Top 10 Most Dangerous Towns in England: Crime Hotspots Revealed

Where the numbers come from

In the year ending December 2024, police in England and Wales recorded over 5.3 million crimes, excluding fraud. To compare different places fairly, we based the rankings on the crime rate per 1,000 people—a standard measure that shows how many offences were recorded for every 1,000 residents. It helps reveal the relative level of crime, no matter the population size.

All the data comes from the Home Office’s open-data tables for Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs), published in April 2025 to accompany the ONS bulletin “Crime in England and Wales: year ending December 2024”. These CSPs usually match local authority boundaries, making them the best available stand-in for actual towns and cities in official stats.

A Closer Look at the Top 10 Most Dangerous Areas:

1. Westminster (London Borough)

We all know Westminster as the postcard-perfect centre of London, yet the streets behind those landmarks report England’s heaviest crime load: 432 crimes per 1,000 people. Theft dominates (315/1k), but robbery is striking too at 18 per 1,000, more than six times the national average.

Violent incidents and a smaller but worrying 7 sexual-offence reports per 1,000 round out a picture of relentless urban bustle. When you factor in tourists, commuters and nightlife, it’s clear why Westminster’s police stay so busy—this borough never really sleeps.

2. Camden (London Borough)

Creative markets, live music and café culture give Camden its buzz and attract offenders. Overall crime sits at 195 per 1,000, powered by an eye-catching 124 thefts and 8 robberies per 1,000. Crowded canalside paths and late-night venues create fertile ground for opportunists, so Camden’s character comes with a statistical price tag: busy public places usually mean busy crime logs.

3. Middlesbrough (Teesside)

Set on the Tees, Middlesbrough combines industrial grit with rising cultural spots—but its crime rate of 162 per 1,000 is the highest outside London. Violence stands out at 58 per 1,000, nearly double the England average, while theft (46/1k) and 3 robberies per 1,000 contribute steady background noise.

Economic hardship and a youthful demographic leave the police juggling everything from street fights to repeat shop-theft calls, giving the town a tougher-than-average reputation.

4. Kensington & Chelsea (London Borough)

Kensington and Chelsea is famous for its luxury stores, museums, and affluent neighborhoods, yet this upscale London borough sees about 157 crimes per 1,000 people. For such a wealthy area, a lot of incidents involve opportunistic theft.

If you’re window-shopping on Kensington High Street, be aware that pickpockets and bag-snatchers may be operating (indeed, theft is the most common offence here). Violent crime is less frequent than in some other areas, but it does happen, and even in well-heeled districts you’ll find police responding to domestic incidents or nightlife scuffles on occasion.

5. Blackpool (Lancashire)

Britain’s classic pleasure beach pulls holiday crowds—and logs 156 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violence leads at 69 per 1,000, among England’s highest, and theft keeps pace with the arcades and bars.

While robbery is modest, sexual offences are significant at 7 per 1,000. Seasonal tourism, nightlife and long-term deprivation each leave a fingerprint on the resort’s police figures, creating a blend of seaside fun and serious policing challenges.

6. Manchester (Greater Manchester)

Manchester’s big-city energy shows in its stats: 156 crimes per 1,000, driven by 55 violent offences and 49 thefts per 1,000. A thriving night-time economy, two huge universities and some deprived neighbourhoods all feed the numbers. For every stadium concert or café opening, Greater Manchester Police record a fresh batch of assaults, pick-pockets, and car break-ins—big-city living, writ large.

7. Hartlepool (Cleveland)

Small but spirited Hartlepool posts 141 crimes per 1,000, with violence a hefty 51 per 1,000. Theft (45/1k) and 2 robberies per 1,000 make regular appearances, while sexual-offence reports (5/1k) run high by national standards.

The town’s compact size means incidents feel close-to-home. Socio-economic pressures and youth disorder keep demand on neighbourhood policing teams consistently high despite the marina’s fresh-sea-air vibe.

8. Islington (London Borough)

Trendy and bustling, Islington in North London is packed with cafes, theaters, and nightlife, and it also endures a high crime rate of around 137 per 1,000 people. In everyday terms, Islington’s busy streets mean you should stay alert: theft is extremely common here, more so than violent crime.

As you stroll down Upper Street or browse boutiques, keep your phone and bags secure, because pickpocketing and shoplifting are frequent in the area’s vibrant shopping and dining zones. Islington’s residential squares and parks are charming, but they’re not immune to robberies or bike thefts either. Bicycle theft rates here are notably high, with 888 cases recorded in 2024.

9. Bristol City (South West England)

Bristol’s historic harbour, murals and festivals coexist with 132 crimes per 1,000. Violence trails only Manchester at 49 per 1,000, while theft (45/1k) and 3 robberies per 1,000 add weight. Sexual-offence reports (5/1k) further swell the ledger. The city centre’s buzzing club scene, a huge student base and eclectic urban culture all drive demand on Avon & Somerset Police, making Bristol the South-West’s clear crime hot spot.

10. Lincoln (East Midlands)

Lincoln is a small historic city with a magnificent cathedral and castle, yet it has a crime rate that might surprise you, at 130 crimes per 1,000 people.

If you walk through Lincoln’s medieval streets by day, you might not sense any danger, but by night the picture changes a bit. The city’s biggest issue is violent crime (50 per 1,000), which is worryingly high for its size. This often comes from pockets of social deprivation and some late-night pub disturbances.

As a student town, the youthful population means you’ll see a busy nightlife and, occasionally, the problems that come with it. Theft and criminal damage also contribute to the stats. The local police and council have been focusing on these issues, so you may notice initiatives like improved street lighting and more patrols in key areas.

👉 Related reading: Top 10 Most Dangerous Boroughs in London

Safety Tips for Residents and Visitors

Whether you’re a local or a visitor in one of the most crime-affected areas in England, taking proactive steps can significantly enhance your safety. Here are some practical and effective measures to consider:

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Always keep your attention on your environment, especially in busy areas or at night. Avoid distractions like looking down at your phone or wearing headphones when walking around.

Use Well-Lit and Busy Routes

Whether you’re walking or driving, stick to well-lit, busy streets. Avoid shortcuts through dark alleys or isolated areas, particularly after dark. Public areas with foot traffic are generally safer and offer more visibility.

Install Security Cameras

Setting up security cameras around your property can act as a powerful deterrent against potential intruders. Modern systems, like eufy’s range of security cameras, offer features such as 4K clarity, AI-powered motion detection, and 360° coverage. These cameras can help you monitor your property in real-time and store footage locally, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Upgrade to Video Doorbells

A video doorbell lets you see who’s at your door before you open it, whether you’re at home or out. It provides an extra layer of security, allowing you to communicate with visitors and delivery personnel without physically opening the door. This is especially useful for avoiding doorstep scams and preventing unwanted interactions.

Implement Alarm Systems

Alarm systems are one of the most effective ways to protect your property. In the event of a break-in or attempted theft, an alarm will alert both you, your neighbour, and, in some cases, local authorities. Many modern systems are linked to mobile apps, meaning you can monitor your home in real-time, even when you’re not around.

Travel in Groups

It’s always safer to travel in groups, especially at night. If you’re visiting, avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas after dark. For residents, consider carpooling or walking with others when possible to increase safety.

Store Valuables Securely

Avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight, both inside and outside your home. Use safes for important documents and jewellery and store high-value items out of view from windows. This reduces temptation and the risk of opportunistic theft.

Join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

Being part of a Neighbourhood Watch group fosters community vigilance and cooperation. Members share information about local crime trends and support each other in maintaining safety. This collective approach can lead to quicker responses to suspicious activities and a stronger sense of security.

Be Cautious with Social Media

Avoid sharing your location on social media in real-time, especially in higher-risk areas. It can give strangers information that could potentially lead to unwanted situations. Always be mindful of what you’re sharing online.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve seen the top 10 most dangerous towns in England, you’ve got a clearer picture of where crime tends to be higher, and why. That doesn’t mean these towns should be written off. Many are vibrant places with strong communities working hard to improve things.

If you live in or plan to visit one of these towns, a bit of awareness goes a long way. Stick to well-lit areas, keep an eye on your belongings, and consider investing in smart home security tech. Use the stats to stay one step ahead!

FAQs

What is the most violent town in the UK?

Birmingham tops the list for violence. According to the data ending December 2024, the city recorded 14,766 incidents of violence with injury and 24,970 without injury.

What are the top 10 cities for crime rate?

According to police-recorded crime data by Community Safety Partnership area (year ending December 2024), the top 10 cities for crime rate (excluding fraud) in England are London, Manchester, Bristol, Doncaster, Liverpool, Leeds, Bradford, Birmingham, Wakefield, and Leicester.

What is the safest city town in England?

Based on the latest available data for 2024, Isles of Scilly emerges as the safest town in England, with only 25.4 recorded crimes per 1,000 people, far below the national average. Other towns with low crime rates include Rutland (38.6 per 1,000 people), Ribble Valley (39.7 per 1,000), and Chiltern (41.4 per 1,000), all of which boast lower crime statistics compared to larger cities.

👉 Related reading: 

• Crime Rates in the UK by Postcode
• Cities with Most Stabbings in the UK
• 20 Best Places to Live in the UK