Crime Statistics in Edinburgh 2025 | Key Facts

Crime in Edinburgh 2025

Edinburgh continues to attract millions of visitors each year as Scotland’s historic capital city, yet beneath its cultural charm lies a complex picture of criminal activity that demands scrutiny. The most recent verified data from the Scottish Government’s Recorded Crime in Scotland bulletin provides comprehensive insights into the criminal landscape affecting residents and visitors throughout 2024-25. Understanding these patterns becomes crucial for residents making informed decisions about community safety, businesses planning security measures, and policymakers developing effective crime prevention strategies across Scotland’s capital.

The landscape of criminal activity across Edinburgh in 2025 reveals significant shifts compared to previous periods, with certain categories experiencing notable increases while others demonstrate long-term declines. The Scottish Government publishes these statistics annually through Police Scotland’s data collection systems, ensuring transparency and accountability in how the capital addresses public safety challenges. These verified figures originate from the Source for Evidence Based Policing system, which captures every incident reported to or detected by law enforcement authorities throughout the City of Edinburgh local authority area.

Interesting Stats & Facts about Crime in Edinburgh 2024-25

Data Source: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland 2024-25; Churchill Support Services Analysis 2023-24

The capital recorded 728 crimes per 10,000 people during the 2024-25 reporting period, positioning Edinburgh as the third highest crime rate area in Scotland behind Glasgow (829 per 10,000) and Dundee (783 per 10,000). This represents a substantial increase from the previous year’s rate of 668 crimes per 10,000 residents, marking a 9% year-on-year escalation in overall criminal activity. Despite this increase, Edinburgh’s crime rate remains significantly below Glasgow’s position as Scotland’s crime capital, which consistently records the highest volumes of serious criminal activity across multiple categories.

Analysis of the data reveals that crimes of dishonesty constitute the largest proportion of criminal activity, with 17,099 incidents recorded during 2023-24, encompassing shoplifting, theft, fraud, and housebreaking offenses. The violent crime category captured 7,278 incidents, while road traffic offences accounted for 8,439 cases throughout the measurement period. The shoplifting epidemic hitting Edinburgh proved particularly severe, with the capital experiencing the second-highest increase in Scotland at 39%, jumping from 5,747 crimes to 8,007 cases. Only Midlothian witnessed a steeper rise at 73%, highlighting a nationwide retail crime crisis affecting urban centers most dramatically.

Total Crime Rate in Edinburgh 2024-25

Data Source: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland 2024-25; Edinburgh News Reports July 2025

Edinburgh’s crime rate substantially exceeds the Scottish national average of 545 crimes per 10,000 population, sitting 33.6% higher than the baseline figure for Scotland. This elevated rate reflects the unique challenges facing Scotland’s capital city, including its status as a major tourist destination, significant student population, vibrant nighttime economy, and concentration of retail establishments throughout the city center. The 2024-25 period witnessed Edinburgh jumping from seventh position nationally to third highest crime rate in Scotland, a concerning trajectory that prompted increased scrutiny from local authorities and law enforcement agencies.

The substantial 9% year-on-year increase from 668 to 728 crimes per 10,000 residents represents one of the most significant single-year escalations recorded in recent history for the capital. While the absolute number of crimes recorded across Edinburgh during 2023-24 stood at 34,976 incidents, preliminary data suggests the 2024-25 total likely approached 39,000 crimes when accounting for the increased rate. Glasgow City maintained its position with the highest crime rate at 829 per 10,000 population, followed by Dundee at 783 per 10,000, placing Edinburgh firmly among Scotland’s most crime-affected urban centers.

Understanding these figures requires context about how crimes are recorded and categorized. Police Scotland employs the Scottish Crime Recording Standard, which mandates that officers record incidents based on the balance of probabilities rather than requiring absolute proof before classification. This system ensures comprehensive data collection but means that not every recorded crime results in criminal proceedings or convictions. The clear-up rate for overall crime in Scotland reached 56% in 2024-25, up from 54.1% the previous year, indicating that just over half of recorded crimes result in sufficient evidence to proceed with charges.

Violent Crime in Edinburgh 2024-25

Data Source: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland 2024-25; Region Security Guarding 2022-23 Edinburgh Data

Violent crime across Edinburgh in 2024-25 demonstrates a complex pattern, with the capital contributing its proportionate share to Scotland’s 71,170 non-sexual violent crimes recorded during the period. Edinburgh-specific data from 2022-23 identified 297 cases of serious assault and attempted murder, positioning these most severe forms of violence at historically low levels despite public perception often suggesting otherwise. The homicide rate proves particularly instructive, with only 3 murders recorded in Edinburgh during 2024-25, representing merely 6.6% of Scotland’s 45 homicide victims despite the capital housing approximately 10% of the national population.

Common assault constitutes the overwhelming majority of violent crime, accounting for 83% of all non-sexual violence with approximately 6,000 incidents estimated for Edinburgh based on the city’s crime distribution patterns. This category includes physical attacks that do not result in severe injury, ranging from minor altercations outside nighttime venues to domestic disputes. The reclassification of common assault from miscellaneous offenses to the non-sexual violence category in 2021-22 means historical comparisons require careful interpretation, though data suggests common assault reached its highest levels in over a decade during 2024-25.

Domestic Abuse crimes under the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act 2018 experienced dramatic increases, with 2,573 crimes recorded nationally, representing a 53% increase since the Act’s implementation in 2019-20. Crucially, 94% of these incidents involved female victims, highlighting the gendered nature of domestic abuse patterns. Edinburgh’s share of these crimes reflects its population distribution, with city-specific support services reporting increasing demand for domestic abuse interventions and support resources. The serious assault and attempted murder category, while representing the most severe forms of violence short of homicide, remains at historic low levels with Scotland recording 2,844 such crimes during 2024-25.

Sexual Crime in Edinburgh 2024-25

Data Source: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland 2024-25 Sexual Crimes Chapter

Sexual crime in Edinburgh 2024-25 contributed to Scotland’s concerning upward trajectory, with the nation recording 14,892 sexual crimes, representing the second-highest level since comparable records began in 1971. The 3% year-on-year increase from 14,484 cases indicates persistent challenges in addressing sexual violence across Scottish communities. Rape and attempted rape witnessed the most alarming escalation, surging 15% from 2,522 to 2,897 reported cases nationwide, with Edinburgh accounting for its proportionate share based on population distribution.

The data reveals that 95% of rape and attempted rape victims were female among the 2,562 cases committed after the Sexual Offences Scotland Act 2009 took effect. This gendered pattern underscores the reality that sexual violence disproportionately affects women and girls throughout Scotland. Sexual assault cases increased 2% to 5,124 incidents, with these crimes encompassing a range of unwanted sexual contact short of penetrative rape. The category of indecent images of children experienced a 28% increase over the past decade, reflecting both improved detection through cyber-crime units and the growing online dimension of child sexual exploitation.

Historical reporting significantly influences these statistics, with 25% of sexual crimes in 2024-25 recorded at least one year after occurrence. This delayed disclosure pattern reflects the complex psychological trauma associated with sexual violence, with many survivors requiring months or years before feeling able to report their experiences to authorities. Child victims featured in 34% of recorded sexual crimes, translating to at least 5,063 cases involving individuals under 18 years old. Edinburgh-specific data shows sexual assaults increased from 59 to 109 cases year-on-year during quarterly reporting periods, though these figures require context within broader annual trends.

Crimes of Dishonesty in Edinburgh 2024-25

Data Source: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland 2024-25 Crimes of Dishonesty Chapter; Edinburgh News Crime Analysis

Crimes of dishonesty in Edinburgh 2024-25 dominated the criminal landscape, with 17,099 incidents recorded during 2023-24 representing nearly half of all criminal activity across the capital. This category encompasses shoplifting, various forms of theft, fraud, and housebreaking offenses, collectively accounting for 37% of all recorded crime in Scotland with 110,913 cases nationwide. Edinburgh’s substantial contribution reflects its concentration of retail establishments, tourism-driven commercial activity, and dense urban environment providing numerous opportunities for property crime.

The shoplifting crisis affecting Edinburgh proved particularly severe, with the capital recording 8,007 cases during 2024-25, representing a staggering 39% increase from 5,747 cases the previous year. This escalation positioned Edinburgh with the second-highest shoplifting increase in Scotland, trailing only Midlothian’s 73% surge. The city center bore the brunt of this retail crime epidemic, experiencing 2,199 shoplifting incidents, followed by Leith Walk with 794 cases and Portobello/Craigmillar with 626 incidents. Retailers reported organized groups targeting high-value items, with some shoplifters stealing merchandise worth hundreds of pounds in single incidents for subsequent resale.

Housebreaking demonstrated a contrasting trend, with incidents decreasing 18% to 7,381 cases nationwide, reaching the lowest level recorded since 1971. Edinburgh contributed 343 cases including both completed break-ins and attempts, reflecting long-term improvements in home security technology, alarm systems, and community awareness programs. Fraud remained elevated despite an 8% single-year decrease, with the crime category showing a 106% increase over the past decade primarily driven by cyber-enabled fraud targeting victims through online platforms, phone scams, and digital identity theft schemes.

Drug Crime in Edinburgh 2024-25

Data Source: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland 2023-24; ScotPHO Drug Use Social Harm Data

Drug crime in Edinburgh 2024-25 contributed to Scotland’s 25,344 recorded drug offences, representing the lowest annual figure in the available time series and a 4% decrease from the previous year’s 26,443 cases. This decline occurred despite drug-related issues remaining prominent in public discourse, with 83% of offences involving possession of drugs (21,121 cases) while 14% related to possession with intent to supply (3,587 cases). The extraordinarily high 101.7% clear-up rate for drug possession reflects the nature of these crimes, where individuals are typically caught in the act during stop-and-search operations or other police interactions.

Edinburgh police conducted targeted operations throughout 2024, with one March 2024 initiative resulting in 25 individuals charged for drug-related offences and seizures exceeding £55,000 street value. These enforcement efforts focused particularly on Leith and other areas identified as drug distribution hotspots, with authorities prioritizing disruption of supply networks over simple possession cases. Production, manufacture, or cultivation of drugs increased nearly 50% year-on-year during quarterly comparisons, while smuggling drugs into prisons surged over 45%, indicating sophisticated criminal networks adapting to enforcement pressures.

Drug-related deaths present Scotland’s most severe public health crisis, with 299 suspected fatal overdoses recorded in just the first quarter, representing a 15% increase. Scotland maintains the highest drug death rate in Europe, with 58% of solved homicide cases involving drug-related motives during 2024-25, down from 65% the previous year but still representing the majority of intentional killings. Edinburgh witnessed drug-related deaths triple between 2000-2004 and 2016-2020, with Class A drugs (cocaine, heroin) involved in 49% of drug crime convictions while Class B substances (primarily cannabis) dominated possession offenses at 62% of cases.

Shoplifting Epidemic in Edinburgh 2024-25

Data Source: Police Scotland Data via Edinburgh News; Scottish Government Recorded Crime 2024-25

The shoplifting epidemic in Edinburgh 2024-25 reached crisis proportions, with 8,007 recorded incidents representing a 39% year-on-year increase from 5,747 cases, positioning the capital with Scotland’s second-steepest escalation behind only Midlothian. When compared against 2022 figures of 3,461 incidents, the capital experienced a staggering 119% increase over just two years, fundamentally transforming the retail crime landscape. The city centre absorbed the heaviest impact with 2,199 shoplifting crimes, reflecting the concentration of retail establishments along Princes Street and surrounding commercial areas frequented by tourists and residents alike.

Princes Street merchants reported organized groups employing sophisticated tactics, including using masks for identification concealment and coordinating in teams where some members provide cover while others steal high-value merchandise. Mobile phone accessories, earbuds, and easily concealable electronics emerged as prime targets, though shoplifters also systematically targeted everyday essentials. One Princes Street shopkeeper described groups arriving with large bags to steal items in bulk for subsequent resale, indicating organized retail crime networks rather than opportunistic individual theft.

The clear-up rate for shoplifting plummeted dramatically, falling from 74.6% in 2014-15 to just 49% in 2024-25, representing a 34% decline in detection effectiveness over the decade. This deterioration reflects multiple factors including police resource constraints, retailers’ reluctance to report incidents (with 48.2% of Scottish retailers unlikely to report shoplifting according to surveys), and the time-intensive nature of investigating relatively low-value crimes. Retail workers faced increasing threats alongside theft, with 2,870 common assaults against retail workers recorded nationally in 2024-25, marking a 12% increase and highlighting the violence sometimes accompanying theft incidents.

Homicide and Serious Violence in Edinburgh 2024-25

Data Source: Scottish Government Homicide in Scotland 2024-25; Deadline News Analysis; Region Security Data

Homicide in Edinburgh 2024-25 remained at exceptionally low levels, with only 3 murders recorded during the reporting period, representing 6.6% of Scotland’s 45 homicide victims despite Edinburgh housing approximately 10% of the national population. This below-proportionate rate indicates the capital maintains relatively lower rates of the most serious violence compared to its demographic weight, particularly when contrasted with Glasgow’s 13 murders accounting for 29% of national homicides while representing just 12% of Scotland’s population. The national homicide figure represented a 21% decrease from 57 victims the previous year, continuing a long-term downward trajectory.

Historical context proves instructive when assessing Edinburgh’s current position. The capital experienced a homicide spike in 2010-11 with 14 murders recorded, but rates have fluctuated between nine and one murder annually since then, with the lowest point occurring in 2015-16 with a single homicide. This long-term 50-year low for Scotland-wide homicide rates reflects multi-decade improvements in emergency medical care, violence reduction programs, and community policing strategies, though each individual death represents profound tragedy for affected families and communities.

Gender patterns in homicide victims show male victims representing 67% of cases nationwide with 30 deaths, while female victims accounted for 33% with 15 deaths during 2024-25. This represents an increase in female victims from 13 the previous year, while male victims decreased from 44, suggesting shifting patterns in intimate partner violence and domestic homicides. Drug-related motives dominated solved homicide cases at 58%, though this represented a decrease from 65% the prior year, with Edinburgh contributing to these statistics through cases linked to organized crime conflicts and substance abuse-related violence.

Crime Against Society in Edinburgh 2024-25

Data Source: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland 2024-25; Scottish Grocers’ Federation Data

Crimes against society in Edinburgh 2024-25 contributed to Scotland’s 63,398 recorded offenses in this category, representing 21% of all crime and experiencing a 3% increase from 61,650 cases the previous year. This grouping encompasses crimes against public justice (including perjury, bail violations, and contempt of court), drug possession offenses, weapons possession, and threatening behavior, essentially capturing offenses where society broadly rather than specific individuals suffers primary harm. Edinburgh’s proportionate share reflects its urban character with substantial police presence and justice system infrastructure.

The category maintains the highest clear-up rate among all crime groups at 93.8% in 2024-25, increased from 91.4% the previous period, primarily because many constituent offenses involve suspects being “caught in the act” during their commission. Drug possession exemplifies this pattern, with individuals typically detained during stop-and-search operations, traffic stops, or while committing other offenses, resulting in the extraordinary 101.7% clear-up rate (exceeding 100% when cases from previous years are resolved in the current reporting period).

Retail worker protection emerged as a specific concern, with 3,169 offences of threatening and abusive behavior recorded against retail staff nationally during 2024-25, alongside 2,870 common assaults and 11 serious assaults under the Protection of Workers Act 2021. Edinburgh’s retail sector, particularly concentrated along Princes Street and shopping centers, experienced its share of these incidents, with shopkeepers reporting increased aggression from individuals confronted about theft or asked to comply with age-restricted sales regulations. The Scottish Government allocated £3 million specifically to address retail crime during 2024-25, recognizing the economic and personal toll on businesses and employees.

Damage and Reckless Behavior in Edinburgh 2024-25

Data Source: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland 2024-25

Damage and reckless behavior crimes in Edinburgh 2024-25 formed part of Scotland’s 38,738 recorded incidents, accounting for 13% of total crime and demonstrating a 6% decrease from 41,221 cases the previous year. This category encompasses vandalism, fire-raising (arson), reckless conduct, and related offenses where property damage or public endangerment occurs without direct theft. The national figures reached their lowest level since 1976, continuing a remarkable 49-year downward trajectory that represents one of Scottish criminal justice’s most substantial long-term successes.

Vandalism constitutes the primary component within this grouping, with incidents having declined 73% from peak levels in 2006-07, reflecting improved CCTV coverage, community reporting systems, and changing social attitudes toward property destruction. Edinburgh’s historic architecture and cultural sites face particular vulnerability to vandalism, with authorities maintaining specialized monitoring of heritage properties and public artworks. The 31.0% clear-up rate for damage and reckless behavior represents the lowest among all major crime categories, reflecting inherent detection challenges when property damage occurs without witnesses and perpetrators leave minimal forensic evidence.

Ward-Level Crime Distribution in Edinburgh 2024

Data Source: Churchill Support Services Analysis 2023-24; Police Scotland Ward Data via DataMap Scotland

Ward-level crime distribution across Edinburgh reveals significant geographic variations, with the city centre experiencing dramatically higher crime rates than peripheral residential neighborhoods like Colinton/Fairmilehead with just 40.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. The concentration of commercial activity, nighttime economy venues, tourist attractions, and retail establishments in central Edinburgh creates elevated opportunities for various crime types, particularly crimes of dishonesty (shoplifting and theft) and violent offenses associated with alcohol consumption and late-night conflicts between individuals.

Corstorphine/Murrayfield maintained a relatively modest 47 crimes per 1,000 residents, despite proximity to major venues like Murrayfield Stadium, with 484 incidents of dishonesty representing 44% of total crime in the ward. The area benefits from strong public transport connections and community cohesion, though residents and businesses still face property crime risks requiring vigilance. Inverleith, encompassing the Botanical Gardens and substantial greenspace, recorded 59.7 crimes per 1,000 residents, with 617 dishonesty offenses and 212 violent assaults indicating that even relatively prosperous areas experience significant criminal activity.

The geographic analysis emphasizes that Edinburgh’s crime distribution follows predictable urban patterns, with commercial corridors and entertainment districts experiencing substantially higher incident rates than residential suburbs. Leith Walk emerged as a particular concern for shoplifting with 794 cases, while Portobello and Craigmillar recorded 626 shoplifting incidents, demonstrating that retail crime extends well beyond the traditional city center. These ward-level variations inform Police Scotland’s resource allocation, with higher-crime areas receiving enhanced patrols and targeted intervention programs.

Crime Detection and Clear-Up Rates in Edinburgh 2024-25

Data Source: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland 2024-25 Clear-Up Rates Chapter

Crime detection rates in Edinburgh 2024-25 contributed to Scotland’s overall 56.0% clear-up rate, representing improvement from 54.1% the previous year and indicating that more than half of recorded crimes generate sufficient evidence for criminal proceedings consideration. This metric measures cases where Police Scotland establishes evidence meeting Scots law’s “sufficiency” standard, regardless of whether prosecutors ultimately pursue charges or courts deliver convictions. The improvement reflects enhanced investigative techniques, forensic capabilities, and coordination between agencies.

Crimes against society maintained the highest detection success at 93.8%, benefiting from the “caught in the act” nature of drug possession, weapons carrying, and public order offenses where suspects are typically detained during offense commission. Drug possession achieved an extraordinary 101.7% clear-up rate (exceeding 100% when cases from prior years are resolved), up from 94.2%, demonstrating near-certain detection given these crimes typically occur during police interactions. Non-sexual violence achieved 68.4% detection, reflecting that assaults usually involve identified suspects even when witness cooperation or evidence quality creates prosecution challenges.

Conversely, crimes of dishonesty achieved only 35.1% detection, with shoplifting specifically managing just 49.0% clear-up rates, falling from 50.3% and marking a decade-long decline from 74.6% in 2014-15. This 34% effectiveness reduction over ten years stems from multiple factors including retail under-reporting, police resource prioritization toward serious crimes, and the volume-driven nature of property crime making individual case investigation resource-intensive relative to offense severity. Damage and reckless behavior suffered the lowest detection at 31.0%, reflecting inherent challenges investigating vandalism and property destruction occurring without witnesses.

Year-on-Year Crime Trends in Edinburgh 2015-2025

Data Source: Scottish Government Recorded Crime in Scotland Multiple Years; Edinburgh-Specific Reporting

Crime trends in Edinburgh between 2015 and 2025 mirror broader Scottish patterns while exhibiting capital-specific characteristics. The 10-year period witnessed an overall 2% decrease in recorded crime nationally, though this modest reduction masks dramatic category-specific variations with some crime types escalating substantially while others plummeted. Edinburgh specifically transitioned from recording the 7th highest crime rate among Scottish local authorities in 2023-24 to the 3rd highest in 2024-25, indicating the capital’s crime challenges accelerated relative to other areas.

Sexual crime experienced the most concerning escalation, increasing 45% over the decade from 10,273 to 14,892 cases nationally, with Edinburgh contributing proportionately to this disturbing trend. Shoplifting surged 57% from 28,424 to 44,730 cases, reaching the highest level since 1971 and reflecting both actual increased theft and improved retailer reporting. Fraud more than doubled with a 106% increase over ten years, driven primarily by cyber-enabled scams targeting victims through digital platforms and phone-based schemes exploiting technological vulnerabilities.

Conversely, housebreaking demonstrated remarkable improvement, declining 58% to reach the lowest level since 1971 at just 7,381 cases nationwide, with Edinburgh experiencing proportionate reductions. Vandalism fell 73% from 2006-07 peak levels, while damage and reckless behavior overall reached 49-year lows. These long-term decreases reflect improved home security technology, enhanced CCTV coverage, and changing social attitudes, though residents still face property crime risks requiring ongoing vigilance and preventative measures throughout Edinburgh in 2025.

Police Response and Justice System Impact in Edinburgh 2024-25

The Scottish Government allocated £4.2 billion across the justice system for 2024-25, including a record £1.64 billion for policing, representing a £70 million increase from the previous year. Edinburgh Division benefits from this enhanced funding through additional officers, improved technology, and specialized units targeting priority crime categories. Police Scotland emphasized that overall recorded crime remains 51% below its 1991 peak, despite recent increases in specific categories, framing current challenges within a long-term context of substantial crime reduction over three decades.

Detection rate improvements to 56.0% indicate enhanced investigative effectiveness, though this still means 44% of recorded crimes fail to generate sufficient evidence for criminal proceedings. Resource allocation prioritizes serious crimes including violence, sexual offenses, and organized crime networks, necessarily limiting attention available for high-volume but lower-severity property crimes. The £3 million specifically designated for retail crime initiatives responds to industry concerns about shoplifting’s economic impact and staff safety, funding joint operations between Police Scotland and retail security professionals.

Community policing strategies across Edinburgh emphasize violence prevention, with the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit receiving £1.2 million and Cashback for Communities programs allocated £26 million over three years supporting young people at risk of criminal involvement. These preventative approaches recognize that enforcement alone cannot address underlying factors driving criminal behavior, requiring coordinated interventions addressing poverty, education, substance abuse, and mental health challenges affecting Edinburgh communities.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance acknowledged that while violent crime declined significantly over 20 years with homicides at record lows, the rise in reported sexual crimes presents serious concerns requiring multi-faceted responses. She emphasized increased efforts to build survivor confidence in the justice system, improve victim support services, and modernize sexual offense legislation. The government’s approach balances enforcement with prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, recognizing that sustainable crime reduction requires addressing root causes alongside pursuing offenders through the criminal justice system.

Impact on Edinburgh Communities and Businesses in 2024-25

The escalating crime rate in Edinburgh during 2024-25 imposes substantial costs on residents, businesses, and visitors beyond the direct harm to individual victims. Retail crime particularly affects small independent shops lacking resources for extensive security systems, with the Scottish Grocers’ Federation calculating average annual costs of £19,600 per store for theft and vandalism combined. These losses force businesses to increase prices, reduce staff hours, or cease operations entirely, diminishing neighborhood vitality and employment opportunities.

Tourism and hospitality sectors face reputational risks when crime statistics attract negative publicity, potentially deterring visitors despite Edinburgh remaining substantially safer than many comparable international cities. The city centre’s concentration of 2,199 shoplifting incidents affects the retail environment along Princes Street and surrounding areas, with merchants reporting that organized theft groups specifically target busy tourist seasons including the Fringe Festival and Christmas period when visitor numbers peak and detection becomes more difficult.

Resident concerns about crime affect quality of life, housing values, and community cohesion, with the Scottish Household Survey finding 78% of adults felt very or fairly safe walking alone in their neighborhood after dark during 2024. This relatively high confidence level suggests most Edinburgh residents maintain reasonable comfort despite elevated crime statistics, though significant minorities experience fear and anxiety limiting their daily activities and social participation, particularly among elderly residents and those living in higher-crime wards.

Edinburgh in 2025 must balance its international reputation as a safe, cultured capital with the statistical reality of being Scotland’s third-highest crime rate area. The 728 crimes per 10,000 population translates to approximately 7.3% annual victimization risk for residents, though this crude calculation masks substantial geographic variations between low-crime residential suburbs and high-crime commercial districts. Understanding these patterns helps residents and businesses make informed security decisions while maintaining perspective that Edinburgh’s crime challenges, while significant, remain manageable compared to many urban centers.

Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.

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