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.

13. 6. Liberton & Gilmerton
Overall Crime Rate Of 82.9 Crimes Per 1000 People. A major residential area for the south of the city, Liberton and Gilmerton is bisected by the Burdiehouse Nature Reserve and offers a fusion between green spaces and closely-compacted housing schemes and residential areas. While there’s undoubtedly charm to the ward, it’s the significant crime rate of 82.9 crimes per 1000 residents. The region’s main problem stems from soaring numbers of crimes of dishonesty (781 incidents) and motor vehicle offences (609 incidents), which account for over 50% of all incidents in the area. Equally concerning is the climbing amount of criminal damage (292 incidents) seen across the Liberton and Gilmerton area. Photo: Google Street View

14. 5. Portobello & Craigmillar
Overall Crime Rate Of 84 Crimes Per 1000 People. Comprising one of Edinburgh’s primary seaside resorts on the sandy shores of Portobello Beach, the area extends far beyond that mesmerising coastline to include the bustling residential streets of the infamous Niddrie, as well as Bingham and Brunstane. However, with a more substantial crime rate of 84 crimes per 1000 residents, the ward faces significant challenges for residents. Crimes of dishonesty (905 offences) are the most prevalent issues for those living and working in the region, with shoplifting making up a significant proportion of that at 312 offences. We’ve also seen worrying rises across motor vehicle crimes (524 offences) and criminal damage (434 offences). Photo: Google Street View

15. 4. Almond
Overall Crime Rate Of 87.3 Crimes Per 1000 People. Named after the picturesque river that runs through the heart of the ward, Almond encompasses several built-up residential areas in Kirkliston, Cramond, Barnton, and Scotstoun, as well as Edinburgh’s major international airport. That consistent stream of people has sadly led to a crime rate that hovers at the city-wide average, at 87.3 crimes per 1000 residents. The major issue for the ward, and one that’s been a constant thorn in the side of policing and security efforts, is the soaring rate of drug crime (628 incidents), making up over a quarter of all the crime in the ward. The region also sees a substantial rate of both crimes of dishonesty (737 incidents) and motor vehicle offences (609 incidents). Photo: Google Street View

16. 3. Sighthill & Gorgie
Overall Crime Rate Of 102.2 Crimes Per 1000 People. A major residential region of West Edinburgh, and home to a thriving sports scene with Hearts of Midlothian, the borough of Sighthill and Gorgie combines the hustle and bustle of weekend crowds with substantial housing opportunities in Pinkston and Sighthill. That popularity and steady influx of people means the region sees one of the highest rates of crime – 102.2 crimes per 1000 residents. As part of that rate, we find worrying statistics across two distinct types of crime – crimes of dishonesty (1047 offences) and violent assault (418 offences), which represent 33% and 13% of the region’s criminality respectively. There are similarly high numbers of criminal damage incidents (430 offences), underlining the need for effective security across the Scottish capital. Photo: Google Street View