Edinburgh crime: Edinburgh’s 17 ‘most dangerous’ areas named as data shows crime hotspots

By Gbam Godwin On Oct 6, 2025

Edinburgh crime: Edinburgh’s 17 ‘most dangerous’ areas named as data shows crime hotspots.

Official numbers have identified the 17 Edinburgh neighbourhoods with the highest rates of crime.

Churchill Support Services investigated the latest crime figures from the Scottish Government to determine which neighbourhoods of Edinburgh have the highest crime rates per 10,000 residents.

Edinburgh, which was placed seventh among Scotland’s most dangerous regions, recorded 34,976 crimes between 2023 and 2024.

A closer look at the data reveals large rates of dishonesty (17,099 events), road traffic offences (8,439 incidents), and violent crime (7,278 incidents), all of which highlight the necessity for robust security in the Scottish capital.

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Register for free today! A Churchill Support Services spokeswoman stated, “We’ve decided to divide Edinburgh into its local council wards.

We then presented this as a ratio of crimes per 1000 individuals residing in that area. This allows us to consider both the area’s size and critical aspects such as population and area density.”

Scroll through our photo gallery to uncover the 17’most dangerous districts’ in Edinburgh for crime, according to government statistics.

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1. The 17 ‘most dangerous areas’ of Edinburgh for crime

Browse our gallery to view the 17’most hazardous districts’ of Edinburgh for crime. Photo: Pixabay.

Overall Crime Rate Of 36.2 Crimes Per 1000 People. One of the more affluent areas of the Scottish capital, Morningside is perhaps most known for its blend of architectural styles, alongside a burgeoning retail district that’s home to a plethora of independent and boutique businesses. That winning combination has led to the lowest crime rate citywide, at 36.2 crimes per 1000 residents. Of course, that’s not to say that Morningside sees no crime whatsoever. The region’s main issues stem from substantial numbers across both crimes of dishonesty (584 offences) and motor vehicle crimes (130 offences).

2. 17. Morningside

The overall crime rate is 36.2 crimes per 1,000 people. Morningside, one of the most wealthy sections of the Scottish capital, is best recognised for its eclectic mix of architectural styles, as well as a thriving retail district filled with independent and boutique companies.

That winning combination has resulted in the city’s lowest crime rate, with 36.2 crimes per 1000 residents.

Of course, this does not imply that Morningside sees no crime. The region’s biggest difficulties originate from a large amount of dishonesty crimes (584 offences) and motor vehicle crimes (130 offences).

Overall Crime Rate Of 40.5 Crimes Per 1000 People. One of Edinburgh’s greener districts, and home to one of the city’s major areas of natural conservation, Colinton and Fairmilehead has its undoubted draws in both its scenic vistas and its strong sense of its quaint past in the villages that constitute the ward. Plus, with a crime rate of 40.5 crimes per 1000 residents, it’s clear that a sense of community still perseveres. There are still causes for concern, however. The last year saw substantial rates of crimes of dishonesty (379 offences) and violent assault (135 offences), both of which underscore the need for continued and concerted efforts from Scottish police and private security companies.

3. 16. Colinton & Fairmilehead

The overall crime rate is 40.5 crimes per 1,000 people. Colinton and Fairmilehead, one of Edinburgh’s greener districts and home to one of the city’s major areas of natural conservation, has undeniable appeal due to its picturesque vistas and strong sense of its charming history in the villages that make up the ward.

Furthermore, with a crime rate of 40.5 offences per 1,000 residents, it is apparent that a sense of community still exists.

There are still reasons to be concerned. The last year saw significant rates of dishonesty (379 offences) and violent assault (135 offences), highlighting the necessity for ongoing and coordinated efforts from Scottish police and private security companies.

Overall Crime Rate Of 44.8 Crimes Per 1000 People. One of the city’s more built-up residential regions, the council ward of Drum Brae and Gyle couples a more sedate pace of life with the myriad options for commuting that life in a major metropolis naturally comes with. Plus, with a relatively low crime rate of just 44.8 crimes per 1000 residents, there are ample reasons to consider the area. It’s sadly not without its issues, though. Crimes of dishonesty (402 incidents) are the region’s most pressing concern, constituting around 38% of all crime in the area. There are also equally mounting worries over the rates of motor vehicle offences (147 incidents) and criminal damage (141 incidents).

4. 15. Drum Brae & Gyle

The overall crime rate is 44.8 crimes per 1,000 people. Drum Brae and Gyle council ward, one of the city’s more densely populated residential areas, combines a slower pace of life with the numerous transportation alternatives that come with living in a major metropolis.

Furthermore, with a comparatively low crime rate of only 44.8 offences per 1000 residents, there are other reasons to choose the location. However, there are some drawbacks. Dishonesty crimes (402 instances) are the region’s most significant worry, accounting for almost 38% of total crime in the area.

There are also growing concerns about the number of motor vehicle offences (147 incidents) and criminal damage (141 incidents).