Top 13 Most Dangerous Areas in Yorkshire

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 post, we’ll explore the 13 most dangerous areas in Yorkshire, using the latest crime statistics from November 2023 to October 2024. Whether you’re a resident, a newcomer, or a business owner, this guide can help you make safer, more informed decisions.

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.

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.

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 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.

Crime Trend (Last 5 Years):

The crime trend in Yorkshire and the Humber has fluctuated over the past five 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)

While 2022 showed a temporary decline, the overall crime rate has increased, reaching 71.92 crimes per 1,000 people in 2024.

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 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	24,541	27.81
Anti-Social Behaviour	10,911	12.36
Shoplifting	9,081	10.29
Criminal Damage & Arson	6,335	7.18
Public Order Offences	6,001	6.80
Other Theft	5,166	5.85
Vehicle Crime	3,383	3.83
Burglary	2,529	2.87
Drug Offences	1,832	2.08
Possession of Weapons	1,431	1.62
Bicycle Theft	740	0.84

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

South Kirkby and Moorthorpe is a town steeped in mining history and known for its strong community spirit. Once a key player in West Yorkshire’s coal industry, it has evolved over the years while retaining its working-class identity and local pride.

However, the area currently faces significant safety challenges. With nearly 200 crimes per 1,000 people, it holds the unfortunate distinction of being the second most dangerous area in Yorkshire. The high crime rate raises concerns for residents, visitors, and businesses operating in the town.

3- Castleford

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

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

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 mix of historic charm and modern housing. Popular with families and professionals for its proximity to Leeds city centre, it offers a quieter lifestyle — but also faces safety concerns. The high crime rate places it among Yorkshire’s most dangerous areas, making awareness and preventive measures important for residents.

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

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: 144.61 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Reported Crimes: 46,766
Crime Rate Index: 3.79

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. However, its relatively high crime rate means residents, visitors, and business owners should remain aware of safety challenges and take proactive measures to reduce risks.

Most Common and Prominent Crimes in Bradford:

Crime Type	Reported Cases
Violence and Sexual Offences	2,147
Vehicle Crimes	203
Theft from the Person	233
Shoplifting	599
Robbery	154
Public Order Offences	732
Possession of Weapons	72
Other Theft	458
Other Crimes	107
Drug Offences	290
Criminal Damage and Arson	294
Burglary	254
Bicycle Theft	49
Anti-Social Behaviour	371

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: 139.98 crimes per 1,000 people
Total Reported Crimes: 90,610
Crime Rate Index: 3.67

Leeds, the largest city in West Yorkshire, is a thriving centre for culture, business, and education. Known for its lively nightlife, renowned museums, shopping districts, and top universities, it attracts people from across the UK and beyond. However, alongside its attractions, Leeds faces notable safety concerns, with over 90,000 crimes reported in the past year. This makes awareness and precautionary measures vital for residents, students, and visitors.

Most Common and Prominent Crimes in Leeds:

Crime Type	Reported Cases
Violence and Sexual Offences	4,151
Vehicle Crimes	860
Theft from the Person	705
Shoplifting	3,223
Robbery	425
Public Order Offences	1,516
Possession of Weapons	137
Other Thefts	1,359
Other Crimes	170
Drug Offences	422
Criminal Damage and Arson	669
Burglary	651
Bicycle Theft	393
Anti-Social Behaviour	711

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.

Hire the Best Keyholding & Security Guarding Services in Yorkshire

With Yorkshire ranking among the regions with some of the highest crime rates in the UK, businesses in areas like Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, and Wakefield can’t afford to leave security to chance. If you’re operating without professional security or keyholding support, you’re risking your assets, staff, and reputation.

At Guard Mark Security, we’ve proudly protected over 500 businesses across Yorkshire and beyond for more than 10 years. Our SIA-licenced security officers and keyholding services, starting at just £0.80 per day, offer a cost-effective, reliable solution for round-the-clock protection.

From burglary and fire alarms to unauthorised access alerts, our rapid response officers are ready to act — so you don’t have to.