Over a third of residents feel 'unsafe' walking home after dark in Glasgow

Concerns have been raised by a local councillor that more than a third of residents who responded to the Glasgow Household survey felt unsafe walking home after dark.

It comes after the 2025 survey revealed that only 64% of respondents indicated that they felt safe walking home after dark, which is below the national average.

During a previous scrutiny meeting, councillor Eunis Jassemi asked officers what practical steps were being taken to address anti-social behaviour and perceptions of crime in the city.

An update was presented to members on Wednesday afternoon, which confirmed that improving perceptions of crime is a priority for the council and that there is a strong link between the physical environment and how safe people feel in their communities.

A written response from NRS (Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability) states: “Our approach focuses on creating cleaner, greener, and well-maintained spaces, supported by the recent investment in our neighbourhood teams.

“We are committed to improving the physical environment by ensuring that public spaces are well maintained, including clean parks and litter-free streets, as these actions reduce the sense of neglect that often fuels fear of crime.

“In addition, infrastructure such as tree planting, community gardens, and biodiversity projects also add to feelings of areas being cared for and less intimidating.”

The local authority has been encouraging residents to take part in clean-ups, tree planting, and park improvements, as well as weeks of action supported by the Neighbourhood Liaison Teams.

NRS added: “Visible community participation fosters pride and reduces perceptions of disorder, helping people feel safer and more connected to their neighbourhoods.

“Communications through our media channels emphasise showcase before-and-after visuals of improved areas, particularly highlighting the role of our newly invested neighbourhood teams in delivering these changes.

“This combined approach addresses both the physical environment and community confidence, ensuring that our investment not only improves safety but also strengthens trust and pride in local areas.

“In addition, we work in partnership with Police Scotland, community councils, business networks, and other local stakeholder groups to address concerns and ensure that improvements reflect local priorities.”