Quick Facts

• Yorkshire and the Humber’s Crime Rate: 107 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Most Dangerous Areas:
  • Knottingley: 234 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Bentley: 224 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Worsbrough: 209 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Safest Areas:
  • Elloughton-cum-Brough: 30 crimes per 1,000 residents.
  • Haxby: 44 crimes per 1,000 residents.
  • Willerby: 45 crimes per 1,000 residents.
• Most Common Crimes: Violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.
• North Yorkshire Crime Rate: 80 crimes per 1,000 people.
• West Yorkshire Crime Rate: 119 crimes per 1,000 people.
• South Yorkshire Crime Rate: 105 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Humberside Crime Rate: 102 crimes per 1,000 people.

Source: CrimeRate

How Safe is Yorkshire and the Humber?

Yorkshire and the Humber is generally considered a safe region for visitors. The area has even hit headlines for being one of the safest places to live, despite having some of the highest crime rates. Though, it’s much harder to accurately tell as Yorkshire is one of the biggest regions in the UK.

In 2023, Yorkshire and the Humber recorded 107 crimes per 1,000 residents, higher than the national average during the same period. Additionally, the city is actively addressing these concerns. With the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU), Yorkshire is making significant strides in tackling a variety of offences.

Is Yorkshire and the Humber a Safe Place to Live?

As previously mentioned, Yorkshire has made headlines as one of the safest places to live. With areas like Elloughton-cum-Brough and Willerby, which are known for their low crime rates and strong sense of community, Yorkshire and the Humber becomes a much safer choice for residency.

In contrast, towns and cities like Bentley and Knottingley tend to experience much higher crime levels. To enjoy a safe and fulfilling life in the city, it’s important to choose the right neighbourhood and take 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 2022/23, and a crime rate of 27.81.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: This vein of crime accounted for a total of nearly 11,000 crimes, equalling a crime rate of 12.36.
• Shoplifting: A persistent issue, with just over 9,000 reports, and a crime rate of 10.29.

Crime remains a large concern for Yorkshire and the Humber, because even despite the decrease in total crime from 2023 to 2024, it is still at its second all-time high. However, Yorkshire’s commitments to improving safety are apparent, because of the marginal decline in crime compared to last year.

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 the three areas with the most significant crime levels:

• Knottingley: Knottingley has a crime rate of 234 crimes per 1,000 people, which pits it at the top of the list for the most dangerous area in Yorkshire.
• Bentley: With a crime rate of 224 crimes per 1,000 people, Bentley makes the list as the second most dangerous town in Yorkshire and the Humber.
• Worsbrough: Slightly safer than Bentley, Worsbrough has a crime rate of 209 crimes per 1,000 people.

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: 30 crimes per 1,000 residents.
• Haxby: 44 crimes per 1,000 residents.
• Willerby: 45 crimes per 1,000 residents.

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 80 crimes per 1,000 people in 2023. The most common types of crime in the region included:

• Violent and Sexual Offences: 39,582 crimes.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: 24,175 crimes.
• Criminal Damage and Arson: 10,693 crimes.
• Shoplifting: 9,888 crimes.
• Public Order: 7,266 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

West Yorkshire recorded a crime rate of 119 incidents per 1,000 people in 2023. The most commonly reported crimes in the region were:

• Violence and Sexual Offences: 124,301 crimes.
• Public Order: 27,900 crimes.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: 27,120 crimes.
• Criminal Damage and Arson: 23,449 crimes.
• Shoplifting: 22,554 crimes.

West Yorkshire’s crime rate emphasises the need for ongoing efforts to address these issues and enhance safety across the region.

Crime in South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire has a crime rate of 105 crimes per 1,000 people, placing it in the middle of North and West Yorkshire. The most frequently reported crimes during 2023 were:

• Violence and Sexual Offences: 55,588 crimes.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: 24,708 crimes.
• Criminal Damage and Arson: 14,775 crimes.
• Shoplifting: 14,723 crimes.
• Public Order: 13,299 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

The final region we are reviewing is Humberside. In 2023, Humberside had the third-highest crime rate in the whole of Yorkshire, coming to 102 crimes per 1,000 people. The most frequently crimes committed in the area were:

• Violence and Sexual Offences: 51,292 crimes.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: 23,372 crimes.
• Shoplifting: 17,968 crimes.
• Criminal Damage and Arson: 13,225 crimes.
• Public Order: 12,987 crimes.

Humberside’s crime statistics reveal a positive impact from ongoing measures to improve security and reduce crime in the region.

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.
• 24/7, Year-Round Coverage: Ensuring your business is safeguarded at all times.

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.