New evidence reveals that Dundee is now the safest city in Scotland

Dundee has been named the safest city in Scotland, according to a new report that contrasts with years of headlines highlighting concerns over local crime rates.

The study, carried out by CCTV operator training provider Get Licensed, compared police-recorded crime data across the UK to determine which areas are the safest and most dangerous.

Analysts looked at crime severity, reoffending rates, antisocial behaviour and CCTV coverage to build an overall safety score for each location.

Dundee came out on top for Scotland with a safety score of 7.66 out of 10, placing it ahead of several English cities including Swindon and Slough.

This ranking marks a significant shift in perception for the city, which in previous years has often been associated with reports of high crime levels and social challenges.

The new findings suggest Dundee’s image may be changing, with improvements in community safety, urban renewal projects, and investment in public spaces potentially contributing to a stronger sense of security.

The city’s waterfront regeneration, thriving cultural scene, and growing tourism have also helped reshape its reputation.

By contrast, the report found that Edinburgh experienced the most significant rise in crime rates in Scotland, with an 8.98 per cent year-on-year increase and a crime rate of 72.8 per 1,000 people.

Yet interestingly, the Scottish capital was also ranked as the city where residents feel the safest, coming sixth on the Britain-wide list for perceived safety.

Across the UK, the safest area overall was Sutton in South London, which achieved a safety score of 8.09.

The report also found that Scotland’s average crime rate remains lower than that of England and Wales, with 74.23 crimes per 1,000 people compared to 107.20 and 101.46 respectively.

Get Licensed noted that cities with strong CCTV coverage, such as Hackney and Hammersmith and Fulham, have seen crime rates fall, while areas with fewer cameras, including Luton and Edinburgh, recorded rising figures.

For Dundee, this latest ranking offers a positive outlook and may encourage continued focus on community safety and public confidence.

After years of being labelled for its crime statistics, the city’s new title as Scotland’s safest suggests that Dundee’s progress and resilience are finally being recognised.