Residents of Edinburgh’s Morningside neighbourhood have reported a notable increase in criminal activity, raising concerns about safety in what was previously regarded as one of the city’s most secure areas. Over the past three years, several households have experienced repeated break-ins, thefts, and unsettling encounters with intruders.
Tom Watcyn-Jones, a consultant urologist who relocated with his family from London to Morningside in search of a quieter lifestyle, said his household has been targeted by thieves six times, including the theft of two vehicles. Most recently, last week, the family discovered their front window partially forced open. Surveillance footage from a neighbour showed a hooded individual dressed in black carrying a spade in their garden during the incident.
Other residents have reported similar experiences. Phil Milburn, a retired bond fund manager, was awakened early one morning by noises outside his home. Upon investigation, signs of attempted forced entry were evident, including efforts to break a patio door with a garden chair. Milburn and others have attributed the rising crime to groups of thieves, described as “fearless and brazen,” who appear to target valuable vehicles and other possessions, possibly operating in a coordinated fashion.
The area’s crime statistics have also shifted. Previously, Morningside’s recorded crime rate stood at approximately 36 offences per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than Edinburgh’s overall rate of 68 per 1,000. By comparison, London’s crime rate is approximately 102 per 1,000. While official updated figures for Morningside were not provided, residents’ accounts suggest an upward trend in criminal incidents.
Additional community concerns focus on the presence of groups of young males, often masked and riding e-scooters or bicycles at night. Some residents have reported these individuals appearing to scout the area, evoking fear due to their audacity and disregard for being observed. A local resident who requested anonymity relayed conversations with law enforcement officers who indicated some suspects could be as young as 14 years old.
One particularly alarming account involved an elderly couple reportedly waking to find hooded trespassers wearing head torches inside their bedroom, according to neighbours.
In response to the surge in crime and antisocial behaviour, Police Scotland’s Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the area commander for South East Edinburgh, acknowledged the community’s concerns. She stated that local officers are prioritizing efforts to tackle the issues and are actively working to improve safety in Morningside.
Despite these assurances, some families are reconsidering their futures in the area. Watcyn-Jones expressed deep unease about the impact of repeated incidents on his children’s sense of security, explaining that the family is contemplating downsizing and relocating to a neighbourhood perceived as less vulnerable to criminal activity. Other residents have taken measures such as installing security cameras, reinforcing locks, and forming neighbourhood WhatsApp groups to monitor suspicious behaviour collectively.
The developments in Morningside underscore growing challenges faced by once-quiet residential communities amid rising concerns about property crimes and public safety.