How Safe is Leicester?

Quick Facts

• Leicester’s Crime Rate: 98 crimes per 1,000 people, 44% higher than

Leicestershire’s overall crime rate of 68 per 1,000.

• Highest Crime Rate Indexes (vs national average):
  • Public Order: 2.00x the national average (4,933 offences)
  • Criminal Damage and Arson: 1.64x the national average (4,383 offences)
  • Drugs: 1.45x the national average (1,911 offences)
• Crime Trend: Leicester’s overall crime rate has fallen year-on-year — from 110 crimes per 1,000 in 2024 to 98 in 2026 — though it remains significantly above regional and national averages.
• Most Common Crimes: Violence and sexual offences, with 16,796 offences recorded in 2026 — the highest by volume.

Source: CrimeRate

Is Leicester Safe?

Leicester is the most dangerous city in Leicestershire, placing it among the top 20 most dangerous areas overall in its region. In 2026, the city recorded a crime rate of 98 offences per 1,000 people. This is 44% higher than the overall crime rate for the county.

When viewed on a national scale, Leicester is ranked as the 620th 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

Is Leicester a Safe Place to Live?

Leicester is a city with a lot to offer, but like any urban area, safety levels vary across neighbourhoods. According to the latest figures, Leicester has an overall crime rate of 98 crimes per 1,000 people, 44% above the Leicestershire average, and is ranked the most dangerous city in the county.

That said, crime has been falling consistently since a peak in 2023, and Leicester sits in the middle of the pack when compared to major UK cities like Birmingham, Liverpool, and Nottingham, all of which record higher crime rates.

Certain areas carry more risk than others. Parks and open spaces such as Braunstone Park, Victoria Park, and The Rally Community Park recorded some of the highest crime concentrations in the city over the past 12 months, spanning anti-social behaviour, public order offences, and violence. Violence and sexual offences remain the most commonly recorded crime type across the city, though figures here have dropped 2.3% year-on-year.

By choosing a neighbourhood carefully and taking practical precautions, securing your home, staying alert in busy public spaces, and being aware of your surroundings after dark, residents can still enjoy a fulfilling life in Leicester while making the most of everything the city has to offer.

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 the latest statistics:

• Violent Offences: Violence and sexual offences remain the most common crime type, with 16,796 incidents recorded — a rate of 39.53 per 1,000 people, and 1.30 times the national average.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: With 6,650 incidents, anti-social behaviour is the second most frequently recorded category, at a rate of 15.66 per 1,000.
• Public Order: There were 4,933 reported cases, giving Leicester a Public Order crime rate double the national average at a CrimeRate Index of 2.00.
• Criminal Damage and Arson: With 4,383 cases, this category sits at 1.64 times the national average — one of the city’s most disproportionately high crime types.
• Shoplifting: 3,506 cases were recorded, a figure that has risen 13% over the past three years.
• Other Theft: Theft-related crimes account for 2,996 reported cases.

Despite these figures, Leicester has seen consistent improvement in overall crime levels. The total crime rate has fallen from a peak of 117.68 crimes per 1,000 people in 2023 to 97.86 in 2026, a meaningful reduction over three years.

Is Crime in Leicester Increasing?

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

• An 18.6% decrease in vehicle crime.
• A 13.5% reduction in burglary offences.
• An 11.2% drop in other theft.
• A 7.4% decline in public order crimes.

However, not all trends are moving in the right direction. Anti-social behaviour has seen the sharpest rise, increasing by 15.2% over the last twelve months and making it the fastest-growing crime category in the area. Drug-related offences also rose by 9.3% year-on-year.

While Leicester still faces urban challenges, the reductions across vehicle crime, burglary, and theft indicate meaningful progress. The continued growth in anti-social behaviour highlights an area that requires additional focus from law enforcement and community initiatives.

What Are the Most Dangerous Areas in Leicester?

Leicester, like any city, has locations where crime concentrates above the city’s average. Based on the latest crime data, certain parks and public spaces stand out as particular hotspots. Braunstone Park recorded 234 offences in the 12 months to April 2026, including 89 violent and sexual offences, 53 incidents of anti-social behaviour, and 20 public order offences. Victoria Park logged 215 offences over the same period, while The Rally Community Park recorded 280 offences, the highest of any named open space in the city, including 107 incidents of violence and sexual offences and 17 robberies.

More broadly, Leicester’s crime risk score within a five-minute walk of a typical location sits at 647 out of 1,000, rising to 744 within a fifteen-minute walk, both significantly above the Leicestershire average.

While these figures highlight specific hotspots, many parts of the city remain well within normal urban crime ranges. Residents can reduce personal risk by securing their homes, staying alert in busy public spaces, and using well-lit routes after dark.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leicester a safe city to live in?

Leicester is generally considered a safe place to live, although crime levels vary by neighbourhood. Areas such as Spinney Hills, North Evington, and Troon report lower crime rates than some parts of the city centre. Residents can improve their safety by staying aware of local crime trends and following basic security precautions.

What is the crime rate in Leicester?

Leicester records approximately 98 crimes per 1,000 residents, making it one of the higher-crime locations in Leicestershire. However, crime levels differ significantly between neighbourhoods, and many residential areas experience lower-than-average crime rates.

What are the safest areas in Leicester?

Some of the safest areas in Leicester include Spinney Hills, North Evington, and Troon. These neighbourhoods typically report lower crime rates and are popular with families, professionals, and students looking for a secure environment.

What are the most dangerous areas in Leicester?

Crime hotspots can include parts of Braunstone Park, Victoria Park, and areas surrounding the city centre. These locations often experience higher levels of anti-social behaviour, public order offences, and theft-related incidents.

Is Leicester safer than other UK cities?

Leicester’s crime rate is higher than the national average and exceeds some comparable UK cities. However, it remains safer than several major urban areas in England and Wales. Safety levels depend largely on the specific area and type of crime being assessed.

What are the most common crimes in Leicester?

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Leicester. Other common offences include anti-social behaviour, public order offences, shoplifting, and theft-related crimes.

How can residents stay safe in Leicester?

Residents can improve personal safety by securing their homes with quality locks, installing CCTV or alarm systems, staying alert in busy public areas, and avoiding poorly lit routes at night.

Do businesses in Leicester need professional security services?

Many Leicester businesses benefit from professional security services, particularly those operating in retail, construction, logistics, manufacturing, and commercial sectors. Security guards, mobile patrols, CCTV monitoring, and key holding services can help reduce risks and protect assets.