’t got cause for alarm. High rates across crimes of dishonesty (781 incidents), motor vehicle offences (290 incidents) and criminal damage (276 incidents) all spark concern for safety and security across the region. Photo: Google Street View

11. 8. Forth
Overall Crime Rate Of 73.9 Crimes Per 1000 People. One of Edinburgh’s most northerly wards, Forth offers magnificent views across the eponymous inlet and out across the North Sea, as well as a standout selection of some of the city’s most well-known areas in Granton, Newhaven and Victoria Park. That seamless blend of seaside and suburb has ultimately led to the ward’s below-average crime rate of 73.9 crimes per 1000 residents. While that rate is lower than the city’s overall crime rate, it’s still concerning, especially when you consider the high numbers across crimes of dishonesty (685 offences), motor vehicle offences (352 incidents) and criminal damage (326 incidents). Photo: Google Street View

12. 7. Southside & Newington
Overall Crime Rate Of 78.9 Crimes Per 1000 People. The ward of Southside and Newington is a sprawling residential hub for students, homeowners and independent businesses. And with a crime rate that’s several points below the city’s average at 78.9 crimes per 1000 residents, the appeal is clear. Unfortunately, however, several key statistics undercut that positive. There are significant numbers across both crimes of dishonesty (1,045 incidents) and motor vehicle (390 incidents), which together make up more than half of all crimes in the region. There are also soaring numbers across criminal damage (228 incidents) and drug offences (221 incidents). Photo: Google Street View