Quick Facts

• Leicester’s Crime Rate: 131 crimes per 1,000 people, 47% higher than the county’s crime rate.
• Most Dangerous Areas:
  • Westcotes: 225 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Eyres Monsell: 188 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Fosse: 186 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Safest Areas:
  • Spinney Hills: 56 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • North Evington: 69 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Troon: 70 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Most Common Crimes: Violent offences, public order crimes, and anti-social behaviour.

Source: CrimeRate

Is Leicester Safe?

Leicester is the most dangerous city in Leicestershire, placing it among the top 10 most dangerous areas overall in its region. In 2023, the city recorded a crime rate of 131 offences per 1,000 people. This is 47% higher than the overall crime rate for the county.

When viewed on a national scale, Leicester is ranked as the 451st most dangerous location in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While this may seem like a concerning figure, it’s important to interpret such rankings with caution.

A city’s perceived safety is influenced by multiple factors, including its population size, economic activity, and the volume of crimes reported. Larger cities, like Leicester, often see higher crime rates simply because of their dense populations and bustling urban environments.

Is Leicester a Safe Place to Live?

Leicester is a city with a lot to offer, but like any urban area, safety levels can vary across neighbourhoods. Wards such as Spinney Hills and North Evington are well-known for their low crime rates and strong sense of community, making them attractive places to live. On the other hand, areas like Westcotes, Eyres Monsell, and Fosse tend to experience higher crime rates and may require more caution.

By choosing a neighbourhood carefully and taking simple precautions, like securing your home and staying alert, residents can enjoy a safe and fulfilling life while taking full advantage of Leicester’s many opportunities.

What Are the Most Common Crimes in Leicester?

Leicester, like many urban areas, experiences a range of crimes with notable variations across different types. Here’s a breakdown based on recent statistics:

• Violent Offences: Violence and sexual offences are a significant issue, with 18,305 incidents reported.
• Public Order: Despite ranking as the second most common crime, there is a significant gap in crime count, with 5,299 reported cases.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: Anti-social behaviour incidents remain a concern, with 5,026 incidents.
• Criminal Damage and Arson: There were 4,484 cases, representing a sizeable portion of Leicester’s crime.
• Other Theft: Theft-related crimes remain a concern, with 3,591 reported cases.
• Shoplifting: Shoplifting also stands out, with 3,186 cases.

Despite these figures, Leicester has seen positive trends in crime overall. For instance, compared to last year, Leicester’s crime rate has dropped from 133.97 crimes per 1,000 people to 125.15 crimes per 1,000 people.

Is Crime in Leicester Increasing?

Leicester has experienced notable changes in its crime statistics, reflecting both challenges and improvements in specific areas. Key trends, as shown by Plumplot, include:

• A 19.1% decrease in drug crimes.
• 18.0% fewer reports of bicycle theft.
• An 8.4% drop in cases of criminal damage and arson.
• A 17.5% decline in public order crimes.

While Leicester still faces urban challenges, the overall decline in some major crime categories indicated progress. However, increase across shoplifting and anti-social behaviour highlight areas that require additional focus from law enforcement and community initiatives.

What Are the Most Dangerous Areas in Leicester?

Leicester, like any city, has neighbourhoods where crime rates are higher than the city average. Based on the latest crime statistics, the most concerning areas include:

• Westcotes: 225 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Eyres Monsell: 188 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Fosse: 186 crimes per 1,000 people.

While these areas have higher crime rates, many incidents occur in specific hotspots, and the broader community is generally safe. Residents can improve their personal security by securing their homes, staying vigilant in public areas, and using well-lit routes at night.

What Are the Safest Areas in Leicester?

Leicester offer a variety of safe, community-oriented neighbourhoods, perfect for families, professionals, and students. These areas stand out for their blend of security, green spaces, and local amenities:

• Spinney Hills: 56 crimes per 1,000 people.
• North Evington: 69 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Troon: 70 crimes per 1,000 people.

These neighbourhoods combine safety, convenience, and a high quality of life, making them ideal for those seeking a balanced and welcoming place to live in Leicester.

How Does Leicester Compare to Other UK Cities?

Over the past year, Leicester has had a higher crime rate than cities like Camden, Nottingham, and Liverpool. With 125.15 crimes per 1,000 people, Leicester’s crime rate exceeds those of Camden (108.07), Nottingham (110.86), and Liverpool (124.42). For comparison:

• London: 100 crimes per 1,000 people.
• National Average (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland): 84 crimes per 1,000 people.

When it comes to violent crime, Leicester ranks 40th out of 99 other postcode areas. Although it ranked lower than cities like Liverpool and Birmingham, it remains important for both residents and visitors to take the issue of violent crime seriously.

How Does Leicester Compare Globally?

Leicester scores 46.5 on Numbeo’s safety index, slightly above Brussels, Belgium, score of 45.5. Leicester’s safety index score makes it safer than places like Paris and Frankfurt, but more dangerous than Munich and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Unfortunately, Numbeo has given the increase in crime over the past five years a high score of 64.78. This notable rise in crime reflects poorly on the city and heightens concerns about Leicester’s status as the most dangerous city in its region.

How to Stay Safe in Leicester: Practical Tips

Whether you’re a resident or a business owner, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime:

For Residents

• Secure your home: Install high-quality locks, reinforce doors, and ensure your property is well-lit.
• Invest in technology: CCTV cameras and alarm systems are effective deterrents.
• Protect your belongings: Keep valuables out of sight, whether at home or in your vehicle, to reduce the risk of theft.

For Businesses

Businesses, especially those in higher-risk areas, should consider professional security services, such as:

• Alarm response and keyholding services to ensure peace of mind during off-hours.
• Mobile patrols to deter potential criminals.
• On-site security personnel to provide ongoing protection and enhance safety.

Conclusion: How Safe is Leicester?

While some parts of the city experience higher crime rates, Leicester is home to several neighborhoods that offer safety and a sense of security. However, it is worth noting that Leicester is the most dangerous city in its region.

Overall, despite the city’s crime statistics being above the national average, many areas with low crime rates provide a comfortable living environment. By staying informed and practicing basic safety precautions, residents and visitors can enjoy all that Leicester has to offer.

Choose Region Security Guarding for Reliable Security Solutions in Leicester

At Region Security Guarding, we’ve been providing trusted security solutions to Leicester residents and At Region Security Guarding, we’ve been committed to keeping Leicester’s residents and businesses safe for over a decade. As a leading provider in the security industry, we offer unmatched expertise and qualifications:

• SIA-accredited professionals delivering top-tier service.
• 24/7, year-round protection for your business.

Whether you need SIA-licensed security guards, mobile patrols, or customized security solutions, our team is ready to assist.

Get in touch today to discover how we can help you stay safe in Leicester.