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Crime and justice in East Lothian

Council area

East Scotland. 116,460 people in 679 square kilometres.

6 layers about crime and justice for East Lothian, each at the level its publisher released it, with its own date and source.

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Crimes by council

Recorded crimes and offences in Scotland · 2025/26

Under 1,00020k or more

Recorded crimes (Scotland) for East Lothian.

Is East Lothian safe? What police records show

In 2025/26, the recorded crime rate in East Lothian was 48.2 per 1,000 people.

That compares with 56.9 per 1,000 people across Scotland.

Police recorded 5,555 crimes in East Lothian in 2025/26, 48.2 per 1,000 people.

In 2025/26, the highest rates by type were for crimes of dishonesty (19.6 per 1,000 people), crimes of violence (11.0 per 1,000 people) and damage and reckless behaviour (7.9 per 1,000 people).

In 2024/25, the recorded crime rate in East Lothian was 41.3 per 1,000 people.

Rates are per resident, so places that many people visit or work in, such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, can show higher rates than their residents alone would suggest.

Recorded crime rate (Scotland)

CouncilScotland only
48.2 per 1,000
Scottish Government · 2025/26

In 2025/26, the recorded crime rate in East Lothian was 48.2 per 1,000 people.

That compares with 56.9 per 1,000 people across Scotland.

Against Scotland
15% lower56.9 per 1,000
Open in mapSource and methodEvery council ranked
Recorded crime rate (Scotland): East Lothian among every council32 areas from 20.3 per 1,000 to 92.9 per 1,000. The middle area is 50.0 per 1,000. East Lothian is 48.2 per 1,000.

Recorded crimes (Scotland)

CouncilScotland only
5,555
Scottish Government · 2025/26
Open in mapSource and method
Recorded crimes (Scotland): East Lothian among every council32 areas from 470 to 55,193. The middle area is 6,365. East Lothian is 5,555.

Recorded damage and reckless behaviour (Scotland)

CouncilScotland only
7.9 per 1,000
Scottish Government · 2025/26

In 2025/26, the recorded rate of damage and reckless behaviour in East Lothian was 7.9 per 1,000 people.

That compares with 6.9 per 1,000 people across Scotland.

Against Scotland
14% higher6.9 per 1,000
Open in mapSource and method
Recorded damage and reckless behaviour (Scotland): East Lothian among every council32 areas from 3.4 per 1,000 to 10.9 per 1,000. The middle area is 6.5 per 1,000. East Lothian is 7.9 per 1,000.

Recorded crimes of dishonesty (Scotland)

CouncilScotland only
19.6 per 1,000
Scottish Government · 2025/26

In 2025/26, the recorded rate of crimes of dishonesty in East Lothian was 19.6 per 1,000 people.

That compares with 21.3 per 1,000 people across Scotland.

Against Scotland
8% lower21.3 per 1,000
Open in mapSource and method
Recorded crimes of dishonesty (Scotland): East Lothian among every council32 areas from 3.1 per 1,000 to 43.1 per 1,000. The middle area is 16.7 per 1,000. East Lothian is 19.6 per 1,000.

Recorded sexual crimes (Scotland)

CouncilScotland only
2.1 per 1,000
Scottish Government · 2025/26

In 2025/26, the recorded rate of sexual crimes in East Lothian was 2.1 per 1,000 people.

That compares with 3.0 per 1,000 people across Scotland.

Against Scotland
30% lower3.0 per 1,000
Open in mapSource and method
Recorded sexual crimes (Scotland): East Lothian among every council32 areas from 1.4 per 1,000 to 4.0 per 1,000. The middle area is 2.8 per 1,000. East Lothian is 2.1 per 1,000.

Recorded crimes of violence (Scotland)

CouncilScotland only
11.0 per 1,000
Scottish Government · 2025/26

In 2025/26, the recorded rate of crimes of violence in East Lothian was 11.0 per 1,000 people.

That compares with 13.6 per 1,000 people across Scotland.

Against Scotland
19% lower13.6 per 1,000
Open in mapSource and method
Recorded crimes of violence (Scotland): East Lothian among every council32 areas from 5.9 per 1,000 to 19.6 per 1,000. The middle area is 12.3 per 1,000. East Lothian is 11.0 per 1,000.