Broken down into council wards, the latest crime statistics for Edinburgh show that the city centre had the most recorded shoplifting crimes from April to December, 2024, with 1,706 incidents.
Leith Walk was second with 712 recorded shoplifting crimes, followed by Portobello/ Craigmillar with 487.
The figures were highlighted by Lothian List MSP Miles Briggs after shoplifting grew in Edinburgh from 3,461 incidents in 2022 to 7,592 incidents in 2024.
Mr Briggs (Con) said: “It is very worrying that Edinburgh is seeing such an increase in shoplifting. Our city centre in particular is being ravaged by thieves, and it cannot continue. This dramatic increase reflects a rising trend of antisocial behaviour generally in Edinburgh.
“I know from speaking to shopkeepers that they increasingly feel helpless and indeed it is clear that larger retailers are now being forced to take on more private security guards.”
Check out our photo gallery to see the 10 worst areas in Edinburgh for shoplifting crimes, according to the latest data from Police Scotland.
5. Forth
There were 352 reported shoplifting crimes in the Forth council area, which covers the northern part of Edinburgh, bordered by Ferry Road and the Firth of Forth, and includes areas like Granton, Newhaven (pictured), Pilton, Trinity, Victoria Park, and Wardie. | Shutterstock
6. Leith
There were 341 recorded shoplifting crimes in Leith from April to December, 2024. | Robert Drysdale
7. Inverleith
From April to December last year there were 255 recorded shoplifting crimes in the Inverleith council area. | Flickr Photo: Kim Traynor
8. Craigentinny/ Duddingston
The latest police figures show there were 215 shoplifting incidents in the Craigentinny/ Duddingston council area from April to December last year. Photo: Google Street View