Welcome to our exploration of crime in Edinburgh. Beyond the stunning landmarks and rich heritage, Edinburgh, like any city, grapples with its share of criminal activities. Join us as we navigate through the data and delve into the intricacies of crime in the captivating Scottish capital.
Table of Contents
Edinburgh Crime Statistics
Crime stats are like a peek behind the curtain, showing us what’s really happening in our communities. Here, we’ll dig into Edinburgh’s crime data. We’ll look at at what types of crimes are common and which areas are most affected. So stick with us as we dive into the numbers and uncover the story of Edinburgh crime statistics.
General Crime Trends In Edinburgh
When we look back at the number of crimes committed in Edinburgh over the years, the numbers make for interesting reading. In 2022/2023, Edinburgh enjoyed a lower mark with 32,176 recorded crimes. However, local scrutiny data from Police Scotland shows a noticeable rebound.
For the 9-month period between April and December alone, overall recorded crime reached 40,574. This reflects an 11.7% increase against Edinburgh’s wider 5-year average.
What Crimes Are Increasing In Edinburgh?
Join us as we unveil a statistical snapshot of Edinburgh’s rising crime trends. We will aim to provide a clear picture of the challenges facing the city.
- In the period January to March 2026, there was an increase in the number of robberies recorded.
- Sexual crimes also increased in the same period. There was a 7% increase in incidents reported.
How Safe Is Edinburgh?
Statista reported that the Edinburgh crime rate was 728 per 10,000 people in the year leading up to March 2025 (2024‑25). The Scottish capital had the third highest crime rate within this period, behind other Scottish regions including Glasgow (829) and Dundee (783).
When it comes to crimes in Edinburgh, although the total number of crimes in Scotland’s capital increased between 2023‑24 and 2024‑25, there were also reductions in particular types of crime. For instance, the majority of crimes in Edinburgh are crimes of dishonesty (shoplifting, theft, fraud and housebreaking), which make up 37% of all offences in the country; however, new figures for domestic housebreakings and attempted break‑ins are not yet available for the latest reporting period, so a direct comparison with the earlier 293‑to‑249 figure cannot be made at this time.
When considering Scotland’s crime rate generally, it’s important to point out that the country continues to have a lower crime rate than England and Wales. In 2025, Scotland’s annual crime rate per 1,000 people was 74.23, compared with 107.20 in England and 101.46 in Wales.
Is Edinburgh Safe At Night?
When we look at crime in Edinburgh, it is considered a safe place. However, our personal safety tips can provide you with an added sense of security. These tips include keeping family and friends informed of your whereabouts and trying to stay in well-lit areas.
Is Edinburgh Safe For Students?
While no place is completely without risk, Edinburgh is generally considered a safe and welcoming city for students. The city’s layout, with well-lit streets and a robust public transportation system, contributes to a sense of security.
Edinburgh University’s Students’ Association also provides advice to students on staying safe within the area. Their tips include keeping valuables out of sight and wearing high-visibility clothing if cycling at night.
Police Levels In Edinburgh
Here, we offer a brief overview of the current levels of policing in the city. These stats provide a snapshot of the resources dedicated to keeping Edinburgh safe:
Crime in Edinburgh: A Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the different kinds of crimes that happened in Edinburgh between 2024 and 2025. Understanding these different types of crimes helps us see the big picture of what’s been going on in the city.
When we explore crime in Edinburgh, 40,221 crimes took place in the city in 2024/25. In the table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most common crimes that took place within the Scottish capital:
| Crime Committed | Number Of Times The Crime Was Committed |
| Shoplifting (part of Crimes of Dishonesty) | 14,705 (total crimes of dishonesty, incl. theft, fraud & housebreaking) |
| Housebreaking (part of Crimes of Dishonesty) | Included in the 14,705 crimes of dishonesty |
| Antisocial offences | 3,152 |
| Damage and reckless behaviour | 3,198 |
| Non-sexual crimes of violence | 5,611 |
Edinburgh Crime Rate: What Crimes Were Committed?
From burglaries and theft to violent crime and sexual assault, the Edinburgh crime rate includes a wide variety of offences. We’ve collected some of the different types of crime committed within Edinburgh in our list below:
- Common assault: 5,810 cases
- Robbery: 220 cases
- Rape and attempted rape: 233 cases
- Drug possession: 1,869 cases
- Serious assault and attempted murder: 297 cases
So, How Safe Is Edinburgh?
Every city comes with its share of crimes, and Edinburgh is no different. When it comes to the Edinburgh crime rate, the overall level of crime in the city has shown an upward trend in recent years. The number of recorded criminal incidents reached 40,221 in 2024-25, with a crime rate of 728 per 10,000 population.
The types of crime that have increased during this period include sexual offences and drug-related crime. In Edinburgh, sexual offences rose by 8% to 1,315 cases, while drug crime increased by 18% to 2,489 incidents.
Edinburgh’s crime rate, while important, shouldn’t be the sole factor deterring you from experiencing the vibrant charm of Scotland’s capital city. Like any location, it has its share of challenges. But with some caution and safety awareness, this shouldn’t overshadow the host of enriching experiences it offers.
Edinburgh Security
When it comes to protecting people and businesses against crime in Edinburgh, it’s no surprise that businesses are increasingly opting to employ more security guards within the area. This kind of security presence helps to ensure the safety of staff and assets and protects sites. Engaging a security company is a proactive measure to minimise the likelihood of falling victim to unlawful activities.
Security companies like Region Security Guarding can serve as a vital shield for businesses against crime in Edinburgh and safeguard them against a spectrum of potential threats. This kind of strong security presence acts as a powerful deterrent and discourages criminal activities such as vandalism, theft, or trespassing.
Conclusion
When you hire an Edinburgh security company, you can fortify the defence mechanisms of your Edinburgh business, minimising risks and enhancing overall safety in an ever-evolving security landscape.
Looking to explore more about Scotland? Check out our news section and discover articles including our Top Ten Most Dangerous Areas In Glasgow and The Most Dangerous Areas In Scotland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edinburgh A High-Crime City?
Edinburgh has one of Scotland’s higher crime rates, but it remains safer than many cities across England and Wales.
What Is The Most Common Crime In Edinburgh?
Crimes of dishonesty, including shoplifting, theft, fraud, and housebreaking, account for the largest share of recorded offences.
Has Crime Increased In Edinburgh Recently?
Yes. Recent figures show an upward trend, with rises in robbery, sexual offences, and drug-related crime.
What Areas Of Crime Are Growing Fastest In Edinburgh?
Sexual offences and drug crimes have seen some of the largest increases in recent reporting periods.
Should Crime Rates Stop You Visiting Edinburgh?
No. Edinburgh remains a popular destination. Taking sensible precautions can help visitors enjoy the city safely.
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