Choosing a place to live involves several critical considerations, and one factor that invariably affects decision-making is the local crime rate. Crime statistics serve as a significant indicator for those planning to establish a residence or start a business, though the process of finding accurate crime data can sometimes be complex and fraught with misconceptions.
Our latest piece focuses on Yorkshire, examining the varied crime rates across its vast and diverse landscapes. From the tranquil dales to bustling urban centers, we will analyze how the crime statistics in key locations compare to both regional and national averages, providing a clear, factual perspective to help you make well-informed decisions.
Sources of Our Crime Data
As a leading provider of high-quality security services in the UK, we prioritize safety and clarity. We utilize crime statistics sourced from local police and reputable, independent organizations. This ensures our data remains accurate and unbiased. The crime rates are presented as incidents per 1,000 residents, providing a clear picture relative to the size and population of each area. We cover all major urban and rural areas within Yorkshire, highlighting prevalent crime types in these regions.
Crime Statistics Overview for Yorkshire
Yorkshire, known for its vast green landscapes that merge seamlessly with bustling cities, combines historical richness with modern living. The region, famed for its distinct dialect and historical contributions to English linguistics, also offers a glimpse into the past with the ancient streets of York and Harrogate.
However, Yorkshire is also noted for having the highest overall crime rate in England and Wales, with 112.5 incidents per 1,000 people. This figure surpasses that of North West England by over five points. The most critical issues include violent crimes and theft, accounting for a significant portion of the county’s total criminal activities, which total 616,570 recorded incidents.
This overview does not imply uniformity across Yorkshire; crime rates vary significantly between different towns and cities. Next, we will provide a detailed analysis of how individual areas within Yorkshire compare in terms of crime rates.
Barnsley Crime Overview
Overall Crime Rate: 126.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Barnsley, known for its robust economy and convenient transport links to Leeds and Sheffield, is facing a significant challenge with a crime rate of 126.4 per 1000 residents. The primary concerns are violent crime, with over 5000 reported incidents, followed by antisocial behavior and public order offences. Notably, the town’s shoplifting incidents are over 35% higher than the average for South Yorkshire, highlighting a specific area of concern for local law enforcement.
Crime Details in Beverley
Overall Crime Rate: 97.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Beverley, a town steeped in history dating back to the 7th century, has a crime rate below the regional average at 97.2 per 1000 people. The major issues here include violent crime and antisocial behavior, with shoplifting rates more than double the regional average, posing unique challenges to this historically rich area.
Crime Insights from Bradford
Overall Crime Rate: 159.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bradford, a diverse and cultural hub within Yorkshire, unfortunately reports a high crime rate of 159.3 per 1000 people. The city, known for its vibrant market scene and blend of historical and modern architecture, suffers from high numbers of violent crimes, public order offences, and substantial incidents of criminal damage and antisocial behavior.
Bridlington Crime Report
Overall Crime Rate: 107.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bridlington, a popular seaside destination known for its beaches and promenade, records a crime rate of 107.3 per 1000 residents. The main concerns include violent crime and public order offences. Additionally, the town faces a higher-than-average rate of drug-related crimes, which is 55% above the regional norm.
Analyzing Crime in Brighouse
Overall Crime Rate: 88.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
In Brighouse, a town celebrated for its religious heritage and surrounded by countryside, the crime rate is relatively lower at 88.7 per 1000 residents. However, the area is not without issues, primarily violent crime and public order offences, which remain significant despite the town’s otherwise peaceful setting.
Crime Insights for Cleethorpes
Crime Rate: 102.5 per 1000 People
Cleethorpes, a charming seaside town on Yorkshire’s eastern coast, presents a picturesque setting with views stretching across the Humber estuary to the North Sea. Despite its appeal and a bustling local economy, the town faces a crime rate of 102.5 per 1000 people. This figure is a bit lower than the county’s average but aligns with typical rates across Yorkshire. Most notably, the area grapples with high numbers in violent crime, antisocial behavior, and criminal damage.
Dewsbury’s Crime Overview
Crime Rate: 138.7 per 1000 People
Once a booming population center, Dewsbury maintains its status as a thriving market town. However, it has seen a steady rise in crime, now standing at 138.7 crimes per 1000 people. The breakdown reveals high incidents of violent crime and public order offenses, with a significant spike in weapons possession, raising concern over safety in the community.
Doncaster Crime Facts
Crime Rate: 166.8 per 1000 People
In the heart of Yorkshire, Doncaster is known for its cultural sites and vibrant public spaces. Yet, it struggles with a crime rate of 166.8 per 1000 people. The majority of these crimes are violent offenses, constituting a significant portion of the city’s crime problem. Issues with antisocial behavior and property damage also persist, affecting the overall safety of Doncaster residents.
Grimsby Crime Data
Crime Rate: 145.5 per 1000 People
As a key player in the UK’s fishing industry, Grimsby is a prominent port town facing a crime rate of 145.5 per 1000 people. The town contends with notable rates of violent crime and antisocial behavior. More alarming are the above-average rates of robbery and bicycle theft, which are notably higher than regional figures.
Halifax Crime Trends
Crime Rate: 169.5 per 1000 People
Halifax, renowned for its retail scene and industrial history, records a crime rate of 169.5 per 1000 residents. Violent crimes and public order offenses make up the bulk of the incidents, with drug offenses also seeing a drastic increase, significantly exceeding the regional norm.
Harrogate: A Closer Look at Crime
Crime Rate: 63.6 per 1000 People
Harrogate epitomizes Yorkshire’s charm with its historical streets and boutique shops, boasting a relatively low crime rate of 63.6 per 1000 people. Despite this, there are notable instances of violent crime and antisocial behavior, which pose challenges to maintaining its status as a safe community.
Huddersfield Crime Overview
Overall Crime Rate: 114.5 per 1000 People
Huddersfield, known for its vibrant sports and cultural scene, also records a notable crime rate. The town experiences 114.5 incidents per 1000 people, with significant numbers in violent crime (9502 incidents) and public order offences (2904 incidents). Particularly alarming is the rate of weapon possession, which exceeds the regional average by nearly 30%.
Crime Insights for Hull
Overall Crime Rate: 132.2 per 1000 People
Kingston-Upon-Hull, commonly known as Hull, not only boasts a rich history but also a high crime rate of 132.2 crimes per 1000 people. The city, which celebrated its status as City of Culture in 2017, now faces challenges with violent crime (15,517 incidents), public order offences (4855 incidents), and antisocial behaviour (4835 incidents).
Keighley’s Crime Dynamics
Overall Crime Rate: 138.3 per 1000 People
Despite its strong historical roots and Victorian architecture, Keighley’s crime rate stands at 138.3 per 1000 people. The town is grappling with high incidences of violent crime (4069 incidents) and public order offences (1176 incidents), with a notable rise in antisocial behaviour (781 incidents).
Leeds Crime Figures
Overall Crime Rate: 172.4 per 1000 People
Leeds, known for its significant economic and cultural contributions, reports a crime rate of 172.4 per 1000 people. The city faces challenges with violent crime (36,393 incidents), criminal damage (7970 incidents), and antisocial behaviour (7088 incidents).
Pontefract Crime Rates
Overall Crime Rate: 146.1 per 1000 People
Pontefract, a town rich in history from the Stone Age to modern times, has a crime rate of 146.1 per 1000 people. The most common crimes include violent crime (2099 incidents) and public order offences (665 incidents), with a notably high rate of shoplifting, which is 60% above the regional average.
Rotherham Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 109.7 per 1000 People
Rotherham, a town pivotal in the Industrial Revolution, has a stable crime rate of 109.7 crimes per 1000 residents. The town faces issues with violent crime (5258 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1969 incidents), and public order offences (1655 incidents).
Crime in Scarborough
Overall Crime Rate: 153.2 per 1000 People
Scarborough, a beloved seaside destination, faces a crime rate of 153.2 per 1000 people. Concerns include violent crime (3160 incidents), antisocial behaviour (2122 incidents), and an alarming rate of drug-related crimes (261 incidents), nearly triple the regional average.
Scunthorpe Crime Report
Overall Crime Rate: 115.8 per 1000 People
Once a hub of industry, Scunthorpe now features a diverse economy but still suffers from a high crime rate of 115.8 per 1000 residents. The town is particularly affected by violent crime (3882 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1586 incidents), and public order offences (1219 incidents).
Crime Statistics for Sheffield
Overall Crime Rate: 102.7 per 1000 Residents
Sheffield, nestled at the base of the Pennines, reflects a modern cityscape intertwined with scenic countryside, embodying Yorkshire’s rich heritage. The city, with a crime rate of 102.7 incidents per 1000 people, is generally considered a safer option for those looking to relocate or establish businesses. Nonetheless, challenges persist with notable levels of violent crime (21,139 incidents) and antisocial behavior (9,560 incidents). The city also sees significant numbers of shoplifting (3,737 incidents) and vehicle-related crimes (5,102 incidents), which remain areas of concern for local security.
Wakefield Crime Overview
Overall Crime Rate: 149.3 per 1000 Residents
Wakefield, a cathedral city with deep historical roots dating back to the Bronze Age, currently experiences a crime rate of 149.3 per 1000 people, marking an upward trend. Predominant security issues stem from violent crimes (7,270 incidents), public order offenses (2,272 incidents), and shoplifting (1,452 incidents), all of which exceed regional averages and contribute to the local crime landscape.
Analyzing Crime in York
Overall Crime Rate: 79.8 per 1000 Residents
York, a city that marries historical charm with modern amenities, maintains a lower crime rate of 79.8 incidents per 1000 residents. Despite its idyllic setting, York faces its own set of challenges. The primary concern is violent crime (5,741 incidents), with significant occurrences of antisocial behavior (4,278 incidents) and criminal damage (1,393 incidents) also impacting the community.