Leeds was a bustling hub during the Industrial Revolution, attracting many people looking to settle in the area. Over the past century, however, the city has developed a reputation for high crime rates. But how safe is Leeds today? In this article, we’ll explore the city’s current safety levels and take a closer look at the top 10 most dangerous areas in Leeds.
Table of Contents
Is Leeds a Dangerous City?
A survey by Confused.com ranks Leeds as the 14th least secure postcode in the UK, based on factors such as the number of CCTV cameras, police presence, crime rates per 1,000 people, and overall resident safety.
This ranking is not surprising, given that Leeds is also the most dangerous city in West Yorkshire. According to Crimerate, Leeds recorded an overall crime rate of 150 crimes per 1,000 residents last year, which is 17% higher than West Yorkshire’s average of 128 crimes per 1,000 people.
The most common crime impacting Leeds’ safety is violent crime. In 2023, there were 40,053 reported incidents of violent crime, with an average rate of 62 per 1,000 residents.
What Parts of Leeds Are Dangerous?
Using data from Crimerate, we’ve been able to uncover Leeds’ most dangerous wards.
| Wards | Total Crimes | Total Crimes per 1,000 People |
|---|---|---|
| Killingbeck & Seacroft | 5,127 | 227 |
| Gipton & Harehills | 5,837 | 213 |
| Middleton Park | 3,986 | 212 |
| Kirkstall | 3,427 | 203 |
| Bramley & Stanningley | 3,414 | 200 |
| Armley | 5,021 | 199 |
| Farnley & Wortley | 3,312 | 160 |
| Burmantofts & Richmond Hill | 4,902 | 157 |
| Temple Newsam | 2,612 | 148 |
| Cross Gates & Whinmoor | 2,699 | 141 |
The statistics above reveal that Killingbeck and Seacroft are the most dangerous areas in Leeds. The fact that the ward contains two suburban areas may explain the elevated levels of criminal activity in the area.
What Crimes Happen the Most in Leeds?
West Yorkshire Police reported that Leeds had 139 crimes per 1,000 residents last year. By analysing the data they collected, we’ve pinpointed the most frequently occurring crimes in the city.
| Type of Crime | Police Recorded Crimes per 1,000 People |
|---|---|
| Violence & Sexual Offences | 58.00 |
| Public Order | 15.33 |
| Shoplifting | 12.60 |
| Criminal Damage & Arson | 11.67 |
| Other Theft | 10.44 |
| Vehicle Crime | 8.80 |
| Burglary | 8.27 |
| Drugs | 3.97 |
| Other Crime | 3.30 |
| Theft from the Person | 2.06 |
| Robbery | 1.89 |
| Bicycle Theft | 1.51 |
| Possession of Weapons | 1.09 |
Conclusion
Leeds often carries a reputation as a dangerous city, but is this reputation justified? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. The city consistently reports high crime rates and is frequently ranked among the most dangerous cities in the UK. Like any major city, Leeds has both safer and more dangerous areas. It’s always wise to check current crime statistics before visiting any part of the city.
To protect your business and employees from becoming victims of crime, investing in security measures is crucial. Hiring a professional security company is one effective way to reduce the risk of criminal activity. A security service, like ours, can install CCTV cameras to monitor your property or deploy security guards to deter potential criminals. Additionally, we can assess your current security practices and offer advice on how to improve the overall safety of your organisation.
For the latest news on Leeds and the Yorkshire & Humber region, visit our recent articles such as Top 10 Most Dangerous Areas in Sheffield and Top 5 Best Security Companies Leeds.
You can also explore our YouTube channel, where we share helpful security tips, facts, and statistics. For example, learn practical advice like How to Secure a Hotel Door for added peace of mind.
Business Security You Can Rely On
Trusted by leading businesses nationwide for reliable, 24/7 protection.
or call 0330 912 2033
