Yorkshire and the Humber is a well-known region in the north of England. It is famous for its beautiful countryside, historic towns, and busy cities like Leeds and Sheffield. While it’s a great place to live and visit, like any region, it has areas where crime is a concern. These challenges can vary from one neighbourhood to another, making it important to stay informed about safety in the region.
Knowing about the areas with higher crime rates is important for everyone. Whether you live here, are planning to move, or just visiting, being aware of your surroundings can help you make safer choices.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the 13 most dangerous areas in Yorkshire based on crime statistics. This information can help you stay safe and make better decisions for yourself and your family.
How Have 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.
Imp Note: The most common and prominent crimes we have shared in the different specific cities are from Nov 2023 to Oct 2024. All the data for the different crime statistics in the different cities has been collected from the Police UK Website.
Overall Crime Statistics in Yorkshire and the Humber
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 107 crimes per 1,000 people for the 12 months leading up to September 2024. Among the most reported crimes are violence and sexual offences, which occur at a rate of approximately 46 reports per 1,000 people. This highlights the need for awareness and caution, particularly in areas with higher crime rates.
The yearly crime data further provides insight into the trend of crime in Yorkshire and the Humber. Over the past five years, the crime count has fluctuated. In 2024, there were 63,473 crimes reported, slightly lower than the 65,525 crimes recorded in 2023. However, 2022 saw a noticeable drop with 58,701 crimes, which was an improvement compared to 2020 and 2021, where the counts were 55,402 and 52,791, respectively. Despite these changes, the crime rate has generally been on an upward trend, with 2024’s rate at 71.92 per 1,000 people.
Now, as you have seen the overall crime rate in Yorkshire and the Humber, let’s take a closer look at the most common and prominent crimes happening there.
Most Common and Prominent Crimes in Yorkshire and the Humber
For the 12-month period ending September 2024, violence and sexual offences were the most reported crimes in Yorkshire and the Humber, with 24,541 incidents recorded, accounting for a rate of 27.81 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour was also a major issue, with 10,911 cases reported at a rate of 12.36. Shoplifting ranked third, with 9,081 incidents and a rate of 10.29 per 1,000 people.
Other notable crimes included criminal damage and arson (6,335 cases, 7.18 rate), public order offences (6,001 cases, 6.80 rate), and other theft (5,166 cases, 5.85 rate). Vehicle crime stood at 3,383 cases (3.83 rate), while burglary incidents were at 2,529 (2.87 rate). Lesser-reported crimes included drug offences (1,832 cases, 2.08 rate), possession of weapons (1,431 cases, 1.62 rate), and bicycle theft, which had the lowest figures at 740 cases (0.84 rate).
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
Overall Crime Rate of 217.29 Crimes per 1,000 People
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.
Knottingley has the highest crime rate in Yorkshire, with a staggering 217.29 crimes per 1,000 people. Over the past year, 1,435 crimes have been reported in this area, resulting in a Crime Rate Index of 5.69. These numbers highlight the pressing safety concerns for residents and visitors in Knottingley.
2- South Kirkby and Moorthorpe
Overall Crime Rate of 198.42 Crimes per 1,000 People
South Kirkby and Moorthorpe, located in the Wakefield district of West Yorkshire, is a town known for its mining heritage and community spirit. It has a strong historical connection to coal mining, which shaped its development for decades.
However, the town has a high crime rate of 198.42 crimes per 1,000 people, with 1,889 reported crimes in the past year. Its Crime Rate Index stands at 5.20, making it the second most dangerous area in Yorkshire.
3- Castleford
Overall Crime Rate of 190.23 Crimes per 1,000 People
Castleford, a market town in West Yorkshire, is famous for its rugby league team, Castleford Tigers, and its rich Roman history, with several archaeological sites to explore. Despite its cultural and historical significance, Castleford has a crime rate of 190.23 crimes per 1,000 people. A total of 6,487 crimes have been reported here, resulting in a Crime Rate Index of 4.98.
4- East Ardsley
Overall Crime Rate of 189.05 Crimes per 1,000 People
East Ardsley, a village in Leeds, is known for its quiet suburban feel and a mix of historic and modern housing developments. The area attracts families and professionals due to its proximity to Leeds city centre. Unfortunately, East Ardsley has a high crime rate of 189.05 crimes per 1,000 people, with 1,243 crimes recorded over the year. Its Crime Rate Index is 4.95, indicating safety concerns for the community.
5- Pontefract
Overall Crime Rate of 160.83 Crimes per 1,000 People
Pontefract, often called the “Liquorice Town,” is renowned for its production of liquorice sweets and its historic castle, which played a key role during the English Civil War. While it remains a charming town, Pontefract has a crime rate of 160.83 crimes per 1,000 people, with 3,783 crimes reported. The Crime Rate Index here is 4.21, making it one of the riskier areas in Yorkshire.
6- Halifax
Overall Crime Rate of 157.52 Crimes per 1,000 People
Halifax, a historic town in West Yorkshire, is famous for its impressive Piece Hall, an 18th-century cloth hall, and its contribution to the wool trade. The town is also a significant financial hub. Despite its vibrant history and economic importance, Halifax experiences a crime rate of 157.52 crimes per 1,000 people. There were 13,914 crimes reported, giving it a Crime Rate Index of 4.12.
The most common and prominent crimes in Halifax are violence and sexual offences (6,093 incidents), vehicle crimes (691 incidents), theft from the person (113 incidents), shoplifting (1,016 offences), robbery (86 cases), public order (1,375 incidents), possession of weapons (142 incidents), other theft (930 cases), other crimes (446 incidents), drugs (612 cases), criminal damage and arson (1161 incidents), burglary (585 cases), bicycle theft (35 incidents), and anti-social behaviour (1,085 incidents).
7- Dewsbury
Overall Crime Rate of 147.17 Crimes per 1,000 People
Dewsbury, a market town in West Yorkshire, is well known for its vibrant multicultural community and historic architecture, including its beautiful town hall. However, the town struggles with a crime rate of 147.17 crimes per 1,000 people. A total of 8,264 crimes have been recorded, and its Crime Rate Index stands at 3.85.
The most common and prominent crimes in Dewsbury are violence and sexual offences (4,216 incidents), vehicle crimes (608 incidents), theft from the person (87 incidents), shoplifting (425 offences), robbery (84 cases), public order (1,030 incidents), possession of weapons (92 incidents), other theft (568 cases), other crimes (335 incidents), drugs (252 cases), criminal damage and arson (799 incidents), burglary (343 cases), bicycle theft (24 incidents), and anti-social behaviour (1,161 incidents). With the right security services in place, you can minimize these risks and safeguard what matters most.
8- Heckmondwike
Overall Crime Rate of 146.80 Crimes per 1,000 People
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. Despite its appeal, Heckmondwike has a crime rate of 146.80 crimes per 1,000 people, with 1,574 reported crimes. Its Crime Rate Index is 3.84, reflecting safety concerns for the area.
9- Hemsworth
Overall Crime Rate of 144.68 Crimes per 1,000 People
Hemsworth, a quaint town in West Yorkshire, is known for its scenic countryside and peaceful lifestyle, making it a popular choice for families. Even so, Hemsworth has a crime rate of 144.68 crimes per 1,000 people, with 1,711 crimes reported. Its Crime Rate Index is 3.79, placing it among the towns with higher crime rates. Protect your home and business by hiring professional security guard services in Hemsworth to ensure safety and peace of mind in light of these challenges.
10- Bradford
Overall Crime Rate of 144.61 Crimes per 1,000 People
Bradford, one of the largest cities in West Yorkshire, is renowned for its cultural diversity, award-winning curry restaurants, and the iconic National Science and Media Museum. Despite its vibrant culture, Bradford has a crime rate of 144.61 crimes per 1,000 people. A total of 46,766 crimes have been reported, giving it a Crime Rate Index of 3.79.
The most common and prominent crimes in Bradford are violence and sexual offences (2,147 incidents), vehicle crimes (203 incidents), theft from the person (233 incidents), shoplifting (599 offences), robbery (154 cases), public order (732 incidents), possession of weapons (72 incidents), other theft (458 cases), other crimes (107 incidents), drugs (290 cases), criminal damage and arson (294 incidents), burglary (254 cases), bicycle theft (49 incidents), and anti-social behaviour (371 incidents).
11- Cleckheaton
Overall Crime Rate of 143.23 Crimes per 1,000 People
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. However, it has a crime rate of 143.23 crimes per 1,000 people, with 1,485 crimes recorded. Its Crime Rate Index is 3.75, indicating potential safety concerns.
12- Keighley
Overall Crime Rate of 140.42 Crimes per 1,000 People
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 picturesque setting, Keighley has a crime rate of 140.42 crimes per 1,000 people. There were 7,423 crimes reported, resulting in a Crime Rate Index of 3.68.
The most common and prominent crimes in Keighley are violence and sexual offences (4,554 incidents), vehicle crimes (508 incidents), theft from the person (73 incidents), shoplifting (917 offences), robbery (76 cases), public order (1,020 incidents), possession of weapons (61 incidents), other theft (715 cases), other crimes (260 incidents), drugs (265 cases), criminal damage and arson (948 incidents), burglary (591 cases), bicycle theft (29 incidents), and anti-social behaviour (1,078 incidents).
13- Leeds
Overall Crime Rate of 139.98 Crimes per 1,000 People
Leeds, the largest city in West Yorkshire, is widely known as a vibrant hub for culture, business, and education. It boasts a thriving nightlife, world-class museums, shopping districts, and prestigious universities, attracting residents and visitors alike. However, Leeds also has safety concerns, with a crime rate of 139.98 crimes per 1,000 people. Over the past year, 90,610 crimes were reported in the city, resulting in a Crime Rate Index of 3.67.
The most common crimes in Leeds include:
- Violence and sexual offences: 4,151 incidents
- Vehicle crimes: 860 incidents
- Theft from the person: 705 incidents
- Shoplifting: 3,223 offences
- Robbery: 425 cases
- Public order offences: 1,516 incidents
- Possession of weapons: 137 incidents
- Other thefts: 1,359 cases
- Other crimes: 170 incidents
- Drug offences: 422 cases
- Criminal damage and arson: 669 incidents
- Burglary: 651 cases
- Bicycle theft: 393 incidents
- Anti-social behaviour: 711 incidents
To learn more about the Crime Rates in Leeds and detailed statistics, visit our dedicated page. With rising crime rates, hiring a private security guard in Yorkshire is a proactive step toward ensuring your safety and peace of mind.
Best Security Guarding Company in the Yorkshire
Living in or moving to Yorkshire means being aware of the safety challenges in certain areas. At Guard Mark Security, we understand the importance of feeling secure, whether at home, work, or public events. As the leading security company in Yorkshire, we offer a wide range of professional security services tailored to meet your needs.
If you have any queries related to our services, our highly expert and professional customer support team is here all the time. Contact us now, share your requirements, and we will be more than happy to assist you in everything.
