Crime rates in Yorkshire and Humber are rising, making personal safety a growing concern for those travelling in the area. Whether you’re using a taxi, bus, or train, being cautious and aware can significantly reduce risks. In this guide, we’ll walk through practical ways to travel safely and confidently while staying vigilant about your surroundings.
There are areas in Yorkshire where you can walk worry less, but in certain regions and towns, it is not wise to show any carelessness. Imagine you had a great night at the club and enjoyed it a lot but now you have to go to your house alone. Instead of taking a taxi or local transportation, you decide to walk alone all the way to your home. Now there is a group of people who are following you and waiting for some dark place to take all your personal belongings and money.
Imagine the fear of being chased by a group of people in the dark night when no one is coming to save you. It is your responsibility to take preventive measures so that you can see your loved ones again. Read this guide very carefully and implement all the things we have mentioned. This will help you feel safe and give you another perspective to observe situations.
Overall Crime Rates in Yorkshire
Yorkshire and the Humber are the biggest counties in the UK. When talking about West Yorkshire, the overall crime rate is 119 crimes per 1,000 people according to the most recent batch of data shared by CrimeRate (Sep 2024).
The most common crimes in West Yorkshire are violent and sexual crimes. When comparing the biggest cities and towns of West Yorkshire, Wakefield saves its spot at number one in the list of most dangerous. Halifax is at the 2nd spot and Bradford is at 3rd.
Common Crime Trends in Yorkshire
Increased Crime Rates Trends
When talking about the increased trend of crime rates in West Yorkshire, burglary, vehicle crime, and drug offenses are the three trends that have increased by a huge margin in the past three years.
- Burglary: According to data from Sep 2024, the burglary crime index rate is 2.06 in West Yorkshire which used to be 1.69 three years ago.
- Vehicle Crime: According to data from Sep 2024, the vehicle crime index rate is 2.03 in West Yorkshire which used to be 1.63 three years ago.
- Drug Crime: According to data from Sep 2024, the drug crime index rate is 1.77 in West Yorkshire which used to be 1.63 three years ago.
Decreased Crime Rates Trends
In West Yorkshire, the biggest decreased crime trends are theft from the person, possession of a weapon, and shoplifting trends in the past three years.
- Theft from the Person: According to data from Sep 2024, theft from the person crime index rate is 2.12 in West Yorkshire which used to be 2.51 three years ago.
- Possession of Weapon: According to data from Sep 2024, the possession of weapon crime index rate is 1.21 in West Yorkshire which used to be 1.63 three years ago.
- Shoplifting: According to data from Sep 2024, the shoplifting crime index rate is 1.27 in West Yorkshire which used to be 1.59 three years ago.
Most Common Crimes in the Yorkshire and the Humber
As per the most recent batch of data available, here are the most common and prominent crimes that happened in Yorkshire and Humber in the last year:
- Anti-Social Behaviour: 73,960 incidents
- Burglary: 32,742 incidents
- Criminal Damage and Arson: 52,296 incidents
- Drugs: 16,605 incidents
- Other Crimes: 17,539 incidents
- Other Theft: 40,763 incidents
- Possession of Weapons: 5,708 incidents
- Public Order: 53,728 incidents
- Shoplifting: 51,341 incidents
- Vehicle Crimes: 34,939 incidents
- Violence and Sexual Offences: 243,899 incidents
Most Dangerous Areas in Yorkshire and the Humber
1- Knottingley
Overall Crime Rate of 217.29 Crimes per 1,000 People
The overall crime rate in Knottingley is 217.29 crimes per 1,000 people and the residents have faced 1,435 criminal incidents as of Sep 2024 in the last year. Moreover, the crime rate index of the area is 5.69 which makes it the most dangerous area in Yorkshire.
2- South Kirkby and Moorthorpe
Overall Crime Rate of 198.42 Crimes per 1,000 People
South Kirkby and Moorthorpe are two neighboring cities and have an overall crime rate of 198.42 crimes per 1,000 people making it the second most dangerous area in Yorkshire. The residents of the area saw 1,889 criminal incidents last year and the area has a 5.20 crime rate index.
3- Castleford
Overall Crime Rate of 190.23 Crimes per 1,000 People
Castleford has an overall crime rate of 190.23 crimes per 1,000 people and the residents saw 6,487 criminal incidents last year. The average crime rate index of the area is 4.98.
4- East Ardsley
Overall Crime Rate of 189.05 Crimes per 1,000 People
East Ardsley is one of the well-known and famous cities of Yorkshire with an overall crime rate of 189.05 per 1,000 people saving a spot at number 4th. The residents of the area witnessed 1,243 criminal activities last year and have a crime rate index of 4.95.
5- Pontefract
Overall Crime Rate of 160.83 Crimes per 1,000 People
Pontefract has an overall crime rate of 160.83 crimes per 1,000 people and the residents encountered 3,783 criminal activities last year. The average crime rate index of the area is 4.21.
Some Other Areas with High Criminal Activities
These are some of the areas that have had the highest criminal incidents in the last year but due to their densely populated base, the overall crime rate of the areas is a little bit lower than the above ones. One of the biggest reasons for increasing crime rates in these areas is recession. After the pandemic, the recession phase started in which the prices of common items started hiking by a huge margin which resulted in increased crime rates. As a responsible citizen, it is the duty of every resident to ensure the safety and security of their family, neighbours, and town. Here are some of the areas witnessing huge crimes and illegal activities:
Top Tips for Staying Safe in Yorkshire
When preparing to head out, it’s essential to plan with safety in mind. Carrying essential items like the contact information of a trusted taxi company and enough money for your journey can make a big difference in an emergency. Choosing where to travel is equally important. Avoid poorly lit or deserted areas, especially after dark, and stick to busier, well-lit routes whenever possible.
Keeping Your Belongings Secure
Keeping your belongings secure is another vital step in staying safe. Ensure valuables such as phones, wallets, or purses are kept close and out of sight. Staying alert to your surroundings can also prevent issues. If you ever feel unsafe or suspect you are being followed, head toward a busy, well-lit area where you can seek assistance if needed.
Travelling Safely by Taxi
Taxis offer a convenient way to get around, but it’s important to take steps to ensure your safety. Whenever possible, pre-book your taxi through a trusted company rather than flagging one down on the street. Before getting into the vehicle, verify that the driver’s name and car details match the information provided by the taxi company. This simple check can prevent getting into the wrong car.
Once inside the taxi, sitting in the back seat behind the driver is the safest option, giving you space and a clear exit if needed. Keep conversations with the driver casual, avoiding personal topics that may reveal too much information. Always check for proper licencing, ensuring the taxi displays a licence and the driver has a visible photo ID. If someone approaches you offering a ride without verification, never accept it, even if they claim to be a taxi driver.
Travelling Safely on Buses and Trains
Public transport is a cost-effective and efficient way to travel, but it’s important to remain cautious, especially in unfamiliar areas. Planning your journey in advance can help you avoid unnecessary waiting at stops or stations. By knowing the schedule of your bus or train, you can minimise idle time, particularly at night. Whenever possible, aim to travel during daylight hours, as it is generally safer.
While waiting for your transport, choose well-lit areas with other people nearby. Avoid standing in isolated locations, as they can make you a target. Once aboard, choose your seat strategically. Sitting near the driver, guard, or other passengers provides an added layer of security. Avoid empty train carriages or the top deck of buses, especially if you are travelling alone. If someone near you makes you uncomfortable or acts suspiciously, move to another area immediately.
Keeping your travel ticket or money readily accessible is another simple but effective safety tip. This avoids the need to rummage through your wallet or bag in public, which could draw unwanted attention. If you encounter someone being hostile or threatening, notify the driver or train guard as soon as possible.
What to Do in an Emergency
Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, but knowing how to react can help you stay safe. If you find yourself in danger, call for help by shouting loudly to attract attention. On buses, use the bell to signal the driver, and on trains, pull the emergency chain if needed. These features are there to protect passengers and should be used whenever necessary.
In life-threatening situations, dial 999 to contact emergency services. For non-urgent concerns, you can call the police on 101. If you’ve been a victim of bullying or harassment while travelling, report it to the authorities. They can help address the issue and may already have information about similar incidents involving the same individuals.
Staying safe while travelling requires a mix of awareness, preparation, and caution. With crime rates increasing in Yorkshire and Humber, these practical tips can help you reduce risks and travel more confidently. Whether you’re taking a taxi, bus, or train, always prioritise your safety and trust your instincts.
If you’ve witnessed or experienced a crime, don’t hesitate to report it. In emergencies, call 999. For other concerns, contact 101 or Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 if you prefer to stay anonymous. Taking proactive steps not only protects you but also contributes to making public spaces safer for everyone.
Crime in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire is famous for its stunning countryside, including the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, making it a favourite destination for nature lovers. Despite being a largely peaceful and scenic area, North Yorkshire remains vigilant against crime. In 2023, North Yorkshire recorded a total of 48,885 reported offences, according to the Office for National Statistics. This figure excludes fraud-related cases. The most prevalent crimes in North Yorkshire during 2023 include violence against the person (19,967), theft offences (14,737), non-injurious violent crimes (8,447), violent crimes resulting in injury (5,954), and cases of criminal damage and arson (5,161).
Crime in West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire is well-known for its vibrant cities like Leeds and Bradford, which are hubs of culture, business, and education. It is also recognised for its rich industrial history and cultural attractions, including the Brontë Parsonage Museum and Royal Armouries Museum. Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that 301,036 crimes were reported in West Yorkshire in 2023.
The most significant offences include violence against the person (126,893), theft-related crimes (82,050), stalking and harassment (51,874), non-injurious violent crimes (47,312), and violent crimes resulting in injury (27,561). In this breakdown of West Yorkshire Crime Rates, we’ll provide actionable tips to help you stay safe and secure.
Crime in South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire is renowned for its steel production heritage and its vibrant city of Sheffield, often called the “Steel City.” Despite its charm, South Yorkshire faces its own set of challenges in addressing crime.
South Yorkshire ranks second in the number of crimes recorded in 2023. According to official statistics, a total of 156,748 offences occurred, excluding cases of fraud. The most frequent crimes reported include violence against the person (55,746), theft offences (50,600), stalking and harassment (20,030), non-injurious violent crimes (19,442), and violent crimes involving injury (16,237).
Best Security Company in West Yorkshire
We all know that due to the recession, the crime rate is increasing gradually throughout the UK. If you are a business owner looking for one of the best security companies in West Yorkshire, Guard Mark Security can help you in the best manner. We have been working in the security industry for more than a decade and have helped hundreds of businesses ensure their safety and security.
If you have any questions related to our services, we are just a ring away. Contact us now; our highly skilled and professional customer support team is here all the time to assist you in everything.
