“Crowds are at times so busy so look out for pickpockets.”This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
One Glasgow street has been named the city’s ‘pickpocket capital'(Image: Heather Yates/Bloomberg)
When out and about in Scotland’s cities, you always need to be mindful of pickpockets. Thieves operate everywhere, but there are some popular destinations where you are more likely to have your belongings stolen if you are not careful.
As reported by the Daily Record, Scotland’s “pickpocket capitals” were recently named. While the Royal Mile in Edinburgh topped the list for Scotland as a whole, Buchanan Street in Glasgow also appeared on the roundup.
Buchanan Street is one of Glasgow’s most popular and famous pedestrianised shopping areas. It is home to a large range of shops, as well as restaurants and other businesses.
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The iconic street placed at number five on a list of the UK pickpocket hotspots outside of London. Ripe Valuables analysed the destinations where tourists are most likely to fall foul of light-fingered thieves based on the number of Tripadvisor reviews that mention the word ‘pickpocket’.
One Tripadvisor review of Buchanan Street reads: “Great buzz from the busy footfall and the characters who play the music or entertain you. Crowds are at times so busy so look out for pickpockets as in any major city.
However, they added: “Shops are magical and plenty of eateries for food or cocktail choices. Enjoy closeness to train stations too.”
One visitor described the street as “magical”(Image: MarioGuti / Getty Images)
Another Tripadvisor user shared: “Beware of the pickpocket and also people who very kindly try to talk to you for some reason.”
Buchanan Street forms the centre stretch of Glasgow’s extensive shopping district. It is home to a generally upmarket range of shops.
Among the stores that reside on Buchanan Street are Apple, Urban Outfitters, Frasers, and H&M. It is also home to the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre, which features more than 80 shops selling a wide range of products.
As reported by Glasgow Live, Buchanan Street originated in the 18th century. It came about thanks to Andrew Buchanan, who purchased “five acres or thereby of ground in the Burgh of Glasgow”.
The first section of Buchanan Street, connecting Argyle Street and Gordon Street, was introduced in 1780 and the rest followed in 1804. However, it wasn’t until the late-19th and 20th centuries that Buchanan Street as locals know it today really took shape.
Buchanan Street how it looked around 1900(Image: SSPL/Getty Images)
A major development came during the 1970s, when the street was pedestrianised. Further changes came in the 1980s and 1990s, with the development of Princes Square and the construction of the Buchanan Galleries and the Royal Concert Hall.
Despite being named among Scotland’s pickpocket capitals, Buchanan Street has earned popular reviews from visitors. The famous street has an average rating of 4.5 out of five on Google based on 191 reviews.
One visitor shared: “The street is full of all kinds of shops. There are some good souvenir shops along here.
“It does get very busy at the weekends, particularly during the late afternoon. There are places to eat along the street. The street is accessible to people who use a wheelchair.”
Another posted: “Buchanan Street in central Glasgow is the beating heart of the city and one of the most beautiful and famous shopping streets in Scotland. It has a lively and vibrant atmosphere, with international and local shops, cafés, and restaurants lining both sides.”