The centre of Aberdeen is the most crime ravaged area in the Granite City, a new report has revealed.
The collated figures between 2013 and this year shows the city centre had by far the most crimes reported under every category.
According to the figures you are four times more likely to be a victim of violent crime there than in Woodside – which came in second place.
Under “miscellaneous offences”, which includes assault, breach of the peace, drunkenness and other disorderly conduct, the city centre streets had 4,152 crimes for every 10,000 of the population – dwarfing the next area, Woodside, which had 574.
The report, due to be presented to councillors next week, shows that while crimes are generally falling across the area they are still above the Scottish national average in every category.
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A survey from this year shows some 85% of people in the city said they felt safe when walking alone in their neighbourhood at night and 98% felt safe in their home during the dark hours.
The situation in the city centre is also improving with the number of drunk and disorderly offences recorded for 2017-18 standing at 167 compared to 228 for the period the previous year and a five-year average of 466.
The city centre, in particular, once had a notorious reputation with well-paid workers flooding into the area and drinking excessively.
However, in recent years, new partnerships along with the introduction of street pastors and taxi wardens, has led to a significant drop in crime.
This year Aberdeen won its fifth consecutive Purple Flag award for safety in the city centre.
Last week the Press and Journal revealed a shock report from George Street community council which showed residents “generally felt” that narcotics were being sold openly and little action taken.
Last night George Street and Harbour Conservative councillor Ryan Houghton said: “An overall decrease is welcome, these aren’t just numbers, it’s people’s daily lives and whether or not they feel safe walking down their own street which in some cases they’ve lived on for decades.
“While everyone accepts police efforts must be intelligence led, there is a sense of reassurance that comes with seeing police officers active in the community. This can only be bolstered by stronger community partnerships through community councils and other groups.”
Last night a top police officer said that crime was falling in the area.
Chief Inspector Martin Mackay said: “Aberdeen City Centre has achieved the Purple Flag accreditation which recognises a safe and secure night-time economy, for five consecutive years.
“This achievement is testament to the dedication of police officers and staff and in excess of 40 partner organisations who work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the city centre is a welcoming environment.
“While naturally Aberdeen City Centre is a busy area it does not have a dense population so is unique in its demographic.
“The population of the area can fluctuate greatly on any given day with those from out with coming to visit any of the city’s attractions including licensed restaurants, bars and hotels as well as retail premises, the vast majority of which are based within the heart of the city.
“As a result well-established intelligence-led policing plans are in place. Detection rates remain high and crime is dropping year on year.”
