It is in human nature, no matter where they go to live or work, they always need some sense of safety and security. Otherwise, it is not possible for most of them to work with their best effort due to anxiety and depression. You might have noticed that when we see police patrolling on the road or a security guard keeping an eye on a business centre, we feel safe knowing there is someone who is ensuring everyone’s safety and security.
Unfortunately, the crime rate in the UK is increasing by a huge margin. Whether it’s drugs, theft, violent crimes, or gun crimes, there are specific areas where these crimes are more common and highlighted. Due to the pandemic, the crime rates especially gun crimes have increased rapidly, and now is one of the major issues for both residents and the government.
You know at Guard Mark Security, we often write about the crime rates related to many issues. Today, we will provide you with the worst areas related to gun crimes in the UK. We will discuss what the most recent and fresh batch of data tells us and which areas are suffering more as compared to others.
What Is Gun Crime Like Across The UK?
Most people believe that there is nothing like gun crime in the UK due to the laws and policies related to the possession of the weapon. But when we look at the statistics, the reality is far different from the imagination. The most fresh and recent batch of data from April 2023 to March 2024, 8,767 separate gun cases and incidents happened in the UK which is equivalent to 1 gun crime every 7,754 population in the United Kingdom.
When we discuss gun crimes and violence in more depth, most gun crimes harm someone. For example, the data tells us that out of 8,767 gun offences, 5,046 are those in which one was being harmed or assaulted. But the shocking thing is, the situation is becoming worse and gun crime and possession are increasing very fast.
Additionally, other common gun and firearm offences are criminal damage (1,865 offences), firearm possession (958 cases), robberies (885 incidents), and homicides (750). When talking about the homicides or attempted homicides, this figure is equal to 2 cases per day in the UK.
We all know that there are good and bad people everywhere. If bad reputed people are causing an increase in crimes, there are also good people who are helping police and law authorities by ensuring their presence in the courts. Of course, there are many areas in the UK, where there is nothing like gun crime or firearm offences. But still, some of the areas in the UK are facing high crime rates related to guns and weapons. Let’s discuss the top 25 worst areas related to gun crimes in the UK.
The 25 Worst Areas for Gun Crime in the UK
#1- London
It is sad to see London whenever we write something related to the crime rates or illegal activities and most of the time, London is on the top. There are many offences and crimes in which London is in the top 3 including theft, pickpocketing, violence, and now gun crimes as well. Around 1,248 offences and gun crimes happened in the United Kingdom last year as per the details available in the most recent batch of data. This figure for gun crimes is equivalent to 3 gun crimes per day in London.
#2- West Yorkshire
Yorkshire is one of the biggest counties in the UK and facing the ongoing issue of gun and firearm offences. Almost 626 gun offences and incidents were reported in West Yorkshire last year and when compared with the previous years, the gun crime in the area has been up to 42%.
To learn more about the safety of this region, recent crime statistics, and security tips, read our in-depth blog post: How Safe Is Yorkshire and the Humber 2024?
#3- West Midlands
West Midlands is famous for its contributions to art, history, and culture. However, the area is facing gun crimes by a huge margin. Last year, the number of reported gun crimes in West Midlands was 576 but the good news is that when compared with the previous years, the crime rate has dropped by 4% in the area. But still, this figure shows us that more than 1 gun crime happens in the West Midlands on a daily basis.
#4- Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester, with its large metropolitan areas like Manchester, Bolton, and Rochdale, is facing an increase in gun crime. Last year, the region reported 494 firearm offences, marking a 21% rise compared to the previous year.
Our full report on the most dangerous areas in Manchester breaks it all down if you’re looking to move to the city.
#5- South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire is home to cities like Sheffield and Doncaster, known for their vibrant urban life and job opportunities. However, it has also seen significant gun crime activity. Last year, 309 firearm offences were reported in South Yorkshire, but the crime rate dropped by 7% compared to the previous year.
#6- Essex
Essex is known for its beautiful holiday spots and charming memories, especially in towns like Southend, Colchester, and Basildon. Unfortunately, the county also has its share of gun crimes. Last year, 185 firearm offences were reported in Essex, which means more than three incidents every week. The good news is that gun crime in Essex has dropped by 16% compared to the previous year.
#7- Northumbria
Known for its rich history and iconic landmarks like the Angel of the North, Northumbria also faces ongoing challenges with gun crime. Last year, there were 171 firearm offences reported in the region, representing a 20% rise from the previous year.
#8- Hampshire
Located on the south coast of the UK, Hampshire is home to major port cities like Portsmouth and Southampton. Unfortunately, the region has been seeing a rise in gun crime, with 152 firearm offences reported last year. This marks a 15% increase compared to the previous year, bringing the numbers closer to the 2019/20 figures.
#9- Merseyside
Merseyside is a region that offers both the quiet lifestyle of the Wirral and the lively nightlife of Liverpool. However, gun crime remains a shared issue across the area. Last year, Merseyside saw 151 firearm offences, but the positive news is that this figure was 21% lower than the previous year.
Our comprehensive report on the most dangerous areas in Liverpool provides valuable insights for anyone considering a move to the city.
#10- Cleveland
Cleveland, known for its contributions to industry and culture, also faces ongoing challenges with crime. Last year, 148 firearm offences were reported, but the good news is that this reflects a 20% drop compared to the previous year.
#11- Lancashire
Lancashire, a diverse region in the North West known for cities like Blackpool, Blackburn, and Burnley, has seen a rise in gun crime. The county reported 142 firearm offences last year, an increase of 12% from the previous year. Lancashire’s popularity is often a double-edged sword, attracting both good and bad attention, including crime.
#12- Sussex
Sussex, with its scenic coastlines and split between East and West Sussex, is one of the largest regions in the UK. Unfortunately, its size hasn’t shielded it from rising gun crime. Last year, 137 firearm offences were reported, representing an 11% increase from the previous year.
#13- Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire, known for its connection to the legend of Robin Hood and the historic Sherwood Forest, has a less glamorous side when it comes to crime. Last year, 119 firearm offences were recorded in the region, equating to about one incident every three days. On a positive note, there has been no change in the crime rate compared to the previous year.
#14- Leicestershire
Leicestershire, home to the bustling city of Leicester and its surrounding countryside, is facing increasing gun crime issues. Last year, there were 116 firearm offences reported in the county, marking a 9% rise from the previous year. This increase puts Leicestershire among the areas with high gun crime rates in the UK.
#15- Thames Valley
The Thames Valley region, which includes parts of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, is famous for its picturesque landscapes. However, it faces its own struggles with crime. Last year, the area recorded 115 firearm offences, underscoring the ongoing challenge of gun crime in one of the UK’s most scenic regions.
#16- Kent
Known for the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and often referred to as the gateway to the UK, Kent is also dealing with gun crime challenges. Last year, there were 113 firearm offences in the county, equating to more than two gun-related incidents per week. Fortunately, this represents just a 1% decrease from the previous year.
#17- Humberside
Humberside, which includes areas like Hull and stretches of North Yorkshire, is seeing a significant spike in gun crime. Last year, 108 firearm offences were reported, an alarming 69% increase compared to the previous year. Despite no longer being a county in its own right, gun crime remains a serious issue in the region.
#18- Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire, a historic county home to large towns like Luton, is facing worsening issues with gun crime. Last year, the region recorded 104 firearm offences, a sharp increase of 39% from the previous year. This rise brings Bedfordshire’s gun crime figures back to levels seen in 2019/2020.
#19- Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire, known for its rolling hills and the town of Northampton, has developed a growing reputation for gun crime. Last year, 104 firearm offences were reported in the county. While this number is concerning, the positive side is that gun crime has decreased by 13% compared to the previous year.
#20- Derbyshire
Derbyshire, a county known for both the natural beauty of the Peak District and the urban centres of Derby and Chesterfield, has seen a slight rise in gun crime. Last year, 99 firearm offences were reported, marking a 1% increase from the previous year.
#21- West Mercia
Covering the rural areas of Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire, West Mercia might seem like an unexpected inclusion on the list. However, with 93 firearm offences reported last year, it earns its place. The good news is that this figure represents a significant 33% drop from the previous year.
#22- Cheshire
Cheshire, known for its wealth and heritage, continues to face challenges with gun crime. Last year, the county reported 92 firearm offences, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the previous year. This puts Cheshire just 14 incidents behind its worst year on record, which was in 2019/2020.
#23- Avon & Somerset
Avon & Somerset, an area largely rural except for cities like Bath and Bristol, reported 91 firearm offences in the last year. This represents a significant 54% increase compared to the previous year, placing the region firmly among those worst affected by gun crime in the UK.
#24- Lincolnshire
In Lincolnshire, 87 firearm offences were recorded last year, marking a 10% rise from the previous year. Known for its scenic Wolds and the city of Lincoln, the county is facing growing challenges with gun crime.
#25- Durham
Durham, home to towns like Hartlepool and Stockton, has seen a decrease in gun crime over the past year. A total of 65 firearm offences were reported, which is a 16% drop compared to the previous year. Despite this decline, the area remains a concern when it comes to gun crime.
Key Trends in Gun Crime
While we’ve discussed the areas with the highest gun crime rates in the UK, it’s important to remember that each area faces different challenges. Over the past year, some regions have shown real improvements.
Gloucestershire, for instance, saw the biggest drop in gun crimes, with cases down by 54% from 82 incidents in 2022/23 to just 38 in 2023/24. South Wales also experienced a similar positive trend, with gun crimes falling by 43% (from 86 incidents in 2022/23 to 49 in 2023/24). Additionally, both West Mercia (a 33% decrease from 139 to 93 incidents) and Dorset (a 33% drop from 70 to 47 incidents) reported notable reductions.
However, not all areas saw declines. Overall, gun crimes across the UK increased by 6%, rising from 5,917 incidents in 2022/23 to 6,268 in 2023/24.
In certain regions, the rise was more noticeable. Humberside recorded the highest increase, with gun crime up by 69%, jumping from 64 incidents in 2022/23 to 108 in 2023/24. Avon and Somerset saw a similar increase of 54% (from 59 incidents to 91), West Yorkshire recorded a 44% rise (from 440 incidents to 626), and Bedfordshire’s gun crime rate grew by 39%, moving from 75 to 104 incidents over the year.
How Have We Sourced Our Data For This Report?
At Guard Mark Security, we often share articles and reports in which we tell you about the crime rates in the different parts of the UK. The information we are going to share today is from the official ONS Centre for Crime and Justice. All the information is taken from the most recent and fresh batch of data available on their website from April 2023 to March 2024. You can visit their website and ensure all the data we are going to share here is correct and verified.
