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Crime rate in Scotland

Crime rate in Scotland: A country with low crime


Scotland has a low crime rate compared to the international average, significantly below the European Union average.


Development of the Crime Rate:

  • 2021: In 2021, the crime rate in Scotland was almost 50% lower than in 2010.

  • Long-term Trend: The crime rate in Scotland has been continuously decreasing since the 1990s.

  • Regional Differences: The crime rate tends to be slightly higher in large cities than in rural areas.


Most Common Crimes:

  • Theft: Theft, especially pickpocketing, is the most common crime in Scotland.

  • Violent Crimes: Violent crimes, such as assault and robbery, are relatively rare.

  • Drug Offenses: Drug offenses play a role in Scotland, especially in some large cities.


Burden of Crime:

  • Victim Experiences: In 2021, around 560,000 people in Scotland were victims of a crime.

  • Fear of Crime: The fear of crime is relatively low among the Scottish population.


Factors Influencing the Crime Rate:

  • Social Factors: Social inequality and poverty can contribute to crime.

  • Social Measures: Scotland has various social measures aimed at reducing crime, such as improving education and combating poverty.

  • Strict Gun Laws: Scotland has stricter gun laws compared to other countries, which may contribute to a lower violent crime rate.


Travel guides for Scotland can be found here on Amazon!*


To summarize:

  • Scotland is a very safe country with a low crime rate.

  • Theft is the most common crime.

  • Violent crimes are rare.

  • Social factors and strict gun laws play a role in the low crime rate.


Important note:

  • Crime statistics may be incomplete and may not fully reflect the actual crime rate.

  • It is important to consider Scotland's crime rate in an international comparison.

  • Before your trip, please inform yourself about the current security situation in Scotland and take the usual precautions.


Despite the low crime rate, you should, as in any other country, take care of your personal belongings and take the usual precautions in Scotland.

With a little caution and common sense, you can make your stay in Scotland safe and enjoyable.


Back to main page Scotland!


Short Video with pictures from Scotland:


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