How Safe is Yorkshire and the Humber?

Quick Facts (2026)

• Crime rate 85 per 1,000 people
• Most dangerous: Halifax, Bradford, Dewsbury
• Safest: Harrogate, York, Sheffield
• Most common crimes: violence & sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, shoplifting
• North Yorkshire Police area: 66.41 per 1,000

Source: CrimeRate

How Safe is Yorkshire and the Humber?

Yorkshire and the Humber sits below the national crime average overall, with a CrimeRate Index of 0.83 for 2026, meaning crime rates here run noticeably lower than the England-wide picture. The region recorded 85 crimes per 1,000 people in the 12 months to April 2026, with violence and sexual offences the most commonly reported crime type, at roughly 38 reports per 1,000 daytime population.

The longer-term picture is encouraging too. Crime risk scores across the region have fallen by 15% over the past decade, though the trend has ticked up 3.6% over the last five years. Looking at just the past year, risk has edged down again, by around 0.6%.

That said, safety varies by area and offence type. Possession of weapons and shoplifting both run above the national average with rates of 1.65 and 1.19, respectively, even as overall crime sits well below it. Among the region’s towns and cities, Halifax, Bradford, and Dewsbury have the highest Crime Risk Scores, while Harrogate, York, and Sheffield have the lowest.

Is Yorkshire and the Humber a Safe Place to Live?

Overall, Yorkshire and the Humber compares well against the national average, with a CrimeRate Index of 0.83 across the region. Areas like Harrogate, York, and Sheffield rank as the safest locations by Crime Risk Score, making them a solid choice for anyone prioritising a lower-crime area to settle in.

In contrast, towns and cities like Halifax, Bradford, and Dewsbury carry the highest Crime Risk Scores in the region. To enjoy a safe and fulfilling life here, it’s worth choosing the right neighbourhood and taking practical precautions, such as securing your property and staying vigilant.

What Are the Most Common Crimes in Yorkshire?

Yorkshire experiences a range of crimes, with some types occurring more frequently than others:

Violence and Sexual Offences: The most prevalent, with over 24,000 incidents in the 12 months to April 2026, and a crime rate of 24.14.
Anti-Social Behaviour: This category accounted for over 14,000 crimes, equating to a crime rate of 14.47.
Shoplifting: A persistent issue, with just under 8,500 reports and a crime rate of 8.45.

Crime remains a concern for Yorkshire and the Humber, having climbed to an all-time high in 2024. Since then, though, the trend has reversed, with total crime falling for two years running through to 2026. Yorkshire’s commitment to improving safety is starting to show, with crime rates now easing rather than climbing.

What Are the Most Dangerous Areas in Yorkshire and the Humber?

While Yorkshire has many safe and vibrant towns and cities, some areas experience higher crime rates. Recent statistics highlight three areas with notably high crime levels:

• Bentley: Bentley has a crime rate of 131 crimes per 1,000 people, making it the most dangerous medium-sized town in South Yorkshire and 54% higher than the Yorkshire and Humber average.
• Knottingley: With a crime rate of 129 crimes per 1,000 people, Knottingley ranks as the third most dangerous small town in West Yorkshire, sitting 52% above the regional average.
• Worsbrough: Worsbrough records a crime rate of 108 crimes per 1,000 people, placing it among the top five most dangerous small towns in South Yorkshire, 27% higher than the regional figure.

Residents in these areas can enhance their safety by securing their homes, staying alert in busy public spaces, and, when necessary, exploring professional security options.

What Are the Safest Areas in Yorkshire and the Humber?

Despite its challenges, Yorkshire is home to several towns and cities known for their safety, strong community ties, and high quality of life. These areas provide a welcoming environment for families, professionals, and students alike:

• Elloughton-cum-Brough: 24 crimes per 1,000 residents, the safest small town in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
• Haxby: 27 crimes per 1,000 residents, the safest small town in North Yorkshire.
• Willerby: 33 crimes per 1,000 residents , the third safest small town in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

These areas offer a blend of safety and comfort, making them some of the most appealing areas to call home in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Crime in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire, the first region in our analysis, recorded a low crime rate of 69 crimes per 1,000 people as of April 2026. The most common types of crime in the region included:

• Violence and Sexual Offences: 39,884 crimes.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: 25,539 crimes.
• Criminal Damage and Arson: 10,539 crimes.
• Shoplifting: 10,906 crimes.
• Public Order: 6,911 crimes.

Despite having one of the lowest crime figures in Yorkshire, these statistics reveal key areas for improvement, ensuring North Yorkshire remains a safe and secure place to live

Crime in West Yorkshire

The overall crime rate in West Yorkshire as of April 2026 is 96 crimes per 1,000 people, and the most common crimes are violence and sexual offences, with reports coming from roughly every 44 out of 1,000 daytime population.

• Violence and Sexual Offences: 122,302 crimes
•  Public Order: 23,622 crimes 
• Anti-Social Behaviour: 28,357 crimes
•  Criminal Damage and Arson: 20,740 crimes 
• Shoplifting: 20,448 crimes)
• Burglary: 14,188 crimes
• Other Theft: 18,533 crimes 

Crime in South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire has a crime rate of 87 crimes per 1,000 people. The most frequently reported crimes during the 12 months ending April 2026 were:

• Violence and Sexual Offences: 56,798 crimes
• Anti-Social Behaviour: 26,700 crimes
• Shoplifting: 13,959 crimes
• Criminal Damage and Arson: 13,544 crimes
• Public Order: 11,818 crimes

South Yorkshire’s crime rate reflects ongoing challenges in maintaining safety, emphasising the need for targeted measures to address these issues effectively.

Crime in Humberside

Humberside’s crime rate has fallen to 85 crimes per 1,000 people for the 12 months ending March 2026, down from 102 in the previous period. Violence and Sexual Offences remain the most frequently reported crime type, followed by:

• Public Order: 8,845 crimes.
• Criminal Damage and Arson: 8,592 crimes.
• Burglary: 4,208 crimes.

Humberside’s downward trend suggests ongoing measures to improve security and reduce crime in the region continue to have an effect.

How to Stay Safe in Yorkshire and the Humber: Practical Tips

Whether you’re a resident or a business owner, taking proactive steps to enhance security can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. Here are some practical measures to consider:

For Residents

• Secure Your Home: Install sturdy locks, reinforce doors, and ensure outdoor areas are well-lit to deter intruders.
• Leverage Technology: Use CCTV cameras and alarm systems to enhance security and act as strong deterrents.
• Protect Your Belongings: Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, whether inside your home or vehicle, to minimise temptation for thieves.

For Businesses

Businesses, especially those in higher-risk areas, can benefit from professional security solutions tailored to their needs:

• Alarm Response and Keyholding Services: Providing rapid incident response and peace of mind during off-hours.
• Mobile Patrols: Offering a visible security presence to discourage potential offenders.
• On-Site Security Personnel: Delivering comprehensive protection with trained staff to safeguard your premises.

Conclusion: How Safe is Yorkshire and the Humber?

Yorkshire’s safety, like that of any region, depends on the area and individual efforts to ensure personal and property security. While the region’s crime rate is higher than the national average, ongoing improvements in policing and community initiatives are helping to improve safety across the region.

By choosing a secure neighbourhood and taking proactive safety measures, residents and visitors can fully enjoy Yorkshire and the Humber’s vibrant culture, diverse opportunities, and dynamic lifestyle.

Choose Region Security Guarding for Reliable Security Solutions in Yorkshire and the Humber

At Region Security Guarding, we have been committed to keeping residents and businesses of Yorkshire and the Humber for over a decade. As a trusted leader in the security industry, we provide exceptional service through:

• SIA-Accredited Professionals: Delivering expert protection you can rely on.
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Whether you need SIA-licensed security guards, mobile patrols, or customised security solutions, our team is ready to support your needs.

Contact us today to discover how we can help protect you and your business in Yorkshire.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Yorkshire and the Humber safe to live in?

Yes. Yorkshire and the Humber has crime below England’s average, although safety varies by neighbourhood. Harrogate, York, and Sheffield consistently rank among the safest places.

2. What are the safest places in Yorkshire and the Humber?

Harrogate, York, Sheffield, Elloughton-cum-Brough, Haxby, and Willerby consistently report lower crime rates, making them popular choices for families, students, professionals, and retirees alike.

3. What are the most dangerous areas in Yorkshire and the Humber?

Halifax, Bradford, Dewsbury, Bentley, Knottingley, and Worsbrough record higher crime rates than regional averages, requiring residents and businesses to remain vigilant and prepared.

4. What is the most common crime in Yorkshire and the Humber?

Violence and sexual offences remain Yorkshire and the Humber’s most frequently reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, criminal damage, and public order offences.

5. Is North Yorkshire safer than West Yorkshire?

Yes. North Yorkshire records lower crime rates than West Yorkshire, making it one of Yorkshire and the Humber’s safest areas for residents and visitors alike.

6. Has crime in Yorkshire and the Humber increased?

Overall crime has declined recently after previous increases. Yorkshire and the Humber continues improving safety, although some offences remain above national average levels today.