England and Wales make up two of the three legal jurisdictions in the UK, representing half of the country’s total nations. According to a mid-2022 estimate by the Office for National Statistics, the population of England and Wales was approximately 60.2 million people.

Together, the two countries are divided into 70 counties. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most dangerous areas in England and Wales.

Are England and Wales Safe?

England and Wales are known for their rich culture, history, and heritage, attracting people from all over the world. Many move there for better job opportunities and because of the strong and stable economy. These regions are also important globally, influencing economies and shaping international policies.

The promise of a good quality of life draws people from different backgrounds looking for a fresh start. However, like any place, England and Wales have both positive and challenging aspects, reflecting the realities of life in these areas.

Like any place, England and Wales face their own challenges with crime. According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, an estimated 5.5 million crimes occurred in the past 12 months. This translates to a crime rate of roughly 91.2 crimes per 1,000 people. These figures highlight the ongoing challenges that England and Wales must address in their efforts to ensure public safety.

According the Global Peace Index 2024, the United Kingdom ranks 34th out of 162 other countries, reflecting a high level of peace and stability. This ranking suggests that while England and Wales face challenges with crime rates, they remain wonderful places to live and visit.

It’s also important to note that some areas within England and Wales have significantly higher crime rates than others. That said, this should not discourage you from visiting these places. Instead, it’s advisable to exercise extra caution when visiting these areas due to the increased risk of criminal activity.

A Look at the Most Dangerous Areas in England and Wales

Using data from national authorities, such as Police UK and the Office for National Statistics, we can identify some of the top 25 most dangerous areas in England and Wales based on their crime rates.

25. Portsmouth

Portsmouth is known for being the UK’s only island city, as well as its rich maritime and military history. With a crime rate of 122.8 crimes per 1,000 residents, Portsmouth ranks as one of England’s most dangerous harbourside cities. The city experiences a high rate of violent crime, with a concerning 10,475 reported incidents, followed by theft and public order offences.

24. Southwark

Southwark, one of London’s busiest boroughs, is famous for its many cultural attractions. However, despite its cultural attractions, it has one of the highest crime rates in the capital, with 122.8 crimes per 1,000 residents. Theft is particularly common, with 19,692 reported cases, while violent crimes remain a concern second to that. These factors make Southwark a borough where residents and visitors should be particularly aware of their surroundings.

23. Calderdale

Calderdale is a picturesque area known for its natural beauty and unique arts scene. However, beneath its charm, the region is facing a rising crime rate of 122.9 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime being a particular concern, with 11,509 incidents accounting for nearly half of all crimes in the area. Theft and public order offences further contribute to growing safety concerns.

22. Hackney

Hackney is a vibrant London borough, known for its iconic black cabs and diverse residential areas. Unfortunately, however, the area grapples with a crime rate of 123.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, reflecting its dense population and urban nature. Theft tends to be the most common offence, with 15,205 reported cases, followed by violent crime and vehicle-related offences. Despite its cultural and residential appeal, these figures highlight the safety challenges Hackney continues to face.

21. Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Newcastle-upon-Tyne is renowned for its active nightlife, abundant cultural institutions, and historical landmarks. However, the city faces significant challenges, with a crime rate of 123.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime, accounting for 13,217 incidents, and theft are the most pressing concerns. Additionally, drug-related offences have been on the rise in recent years. Though even despite these issues, Newcastle remains a dynamic city with a rich cultural and historical appeal.

20. Nottingham

The city of Nottingham is known for its rich literary culture and vibrant sports scene. Although, Nottingham faces a significant safety challenge with a crime rate of 124.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. Theft is the most frequently reported offence, with 14,008 incidents, followed by violent crime and criminal damage. These figures highlight the ongoing concerns about public safety in a city celebrated for its cultural and athletic contributions.

19. Hammersmith & Fulham

The borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, recognised for its professional football teams and variety of shops, also contends with a notable crime rate of 124.8 crimes per 1,000 residents. This means that their high volume of theft crimes (11,551 incidents) comes as no surprise, followed by violent crime and vehicle offences. While Hammersmith & Fulham’s sports and retail achievements stand out, these safety concerns remain an important issue for the city.

18. Leicester

Leicester, acclaimed for its world-class universities and rich historical heritage, faces a crime rate of 125 crimes per 1,000 people. Violent crime, with 17,920 reported incidents, is the most common offence. This is then followed by theft and public order offences. Despite its academic excellence and cultural significance, the city continues to contend with these pressing safety challenges.

17. Birmingham

Birmingham, famously known as the home of heavy metal and host to the world’s largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, has a crime rate of 128.9 crimes per 1,000 residents. The most common crime in the city is violent crime, with 61,201 reported incidents, followed by theft and vehicle offences. While Birmingham’s cultural and musical significance is widely celebrated, the city faces considerable safety challenges that impact both residents and visitors.

16. Wakefield

Wakefield, known for its iconic Cathedral Church of All Saints and the renowned Yorkshire Sculpture Park, has a crime rate of 130.3 crimes per 1,000 people. Violent crime is the most prevalent, with 19,827 reported cases, followed by theft and public order offences. While the city is known for its cultural and historical landmarks, its higher crime rate highlights ongoing safety concerns for residents and visitors alike.

15. Islington

Renowned for its Victorian and Georgian architecture, as well as its trendy shopping scene, Islington has a crime rate of 131.5 crimes per 1,000 people. Theft is the most common crime, with 14,294 reported incidents, followed by violent crime and vehicle-related offences. Despite its picturesque buildings and lively atmosphere, the city’s crime rate brings attention to the borough’s ongoing battle against safety concerns.

14. Lincoln

Lincoln, esteemed for its stunning cathedral, historic castle, and other landmarks like the Roman waterway, has a crime rate of 131.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. The most common offences are violent crime, with 4,944 incidents, followed by theft and criminal damage. While the city’s rich history and cultural heritage are major attractions, these crime figures underscore ongoing safety concerns for the city.

13. Bradford

Bradford, known for its rich film heritage and vibrant museums and galleries, has a crime rate of 132.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. The city faces notable safety concerns, with violent crime being the most common, accounting for 32,762 cases. Theft follows closely, while public order offences also contribute. Despite its cultural significance, these crime statistics highlight ongoing challenges to safety in the city.

12. Southampton

The city of Southampton is famous for its maritime history and as the home of Southampton F.C. However, it has a crime rate of 133.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime is the most prevalent, with 13,203 reported incidents, followed by theft. Burglary is also a significant concern, contributing somewhat to recorded offences as well. While the city is celebrated for its sporting contributions, these crime statistics show the struggle Southampton faces against its crime rates.

11. Leeds

Leeds, known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse shopping destinations, has a crime rate of 133.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. The most common crime in Leeds is violent crime, with 42,516 reported incidents. This is then followed by theft and public order offences. Despite its cultural attractions and bustling retail environment, these figures reveal the safety challenges the city faces.

10. Doncaster

Known for its horse racing and industrial heritage, Doncaster unfortunately seems to struggle with a crime rate of 134.1 crimes per 1,000 people. The most common offences are violent crime, with 14,822 incidents, and theft. Criminal damage is also a notable concern. These crime statistics highlight significant safety challenges in Doncaster, despite the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

9. Hull

Hull, host of one of the largest aquariums in the UK and a rich array of art galleries and museums, has a crime rate of 136.7 crimes per 1,000 people. Violent crime tends to be one of the most common offences, with 25,273 incidents, followed by theft and drug-related crimes. Even given its cultural attractions and appeal to visitors, these crime figures underscore the safety challenges within the city.

8. Liverpool

Know as the “City of Pop”, and home to a rich art and maritime heritage, Liverpool has a crime rate of 149.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. The most prominent offences are violent crime, with 25,273 incidents, and theft. Drug-related crimes also contribute significantly to the crime rate. Despite its cultural prominence and vibrant atmosphere, these crime figures highlight ongoing safety challenges within the city.

7. Hartlepool

Hartlepool is acclaimed for its seaport history, scenic beaches, and surrounding countryside. However, it still grapples with one of the highest crime rates on this list, of 149.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime is the most prevalent, with 5,629 reported offences. This is followed by theft, and finally criminal damage. Unfortunately, these crime figures distract from the town’s natural beauty and historical significance.

6. Blackpool

Blackpool, renowned for its popular attractions like the Blackpool Tower, Pleasure Beach, and the famous Illuminations, has a crime rate of 157.3 crimes per 1,000 people. Violent crime is the most common of these crimes, accounting for 9,703 reported incidents, while theft and criminal damage are the second and third most common. Despite its status as a major tourist destination, these crime statistics highlight some glaring concerns for both locals and visitors.

5. Kensington & Chelsea

Celebrated for its luxury neighbourhoods and lively annual events, Kensington & Chelsea is a well-known borough within London. However, the borough’s crime rate is 160.4 crimes per 1,000 people. Theft is the most common offence, with 14,032 reported incidents, followed by violent crime. Vehicle offences also contribute significantly. Its reputation as one of London’s wealthiest boroughs seems to have begun attracting significant amounts of crime.

4. Middlesbrough

Known for its industrial heritage, diverse cultural scene, and the famous Tees Transporter Bridge, Middlesbrough faces a crime rate of 170.1 crimes per 1,000 people. The town grapples with high levels of violent crime, which accounts for 9,675 incidents. Theft follows closer, while criminal damage remains a persistent issue. While Middlesbrough’s history and landmarks attract visitors, these crime statistics reveal the ongoing safety concerns that the community must address.

3. Manchester

Manchester, known for its lively events, festivals, and diverse cultural landscape, has a crime rate of 172.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime is the most common, with 33,253 reported incidents, followed by theft, public order offences, and vehicle crimes. While the city’s vibrant atmosphere and cultural appeal attract many, these crime statistics underscore the ongoing safety challenges Manchester faces as it works to ensure the well-being of both residents and visitors.

2. Camden

Known for its bustling markets, vibrant live music scene, and iconic pubs, Camden has a crime rate of 184.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. The most common crime is theft, with 23,971 incidents reported, followed by violent crime and vehicle-related offences. While Camden’s lively atmosphere and cultural appeal make it a go-to spot for many, these crime statistics reveal that safety remains a concern in this popular area.

1. Westminster

Westminster, home to the UK Parliament and a celebrated World Heritage Site, has a crime rate of 440 crimes per 1,000 residents. Theft is by far the most common crime, accounting for 65,020 incidents, which represents over 69% of all crimes in the borough. Violent crime, vehicle offences, and public order offences also contribute to the area’s crime statistics. Despite its iconic landmarks and political importance, the borough faces significant safety concerns as reflected in these high crime rates.

A Summary of the Worst Crime Rates in England and Wales

Rank	Area in England and Wales	Crime Rate per 1,000 People
25th	Portsmouth	122.8
24th	Southwark	122.8
23rd	Calderdale	122.9
22nd	Hackney	123.3
21st	Newcastle-upon-Tyne	123.7
20th	Nottingham	124.6
19th	Hammersmith & Fulham	124.8
18th	Leicester	125
17th	Birmingham	128.9
16th	Wakefield	130.3
15th	Islington	131.5
14th	Lincoln	131.6
13th	Bradford	132.4
12th	Southampton	133.3
11th	Leeds	133.3
10th	Doncaster	134.1
9th	Hull	136.7
8th	Liverpool	136.7
7th	Hartlepool	149.2
6th	Blackpool	157.3
5th	Kensington & Chelsea	160.4
4th	Middlesbrough	170.1
3rd	Manchester	172.6
2nd	Camden	184.2
1st	Westminster	440

A Breakdown on the Types of Crime in England and Wales

According to Crimerate, England recorded 87 crimes per 1,000 people in the 12 months leading up to September 2024. By examining the data they gathered, we’ve identified the most common types of crime in the country.

Type of Crime	Crime Count	Crime Rate per 1,000 People
Violence and Sexual Offences	1,854,178	35.00
Anti-Social Behaviour	843,643	16.00
Shoplifting	427,855	8.08
Criminal Damage and Arson	410,371	7.75
Other Theft	408,169	7.71
Public Order	381,098	7.20
Vehicle Crime	335,173	6.33
Burglary	229,890	4.34
Drugs	149,766	2.83
Theft from the Person	125,445	2.37
Other Crime	105,907	2.00
Robbery	72,907	1.38
Bicycle Theft	54,786	1.03
Possession of Weapons	49,443	0.93

Is There More Crime in England or Wales?

Between England and Wales, England has a slightly higher crime rate. With 87 crimes per 1,000 people, England sees more incidents reported than Wales, which has a crime rate of 84 per 1,000 people. This difference, though not significant, may be influenced by England’s larger population and higher concentration of urban areas, where crime tends to be more prevalent.

In contrast, Wales has a lower crime rate, reflecting its smaller population and greater proportion of rural areas. While the gap between the two countries is narrow, it suggests that Wales experiences slightly fewer incidents overall. Despite this, both England and Wales face distinct challenges related to crime, influenced by various factors such as location, socio-economic conditions, and urbanisation.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve examined the top 25 most dangerous areas in England and Wales. Like any country, England and Wales have counties, cities, villages, and even towns, with varying levels of safety.

For this reason, it’s important for businesses to implement effective security measures to protect their staff and property. One of the best ways to minimise the risk of crime is by hiring a professional security company. These experts can monitor CCTV, provide on-site security guards to deter potential offenders, and evaluate your current security systems, offering recommendations to strengthen your organisation’s overall safety.

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