In this article we discuss the 5 most dangerous cities in Europe. If you want to read our detailed analysis of these European cities, go directly to the 15 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe.
5. Mitrovica, Kosovo
Mitrovica, the famous city of Kosovo, is known for violent ethnic riots that usually breakout without warning between the Serbs and Albanians with significant losses to lives and property across the city. According to crisisgroup, other threats emanate from crimes like contraband and harassment. Smuggling is also a big problem that breeds a criminal elite in the city. The major problem with law enforcement is the city’s division in two administrative divisions that aren’t effectively ruled. North Mitrovica, in particular, has a poor track record for rule of law.
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4. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, is one of the most notorious cities in Europe when it comes to petty crime. Although crime is decreasing in Bulgaria, the highest percentage of the crime that is committed in the country is concentrated to the city of Sofia. The most notorious crimes according to the Osac report are ATM skimming, car theft and robberies. According to the report, the country saw 9 percent and 10 percent decrease in robberies and car theft crimes in 2019 respectively but 40 and 50 percent of these crimes were committed in Sofia. However, crime like homicide is relatively low with a rate of 1.71 per 100,000 residents.
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3. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi’s high crime rates are not structural but circumstantial. The city has had consistent unrest and violent protests ever since the war of 2008 between Georgia and Russia. The consistent turmoil has led to an increase in crime rate due to worsening law and order. In 2016, of all the crimes that were reported in Georgia, 40.5% occurred in Tbilisi alone. According to osac, drug related crimes and presence of street gangs is pretty common in Tbilisi, with terrorism also being a cause of concern, particularly for US travelers. Violent crime usually spikes during protests as opportunities present themselves with criminals taking advantage of the protests.
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2. London, UK
London is statistically one of the most dangerous cities in the whole of Europe. It is infamous for mugging and knife attacks. According to a survey conducted by a group involving Gallup and UN’s UNICRI, more than 30 percent of London residents were victims of assault and theft at one point in their lives. The survey dates back to 2004, so one wonders if things would probably be better now. Not quite. Instead, the crime rate has seen a stable increase over the last decade. Law enforcement in London recorded 139,380 incidents of crime in 2010-11 which increased up to 222,000 incidents by the end of the decade for the years 2019-2020.
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1. Bradford, UK
If you’re planning to travel to Bradford or intending to buy property there, you better watch your back. The city is a haven for criminals. With an annual crime rate that is 177% of the national annual crime rate of the UK, it reserves its place as one of the most dangerous cities in Europe. Violent crime, at 38%, makes up the most of the crime in the city, with drug related crime being a close second. High crime rate could be attributed to miserable conditions in the city with unaffordable real estate rates, lower than average income, and large scale unemployment. According to police records, violence and sexual offenses were the most reported crimes in Bradford in 2019-2020 with a five per cent increase of reports this summer compared to the last one.
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