Scotland’s shopping streets become nation’s crime hotspots with Aberdeen’s Union Street fourth worst.

Famous city shopping streets have become Scotland’s crime hotspots, with Aberdeen’s Union Street among the most active.

According to new police figures, Glasgow’s Argyle Street has the highest crime rate of any thoroughfare in the country, with nearby Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Street coming in second and third place.

The Granite Mile was fourth in the top ten with 764 incidents of crime, Union Street in Glasgow was fifth with 747, and Edinburgh’s Princes Street was sixth with 719.

The figures, released under Freedom of Information, cover the fiscal year 2023/24 and include all crimes, according to the Daily Record.

The revelations come as Scotland experiences a record number of shoplifting cases, prompting calls for tougher action to stem the tide of theft and other crime.

David Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, stated that “soaring rates of shop theft are a scourge on high streets across Scotland and are a key factor behind rising levels of abuse and threats against store workers.”

“The financial cost raises prices for consumers while undermining the health and vitality of our city centres and retail destinations.

“Despite improved legal protections for shop workers and record retail spending on crime prevention, much more work remains to be done to reduce store theft.

“We need a concerted effort across law enforcement and the criminal justice system as a whole to turn the tide on crime against retailers.” Glasgow had eight of Scotland’s top ten streets for recorded crime.

Helen Street in Govan ranked seventh in the top ten, with 664 crime reports, followed by London Road in the east end (598), Maryhill Road (581), and Dumbarton Road in the west (573).

In June, our sister publication revealed that shoplifting is at its highest level in over 50 years, fuelled by organised crime, drugs, and the cost-of-living crisis.

According to Scottish government figures, shoplifting increased by 16% last year, from 38,674 to 44,730 cases.

It represents a 57% increase over the ten-year period 2015–2025. Police Scotland has launched Operation Dynos to combat shoplifting across Scotland, with a £3 million funding allocation from the Scottish Government.

One source of concern is vulnerable young people, who they claim are being targeted by organised criminals to steal alcohol from stores.

The stolen goods are then resold, with profits used to buy drugs and fund future criminal activity by the gangs.

According to Detective Inspector Vicki Douglas, who leads Operation Dynos, “Retail crime is not victimless;

in fact, we’ve seen some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities actively recruited and indoctrinated into the theft and resale of goods from stores in the region by organised criminals for financial gain.”

“We are committed to tackling retail crime, while at the same time safeguarding young people from harm and coercion into criminal behaviour.” A spokesperson for Police Scotland added:

“The busiest and most densely populated areas will result in a higher number of crimes being reported.”

These city centre areas include vibrant shopping districts and popular nightlife spots.” To address various aspects of criminal behaviour, dedicated policing plans have been implemented, as well as high-visibility patrols.

Officers also work closely with local businesses, including licensed and retail establishments, to provide assistance and ensure a consistent approach to crime and disorder.

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