Quick Facts:

• Bradford’s Crime Rate: 144 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Most Dangerous Areas:
  • Eccleshill: 200 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • City: 189 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Royds: 181 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Safest Areas:
  • Baildon: 89 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Toller: 98 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Bradford Moor: 113 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Most Common Crimes: Violence and sexual offences, public order, and anti-social behaviour.

Source: CrimeRate

Is Bradford Safe?

According to CrimeRate, Bradford is the most dangerous city in West Yorkshire and ranks among the 20 most dangerous areas out of the region’s 118 towns, villages, and cities. In 2024, the city recorded an overall crime rate of 144 crimes per 1,000 people. Data also shows Bradford is the second most dangerous city in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While these figures highlight safety concerns, Bradford still has several safer areas, which will be explored in this article.

Is Bradford A Safe Place To Live?

Bradford, dubbed the City of Culture 2025, is a former industrial powerhouse with a reputation as one of the UK’s most welcoming hubs for artists, producers, and creative entrepreneurs. While it’s a vibrant city to visit, crime and safety remain key concerns for residents and businesses owners alike. If you’re looking for the safest areas to live in Bradford, consider Baildon and Toller, which are among the city’s most secure and desirable locations.

What Are the Safest Areas in Bradford?

Bradford’s safest neighbourhoods, based on latest data, are:

• Baildon: 89 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Toller: 98 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Bradford Moor: 113 crimes per 1,000 people.

Each of these areas offers a strong sense of community, diversity, and access to local amenities. Toller and Bradford Moor are particularly popular among families and young people, with Toller being one of the most affordable areas for housing. 

Baildon, which has the lowest crime rate, is known for its scenic countryside, outdoor activities, and family-friendly environment, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a quieter and safer lifestyle.

What Are the Most Dangerous Areas in Bradford?

Based on the latest data, the areas with the highest crime rates in Bradford are:

• Eccleshill: 200 crimes per 1,000 people.
• City: 189 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Royds: 181 crimes per 1,000 people.

For those living, working, or running a business in these areas, crime and safety are key concerns. While these neighbourhoods face challenges such as higher poverty levels and lower life expectancy, they also offer positives, including green spaces and access to a high-quality public school system.

What Are the Most Common Crimes in Bradford?

We’ve explored the crime rates of the safest and most dangerous areas, but what are the most common crimes in Bradford? 

According to CrimeRate data, the five most common crimes in Bradford in 2024 were:

1. Violence and sexual offences: 22,402 incidents (69 crimes per 1,000 people)
2. Public order offences: 4,419 incidents (13 crimes per 1,000 people)
3. Anti-social behaviour: 4,259 incidents (13 crimes per 1,000 people)
4. Criminal damage and arson: 4,077 incidents (12 crimes per 1,000 people)
5. Other theft (including employee theft, blackmail, and shoplifting): 3,558 incidents (11 crimes per 1,000 people)

Violence and sexual offences were by far the most reported crimes, accounting for a significant portion of Bradford’s overall crime rate. However, public order offences, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage and arson crimes also remain major concerns across the city.

Is Crime in Bradford Increasing?

While Bradford has one of the highest crime rates in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the situation is gradually improving. Crime rates have been steadily declining over the past three years:

• 2022: 165 crimes per 1,000 people.
• 2023: 162 crime per 1,000 people.
• 2024: 144 crimes per 1,000 people.

This downward trend reflects ongoing efforts to tackle crime through community interventions and targeted prevention initiatives, contributing to a safer environment for residents and businesses.

How to Stay Safe in Bradford

As we’ve discussed throughout this article, crime remains a significant concern for residents and businesses in Bradford. However, by taking practical safety precautions, you can feel more secure and confidently enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Here are some crime prevention tips to help you stay safe in Bradford:

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: These offer swift intervention of alarm activations on your business premises, ensuring continuous safety for employees, customers and visitors.

Conclusion: Is Bradford Safe?

Bradford’s crime rate remains high at 144 crimes per 1,000 people, placing it among the most dangerous cities in the UK. However, the good news is that crime has steadily declined over the past three years, indicating progress in making the city safe. 

Interested in enhancing security for your business? Explore our nationwide security guarding services on our Services Page. Region Security Guarding provides expert construction security, warehouse security, and retail security across Bradford.

If you found this article helpful, check out our News & Insights page for more in-depth coverage of crime rates across Bradford and Yorkshire.