This is Glasgow, one of the UK’s largest cities, with an energetic culture and an economy that is equally more vibrant. It has been marked as a former European City of Culture and, therefore, for its strong position in terms of Scotland’s cultural and economic activity.
Still, beneath its many accolades, Glasgow faces huge crime problems across its varied wards and regions. Each area has its issues with safety, thus making this a problem with an overall general worrying crime pattern citywide.
At ZAM FM Ltd, one of the UK’s premier security firms, we believe that local crime trends are important for protecting homes and businesses. Therefore, our more comprehensive analysis informs you about the Glasgow crime landscape through its council wards. It provides insight into the impact of crime in each area, ranked with a score, marking the safest to the riskiest locations in the city.
This paper is an attempt to inform and guide residents and business owners in making decisions about their security in Glasgow.
How Does ZAM FM Ltd Source its Crime Data?
As a reliable account of the trend in crime statistics that occurs in Glasgow, we source the data carefully with the use of the Police Scotland website. We cross-check the primary data by comparing figures with independent sources and, to give more exhaustive and comprehensive results. Our method will thus be presenting the figures as a crime rate per 1,000 inhabitants so that, by doing so, we standardize the data by area. This technique is an improvement of the differential contribution of various factors such as population density and size of each ward or geographical area in view of giving a balanced view of local safety levels.
Read Also: Top 25 Most Dangerous Areas In England And Wales (2024 Updated)
In order to interpret the information presented here correctly, it is imperative that one knows the real terms that are used in Scotland’s crime reporting. For data processing and reporting, Police Scotland segregates crimes into various categories. For our analysis, we follow the language and terms used as closely as possible, without tampering with the integrity of the data. Here are those categories:
Violent Crimes: This portfolio includes attacks such as assaults, threatening or abusive conduct, racially aggravated behavior, firearms offenses, domestic abuse, abduction, and attempted murder.
Crimes of Dishonesty: It encompasses various property-related offenses, which include burglary, theft, fraud, breaking and entering, shoplifting, and money laundering.
Motor Vehicle Offences: This encompasses all incidents involving vehicles, such as road traffic accidents, hit-and-run offenses, careless driving, speeding, mobile phone use by drivers, failure to wear seatbelts, and driving without a valid license.
Each category is important in order to understand different aspects of crime in Glasgow and informs our recommendations for security measures in different council wards.
What Is The Overall Rate Of Crime In Glasgow?
Glasgow, a sprawling metropolitan hub, has a rich and diverse historical tapestry that traces back beyond recorded history, with notable Roman influences seen in its ancient architectural and fortification remnants. As Scotland’s largest and the UK’s third-largest economy, Glasgow has long been a magnet for commerce and industry.
The city is not just a financial powerhouse but also a cultural one. It hosts one of football’s most intense rivalries, adding to the fervor of its sports scene. This is complemented by a vibrant array of museums, festivals, theatres, and libraries, showcasing Glasgow as a well-rounded urban centre.
Despite these attractions, Glasgow grapples with significant crime issues, with an overall crime rate of 76.8 incidents per 1000 people. This rate is one of the highest in Scotland and underscores the ongoing challenges the city faces in combating crime. The statistics are particularly stark in areas such as road traffic offenses, with 15,594 recorded incidents, and crimes of dishonesty, totaling 15,165 incidents. Notably, violent crime has escalated sharply, with 11,603 incidents noted, marking a significant increase over the past year.
The crime issues vary considerably across Glasgow’s different regions, each area exhibiting unique challenges. An in-depth examination of each council ward offers a clearer picture of how local crime rates compare to Glasgow’s overall statistics, providing valuable insights into the city’s complex safety landscape.
23. Partick East & Kelvindale
Overall Crime Rate Of 62.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Partick East and Kelvindale, bordered by the lush Botanical Gardens and the scenic River Kelvin, offers an appealing living environment, particularly for families seeking a long-term home base. With a crime rate of 62.3 per 1000 people, it stands out as one of the safer neighborhoods. Despite this, it’s not without its challenges. The area is most affected by violent crimes, with 484 recorded offenses, closely followed by crimes of dishonesty, which include theft and fraud, totaling 480 incidents.
22. Cardonald
Overall Crime Rate Of 68.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Cardonald, which has transitioned from a primarily rural district to one featuring significant developments including the UK’s first high-rise flats, maintains a crime rate of 68.3 per 1000 residents. This figure reflects its changing dynamics. The region reports high numbers in violent crime at 534 incidents and motor vehicle offenses at 478 incidents, with crimes of dishonesty also notable at 356 incidents.
21. Linn
Overall Crime Rate Of 68.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Linn is renowned for its expansive park and the diversity of its geography, which spans the more densely populated areas of Carmunnock, Castlemilk, and Croftfoot. The area’s blend of natural and urban elements yields a crime rate of 68.4 per 1000 residents. The predominant concerns are violent crimes and motor vehicle offenses, with 586 and 489 incidents respectively, alongside significant instances of fire raising and vandalism at 215 incidents.
20. Baillieston & Garrowhill
Overall Crime Rate Of 73 Crimes Per 1000 People
Baillieston and Garrowhill are encircled by major transport routes, making them highly attractive for commuters. With a crime rate of 73 per 1000 residents, the area remains relatively safe compared to broader averages. However, concerns persist with high incidences of violent crime, motor vehicle offenses, and crimes of dishonesty, along with vandalism which notably impacts the community.
19. Langside
Overall Crime Rate: 74.8 Crimes per 1000 People
Langside, celebrated for its Scottish heritage, offers residents peaceful walking trails through the scenic woodlands on Glasgow’s outskirts. With a crime rate of 74.8 per 1000 people, Langside presents itself as a safer choice relative to nearby areas. Noteworthy, however, is its high count of violent crime and motor vehicle offences, placing it among the wards with elevated incident rates in these categories.
18. Garscadden & Scotstounhill
Overall Crime Rate: 77 Crimes per 1000 People
The wards of Garscadden, Scotstounhill, and Knightswood stand out for their panoramic views over the River Clyde and into Renfrewshire. These sectors are densely populated and grapple with a crime rate slightly above Glasgow’s average. The prevalent crimes include violent offences, vehicle crimes, and dishonesty, alongside a disturbing number of fire-raising and vandalism incidents.
17. Victoria Park
Overall Crime Rate: 77.9 Crimes per 1000 People
Victoria Park, named after the large and picturesque park it surrounds, maintains a stable crime rate of 77.9 per 1000 people. This area, despite its natural allure, faces challenges with violent crimes, motor vehicle offences, and dishonesty, indicating a persistent need for vigilant security measures.
16. Greater Pollok
Overall Crime Rate: 88.3 Crimes per 1000 People
Greater Pollok serves as a critical link to Renfrewshire and wider Scotland. This retail-rich sector reports a crime rate of 88.3 per 1000, primarily driven by increased incidents of dishonesty, violent crimes, and motor vehicle offences, highlighting a rising trend post-pandemic.
15. Maryhill
Overall Crime Rate: 88.6 Crimes per 1000 People
Maryhill, located along the Forth & Clyde Canal, merges traditional Scottish architectural styles with modern living. Despite its appeal, the area records a crime rate of 88.6 per 1000. Key concerns include violent crimes, dishonesty, vandalism, and a noticeable rise in drug-related offences.
14. Newlands & Auburn
Overall Crime Rate: 92.7 Crimes per 1000 People
Newlands and Auburn, affluent sectors of Glasgow, are grappling with a crime rate of 92.7 per 1000. The area struggles with violent crime and motor vehicle offences primarily, alongside a significant number of crimes of dishonesty.
13. Springburn & Robroyston
Overall Crime Rate: 95.4 Crimes per 1000 People
Springburn and Robroyston, originally industrial hubs, now are primarily residential areas with crime rates reaching 95.4 per 1000. The main issues include violent crime, dishonesty, and motor vehicle offences, underscoring the necessity for improved security strategies.
12. East Centre
Overall Crime Rate: 98.7 Crimes per 1000 People
East Centre, encompassing several densely populated districts and green spaces, faces a crime rate of 98.7 per 1000. This region’s challenges are mostly violent crimes and motor vehicle offences, pressing the need for effective law enforcement and security services.
11. Pollokshields
Overall Crime Rate: 104 Crimes per 1000 People
Nestled between Pollok Country Park and the M77 motorway, Pollokshields blends historical architecture with modern amenities. Despite this, the crime rate stands at 104 per 1000, with motor vehicle offences leading, followed by high rates of violent crime and dishonesty, pointing to significant security concerns.
10. Drumchapel & Anniesland
Drumchapel and Anniesland, home to a large segment of Glasgow’s population, have witnessed significant growth since the extensive post-war housing developments. Despite its enduring appeal, the area records a substantial crime rate of 105.3 per 1000 people. Predominant issues include a surge in motor vehicle crimes at 887 offences, violent crimes at 754, and crimes of dishonesty tallying up to 496. These figures show an increase compared to previous years, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining safety and order.
9. Shettleston
Positioned centrally within Glasgow, Shettleston encompasses vibrant communities like Tollcross and Carmyle, making it a lively locale. Unfortunately, it suffers from a high crime rate of 113.7 per 1000 people. The ward grapples with violent crimes, where assaults, including attacks on emergency workers, reach 367 out of 756 reported incidents. Motor vehicle offences and crimes of dishonesty are also prevalent, underscoring the need for robust community safety measures.
8. Canal
The Canal ward, named for its proximity to the Forth & Clyde Canal, includes areas like Milton and Possilpark, favored by both homemakers and professionals. Yet, it struggles with a crime rate of 122.6 per 1000 people. Violent crimes, motor vehicle offences, and dishonesty are prominent concerns, alongside vandalism and arson, which disturb the peace and safety of its residents.
7. Hillhead
Hillhead, a prestigious area housing major educational and media establishments like the University of Glasgow and BBC Scotland, experiences a crime rate of 125.7 per 1000 people. Despite its intellectual and cultural significance, the ward faces severe challenges with crimes of dishonesty at 903 offences, violent crimes, and motor vehicle offences, pointing to substantial safety concerns in an otherwise illustrious locale.
6. North East Glasgow
Covering areas such as Easterhouse and Ruchazie, North East Glasgow records a crime rate significantly above the city average at 128.7 per 1000 people. This part of Glasgow confronts a high incidence of violent crimes, motor vehicle offences, and dishonesty, making it one of the more challenging areas in terms of public safety and community stability.
5. Dennistoun
Dennistoun, a central residential area known for its ample housing and green spaces, faces a crime rate of 131.3 per 1000 people. This contrasts with its residential appeal, as the area struggles with violent crimes and motor vehicle offences. The rising incidents of vandalism and arson also pose a growing concern for residents seeking tranquility and security.
4. Southside Central
Southside Central, which includes the areas of Gorbals and Govanhill, is notorious for a crime rate of 175 per 1000 residents. The ward battles escalating incidents of motor vehicle theft, violent crimes, and dishonesty, necessitating urgent actions to enhance safety and security in these well-known but troubled parts of Glasgow.
3. Calton
Known for its street markets, Calton has undergone significant urban regeneration but still faces a high crime rate of 179.4 per 1000 people. Despite improvements, violent crimes, particularly assaults against emergency personnel, along with motor vehicle offences and dishonesty, remain pressing issues for this transforming area.
2. Govan
Once a bustling shipbuilding hub, Govan’s transformation into a residential and sporting district hasn’t curbed its crime issues, with a rate of 198.9 per 1000 people. It grapples with high instances of motor vehicle crimes, violent crimes, and a rising trend in sexual offences, reflecting the substantial safety challenges that accompany urban transitions.
1. Anderston, City and Yorkhill
At the heart of Glasgow, Anderston, City and Yorkhill boast a dynamic lifestyle with a staggering crime rate of 510.2 per 1000 residents. The area, critical for its cultural and economic contributions to city life, faces significant security challenges that need addressing to safeguard its bustling environment and maintain its vital role in Glasgow’s urban fabric.