The 25 Worst Areas for Gun Crime in UK

Before even starting this blog, I want you to just close your eyes and think about the United Kingdom. I bet there will be clean roads, happy people laughing with their loved ones, beautiful flowers blooming, industrialisation, technology, amazing shores, beaches, and many more.

Undoubtedly, all these things are part of the UK. There are people who are busy in creating the working opportunities for others. There are people who are working on the technologies most people are not even aware of. There are beautiful flowers, clean roads, and picturesque shores.

But one thing that is impacting all these beautiful attributes and destroying the reputation of the United Kingdom on the global level is its increasing crime rates. The crime rate in the UK is increasing by a huge margin, and in today’s blog, we will discuss gun crime in the UK.

After reading this blog, you will be aware of the gun crime in the UK and you will also have the list of 25 worst areas for gun crime in the UK. So, let’s start with the overall gun crime in the UK as per the 2024 statistics we have from trusted and authorised sources.

What Is Gun Crime Like Across The UK?

At Guard Mark Security, we have been writing about crime rates and illegal activities for a long time and provide you with legitimate and trusted data from authorised sources. We all know that the UK is one of the countries with extraordinary powers and economy.

But the crime rates here are increasing, including theft, burglary, violence, possession of a weapon, gun crime, and more. During the pandemic times, we have seen some of the highest crime rates in the different parts of the UK.

After the pandemic, the crime rate was still high due to inflation and economic disturbance. So, when talking about gun crimes in the UK, we have seen shocking 8,767 gun crime and violence instances from April 2023 to March 2024.

These statistics show that the crime rate is on the rise and law authorities must do something before the situation escalates. The crime rates are so much higher even when you can’t carry a weapon legally in the UK. Now imagine what would happen if the UK had the same law as the USA in which you can carry weapons legally for the sake of your, your family’s, and your assets’ safety.

Breakdown of Gun Crime in the UK

Let’s break down the gun crime incidents to have a clearer understanding of what kind of crimes are happening most, in which weapons are involved.

750 cases were related to the homicides in which criminals have either killed or tried to kill the victims.
From April 2023 to March 2024, 5,046 gun crime incidents were reported in which somebody was harmed.
1,865 was related to the criminal damage.
958 was related to the possession of a weapon.
885 was related to the robberies in different residential and commercial properties, in which the robbers were carrying weapons/firearms.

Homicide: The Irreversible Impact on UK Society

When we look at the list of crimes, homicide is the most disturbing because wounds can heal, and people make money again, but once someone dies, they can’t get back.

In the UK, such a high homicide crime rate means that people are facing 2 homicide incidents daily, whether they are successful or not. So, people need to get educated because taking someone’s life is the worst thing a human can do.

Now that we have the overview picture related to gun crimes in the UK, let’s start discussing the area-wise to see the real picture.

The 25 Worst Areas for Gun Crime in the UK

Carrying a weapon is one of the most dangerous things because it is very hard to control your emotions when you are angry. While discussing the list of these areas, remember all kinds of crimes related to the gun or firearm are included (violence, robberies, homicides, possession of a weapon, and more).

#1- London

London recorded 1,248 firearm incidents last year.
The gun crime rate increased by 15% compared to the previous year.

#2- West Yorkshire

West Yorkshire is one of the most famous counties in the UK and is well known for its history, culture, and natural beauty. When talking about history, it has the National Coal Mining Museum, Kirkstall Abbey, and the Brontë Parsonage Museum.

Gun crime in West Yorkshire is also increasing by a huge margin. In the last year, the residents of West Yorkshire have witnessed 626 firearm offences and the crime rate has increased by 42% when compared with the previous year. Such a steep incline on the graph is really disturbing and law authorities should do something to control the gun crime offences in West Yorkshire.

To learn more about the safety of this region, recent crime statistics, and security tips, read our in-depth blog post: How Safe Is Yorkshire and the Humber 2024?

#3- West Midlands

When talking about the gun crimes in the West Midlands, it is on the 3rd spot and has faced 576 firearm offences in the last year. But the good news here is that gun crime has slightly decreased by 4% in West Midlands when compared with the previous years.

#4- Greater Manchester

Total reported firearm offences in Greater Manchester (last year): 494 incidents.
Gun crime increased by 21% compared to the previous year.

Our full report on the most dangerous areas in Manchester breaks it all down if you’re looking to move to the city.

#5- South Yorkshire

Gun crime in South Yorkshire decreased by 7% in the last year.
Total reported firearm incidents: 309 cases.

#6- Essex

Gun crime in Essex decreased by 16% according to the latest data.
Total reported firearm offences in the last year: 185 incidents.

#7- Northumbria

Gun crime in Northumbria increased by 20% in the last year.
Total reported firearm incidents: 171 cases.

#8- Hampshire

Gun crime in Hampshire increased by 15% in the last year.
Total reported firearm incidents: 152 cases.

#9- Merseyside

Gun crime in the area decreased by 21% in the last year.
Total reported firearm offences: 151 incidents.

Our comprehensive report on the most dangerous areas in Liverpool provides valuable insights for anyone considering a move to the city.

#10- Cleveland

Gun crime in Cleveland decreased by 20% in the last year.
Total reported firearm offences: 148 incidents.

#11- Lancashire

Gun crime in Lancashire increased by 12% in the last year.
Total reported firearm offences: 142 incidents.

#12- Sussex

Gun crime in Sussex increased by 11% in the last year.
Total recorded firearm incidents: 137 offences.

#13- Nottinghamshire

Total recorded firearm incidents: 119 offences.

#14- Leicestershire

Leicestershire, home to the bustling city of Leicester and its surrounding countryside, is facing increasing gun crime issues. Last year, there were 116 firearm offences reported in the county, marking a 9% rise from the previous year. This increase puts Leicestershire among the areas with high gun crime rates in the UK.

#15- Thames Valley

The Thames Valley region, which includes parts of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, is famous for its picturesque landscapes. However, it faces its own struggles with crime. Last year, the area recorded 115 firearm offences, underscoring the ongoing challenge of gun crime in one of the UK’s most scenic regions.

#16- Kent

Known for the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and often referred to as the gateway to the UK, Kent is also dealing with gun crime challenges. Last year, there were 113 firearm offences in the county, equating to more than two gun-related incidents per week. Fortunately, this represents just a 1% decrease from the previous year.

#17- Humberside

Humberside, which includes areas like Hull and stretches of North Yorkshire, is seeing a significant spike in gun crime. Last year, 108 firearm offences were reported, an alarming 69% increase compared to the previous year. Despite no longer being a county in its own right, gun crime remains a serious issue in the region.

#18- Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire, a historic county home to large towns like Luton, is facing worsening issues with gun crime. Last year, the region recorded 104 firearm offences, a sharp increase of 39% from the previous year. This rise brings Bedfordshire’s gun crime figures back to levels seen in 2019/2020.

#19- Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire, known for its rolling hills and the town of Northampton, has developed a growing reputation for gun crime. Last year, 104 firearm offences were reported in the county. While this number is concerning, the positive side is that gun crime has decreased by 13% compared to the previous year.

#20- Derbyshire

Derbyshire, a county known for both the natural beauty of the Peak District and the urban centres of Derby and Chesterfield, has seen a slight rise in gun crime. Last year, 99 firearm offences were reported, marking a 1% increase from the previous year.

#21- West Mercia

Covering the rural areas of Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire, West Mercia might seem like an unexpected inclusion on the list. However, with 93 firearm offences reported last year, it earns its place. The good news is that this figure represents a significant 33% drop from the previous year.

#22- Cheshire

Cheshire, known for its wealth and heritage, continues to face challenges with gun crime. Last year, the county reported 92 firearm offences, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the previous year. This puts Cheshire just 14 incidents behind its worst year on record, which was in 2019/2020.

#23- Avon & Somerset

Avon & Somerset, an area largely rural except for cities like Bath and Bristol, reported 91 firearm offences in the last year. This represents a significant 54% increase compared to the previous year, placing the region firmly among those worst affected by gun crime in the UK.

#24- Lincolnshire

In Lincolnshire, 87 firearm offences were recorded last year, marking a 10% rise from the previous year. Known for its scenic Wolds and the city of Lincoln, the county is facing growing challenges with gun crime.

#25- Durham

Durham, home to towns like Hartlepool and Stockton, has seen a decrease in gun crime over the past year. A total of 65 firearm offences were reported, which is a 16% drop compared to the previous year. Despite this decline, the area remains a concern when it comes to gun crime.

Key Trends in Gun Crime

While we’ve discussed the areas with the highest gun crime rates in the UK, it’s important to remember that each area faces different challenges. Over the past year, some regions have shown real improvements.

Gloucestershire, for instance, saw the biggest drop in gun crimes, with cases down by 54% from 82 incidents in 2022/23 to just 38 in 2023/24. South Wales also experienced a similar positive trend, with gun crimes falling by 43% (from 86 incidents in 2022/23 to 49 in 2023/24). Additionally, both West Mercia (a 33% decrease from 139 to 93 incidents) and Dorset (a 33% drop from 70 to 47 incidents) reported notable reductions.

However, not all areas saw declines. Overall, gun crimes across the UK increased by 6%, rising from 5,917 incidents in 2022/23 to 6,268 in 2023/24.

In certain regions, the rise was more noticeable. Humberside recorded the highest increase, with gun crime up by 69%, jumping from 64 incidents in 2022/23 to 108 in 2023/24. Avon and Somerset saw a similar increase of 54% (from 59 incidents to 91), West Yorkshire recorded a 44% rise (from 440 incidents to 626), and Bedfordshire’s gun crime rate grew by 39%, moving from 75 to 104 incidents over the year.

How has Guard Mark Security Sourced This Data?

At Guard Mark Security, we often write articles and blogs related to the crime rates in different cities and areas of the United Kingdom. While writing the blogs and mentioning the statistics, our top priority is to gather the data from trusted and authorised sources.

To write this blog, we have gathered all the statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) from the time period of April 2023 to March 2024. You can visit the ONS website and make sure all the statistics we have shared are correct and legitimate.

Why My Area Is Not Listed Here?

It is human nature to check the statistics of their own area to have some peace of mind. So, if your area is not listed above, congratulations! You are living in some of the safest areas as compared to the above listed. Here is a list of some more areas that have a relatively high gun crime rate:

Suffolk: 11 Firearms Offences (8% Decline)
Hertfordshire: 62 Firearms Offences (21% Decline)
Warwickshire: 58 Firearms Offences (16% Incline)
Staffordshire: 55 Firearms Offences (12% Incline)
Surrey: 55 Firearms Offences (11% Decline)
South Wales: 49 Firearms Offences (43% Decline)
Dorset: 47 Firearms Offences (33% Decline)
Norfolk: 43 Firearms Offences (2% incline)
Gloucestershire: 38 Firearms Offences (54% Decline)
Cumbria: 37 Firearms Offences (3% Incline)
Cambridgeshire: 36 Firearms Offences (29% Decline)
North Wales: 32 Firearms Offences (10% Incline)
Gwent: 30 Firearms Offences (42% Incline)
North Yorkshire: 28 Firearms Offences (30% Decline)
Wiltshire: 22 Firearms Offences (29% Incline)
Dyfed-Powys: 20 Firearms Offences (38% Decline)

Best Security Guarding Services in the UK

As we have shared all the statistics related to gun crimes in the UK, there are many areas where gun crime is increasing, and very few are experiencing a decline.

So, if you are a business person or a famous personality and looking for security guards or close protection officers, you are in the perfect place. At Guard Mark Security, we have been offering security services for the last 10 years in the UK and have helped multiple businesses secure their premises, assets, and customers.

All our security guards and close protection officers are SIA licenced and vetted as per BS7858 standards, ensuring complete professionalism and trustworthiness.

If you have any queries related to our services, our highly skilled and professional team is here all the time to assist you in the best manner.