Leicester is a vibrant city in England with a rich history, renowned for its sports scene and cultural diversity. Known as one of the UK’s oldest cities, it blends historic charm with modern development, making it an appealing place for many.

However, like many parts of the UK, Leicester faces its share of challenges with crime. At Guard Mark Security, we’re committed to helping you stay safe and informed about your surroundings.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of Leicester’s more concerning areas, the types of crime affecting them, and what you should know when considering where to live, work, or retire.

Where Do We Get Our Data?

To ensure accurate and objective insights, we rely on data from Leicestershire Police, combined with our own research. We categorize the data by Leicester Council’s official wards to make the information as clear and organized as possible.

We present the findings as the number of crimes per 1,000 population in each area. This approach helps us get a balanced view of each district, taking into account factors like population size and area coverage.

What Is Crime Like In Leicester?

Leicester is a popular city in the East Midlands, attracting both tourists and new residents. With plenty of residential options, business opportunities, a vibrant nightlife, and a rich cultural scene, it’s no wonder Leicester is one of England’s largest cities.

Unfortunately, high popularity often brings an increase in crime, and Leicester is no exception. The city has an overall crime rate of 127.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, showing there’s work to be done to improve safety.

Breaking down this rate reveals several concerning types of crime, including violent offenses (21,815 cases), public order offenses (7,240 cases), and criminal damage (5,258 offenses). Robbery also stands out, with 563 incidents, nearly double the county’s average.

Top 15 Most Dangerous Areas of Leicester

1- City Centre & Castle

Leicester’s city center is a lively mix of history and modern amenities, featuring landmarks, nightlife, and cultural sites. However, it also has a high crime rate of 257.7 incidents per 1,000 population, with around 1 in 4 people experiencing some form of crime.

Major issues include violent crime (1,663 offenses), public order offenses (870 cases), and shoplifting (793 cases), highlighting the reality of crime in the city center. Crime rates here are also gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels seen in 2020.

2- Westcotes

Known as a student hub with popular restaurants and eateries, Westcotes is one of the busy parts of the city. Unfortunately, this popularity brings with it a higher crime rate of 191 incidents per 1,000 population.

Key concerns in Westcotes include violent crime (1,007 cases), public order offenses (321 cases), as well as significant numbers of theft (289 cases) and shoplifting (206 cases).

3- New Parks & Western Park

New Parks, located close to Leicester’s city center, is a popular residential area that combines green spaces like Western Park with growing retail options. However, it also faces a higher crime rate of 165.2 incidents per 1,000 population, which poses concerns for both residents and businesses.

The main issues in New Parks include violent crime (1,536 cases), criminal damage (431 cases), and antisocial behavior (260 offenses), making up over 64% of all crimes in this area.

4- Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields

Known for its greenery, Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields have an appealing landscape centered around the large park. Yet, this area has a concerning crime rate of 163.5 incidents per 1,000 population.

The primary issues are violent crime (1,322 cases) and criminal damage, including arson (409 cases), with a rising rate of public order offenses (385 cases) also causing concern.

5- Fosse & Newfoundpool

Bordering Leicester’s city center, Fosse is a popular area, both as a commuter hub and a community. However, it has a high crime rate of 159.7 incidents per 1,000 population, placing it among the most concerning areas in the city.

Violent crime (900 cases) and public order offenses (232 cases) make up nearly half of all crimes here, with additional high rates of criminal damage (206 cases) and theft (186 cases).

6- Eyres Monsell & Saffron Hill

Located in Leicester’s southernmost area, Eyres Monsell and neighboring Saffron Hill are mainly residential, offering amenities like retail and schools alongside modern housing. Unfortunately, the area also has a high crime rate of 151 incidents per 1,000 population.

The main issue is violent crime, with 862 reported offenses, making up 47.5% of all crime in this neighborhood. Other concerns include high numbers of criminal damage (227 cases) and antisocial behavior (131 offenses).

7- Aylestone

Aylestone offers natural beauty with Aylestone Meadows Nature Reserve and modern amenities like the Leicester City Youth Academy. Unfortunately, it also has a high crime rate of 141.8 incidents per 1,000 population.

The area faces substantial levels of violent crime (635 offenses), criminal damage (194 cases), and public order offenses (166 cases). Additionally, drug-related crime (157 offenses) is among the highest in the area.

8- Beaumont Leys

Beaumont Leys is known for its industrial and retail centers, including one of Leicester’s largest shopping centers and the Walkers Crisps factory. However, it has a crime rate of 137.3 incidents per 1,000 population.

The most concerning issues are violent crime (1,095 cases) and criminal damage (317 offenses), which together make up over 54% of all crimes here. Antisocial behavior (206 offenses) and vehicle crime (148 offenses) are also prevalent.

9- Belgrave (North and South)

Belgrave is a major retail and commercial area near the River Soar, offering picturesque views from its meadow and gardens. Yet, this beauty contrasts with a crime rate of 125.4 incidents per 1,000 population.

Key issues in Belgrave include violent crime (875 cases), public order offenses (435 cases), and antisocial behavior (292 offenses), impacting both residents and businesses.

10- Abbey

Named after the historic abbey in its southern area, Abbey combines scenic spots like Abbey Park with busy residential streets. Despite having some of the best things, the crime rate here is 123.1 incidents per 1,000 population.

This rate includes high levels of violent crime (974 cases), criminal damage (307 offenses), and public order offenses (299 cases), highlighting the need for enhanced security efforts across Leicester.

11- Spinney Hills

Known for its central park and dense residential areas, Spinney Hills offers an idyllic landscape that contrasts with its high crime rate of 116.9 incidents per 1,000 population.

Violent crime (703 cases) remains a major issue, while rates of antisocial behavior (125 offenses) and criminal damage (118 cases) continue to climb, raising concerns among residents.

12- Coleman & North Evington

Primarily a residential area home to over 12,000 people, Coleman and North Evington were redeveloped after the First World War. Despite the community feel, the crime rate is 107.1 incidents per 1,000 population.

Violent and sexual offenses (524 cases), public order offenses (187 cases), and vehicle crimes (80 offenses) contribute to the area’s substantial crime levels.

13- Evington

Evington, one of Leicester’s greener districts, is cherished for its parks and natural landscapes. However, the area has a rising crime rate of 105.9 incidents per 1,000 population.

Key concerns include violent crime (605 offenses), public order offenses (205 cases), and antisocial behavior (191 offenses), all of which have seen increases since the pandemic.

14- Stoneygate

An affluent district known for its Victorian and Tudor architecture, Stoneygate also has a dedicated conservation area to preserve its historic charm. Despite this, the crime rate stands at 98.8 incidents per 1,000 population.

The primary concern is violent crime (761 offenses), alongside significant numbers of public order offenses (240 cases), antisocial behavior (197 offenses), and drug-related crimes (134 cases).

15- Humberstone & Hamilton

Humberstone, surrounded by Melton Brook to the north and Scraptoft Brook to the south, is a residential area with scenic views and ample green spaces. With a crime rate of 88.3 incidents per 1,000 population, it stands as one of Leicester’s safer neighborhoods.

However, safety concerns still exist, with high rates of violent crime (871 cases), public order offenses (202 cases), and antisocial behavior (182 offenses), emphasizing the importance of security investments in the area.