Crime rates across the United Kingdom vary significantly from city to city.
Some areas experience higher levels of criminal activity due to factors like poverty, unemployment, and gang-related violence.
Others struggle with issues such as drug offences, anti-social behaviour, and property crime.
But what are the most dangerous cities in the UK?
This article examines the 15 most dangerous cities in the UK, ranked by the number of crimes per 1,000 people.
While crime remains a serious issue in these areas, ongoing efforts from police and local communities aim to improve safety.
Addressing these challenges requires cooperation, investment, and long-term solutions.
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, has a crime rate of 96 per 1,000 people, making it the 14th most dangerous city in the UK.
In recent years, the city has seen a notable increase in race hate crimes.
Between September 2023 and September 2024, such incidents rose by a third, with 409 additional cases reported.
It highlights the significant challenges faced by both the police and minority communities.
Tragic events have also marked Belfast’s recent history.
In October 2024, 22-year-old Mary Ward was found dead in her home from a neck laceration.
Her former partner, Ahmed Abdirahman, was charged with her murder.
This incident underscored concerns about domestic violence in the city.
Despite these challenges, Belfast remains a city with a resilient community.
Local authorities and residents continue to work together to address safety concerns and foster a more secure environment for all.
London, the UK’s capital, has a crime rate of approximately 105 offences per 1,000 people, placing it 14th among the country’s most dangerous cities.
Violence and sexual offences are particularly prevalent, accounting for nearly 270,000 incidents annually.
In a recent case, 5 men were injured in a stabbing in Croydon, highlighting ongoing concerns about knife crime.
Theft is also a significant issue, with Westminster reporting 91,122 offences last year, equating to 349.9 per 1,000 residents.
Despite these challenges, certain areas have seen improvements. Islington, for example, experienced a decline in crime rates starting in October 2024.
Efforts to enhance public safety continue, with increased police presence and community initiatives aiming to reduce crime across London.
Sheffield, renowned for its industrial heritage, faces significant crime challenges.
In 2023, the city reported 106 crimes per 1,000 residents, ranking it as the 13th most dangerous city in the UK.
A recent tragedy underscores these concerns.
In February 2025, 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose was fatally stabbed at All Saints Catholic High School.
A fellow student, also 15, has been charged with his murder.
Violent crime constitutes a significant portion of reported incidents in Sheffield.
Between December 2023 and November 2024, there were approximately 53,200 violent crimes, accounting for 33.5% of all reported offences.
This figure represents a 4.7% decrease compared to the previous year.
Local authorities and residents are collaborating to address the root causes of crime and foster a safer environment for all.
Brighton and Hove, celebrated for its vibrant culture and seaside charm, faces notable crime challenges.
In 2023, the city reported 109 crimes per 1,000 residents, ranking it 12th in the most dangerous cities in the UK.
Violent crimes are a significant concern, accounting for approximately 31.8% of all reported incidents.
In 2024, a man was found guilty of plotting to murder his wife.
Despite these challenges, local authorities and community members are actively working to improve safety.
Initiatives include increased police patrols and community engagement programs aimed at reducing crime and fostering a safer environment for all residents.
Manchester, a city celebrated for its rich industrial heritage and vibrant culture, has seen more than its fair share of violent crime.
In the 2023/24 reporting year, Greater Manchester recorded a crime rate of 115 offences per 1,000 residents, placing it among the higher crime rates in the UK.
Violent crimes are particularly concerning, with ‘violence against the person’ offences totaling 129,184 in the same period.
Property crimes also contribute to the city’s crime statistics.
In February of 2025, three stabbings happened in one night in Manchester, proving that the government’s figures of extremely high knife possession in the city were correct.
Despite these challenges, local authorities and community members are actively working to improve safety.
Initiatives include increased police patrols and community engagement programs aimed at reducing crime and fostering a safer environment for all residents.
Nottingham, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, ranks within the top 10 of the UK’s most violent cities.
In 2023, the city reported 117 crimes per 1,000 residents, ranking it as the 10th most dangerous city in the UK.
Violent crimes are a particular concern, accounting for 34.4% of all reported incidents.
Between December 2023 and November 2024, there were approximately 40,000 violent crimes, though this number represents a 5% decrease compared to the previous year.
A tragic event in June 2023 highlighted these issues when Valdo Calocane, a paranoid schizophrenic, fatally stabbed three people in the city.
An independent review later revealed significant failings in his mental health care prior to the incident.
In response to such incidents, local authorities have increased police patrols and launched community engagement programs to enhance public safety.
Residents are also encouraged to participate in neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a safer environment.
Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, faces notable crime challenges, that seem to be on the rise.
In 2023, the city reported 118 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it among the higher crime rates in the UK.
Violent crimes are a significant concern, accounting for 35.5% of all reported incidents.
Between December 2023 and November 2024, there were approximately 37,600 violent crimes.
An incident in 2023 involved a 24-year-old man from Llandaff, who murdered his best friend.
He later received a life sentence for the violent crime.
Property crimes also contribute to the city’s crime statistics.
In 2023, theft offences, including shoplifting and burglary, comprised 39.7% of the 39,837 reported incidents.
In response, local authorities have increased police patrols and launched community engagement programs to enhance public safety.
Bristol, renowned for its maritime history and vibrant arts scene, has struggled in recent years with high rates of crime.
In 2023, the city reported 118 crimes per 1,000 residents, ranking it as the eighth most dangerous city in the UK.
Violent crime is a particular concern, accounting for 37.6% of all reported incidents.
Between December 2023 and November 2024, there were approximately 42,800 violent crimes, marking a 26.2% increase from the previous year.
A tragic event in 2024 highlighted these issues when two teenagers, Max Dixon and Mason Rist, were fatally attacked in a case of mistaken identity.
This incident underscored the city’s struggles with gang-related violence.
Residents are encouraged to participate in neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a safer environment.
Newcastle upon Tyne, known for its rich history and lively culture, also struggles with crime.
In 2023, the city recorded 119 crimes per 1,000 residents, making it the seventh most dangerous city in the UK.
Violent crime remains a major issue, accounting for 31.4% of all reported offences.
Between December 2023 and November 2024, police recorded around 46,200 violent crimes.
In 2022, a gangland rivalry led to the fatal stabbing of a 14 year old.
The two responsible later faced manslaughter charges and were jailed.
Theft-related crimes, including shoplifting and burglary, also add to the city’s crime rate.
To improve safety, authorities have increased police patrols and introduced community initiatives, encouraging residents to join neighbourhood watch schemes.
Coventry, known for its historic landmarks and cultural significance, is also grappling with high crime rates.
In 2023, the city recorded 126 crimes per 1,000 people, placing it among the most dangerous urban areas in the UK.
Violent offences remain a pressing issue, making up 35.6% of all reported crimes.
Over a 12-month period from December 2023 to November 2024, roughly 30,700 violent incidents were recorded – despite a 5.6% decline from the previous year.
Serious crimes continue to make headlines. In early 2025, a stabbing incident led to two men being charged with attempted murder.
Property crimes, including burglary and theft, also contribute to Coventry’s crime rate.
In January 2024, the city had the highest burglary figures in all of the West Midlands, with 205 cases recorded.
Liverpool, famous for its music and football, also struggles with high crime levels.
In 2023, the city recorded 129 crimes per 1,000 people, making it the sixth most dangerous place in the UK.
Crime remains a pressing issue, with violent offences making up a large portion of incidents.
Gun and knife crime have plagued certain areas, with gang-related violence being a persistent problem.
In 2024, a 14 year old boy was stabbed in the head, with a 34 year old and a 15 year old taken into police custody over it.
Meanwhile, street robberies and burglaries continue to affect both residents and businesses.
Car crime is another growing concern.
To combat crime, Merseyside Police have increased patrols and installed more CCTV cameras.
Leicester, known for its cultural diversity and sports, has a crime rate of 131 offences per 1,000 people.
Violent crime is a significant concern, accounting for 36.1% of all reported incidents.
In a tragic event in September 2024, 80-year-old Bhim Kohli was fatally attacked while walking his dog in Braunstone Town.
A 12-year-old girl has been charged with manslaughter, and a 15 year old charged with murder in connection with his death.
Property crimes also contribute to the city’s high crime rate.
In December 2022, there were 273 reported burglaries and 369 instances of criminal damage and arson.
Despite these challenges, local authorities and community members are actively working to improve safety.
Initiatives include increased police patrols and community engagement programs aimed at reducing crime and fostering a safer environment for all residents.
Birmingham, renowned for its rich industrial heritage, faces significant crime challenges.
In 2023, the city reported 136 crimes per 1,000 residents, ranking it as the third most dangerous city in the UK.
Violent crime is a major concern, accounting for almost 40% across the city, and over 90,000 violent crimes reported.
In response, local authorities have increased police patrols and launched community engagement programs to enhance public safety.
In January 2025, a man was charged with attempted murder, after a triple stabbing in Birmingham.
Leeds, known for its thriving student population and bustling nightlife, also struggles with crime.
With 150 crimes per 1,000 people in 2023, it ranks as the second most dangerous city in the UK.
Violent crime remains a serious problem, making up over a third of all offences.
Between December 2023 and November 2024, Leeds saw approximately 41,600 violent incidents.
A shocking case in February 2025 saw a man sentenced to 15 years for killing a teenager in the city.
Authorities are working on solutions, increasing patrols and encouraging residents to join neighbourhood watch groups to improve safety.
Burglaries and thefts also add to the city’s crime rates.
In mid-2024, Leeds had a higher-than-average crime rate compared to similar areas.
Bradford has the unwanted title of being the most dangerous city in the UK.
The city reported 158 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2023.
Violent crimes are particularly concerning, accounting for almost half of all reported incidents.
Violent crimes in Bradford are almost double the national average of England and Wales.
In response, local authorities have increased police patrols and launched community engagement programs to enhance public safety.
In January 2025, a teenager was sentenced for a stabbing that occurred in Grosvenor Park, highlighting the ongoing issues with youth violence in the city.
That was the 15 most dangerous cities in the UK
Understanding crime rates in these cities is crucial for improving safety and protecting communities.
High crime levels impact residents’ daily lives, businesses, and overall well-being.
To tackle these issues, a combination of community involvement, targeted policing, and social initiatives is essential.
Efforts such as increased police presence, investment in youth programmes, and crime prevention strategies can make a difference.
Local governments and law enforcement continue working to reduce crime and improve security.
While challenges remain, ongoing initiatives aim to create safer environments for everyone.
Long-term solutions require collaboration between authorities, communities, and organisations dedicated to positive change.
