The Sunday Splash Investigation: Almost 2000 Crimes Recorded on Glasgow’s Union Street in Two-Year Period
Crime Hotspot: Murder Bid, Sex Attacks, Assaults, Violent Robberies & Drug Dealing Recorded Near Scotland’s Busiest Train Station
SPECIAL SPLASH INVESTIGATION EXCLUSIVE by Gary Fanning
Almost 2000 crimes have been recorded near Scotland’s busiest train station on Glasgow’s Union Street over a two-year period.
From January 2023 to October 2024, police recorded 900 crimes in 2024 to October 31, and 950 crimes in 2023, with a disturbing number of violent offences, including 329 common assaults, 37 sex attacks, 31 serious assaults, 16 violent robberies and one attempted murder.
The figures obtained by The Splash in a Freedom of Information Request highlight the ongoing crime issues in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre, despite efforts to improve public safety.
Union Street, known for its shops, restaurants, and proximity to key transport links like Central Station and bus stops, remains a hotspot for various criminal activities.
Chief Inspector John McCartin, who is charge of city centre policing, attributed the high crime figures on Union Street to its heavy footfall from Glasgow Central Station and busy night-time economy, emphasising ongoing multi-agency efforts and increased police patrols to enhance safety in the area.
Alarming Violent Crime Rates
Among the most concerning statistics is the rise in violent crimes. In 2024, there was a recorded attempted murder on Union Street, compared to no such cases in 2023.
Furthermore, sexual assaults cases continue to be troubling, with 19 reported in 2023 and 18 in 2024.
The number of common assaults also paints a worrying picture of public safety. Incidents of common assault increased from 141 in 2023 to 154 in 2024, with several of these offences involving emergency workers (34), as well as incidents in which the victims sustained serious injuries.
Union Street: A bustling hub with a dark reputation as one of Scotland's most crime-ridden streets. All pictures by Rosa Finucane and Michael Jordan
Other Violent and Property Crimes
In addition to the major violent crimes, the area continues to struggle with robbery and theft. Although robbery cases decreased from 11 in 2023 to 5 in 2024, common theft saw a more significant decline from 62 in 2023 to 35 in 2024.
On the other hand, shoplifting spiked, from 38 cases in 2023 to 47 in 2024, a troubling sign of economic pressures in the city. Fraud was down from 27 to 16.
Possession of offensive weapons, including knives, remained a concerning issue. While there was a slight increase in incidents involving weapons used in criminal activity — from 35 in 2023 to 38 in 2024 — it signals the ongoing dangers posed by weapon possession in the area.
Four corners: A crime hotspot in the heart of Glasgow City Centre
Drug Offences and Public Disorder
Drug-related crimes continue to represent a significant portion of the Union Street crime figures. Possession of drugs dropped slightly, from 163 cases in 2023 to 146 in 2024, yet the frequency of drug-related offences remains alarmingly high. Furthermore, the supply of drugs has slightly risen, from 25 in 2023 to 28 in 2024.
Meanwhile, public order offences such as threatening or abusive behaviour are on the decline, from 109 in 2023 to 99 in 2024, but these types of crimes still make up a substantial portion of the total crime statistics.
Additionally, bail offences soared by 80%, from 29 in 2023 to 52 in 2024. Vandalism offences were down slightly form 15 to 13.
The Impact on Public Safety
Local residents and businesses have expressed growing unease over the increasing number of violent incidents, particularly late at night and in the early hours of the morning.
The prevalence of drug offences and weapon possession also signals deeper societal issues that continue to affect the area. Law enforcement has responded with an increased presence, but the data suggests that more action is needed to tackle the root causes of crime and improve public safety.
Glasgow Region Labour MSP Pauline McNeill, the party’s justice spokesperson, said: “These crime statistics highlight the need for 24/7 CCTV monitoring in Glasgow City Centre.
“Currently, CCTV is only monitored between the hours of 3pm and 3am.
“It is essential that the Police have all the lawful tools available to them to prevent and detect crime in areas like Union Street.”
A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “Glasgow City has the largest public space CCTV system of any local authority in the UK and our system is recording footage 24 hours a day.
“Cameras are positioned on priority locations throughout the city to provide public reassurance for citizens and are monitored every day.
“All of the CCTV footage of city centre public spaces is relayed in real time to the police operations centre in Govan.
“Police Scotland have a presence within our CCTV operations centre and are able to react accordingly during instances of serious public disorder or when there are serious public safety concerns.”
Chief Inspector John McCartin said: “We understand that any rise in crime figures can be of concern, but I want to reassurance the public that Our Safer Glasgow City Centre policing plan is in place which ensures we have an increase in patrols during times of greatest demand.
“It is important to contextualise these figures, Glasgow Central Station is the third busiest train station in the UK outside of London and naturally the busiest in Scotland.
“This means there is an increase footfall in Union Street and other surrounding streets compared to other parts of the city.
“This area is also popular for night-time economy, which means at weekends it’s very busy with patrons.
“We work closely with licensed and retail premises to ensure there is a consistent multi-agency approach in tackling alcohol-related disorder.
“In terms of improving the area, plans have been the subject of multi-agency meetings and a focus of the Glasgow City Centre Task Force.
“The Glasgow Multi-Agency Group (GMAG) and the Grahamston Business Forum continue to work together to ensure information is shared between key stakeholders and businesses, large and small.
“We also work closely with our colleagues at British Transport Police to deter criminality and anti-social behaviour around the train station.
“We remain committed to keeping our communities safe and anyone who has any concerns regarding criminality or anti-social behaviour in the area should contact Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”
A Call for Action
Authorities have committed to continuing their efforts to reduce crime in the area, but many are calling for stronger policies and community-based solutions to address the underlying factors contributing to crime on Union Street.
As Glasgow’s city centre continues to grow and attract visitors, there is increasing pressure on both local police and city officials to find more effective ways to combat violence, theft, and other criminal activities.
The recent crime statistics underscore the need for greater attention to public safety in one of Glasgow’s most prominent street, which remains a focal point for locals and tourists alike.
Tomorrow: Traders Speak Out on Union Street’s Crime Crisis
As thousands of commuters rush out of Glasgow Central Station, the streets outside tell a different story.
Business owners say crime is spiralling out of control—shoplifting, drug use, violent attacks.
Tomorrow, read their stories. Exclusive interviews. Unfiltered voices. The reality of life on Union Street.
Don’t miss it.
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