Quick Facts
Nottingham’s Crime Rate:
104 crimes per 1,000 people. This sits around 44% above the national average across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The trend, however, has started to level out rather than rise sharply.
Most Dangerous Areas
- St. Ann’s: 156 crimes per 1,000 people
- Castle (City Centre): 150 crimes per 1,000 people
- Hyson Green & Arboretum: 139 crimes per 1,000 people
These areas see steady footfall, dense housing, and more late-night activity, which often drives higher incident levels.
Safest Areas
- Nuthall East & Strelley: 49 crimes per 1,000 people
- Wollaton West: 65 crimes per 1,000 people
- Clifton West: 94 crimes per 1,000 people
Lower density, quieter streets, and fewer nightlife zones help keep these areas more stable.
Most Common Crimes
- Violence And Sexual Offences: 15,294 incidents (Rate: 39)
- Anti-Social Behaviour: Around 8,239 reported cases
- Shoplifting: Around 5,506 incidents, running 47% higher than the national average
Source: Crimerate
Introduction
Is Nottingham safe? As one of the UK’s major cities, Nottingham contributes significantly to the UK’s economy. However, the city is also amongst the highest ranked for crime. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Nottingham’s crime statistics, the city’s most common crimes, shed a light on the safest and most dangerous areas, and include safety tips for businesses and residents.
Table of Contents
Is Nottingham Safe?
Nottingham offers a lively city life, but safety still matters. The latest 2026 data shows 104 crimes per 1,000 people. This is lower than 2024, when the rate stood at 110. The drop may look small, yet it signals control rather than growth.
The city now ranks as the 6th most dangerous major UK city. Places like Leeds and Liverpool sit higher, which shifts the picture slightly.
Long-term change tells a clearer story. Crime risk has fallen by 14% over ten years, with a further 1.8% dip this past year. These steady moves point to better local action and stronger control across key areas.
Is Nottingham a Safe Place to Live?
Safety in Nottingham shifts by area. Some places stay calm, while others face more pressure. Outer zones like Nuthall East & Strelley and Wollaton West report low levels, around 49 to 65 crimes per 1,000 people. Streets are quieter. Movement is steady, not rushed.
Closer to the centre, things change. Castle ward and St. Ann’s see much higher figures, often above 150. Busy shops, nightlife, and crowds bring more risk. Shoplifting and public trouble show up more often here.
Where you live or work matters, but habits matter more. Simple steps, good lighting, trained staff, and basic systems can lower risk and keep daily life running without stress.
What Are the Safest Areas in Nottingham?
Nottingham’s outer areas offer a calmer pace and lower risk. Many people choose them for space, routine, and a steady feel.
Recent 2025–2026 data shows clear gaps:
- Nuthall East & Strelley: 49 crimes per 1,000 people
- Wollaton West: 65 crimes per 1,000 people
- Clifton West: 94 crimes per 1,000 people
These figures sit well below the city average of 104. Places like Wollaton Park add to that sense of ease, with open land and quiet paths. Clifton brings riverside walks and local activity without the same pressure seen in central zones.
What Are the Most Dangerous Areas in Nottingham?
Busy parts of Nottingham carry more risk. Crowds, late hours, and busy shops all play a role. Latest 2025–2026 figures highlight the highest levels:
- St. Ann’s: 156 crimes per 1,000 people
- Castle (City Centre): 150 crimes per 1,000 people
- Hyson Green & Arboretum: 139 crimes per 1,000 people
These areas deal with more movement and constant activity. That often leads to more reports. Violence and sexual offences appear often. Shoplifting also stands out, now far above the national level, which puts pressure on local shops.
If you spend time in these areas, stay alert. Good lighting, simple checks, and awareness at night can make a real difference.
What Are the Most Common Crimes in Nottingham?
Recent 2025–2026 data shows clear patterns across Nottingham. Some crime types stand out more than others.
- Violence and Sexual Offences: 15,294 cases, rate: 39 per 1,000. This sits well above the national level.
- Anti-Social Behaviour: 8,328 reports, rate: 21 per 1,000. Reports have risen in volume.
- Shoplifting: 5,370 offences rate: 14 per 1,000. Still a major issue for local shops.
- Criminal Damage and Arson: 3,868 cases, rate: 10 per 1,000. Often linked to busy urban spots.
- Other Theft: 3,412 cases, rate 9 per 1000. Covers a mix of smaller but steady offences.
These figures show where pressure builds and where attention is needed most. Nottingham’s crime landscape has seen a significant increase in the volume of reported violent offences and a shift in how shoplifting and anti-social behaviour rank.
How to Stay Safe in Nottingham
Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or just visiting, implementing practical safety measures can help you feel more secure and enjoy everything the city has to offer. Here are some crime prevention tips, so you can stay safe in Nottingham:
Tips for Residents
- Secure Your Home: Ensure your property is well-lit and deter intruders by installing high quality locks on doors and windows.
- Invest in Security Technology: Protect your home by installing CCTV, alarm systems and motion-sensor lights to help deter burglars.
- Protect Your Belongings: Whether at home or in public, secure valuables and keep them out of sight to minimise risk of theft.
Tips for Businesses
- Manned Guarding: Create a secure and welcoming environment with fully licensed security guards stationed at your business premises.
- CCTV Monitoring Services: Consider 24/7 professional surveillance and real-time monitoring of your business premises to detect and respond to suspicious activity, and for added peace of mind.
- Keyholding and Alarm Response: Swift intervention of alarm activations on your business premises, ensuring continuous safety for employees, customers and visitors.
Conclusion: Is Nottingham Safe?
Even though Nottingham is the fifth most dangerous major city in the UK, the city’s crime rate has steadily decreased over the last five years. To all the person holds question of Is Nottingham safe, this article gives a clear answer.
By staying informed, taking precautions, and implementing our safety tips, you can confidently enjoy what Nottingham has to offer.
Has this article piqued your interest in learning more about our nationwide security guarding services? Explore your options on our services page.
If you found this article useful, you can learn more about crime rates in the East Midlands on our News & Insights page.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Nottingham safe to live in?
It can be. Some areas stay calm, others feel busy and rough. Where you live matters a lot.
2. Which parts of Nottingham are safest?
Outer areas tend to be quieter. They have less foot traffic and fewer late-night spots.
3. Why is crime higher in the city centre?
More people, more shops, more nightlife. That mix often brings more incidents.
4. What crimes happen most often?
Violence, anti-social acts, and shop theft show up the most in reports.
5. How can I stay safe day to day?
Stay aware, avoid empty streets late, and keep things simple. Small habits help reduce risk.
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