Sheffield is a standout city in Yorkshire, second only to Leeds in size, and known for its rich history and vibrant growth. From its industrial roots in the 19th century, Sheffield has evolved into a dynamic urban centre, celebrated for its universities, renewed economy, sports culture, and bustling neighbourhoods. Its appeal is hard to miss, and it’s often recognised as one of England’s prime urban destinations.
Yet, despite all that Sheffield has to offer, it faces ongoing challenges with crime. As one of the key security concerns in the area, understanding Sheffield’s crime patterns can help residents and businesses make informed safety decisions.
In this article, we’ll break down crime rates across Sheffield’s districts, offering insights into the specific issues affecting each area to help you assess potential risks.
How Does Guard Mark Security Source & Display Its Data?
To provide an accurate view of Sheffield’s crime landscape, we base our findings on the most current information available from the Sheffield City Council. By analysing crime across the council’s various wards, we can offer a comprehensive look at each region within the city.
For consistency and clarity, crime statistics are represented as the number of crimes per 1,000 population in each area. This approach allows us to account for variations in population size and regional density, providing a balanced view of crime rates across Sheffield’s neighbourhoods.
This version maintains the focus on Sheffield’s unique qualities and challenges while offering a clear, objective summary of how crime data is sourced and presented. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to adjust further!
What Is Sheffield’s Overall Crime Rate?
Sheffield’s appeal isn’t tied to any single factor; it’s a city that brings together the charm of nearby natural landscapes, like the scenic trails of the Peak District, and a legacy rooted in English industry. Beyond its history, Sheffield is one of the UK’s 11 Core Cities, boasting modern amenities, a bustling retail scene, and numerous green spaces that reflect its balance of tradition and growth.
Despite these attractions, Sheffield’s overall crime rate presents a pressing concern. With a rate of 137.9 crimes per 1,000 residents, it’s clear that safety is an area where improvements are being sought. Among the main issues are high instances of violent crime (21,139 incidents), antisocial behaviour (9,560 incidents), and public order offences (6,379 incidents). Additionally, the city reports around 1,559 incidents of drug-related crimes, averaging roughly four incidents per day.
These figures provide a broad picture, but each part of Sheffield has its unique challenges regarding crime. In the following sections, we’ll examine crime trends in each area to understand which neighbourhoods face the greatest challenges and where residents can find safer spots.
1- City Centre
Overall Crime Rate Of 480.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
As Sheffield’s central hub, the City Centre is bustling with retail, nightlife, and university culture, thriving thanks to recent economic investments. However, with this growth, crime rates have surged to about 480.4 crimes per 1,000 population, almost one crime for every two people living in the area.
The leading concern here is antisocial behaviour, with a staggering 5,017 incidents reported. Contributing to the security needs are high rates of theft and shoplifting (3,244 incidents), violent crime (1,558 incidents), and criminal damage (599 incidents).
2- Burngreave
Overall Crime Rate Of 281.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
The ward of Burngreave, with its historical architecture and close proximity to Sheffield’s centre, offers both charm and convenience. However, it faces a crime rate of 281.2 crimes per 1,000 population, a figure influenced by the area’s location near the City Centre.
Antisocial behaviour accounts for more than half of Burngreave’s reported crimes, totalling 4,563 incidents. Following that, the ward struggles with high numbers of violent crime (994 incidents), theft and shoplifting (840 incidents), and criminal damage (680 incidents).
3- Darnall
Overall Crime Rate Of 268.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Darnall, a diverse area home to major retail hubs like Meadowhall, combines industrial zones with residential neighbourhoods. Yet it contends with a crime rate of 268.1 crimes per 1,000 population, reflecting some of the challenges within the community.
The primary issue for Darnall is antisocial behaviour, responsible for around 44% of all reported crimes with 2,640 incidents. Theft and shoplifting are also prevalent, with 1,169 incidents, while violent crime stands at 631 incidents. Together, these factors make security measures an essential part of life in Darnall’s dynamic mix of industrial and residential areas.
4- Broomhill & Sharrow Vale
Overall Crime Rate Of 210.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Situated on the outskirts of Sheffield’s centre, the Broomhill and Sharrow Vale ward is a bustling commuter zone that includes popular districts like Broomhall, Crookesmoor, and Endcliffe. However, a crime rate of 210.9 crimes per 1,000 population raises security concerns in this otherwise appealing area.
Antisocial behaviour is the most frequent issue, accounting for 2,322 incidents, followed by theft and shoplifting with 1,035 incidents, one of the highest rates outside the City Centre. These statistics point to a strong need for security investments to support families and businesses in the area.
5- Manor Castle
Overall Crime Rate Of 201.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Named after its proximity to the historic Sheffield Manor, Manor Castle includes several of Sheffield’s main residential areas like Manor and Wybourn Hill, as well as the iconic Park Hill skyline. Despite its cultural richness, this ward faces a crime rate of 201.3 crimes per 1,000 population.
Antisocial behaviour is particularly high here, with 2,377 incidents recorded, and theft and shoplifting remain prevalent with 537 incidents. Violent crime also poses a significant issue, with 533 incidents reported, highlighting the need for continued safety initiatives in the area.
6- Gleadless Valley & Meersbrook
Overall Crime Rate Of 193.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
The area of Gleadless Valley, along with Meersbrook, presents a unique mix of urban housing and scenic valley views. Despite its charm, this ward reports a crime rate of 193.7 crimes per 1,000 population.
Antisocial behaviour leads the list of concerns, with 1,953 reported incidents. Additionally, theft and shoplifting (521 incidents) and violent crime (515 incidents) add to the security challenges facing Gleadless Valley and Meersbrook.
7- Firth Park
Overall Crime Rate Of 184.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
As Sheffield’s second most deprived ward, Firth Park is a densely populated area in the city’s north, covering neighbourhoods like Longley, Parson Cross, and Firth Park itself. This dense population contributes to a crime rate of 184.9 crimes per 1,000 population.
The area faces challenges with antisocial behaviour, recording 1,987 incidents. Violent crime also remains an issue with 579 incidents, alongside a rising rate of criminal damage with 516 reported cases. These factors underscore the security concerns in this high-density area.
8- Hillsborough
Overall Crime Rate Of 157.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Known for its namesake football stadium, Hillsborough extends beyond the sporting world to include vibrant residential areas like Middlewood, Langsett, Wadsley, and Wisewood. However, the area’s appeal is offset by a crime rate of 157.4 crimes per 1,000 population, which remains a notable challenge for the community.
Hillsborough’s primary concern is antisocial behaviour, with 1,228 incidents recorded, accounting for almost 40% of the ward’s crime. Other significant issues include theft and shoplifting, totalling 604 incidents, and violent crime at 460 incidents. Additionally, Hillsborough has one of the highest vehicle crime rates in the area, with 304 reported incidents.
9- Southey
Overall Crime Rate Of 157.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Southey combines scenic walking paths in areas like Birley Carr with residential neighbourhoods like Fox Hill and Southey itself. Though appealing on the surface, the area struggles with a steadily increasing crime rate of 157.3 crimes per 1,000 population.
The main concerns are antisocial behaviour, with 1,388 incidents, and criminal damage (361 incidents), putting Southey among the top ten most crime-affected areas in Sheffield. Drug-related offences (42 incidents) also stand out as a significant issue.
10- Beauchief & Greenhill
Overall Crime Rate Of 146.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Situated in southern Sheffield, Beauchief & Greenhill is one of the city’s greenest wards, with more than a third of the area covered in parks and natural spaces. Despite these attractions, the ward faces a crime rate of 146.5 crimes per 1,000 population.
Antisocial behaviour leads the way with 1,351 incidents, followed by violent crime (394 incidents) and theft and shoplifting (353 incidents). Additionally, a recent increase in burglary cases (185 incidents) has raised concerns among residents.
11- Arbourthorne
Overall Crime Rate Of 145.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Part of the Sheffield Heeley parliamentary area, Arbourthorne is largely residential, offering affordable housing across neighbourhoods like Gleadless and Norfolk Park. However, the area’s crowded layout leads to a crime rate of 145.4 crimes per 1,000 population.
The biggest problem is antisocial behaviour, with 1,317 incidents making up about 47% of the area’s crime. Violent crime (384 incidents) and theft and shoplifting (378 incidents) also contribute to the area’s security issues.
12- East Ecclesfield
Overall Crime Rate Of 144.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
Located on the northern edge of Sheffield, East Ecclesfield combines busy roads and modern life with scenic views and historic buildings in areas like Chapeltown and Ecclesfield. Despite its charm, the ward faces a crime rate of 144.8 crimes per 1,000 population.
Antisocial behaviour accounts for more than half of the area’s crime, with 1,349 incidents reported. Other concerns include criminal damage (269 incidents), vehicle crime (265 incidents), and violent crime (251 incidents).
13- Shiregreen & Brightside
Overall Crime Rate Of 128.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Blending the residential areas of Wincobank and Shiregreen with the industrial side of Brightside, this ward captures Sheffield’s history of hard work and community life. However, it also mirrors the city’s crime concerns, with a rate of 128.3 crimes per 1,000 population.
The most common issues include antisocial behaviour, with 1,391 incidents, and criminal damage, totalling 365 incidents. Additionally, a recent rise in burglaries (119 reported cases) has heightened security concerns across Sheffield.
14- Woodhouse
Overall Crime Rate Of 128 Crimes Per 1000 People
Although Woodhouse has modernised, it still holds some of its original charm, seen in landmarks like Manor Farm Cottage. However, the area’s crime rate stands at 128 crimes per 1,000 population.
Antisocial behaviour makes up more than half of all crime, with 1,169 incidents reported. Other significant problems include theft and shoplifting (297 incidents), violent and sexual offences (254 incidents), and criminal damage (211 incidents).
15- Richmond
Overall Crime Rate Of 109 Crimes Per 1000 People
Once a quiet village, Richmond has grown to cover suburbs like Handsworth, Woodthorpe, and Hollins End. Despite its roots, Richmond now has a crime rate of 109 crimes per 1,000 population.
Antisocial behaviour is prevalent, with 1,100 incidents reported, along with concerning rates of violent crime (234 incidents) and criminal damage (215 incidents).
16- Beighton
Overall Crime Rate Of 102 Crimes Per 1000 People
Beighton, which includes areas like Owlthorpe and Sothall, has become a sought-after residential and business location. However, its rising crime rate, currently 102 crimes per 1,000 population, detracts from its appeal.
Antisocial behaviour (912 incidents) and violent crime (238 incidents) are the most significant issues, together making up over 61% of all crime in the ward.
17- Birley
Overall Crime Rate Of 94.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
In Sheffield’s southeastern area, Birley is a well-known residential zone that includes neighbourhoods like Charnock, Frecheville, and Base Green. While popular, the area sees a crime rate of 94.3 crimes per 1,000 population.
Around 50% of these crimes are linked to antisocial behaviour (822 incidents), with theft (201 incidents) and vehicle crime (160 incidents) adding to Sheffield’s security concerns.
18- Walkley
Overall Crime Rate Of 89.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bordering Sheffield’s city centre, Walkley is home to large student housing areas and covers the suburb itself, as well as Netherthorpe and Upperthorpe. Despite its affordability, the ward faces a crime rate of 89.8 crimes per 1,000 population.
Antisocial behaviour (1,181 incidents) is the most common problem, but high numbers in theft and shoplifting (331 incidents), violent crime (283 incidents), and criminal damage (217 incidents) show the need for effective security across Sheffield.
19- Mosborough
Overall Crime Rate Of 86.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
A busy residential area in the south of Sheffield, Mosborough has grown from its coal mining roots to become a key community alongside nearby areas like Holbrook, Halfway, and Waterthorpe. However, this growth has come with a crime rate of 86.8 crimes per 1,000 population.
As in other parts of the city, antisocial behaviour is a major issue, with 789 reported incidents making up nearly 54% of all crime in Mosborough. Additional concerns include theft and shoplifting (160 incidents) and violent crime (155 incidents).
20- Stannington
Overall Crime Rate Of 86.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
Known for its hilly terrain, Stannington includes residential neighbourhoods like Bradfield, Loxley, and Worral. This popular area has a crime rate of 86.7 crimes per 1,000 population.
Antisocial behaviour (680 incidents) and vehicle crime (281 incidents) make up the majority of reported crimes. Rising rates of violent crime (184 incidents) and burglary (128 incidents) are also notable concerns.
21- Stocksbridge & Upper Don
Overall Crime Rate Of 74.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
On Sheffield’s northeastern edge, Stocksbridge and Upper Don is a major industrial area with a local economy rooted in steelworks. This focus on industry helps keep the crime rate at 74.1 crimes per 1,000 population.
Still, there are concerns, particularly with antisocial behaviour (660 incidents), violent crime (177 incidents), and vehicle crime (161 incidents), all of which affect residents and businesses in the area.
22- West Ecclesfield
Overall Crime Rate Of 71.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Located in the northern part of Sheffield, West Ecclesfield combines the peaceful surroundings of Greno Wood Nature Reserve with the residential areas of High Green, Burncross, and Grenoside. The area maintains a lower crime rate of 71.5 crimes per 1,000 population.
The primary issues are antisocial behaviour (686 incidents) and criminal damage (129 incidents), though overall crime remains below the city average.
23- Nether Edge & Sharrow
Overall Crime Rate Of 63.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Nether Edge and Sharrow, which also covers Banner Cross and Brincliffe, is a popular area that has seen considerable economic growth in recent years. Despite the dense population, the crime rate is relatively low at 63.6 crimes per 1,000 population.
Antisocial behaviour is the main issue here, accounting for over 56% of all crime (818 incidents). Other concerns include criminal damage (151 incidents) and violent crime (150 incidents).
24- Graves Park
Overall Crime Rate Of 63 Crimes Per 1000 People
Named for the large park at its centre, Graves Park includes the residential area of Norton, along with Woodseats and Norton Lees. With a mix of green space and housing, the area enjoys a low crime rate of 63 crimes per 1,000 population.
However, there are still concerns, primarily related to antisocial behaviour (424 incidents). Additionally, there are rising numbers of theft and shoplifting (225 incidents) and violent crime (131 incidents).
25- Ecclesall
Overall Crime Rate Of 60.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
Known for its lush green spaces, Ecclesall is Sheffield’s greenest ward, featuring the beautiful Ecclesall Woods, Sheffield’s botanic gardens, and the neighbourhoods of Banner Cross, Ringinglow, and Bents Green. The area has a low crime rate of 60.7 crimes per 1,000 population.
However, there are still notable issues, particularly in antisocial behaviour (481 incidents) and burglary (177 incidents), which together make up over 53% of reported crimes. Additionally, vehicle crime (155) and criminal damage (140) are also points of concern.
26- Crookes & Crosspool
Overall Crime Rate Of 49.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Near the scenic Peak District, Crookes & Crosspool offers lovely views of the Porter and Rivelin Valleys. This residential area enjoys a relatively low crime rate of 49.3 crimes per 1,000 population.
The main concern for residents is antisocial behaviour (367 incidents), which accounts for about 40% of crime here. Burglaries (145) and vehicle crime (128) are also rising, causing concern in the community.
27- Dore & Totley
Overall Crime Rate Of 47.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Located to the south of Sheffield, Dore & Totley is a rural and affluent area with beautiful landscapes and impressive homes. It has a low crime rate of 47.3 crimes per 1,000 population.
Yet, like any area, it has some criminal activity, with incidents of antisocial behaviour (383), burglary (119), and vehicle crime (110) that highlight the need for consistent security efforts.
28- Fulwood
Overall Crime Rate Of 33.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
A charming suburb set in Sheffield’s hilly Porter Valley, Fulwood is known for its timber-framed Tudor buildings and peaceful feel, with a low crime rate of 33.8 crimes per 1,000 population, the lowest in Sheffield.
However, Fulwood still faces some crime issues, mainly in antisocial behaviour (254 incidents) and vehicle crime (109 incidents). There’s also a concerning rise in burglaries (97 incidents).