The areas in Edinburgh with the highest crime rates have been named in a new study. Scotland’s capital is a vibrant hub of culture and history, and is one of the most popular destinations in the country among tourists.
However, like any major city, it also sees its fair share of crime. Security firm Churchill Support Services has revealed the 10 “most dangerous” parts of Edinburgh.
According to the experts, the overall crime rate for the city is currently 87.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. Coming in at number one as Edinburgh’s “most dangerous” area is the City Centre. With a crime rate of 267.7 crimes per 1,000 people, it is significantly higher than the capital-wide average and more than double the next region.
According to Churchill Support Services, crimes of dishonesty make up more than 37 per cent of all crime in the city centre — with 3,461 incidents. Other top crimes in the area include violent assault (1,496 incidents), motor vehicle offences (596 incidents), and criminal damage (570 incidents).
Meanwhile, the part of Edinburgh that is the second “most dangerous” is Leith. It was found that the port district in the north of the city has an overall crime rate of 106.9 crimes per 1,000 people.
Like the City Centre, crimes of dishonesty are the most prevalent problem for the area — with 894 incidents reported. Other prevalent reported crimes included 345 motor vehicle incidents, 263 instances of shoplifting, and 213 criminal damage incidents.
In third place is the joint area of Sighthill & Gorgie in the west of Edinburgh, with a shared crime rate of 102.2 crimes per 1,000 people. Crimes of dishonesty and violent assault were found to represent 33 per cent and and 13 per cent of the area’s crimes, with 1047 and 418 offences respectively.
Rounding out the top five “most dangerous” parts of Edinburgh according to Churchill Support Services are Almond and Portobello & Craigmillar. The former was found to have a crime rate of 87.3 crimes per 1,000 people, while Portobello & Craigmillar have a shared crime rate of 84 crimes per 1,000 people.
Churchill Support Services commented: “The jewel in the rustic crown of Scotland, its capital Edinburgh has long been a mainstay in the mind of tourists and house hunters alike. Renowned for its eponymous castle and long-standing festivals in the Fringe and Hogmanay, the city seamlessly marries cultural celebrations with history at its heart.
“A thoroughly modernised city that’s undergone significant makeovers over its 10,000-year history, it now functions as a central hub for Scotland, providing arterial links to the country’s northernmost reaches, and southerly to England. Plus, with thriving retail opportunities spurring on a continued pathway towards expansion, it’s clear to see Edinburgh is only on an upward trajectory.
“Undercutting this undoubted growth and flourishment, however, is an equally multiplying crime rate. Currently sitting at 87.7 crimes per 1,000 residents, the crime statistics for the city overall do paint a grimmer picture than the city’s polished exterior would imply.”
More information can be found on the Churchill Support Services website.
The 10 ‘most dangerous’ areas of Edinburgh
- City Centre
- Leith
- Sighthill & Gorgie
- Almond
- Portobello & Craigmillar
- Liberton & Gilmerton
- Southside & Newington
- Forth
- Craigentinny & Duddingston
- Fountainbridge & Craiglockhart
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