Top 13 Most Dangerous Areas in Yorkshire (2026 Crime Data)

Yorkshire and the Humber is one of the most crime-affected regions in England. With an overall crime rate of around 86 crimes per 1,000 people for the 12-month period ending January 2026, and several major urban areas ranking among England’s highest-crime locations outside London, it is a region where the security decisions businesses make genuinely matter. For the full national picture, see our guide to the most dangerous cities in the UK.

Yorkshire is famous for its stunning countryside, historic cities, and strong industrial heritage. The Dales and Moors attract millions of visitors annually, and cities like Leeds, Sheffield, and York have thriving commercial and cultural economies.

But the region also carries some of the highest crime concentrations in the country, concentrated in specific towns and wards where commercial burglary, vehicle crime, and violence place real pressure on businesses operating there.

This guide covers the 13 most dangerous areas in Yorkshire and the Humber using the latest available crime data (year ending March 2026), explains what crime types dominate each area, and maps the commercial security services most relevant for businesses in each location. For the full regional safety picture, see our guide on how safe Yorkshire and the Humber really is.

How has Guard Mark Security Sourced This Data?

At Guard Mark Security, we do our best to provide accurate and reliable information to our readers. To ensure legitimacy, we only collect data from authentic and trusted sources. For this blog, all the statistics and figures have been sourced from CrimeRate.

You can visit their website and recheck all the crime statistics we have mentioned in our blog for your satisfaction. Transparency and credibility are at the core of everything we do.

Is Yorkshire Safe?

Yorkshire and the Humber is a region rich in history and culture, known for its stunning national parks and iconic landmarks like York Minster. It’s also famous for its industrial heritage, vibrant festivals, and friendly communities that make it a great place to live and visit. However, like any region, it faces its own set of challenges when it comes to crime.

Crime continues to be a concern in Yorkshire and the Humber, with the region reporting a crime rate of 85 crimes per 1,000 people for the 12 months leading up to March 2026. Among the most reported crimes are violence and sexual offences, which occur at a rate of approximately 38 reports per 1,000 people. This highlights the need for awareness and caution, particularly in areas with higher crime rates.

Crime Trend (Last 7 Years):

The crime trend in Yorkshire and the Humber has fluctuated over the past seven years, but the overall trajectory remains upward:

Year	Total Crimes	Trend
2020	52,791	📉
2021	55,402	🔼
2022	58,701	🔼
2023	65,525	🔼
2024	63,473	📉 (slight drop)
2025	61,616	📉
2026	60,216	📉

Most Common and Prominent Crimes in Yorkshire and the Humber

For the 12 months ending September 2024, violence and sexual offences were the most reported crimes in Yorkshire and the Humber are:

Most Reported Crimes:

Crime Type	Reported Cases	Rate (per 1,000)
Violence & Sexual Offences	24,179	24.21
Anti-Social Behaviour	13,990	14.00
Shoplifting	8,379	8.40
Criminal Damage & Arson	5,655	5.66
Public Order Offences	5,815	5.83
Other Theft	4,520	4.51
Vehicle Crime	2,618	2.61
Burglary	2,207	2.21
Drug Offences	2,147	2.15
Possession of Weapons	1,396	1.41
Bicycle Theft	654	0.67

You have read about the most common crimes happening in Yorkshire and the Humber but it gives a partial view of the most dangerous areas. Let’s break down the crime rate and discuss the top 13 worst places to live in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Top 13 Most Dangerous Areas in Yorkshire

1- Knottingley

Location: West Yorkshire
Crime Rate: 217.29 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Crimes: 1,435
Crime Rate Index: 5.69

Knottingley, a small town in West Yorkshire, is known for its industrial history, particularly its glass manufacturing and canal transport system. Despite its rich heritage, the town currently faces significant challenges when it comes to safety.

These numbers highlight the pressing safety concerns for residents and visitors in Knottingley.

2- South Kirkby and Moorthorpe

Location: Wakefield district, West Yorkshire
Crime Rate: 198.42 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Crimes: 1,889
Crime Rate Index: 5.20

Kirkby and Moorthorpe are neighbouring towns in West Yorkshire with 1,889 criminal incidents recorded in the last 12 months. The area has an industrial and mining background and faces significant community safety challenges.

Violence is the dominant crime type, alongside burglary and criminal damage. The crime rate of 198.42 per 1,000 people places South Kirkby and Moorthorpe well above the Yorkshire regional average and among the most dangerous places to live and operate a business in the North of England.

BUSINESSES IN SOUTH KIRKBY, MOORTHORPE & WAKEFIELD DISTRICT Industrial premises and commercial sites in this area face above-average burglary and property crime risk. Guard Mark Security’s Wakefield team provides SIA-licenced keyholding and mobile patrol services with contractually guaranteed response times for sites in this area.

3- Castleford

Location: West Yorkshire
Crime Rate: 190.23 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Crimes: 6,487
Crime Rate Index: 4.98

Castleford is a market town in West Yorkshire with 6,487 crimes reported in the last year — the highest total number of incidents of any individual area on this list. Famous for Castleford Tigers rugby league club and its Roman history, the town faces significant crime challenges across multiple categories.

Violence, vehicle crime, and theft are the dominant crime types. Castleford’s road and logistics connections make it a target for organised vehicle crime groups operating across West Yorkshire, and its commercial areas face persistent property crime pressure.

BUSINESSES IN CASTLEFORD Guard Mark Security has a dedicated Castleford service team providing SIA-licenced security guards, keyholding and alarm response, mobile patrols, and CCTV monitoring across the town. All Castleford operatives are BS7858-vetted and SIA-licenced.

4- East Ardsley

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Crime Rate: 189.05 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Crimes: 1,243
Crime Rate Index: 4.95

East Ardsley is a suburban village in Leeds, known for its proximity to the M62 motorway and its mix of residential and commercial areas. Despite its relatively quiet character compared to inner-city Leeds, its crime rate places it among the most dangerous areas in the entire region.

Burglary and vehicle crime are the dominant categories, driven in part by the area’s motorway proximity and commercial access routes. The M62 corridor is an established target for organised criminal groups operating across West Yorkshire. East Ardsley’s commercial sites, particularly those with logistics and warehouse operations, face consistent targeting.

BUSINESSES IN EAST ARDSLEY AND THE M62 CORRIDOR East Ardsley’s burglary and vehicle crime rates are among the highest in Leeds. Guard Mark Security’s Leeds team covers East Ardsley and all M62 corridor sites with mobile patrols, keyholding, and CCTV tower services tailored to logistics and warehouse operations.

5- Pontefract

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Crime Rate: 160.83 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Crimes: 3,783
Crime Rate Index: 4.21

Known as the “Liquorice Town,” Pontefract is famous for its liquorice sweet production and its historic castle, which played a pivotal role during the English Civil War. While it retains a strong sense of history and charm, Pontefract faces notable safety concerns. Its position among Yorkshire’s riskier towns highlights the need for local vigilance and community-focused crime prevention efforts.

6- Halifax

Location: West Yorkshire
Crime Rate: 157.52 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Reported Crimes: 13,914
Crime Rate Index: 4.12

Halifax is a historic market town in West Yorkshire, renowned for its architectural gems like the Piece Hall and its strong heritage in the wool trade. Today, it remains a key financial and cultural hub. However, despite its significance, Halifax faces notable crime challenges, especially involving violent and anti-social behaviour.

Most Common and Prominent Crimes in Halifax:

Crime Type	Reported Cases
Violence & Sexual Offences	6,093
Anti-Social Behaviour	1,085
Public Order Offences	1,375
Shoplifting	1,016
Criminal Damage & Arson	1,161
Other Theft	930
Vehicle Crime	691
Drug Offences	612
Burglary	585
Possession of Weapons	142
Robbery	86
Theft from the Person	113
Other Crimes	446
Bicycle Theft	35

BUSINESSES IN HALIFAX Guard Mark Security’s Halifax team covers all nine Halifax wards. Read our full guide: most dangerous areas in Halifax for a ward-by-ward breakdown and security recommendations for your specific location.

7- Dewsbury

Location: West Yorkshire
Crime Rate: 147.17 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Reported Crimes: 8,264
Crime Rate Index: 3.85

Dewsbury, a market town in West Yorkshire, is well known for its vibrant multicultural community and historic architecture, including its beautiful town hall.

Most Common and Prominent Crimes in Dewsbury:

Crime Type	Reported Cases
Violence and Sexual Offences	4,216
Vehicle Crimes	608
Theft from the Person	87
Shoplifting	425
Robbery	84
Public Order Offences	1,030
Possession of Weapons	92
Other Theft	568
Other Crimes	335
Drug Offences	252
Criminal Damage and Arson	799
Burglary	343
Bicycle Theft	24
Anti-Social Behaviour	1,161

With the right security services in place, you can minimise these risks and safeguard what matters most.

8- Heckmondwike

Location: West Yorkshire
Crime Rate: 146.80 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Reported Crimes: 1,574
Crime Rate Index: 3.84

Heckmondwike, a small town in West Yorkshire, is known for its rich textile industry history and its charming local market, which serves as a community hub. While it retains plenty of appeal, recent figures place it among Yorkshire’s higher-risk areas, so residents and visitors should stay alert and consider practical safety measures—especially around busy hubs and evening hours.

9- Hemsworth

Location: West Yorkshire
Crime Rate: 144.68 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Reported Crimes: 1,711
Crime Rate Index: 3.79

Hemsworth, a quaint town in West Yorkshire, is known for its scenic countryside and peaceful lifestyle, making it a popular choice for families. Despite its appeal, the town’s crime rate places it among the higher-risk areas in the region. For residents and businesses, hiring professional security guard services in Hemsworth can be an effective step towards enhancing safety, deterring criminal activity, and protecting valuable assets.

10- Bradford

Location: West Yorkshire
Crime Rate: 122 crimes per 1,000 people (2026 data)
Total Reported Crimes: 46,250
Crime Rate Index: 1.69

Bradford is the most dangerous city in West Yorkshire and one of the most dangerous urban areas in England. Despite a marginal improvement from previous years, Bradford’s crime rate remains dramatically above both regional and national averages.

Violence and sexual offences are the dominant crime type. Burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour all feature prominently. Bradford’s most dangerous wards — Manningham, Little Germany, Laisterdyke, and City Centre BD1 — carry crime rates above 200 per 1,000 people in some classifications.

Commercial burglary — organised criminal groups specifically target warehouse, retail, and construction sites
Bradford is 71% above the England & Wales national average for crime rate (January 2026 data)
Highest burglary rate in West Yorkshire — 216 burglaries recorded in a single month in January 2024

Most Common and Prominent Crimes in Bradford:

Crime Type	Reported Cases
Violence and Sexual Offences	22,218
Vehicle Crimes	3,048
Theft from the Person	419
Shoplifting	2,070
Robbery	592
Public Order Offences	3,971
Possession of Weapons	384
Other Theft	3,170
Other Crimes	1,619
Drug Offences	2,248
Criminal Damage and Arson	4,020
Burglary	2,279
Bicycle Theft	212
Anti-Social Behaviour	4,751

BUSINESSES IN BRADFORD Guard Mark Security’s Bradford team provides SIA-licenced keyholding, alarm response, mobile patrols, security guards, and CCTV across all Bradford wards. Read our full guide: why Bradford businesses need keyholding and security guard services.

11- Cleckheaton

Location: West Yorkshire
Crime Rate: 143.23 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Reported Crimes: 1,485
Crime Rate Index: 3.75

Cleckheaton, a historic town in West Yorkshire, is known for its industrial roots in the textile industry and its community-driven events, like the annual Cleckheaton Folk Festival. While it has a close-knit community feel, its crime rate suggests safety concerns that residents and businesses should keep in mind.

12- Keighley

Location: West Yorkshire
Crime Rate: 140.42 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Reported Crimes: 7,423
Crime Rate Index: 3.68

Keighley, a charming town in West Yorkshire, is famous for its preserved heritage railway, the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, and its proximity to the stunning Brontë Country. Despite its beautiful surroundings and rich heritage, Keighley faces notable crime challenges that make awareness and preventive measures important for residents and visitors alike.

Most Common and Prominent Crimes in Keighley:

Crime Type	Reported Cases
Violence and Sexual Offences	4,554
Vehicle Crimes	508
Theft from the Person	73
Shoplifting	917
Robbery	76
Public Order Offences	1,020
Possession of Weapons	61
Other Theft	715
Other Crimes	260
Drug Offences	265
Criminal Damage and Arson	948
Burglary	591
Bicycle Theft	29
Anti-Social Behaviour	1,078

13- Leeds

Location: West Yorkshire
Crime Rate: 108 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Reported Crimes: 85,419
Crime Rate Index: 1.49

Leeds is the largest city in Yorkshire and one of the fastest-growing commercial centres in the UK. It is also the third most dangerous major city in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland — with a crime rate 51% above the national average.

Violence, vehicle crime, burglary, and shoplifting are the dominant crime categories. The highest-crime wards in Leeds — Little London, Woodhouse, Hunslet, and Hyde Park — carry crime rates significantly above the Leeds average. Hunslet, in particular, records crime rates above 108 per 1,000 people in some classifications.

BUSINESSES IN LEEDS Guard Mark Security’s Leeds team covers all Leeds wards with professional keyholding, mobile patrols, manned guarding, and CCTV. Read our full guide: why Leeds businesses need keyholding and security guard services.

Most Common and Prominent Crimes in Leeds:

Crime Type	Reported Cases
Violence and Sexual Offences	36,222
Vehicle Crimes	5,160
Theft from the Person	1,038
Shoplifting	8,589
Robbery	1,698
Public Order Offences	7,240
Possession of Weapons	950
Other Thefts	6,322
Other Crimes	2,636
Drug Offences	3,261
Criminal Damage and Arson	6,262
Burglary	5,109
Bicycle Theft	932
Anti-Social Behaviour	7,960

What Yorkshire’s Crime Rates Mean for Your Business in 2026

Yorkshire’s crime landscape creates a real, quantifiable risk for commercial businesses operating across the region. The ward-level and city-level data above matters because it determines what type of security is most effective for your specific location, and what your insurance policy likely requires.

Security services every Yorkshire business should consider

Professional keyholding and alarm response — the foundation of out-of-hours security cover. From £2.50/day with no callout fees. Converts your alarm from a passive notification into an active, professional, SIA-licenced response.
Mobile patrol services — randomised visits throughout the night. Particularly effective against organised criminal groups who conduct advance reconnaissance on commercial sites — dominant in Bradford, Leeds, Halifax, Castleford, and Doncaster.
Manned security guards — for high-risk periods, public-facing premises, and sites requiring continuous physical presence. From £16.89/hr, SIA-licenced and BS7858-vetted.
CCTV monitoring — visible deterrence and an evidence trail supporting police investigations and insurance claims.
Door supervision — legally required for any licensed venue across Yorkshire. SIA door supervisor licence mandatory.

A single commercial break-in in Yorkshire costs a business between £5,000 and £30,000 once stock loss, emergency glazing, alarm repair, insurance excess, and business disruption are calculated. Professional keyholding from Guard Mark costs £2.50 per day — £912 per year for complete 24/7 alarm response cover across Yorkshire and the North.

Guard Mark Security — Yorkshire & the North

Guard Mark Security is an SIA Approved Contractor providing professional security services across Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and the wider North of England. All operatives are SIA-licenced and BS7858-vetted. We carry full public liability insurance and operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We have dedicated teams in Bradford, Leeds, Halifax, Wakefield, Castleford, Sheffield, and Doncaster — covering all 13 of the high-crime areas listed in this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions