The Most Dangerous Areas in Scotland

Welcome to our blog, where we’re exploring what the most dangerous areas in Scotland are. We’ll be diving into the statistics and trends shaping the nation’s crime statistics and looking at how crime affects different parts of the region.

Scotland is a country of great diversity, from its vibrant urban centers to its stunning rural landscapes. However, with this diversity comes varying levels of crime. This naturally makes some areas more dangerous than others. That’s why we’re exploring the realities of the Scotland crime rate. We aim to uncover the realities behind the numbers and provide a clearer picture of the safety landscape across the country.

So, What Is The Scotland Crime Rate?

Scotland is a popular location for many travellers. But like all places, it will have some areas which attract criminals.

In terms of whether the Scotland crime rate has increased, the answer is mixed. For example, there were a reported 292,702 crimes in the year up to June 2023. As the Scottish government’s report points out, this was 2% higher than the number reported in the year up to June 2022. However, it was also 4 % lower than the amount recorded in the year ending June 2019.

STV News also reported that in the year ending September 2023, there were 71,571 violent crimes recorded. This was the highest figure recorded in over a decade.

So, as we can see, the crime rate in Scotland is experiencing both improvement and decline in different areas.

Which Are The Most Dangerous Areas In Scotland?

Another key part of looking at the Scotland crime rate is the levels across different parts of the country. Each region in Scotland paints its own picture when it comes to crime.

 Data For 2022/2023

Data For 2023/2024

Between 2023 and 2024, Scotland experienced a increase in the national crime rate. Crime rose to 550 incidents per 10,000 people up from 531 the previous year. But what does this mean when we look at the question of which are the most dangerous areas in Scotland?

In examining the most dangerous areas in Scotland, it becomes evident that crime is not uniform across the country. Instead, it appears to vary from place to place.

What Are The Most Common Crimes In Scotland?

By looking at the crime rate statistics in Scotland, we can learn a lot about public safety and how crime is changing across the country. Let’s take a closer look at the most common crimes in Scotland. 

The most common type of crime committed in Scotland during 2022/23 was crimes of dishonesty, according to Statista. This type of crime involves taking someone’s property without the owner’s consent or knowledge. Examples include fraud and theft.

The other most common types of recorded crime in Scotland for that same period are as follows:

• Non-sexual crimes of violence- e.g common assault: 68,870
• Crimes against society: 59,364
• Damage and reckless behaviour: 43,123
• Sexual crimes: 14,602

These categories represent some of the most common crimes affecting the crime rate in Scotland.

Does Scotland Have A Higher Crime Rate Than England?

Crime rates in Scotland have shown an interesting trend compared to the rest of the United Kingdom. In the past few years, Scotland has seen a decrease in crime rates, while other parts of the UK have seen an increase.

For example, between 2020/21 and 2021/22, crime rates went up in England and Wales. In contrast, Scotland experienced a drop in its crime rate during the same period.

To put these trends into perspective, consider the data from the period 2022/23. According to Statista, Scotland had a crime rate of 52.8 per 1,000 people. This rate is considerably lower than the crime rate in England and Wales, which stood at 93.6 per 1,000 people. This difference emphasises the contrast in crime trends between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

The Impact of Police Scotland Cuts on Crime Rates

Something that people may be concerned about is the budgetary issues within Police Scotland. As they address on their website, they cut the number of police officers from 17,234 to 16,600. In navigating these challenges, Police Scotland faces the difficult task of prioritising resources and balancing competing demands.

In this section, we delve into the potential repercussions of police cuts on the Scotland crime rate.

Decreased Police Presence

With fewer officers available for patrol and response, communities may experience a reduced police presence. This reduction could lead to slower emergency response times and less visible policing in neighbourhoods. A decreased police presence can also make it harder to deter crime and provide a sense of security to residents.

Challenges in Crime Prevention

Police cuts may hinder proactive crime prevention efforts. Initiatives such as community policing and targeted interventions are crucial for addressing the root causes of crime. With fewer resources, it may be challenging to maintain these programs effectively. This could potentially lead to an increase in the Scotland crime rate over time.

Impact on Vulnerable Communities

Vulnerable communities, which are already disproportionately affected by crime, may bear the brunt of police cuts. Resources might be redirected away from areas with the greatest need. This can leave these communities more exposed to criminal activities. It can put extra emphasis on existing social inequalities and make it harder for these communities to thrive.

So, What Can We Learn About The Most Dangerous In Scotland?

One of the positives to point out when it comes to the Scotland crime rate, is that there has been an overall decline in the level of crime when compared with the rest of the UK. As Statista points out, Scotland had the lowest crime rate in the UK within 2021/22. In fact, the crime rates in Scotland continue to be at one of the lowest levels since 1974, according to the Scottish Government.

Looking ahead, it’s essential to build upon the successes in reducing the Scotland crime rate. By building a culture of collaboration, innovation, and investment in public safety, Scotland can continue to create environments where all residents feel safe and secure. While the journey towards reducing crime is ongoing, Scotland’s resilience and determination serve as a beacon of hope.

How To Stay Safe In Scotland

If you’re concerned about crime impacting you or your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to Region Security Guarding. We understand that safety is a top priority and are here to help.

We offer a range of security solutions tailored to meet your specific needs. Our team is ready to assist you. Our goal is to provide peace of mind by ensuring a safe and secure environment for you and your business.

Getting in touch with us today to find out how we can protect your business in Scotland. We can discuss your concerns and explore how our bespoke security guard services can help. Our experienced professionals will work with you to develop a customised security plan that addresses your unique requirements.

Don’t wait until an incident occurs. Reach out to Region Security Guarding today and take the first step towards securing your business. We’re committed to providing the highest level of protection and customer service. Your safety is our priority.

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