Sheffield Crime Rate 2025 Explained: Is the City Safe?

Sheffield’s a great place to live: friendly people, a buzzing city centre, and some of the best green views in the UK. Still, every city has its rough spots, and safety is something locals and visitors often ask about. The latest Sheffield crime rate data helps paint a real picture of what’s happening on the ground.

In this guide, you’ll get a breakdown of the numbers in 2025, which crimes are most common, the areas seeing changes, and a few ways to stay safe while enjoying everything Sheffield has to offer.

The Latest Sheffield Crime Statistics (2024-2025)

When you look at recent figures, Sheffield tells a mixed but mostly steady story. Both the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and CrimeRate.co.uk track police-recorded crime, but they use slightly different ways of counting.

ONS’s latest report looks at crimes in the year ending June 2025, while CrimeRate now covers the 12 months to August 2025 and uses a “daytime population” to reflect how many people are in the city during busy hours. Because of that, their totals don’t match perfectly, but they point in the same direction.

Sheffield at a glance (12 months to August 2025)

According to CrimeRate, Sheffield saw 83 crimes for every 1,000 people in the 12 months to August 2025. That’s about 5% lower than the South Yorkshire average but above the UK average of 72 per 1,000.

CrimeRate ranks Sheffield as the most dangerous major city in South Yorkshire, but it’s still safer than many other large UK cities such as Birmingham, Leeds, or Westminster.

Here’s how Sheffield compares:

Official ONS data (year ending June 2025)

The official Office for National Statistics data backs up the idea that Sheffield’s situation has stabilised. It records 58,025 offences (excluding fraud) in the year to June 2025, a 2% drop from the previous year.

That puts the crime rate in Sheffield UK at 102.5 per 1,000 residents, a little above the national average (85.5 per 1,000) but showing a gentle downward trend. It’s also broadly in line with other large regional cities such as Cardiff or Plymouth, both of which hover around the 95–105 range.

So, is Sheffield safe? Well, Sheffield has moderate crime levels, not extreme ones. It’s a busy city that deals with typical urban issues, but its overall trend is flat or gently falling.

Common Types of Crimes in Sheffield

Crime in Sheffield covers the same range you’d find in most UK cities, from minor thefts to more serious offences.

The latest figures from CrimeRate.co.uk give a clear picture of which crimes happen most often and how the city compares with the rest of the country.

Most common offences in Sheffield

Source: CrimeRate.co.uk, 12 months ending August 2025. “vs UK average” compares each type to the national average (1.0 = national level).

Violence and sexual offences

These make up the largest share of recorded crime in Sheffield, a pattern seen in most large cities. The ONS figures (year ending June 2025) also back it up:

So, while Sheffield’s rates are slightly above the national average, they don’t stand out as unusually high. The figures suggest the city’s challenges lie more in volume than in severity, a reflection of its size, nightlife, and student population rather than a surge in serious violence.

Anti-social behaviour and public order issues

These are slightly above the national average and tend to rise in busy public areas, around nightlife spots, football grounds, and major events. They rarely point to serious danger but can shape how safe an area feels.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting has been a growing issue across the country, and Sheffield follows the same pattern.

According to the ONS, shoplifting offences in England and Wales rose by 13% in the year to June 2025, reaching over 529,000 incidents nationally. In Sheffield, the number of shoplifting offences rose by 7%, from 6,360 to 6,774 in the same period.

The increase likely reflects rising costs of living and busier city-centre retail areas, rather than an isolated local spike. Most incidents occur in large stores, retail parks, and around the city centre, where police and local businesses have stepped up joint patrols in response.

Vehicle crime

Sheffield’s rate is higher than average for car-related offences. Theft often targets unlocked vehicles, older models, or items left in view. Good lighting, steering locks, and clearing valuables out of sight still make a big difference.

Burglary

The burglary rate sits well above the UK average, but the long-term pattern shows a slow decline. Police data suggests prevention work and better home security are having an effect.

Why Is the Crime Rate High in Sheffield?

When you see Sheffield’s crime rate sitting above the UK average, it’s easy to think the city is getting more dangerous. In reality, much of that difference comes down to how Sheffield works as a city. Busy streets, a large daytime population, and a strong night-time economy all play a role.

Poverty and inequality drive crime

A major reason crime rates are high in specific areas comes down to social deprivation. When people face significant economic hardship, it creates pressures that can fuel criminal activity.

Wards like Burngreave, Darnall, Firth Park, and Manor Castle are among the most deprived in South Yorkshire. Unsurprisingly, these are the neighbourhoods where police record the highest crime rates.

Cuts to public resources like youth centres and community support services have a knock-on effect. They leave a void in the community, leading to social disengagement and unfortunately creating opportunities for people, particularly young individuals, to get drawn into crime or gang recruitment.

City-centre crowds mean more “opportunity crime”

High-footfall areas bring both vibrancy and risk. Pickpocketing and shop theft cluster around central retail and leisure zones where thousands pass through daily. Local figures show the same handful of streets repeatedly topping police heatmaps.

Night-time economy pressures

Friday and Saturday nights see the usual mix of nightlife energy and policing challenges. Public-order incidents, assaults, and thefts rise around popular bars and late venues. Academic reviews highlight this pattern across UK cities. The so-called night-time economy consistently demands extra patrols and coordinated safety work between police, councils, and businesses.

A large, mobile student population

With around 62,000 students enrolled across Sheffield’s two universities, about 30,000 at the University of Sheffield and 32,000 at Sheffield Hallam, term-time footfall swells sharply. That movement adds pressure in neighbourhoods near campuses, nightlife zones, and main transport corridors.

But “higher crime” doesn’t mean “out of control.” Sheffield’s new Safer Sheffield Crime & Disorder Reduction Strategy 2025–28 focuses on exactly these issues. It targets neighbourhood crime, antisocial behaviour, and city-centre safety through closer work between the council, South Yorkshire Police, transport operators, and local businesses.

Safest and Most Dangerous Areas in Sheffield

Like any large city, Sheffield is a patchwork of different communities, and safety levels can change significantly from one neighbourhood to the next.

The safest places in Sheffield

The areas with the lowest crime rates are typically the affluent, leafy suburbs in the southwest and west of the city. These neighbourhoods often border the Peak District National Park, offering residents plenty of green space and a quieter lifestyle.

• Fulwood and Dore: These two consistently rank among the safest areas. Fulwood often has one of the absolute lowest crime rates in the city, providing a serene environment with beautiful period architecture. Dore feels more like a quiet village than a city suburb, making it a very popular choice for families seeking peace and excellent schools.
• Ecclesall: A very popular and lively area, Ecclesall maintains a low crime rate while still offering an energetic atmosphere with independent shops and cafés.
• Walkley and Crookes: These areas, slightly closer to the centre, are well-regarded and popular with both families and students. They generally have a good safety record, sitting comfortably outside the main crime hotspots.

Areas with the highest crime rates

The highest crime rates usually occur in two distinct types of locations: the busy city centre, and certain inner-city wards grappling with social and economic challenges:

• The City Centre: While it has the highest volume of crime, this is mainly due to its high concentration of bars, shops, and businesses, attracting a massive daytime and nightlife population. The most common issues here are Violence and Sexual Offences (VSO), Shoplifting, and Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), particularly on weekend evenings.
• Darnall and Burngreave: These are two of the most frequently cited wards for high overall crime. They often deal with significant issues related to social deprivation. In Darnall, vehicle crime can be a particular concern, while Burngreave typically sees high levels of VSO and ASB.
• Manor Castle and Firth Park: These wards also rank highly for crime, with problems ranging from VSO to criminal damage and public disorder, reflecting the social pressures in these communities.

How to Stay Safer in Sheffield

Sheffield is generally a welcoming and easy-going city, but like any large urban area, it pays to stay aware of your surroundings and take simple precautions. Here are some practical ways to keep yourself and your belongings secure:

Out and about

• Stay alert in crowded areas. Pickpocketing and bag thefts are uncommon but tend to happen around tram stops, bars, and the city centre on weekends. Keep your bag zipped and valuables tucked away.
• Plan your route home. Late-night buses, trams, and taxis are well-patrolled, but it’s best to travel with friends or book licensed cabs if you’re heading home after dark.
• Use well-lit routes. Stick to main roads or busier streets at night, especially around West Street, the Moor, or Kelham Island.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, head somewhere busy like a shop, bar, or tram stop and take a moment before moving on.
• Use a smart tracker. If you’ve ever misplaced your keys or left your bag behind at a café, a tracker can save you time and worry. The eufy Smart Tracker pairs with Apple Find My, letting you locate your items instantly on a map and make the tag ring if it’s nearby.

You can double-tap it to make your iPhone ring, even when on silent. The left-behind alerts and secure QR code return also help if something goes missing. It’s a quiet way to keep track of what matters while you’re on the move.

Protecting your home

Burglary is still one of Sheffield’s more common offences, though it’s been easing off as more people strengthen their home security. Here’s what to do:

• Lock doors and windows, even if you’re in.Most burglaries in Sheffield are opportunistic and happen through unlocked doors or open ground-floor windows.
• Good lighting helps.Motion-sensor lights and visible alarms deter would-be burglars, especially in terraced or student houses.
• Don’t leave valuables in plain sight.Laptops and gaming devices near a window can tempt quick break-ins.
• Get to know your neighbours.Sheffield’s community feel is one of its strengths. People often look out for one another and report unusual activity.
• Invest in outdoor security cameras: Outdoor cameras are one of the most effective ways to deter break-ins and keep an eye on your property while you’re away. They don’t just capture footage; they make it clear your home is being watched, which discourages opportunistic crime before it happens.

Want a single camera that covers tricky angles? the eufy SoloCam S340 is a flexible choice. Its dual lenses combine a wide 3K lens for the big picture and a telephoto 2K lens for detail.

The camera can pan 360° and tilt 70°, giving you a clear view of the driveway or garden without blind spots. A solar panel keeps it charged year-round, and local storage means your footage stays private.

If you need smarter tracking around a wider plot, the eufyCam S4 combines a 4K bullet lens with dual 2K PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) lenses in one unit (4K + 2K + 2K tri-lens design). You get both the context and the close-ups together in a dual-screen view.

When the bullet camera detects motion, the PTZ lens locks on and follows automatically, great for driveways or long garden views. Even better, the system can zoom in dynamically up to 50 m away, focusing on details like plates or faces, then zooms back out when more people enter the frame.

The camera supports radar + PIR motion, AI person/vehicle/pet detection, IP65 weather resistance, and on-device storage. A detachable SolarPlus 2.0 panel and replaceable 10,000 mAh battery help with long-term, low-maintenance use.

If you manage a larger home, rental property, or local shop, a wired CCTV system that ties multiple cameras together gives you broader coverage and simple playback.

The eufy NVR Security System S4 Maxis built for 24/7 recording. Each PoE camera S4 includes a triple-lens setup: a 4K wide-angle lens plus dual 2K PTZ lenses for 360° coverage and 8× hybrid zoom. This gives you both the full scene and close-up detail.

At night you get starlight/spotlight/IR modes and white or red/blue warning lights. The NVR supports 8 channels out of the box (expandable to 16 with a PoE switch) and an AI-Powered Video Finder that lets you search footage by keywords to jump straight to key moments.

• Upgrade to smart video doorbells: A smart video doorbellgives you instant visibility at your doorstep, whether you’re home or out. You can see and speak to visitors in real time, track parcel deliveries, and review motion alerts, all from your phone.

For front-door peace of mind, the eufy Video Doorbell E340 uses two cameras, one for faces and another aimed downward for parcels, both in crisp 2K resolution.

The dual-light system brings colour night vision after dark, while smart AI detection focuses only on real activity, like a person arriving or a parcel being dropped off. It can run on battery or wired power, works with your existing chime, and stores footage locally or through HomeBase, so you keep full control of your data.

Vehicle and bike security

• Park smart.Aim for well-lit, busy areas or official car parks with CCTV. Vehicle crime rates are higher on quiet side streets.
• Keep it empty.Remove valuables or bags from view. Even loose change or charging cables can attract attention.
• Mark your bike.Sheffield is a cycling city, but bike theft still happens. Use a sturdy D-lock and consider registering your frame number online.

Online and personal safety

• Watch for scams and fraud.ONS data shows fraud and online scams are among the UK’s fastest-growing crime types. Avoid clicking unfamiliar links, and double-check any messages asking for payments or account details.
• Be careful what you share publicly.Social media posts showing your location or travel plans can unintentionally make your home a target.

Conclusion

Sheffield’s story is one of balance: a lively, growing city that’s still finding smart ways to keep its streets and neighbourhoods safe. The latest Sheffield crime rate data shows some challenges, but not alarm bells. Most issues are concentrated in busy public areas, while the city’s overall trend is steady or improving. With a bit of awareness and the right tools, from better lighting and community watch to reliable home security, you can move around Sheffield confidently, knowing you’re part of a city that values safety, community, and everyday common sense.

FAQs

How safe is Sheffield on an average day?

Sheffield is broadly safe for everyday life. Most people move around without incident whether they’re heading to work, visiting the city centre, or catching up with friends. The busiest areas, night-time venues, retail streets and transport hubs, naturally record more incidents, but that doesn’t reflect the experience of typical neighbourhoods. With common-sense awareness (keeping valuables covered, staying on well-lit paths, locking doors), you’ll find Sheffield feels much like other large UK cities: active, friendly and manageable.

Is Sheffield safe to walk around at night?

Sheffield is generally considered one of the safer major UK cities, but safety at night really depends on the location. Suburbs like Dore or Ecclesall are very safe. However, in the City Centre, especially around nightlife areas like West Street, you should exercise standard caution due to crowds and alcohol-related incidents. Stick to well-lit areas, travel with friends where possible, and take licensed taxis to ensure the safest journey home after dark.

Which wards in Sheffield have the highest crime rates?

The highest rates of recorded crime are typically concentrated in the City Centre, followed by deprived inner-city wards. The City Centre has the highest volume of incidents, primarily theft and anti-social behaviour, due to its commercial activity. Residential areas that consistently report high rates include Darnall, Burngreave, Manor Castle, and Firth Park. Wards like Southey also appear high on the list when comparing crime to the smaller local population.

Are crime rates rising or falling in Sheffield?

The latest data suggest crime rates in Sheffield are slightly falling or flat, rather than rapidly rising. According to the Office for National Statistics for the year ending June 2025, recorded crime in Sheffield dropped by 2%, with a rate of 102.5 offences per 1,000 people. Meanwhile the 12 months to August 2025 from CrimeRate shows a rate of 83 per 1,000, slightly below the South Yorkshire average. These figures indicate steady management rather than major deterioration.