North Yorkshire is a beloved destination for tourists, but what is the reality of its crime situation? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at North Yorkshire crime, highlighting any notable trends and pinpointing the towns with the highest crime rates.

Is North Yorkshire Safe?

How safe is North Yorkshire? This is a frequently asked question, and, like any region, safety varies across different areas. Crime statistics reveal that Middlesbrough, Scarborough and Thornaby tend to have higher crime rates, making them relatively less safe. In contrast, Harrogate is widely considered a more secure and appealing place to live compared to other parts of the county.

Trends in North Yorkshire Crime

As of September 2024, North Yorkshire’s crime rate has fallen from 86 crimes per 1,000 people to 80 crimes per 1,000 people. This reduction reflects an encouraging trend in overall public safety across the region.

However, certain types of crime have seen worrying increases. Shoplifting offences have risen by 15.3% over the past year, underscoring ongoing challenges in combatting cases of retail theft. Similarly, possession of weapons crimes have increased by 6.2%, signalling a growing issue with weapons trafficking.

On a more positive note, theft from the person crimes have decreased by 27.9%, indicating a decline in person-on-person crimes. Public order crimes have also dropped by 23.4%, suggesting notable progress in tackling disturbances and anti-social behaviour.

While some crime categories remain problematic, the overall trend in North Yorkshire points to meaningful improvements in safety and a reduction in many offences overall.

A Breakdown of the Crime in North Yorkshire

To understand the crime landscape in North Yorkshire, it’s essential to analyse the different types of offences reported over the past year. This analysis provides valuable insights into crime trends and sheds light on the most prevalent issues in the region.

Where is the Safest Place to Live in North Yorkshire?

Harrogate is often regarded as one of the safest places to live in North Yorkshire. In 2023, the town reported a crime rate of 73 crimes per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the regional average. This makes Harrogate a safer option compared to many other areas in the county, where crime rates are generally higher.

While no area is completely free from crime, Harrogate’s relatively low crime rate reinforces its reputation as a secure and desirable place to live. The town’s ongoing efforts to maintain public safety further contribute to its appeal for those seeking a safer environment in North Yorkshire.

Harrogate Crime

Harrogate is considered the safest major town in North Yorkshire, according to CrimeRate. In 2023, the town recorded an overall crime rate of 73 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 15% lower than the regional average of 84 crimes per 1,000 people.

The most common crimes in Harrogate are violence and sexual offences. In 2023, there were 2,286 reports of violent crimes, with an average rate of 33 per 1,000 people. This was a slight decrease of 0.26% compared to 2022, when 2,292 violent crimes were reported.

Robbery, however, remains the least common crime in Harrogate. In 2023, robbery offences dropped by 41%, with only 22 incidents recorded.

For a clearer understanding of where crime is most concentrated in Harrogate, we’ve identified the town’s highest-risk areas based on the latest statistics from CrimeRate.

Is Harrogate Safe?

Harrogate is often considered as the safest large town in North Yorkshire. However, within the county’s 699 towns, villages, and cities, it ranks as the 59th most dangerous. On a national level, Harrogate is positioned as the 2,145th most dangerous location among all towns, villages, and cities in the UK, reflecting its relatively low crime rates both locally and across the country.

Scarborough Crime

Scarborough is a popular tourist destination in North Yorkshire, but it also ranks as the county’s second most dangerous medium-sized town. According to CrimeRate, the town had a crime rate of 152 crimes per 1,000 people in 2023, which is 34% higher than the regional average of 84 crimes per 1,000 people.

Violent and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Scarborough. In 2023, violent crimes were reported 3,716 times, with an average of 76 per 1,000 people. This marks a 4.5% decrease compared to 2022, where violent crime figures were slightly higher.

The least common crime in Scarborough in 2023 was theft from the person, which dropped by 31%, with only 27 incidents reported.

To better understand where crime is concentrated, we’ve compiled a list of Scarborough’s crime hotspots based on the latest statistics from CrimeRate.

Is Scarborough Safe?

Scarborough is recognised as the most dangerous medium-sized town in North Yorkshire, largely due to its high crime rate. Nationally, it ranks among the top 10 most dangerous medium-sized towns in the UK. When compared to all towns, cities, and villages across the country, Scarborough is ranked as the 260th most dangerous location, highlighting its considerable safety concerns.

Eastfield Crime Rate

Located just outside Scarborough, the area of Filey and Eastfield has been noted for its safety concerns. According to CrimeRate, Eastfield is ranked among the top 10 most dangerous villages in North Yorkshire.

In 2023, Eastfield’s crime rate was 150 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 78% higher than the regional average of 84 crimes per 1,000 people.

Violent crime is the most prevalent concern in Eastfield, although it saw a 7% decrease in 2023, with over 456 incidents reported. On a more positive note, theft from the person was the least common crime in the area, with no recorded offences in 2023.

Conclusion

Like any region, North Yorkshire has areas that are safer and other areas that are more prone to crime. However, compared to many parts of England, it is generally a safer option. That said, businesses may still want to take extra precautions to protect their premises. One effective way to do this is by installing CCTV cameras or hiring a security company to provide patrols. These security measures can help deter potential criminals and ensure the safety of the business.

Security in North Yorkshire

In North Yorkshire, safeguarding businesses from crime increasingly relies on the expertise of professional security guards. Hiring security personnel ensures comprehensive protection for employees, customers, and valuable assets, while also deterring criminal activities such as theft and vandalism. This proactive approach helps minimise losses and creates a safer environment where businesses can thrive.

Partnering with security companies like Region Security Guarding and other trusted providers strengthens a business’s defence against potential threats. The visible presence of trained security professionals alone can deter opportunistic criminals, reducing the risk of being targeted.

By investing in reliable security services, businesses can significantly enhance their protection against crime in North Yorkshire. This investment not only boosts safety but also supports a secure environment that promotes growth and productivity.

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