Security company Churchill Support Services delved into official crime statistics to determine which areas have the highest crime rates per 10,000 people.
Ranking seventh amongst 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 city.
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.”
Scroll through our picture gallery to see the 15 most dangerous areas of Edinburgh for crime.
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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