Doncaster Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Doncaster

Doncaster, a metropolitan borough in South Yorkshire, reports an overall crime rate of 133.8 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is notably higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 residents. Consequently, Doncaster's safety score stands at 69 out of 100, which is below the national average safety score of 78/100. Over the past year, the crime trend in Doncaster has remained stable, showing a slight decrease of 3.3%. This overview sets the context for a more detailed examination of crime statistics and safety considerations within the area.

About Doncaster

Doncaster, a significant urban centre within South Yorkshire, is characterised by a diverse blend of residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Its strategic location, particularly as a major transport hub with key rail links and access to motorways like the A1 and M18, contributes to both economic activity and, at times, transient populations. Historically, Doncaster's industrial heritage, particularly in coal mining and railway engineering, has shaped its development; while these industries have declined, the area continues to evolve with new commercial ventures and a growing logistics sector. These characteristics can influence crime statistics in various ways. Higher population density in urban areas, coupled with economic factors and the presence of transport infrastructure, can sometimes correlate with increased rates of certain crime types, such as theft and anti-social behaviour. Understanding these underlying factors helps to provide a comprehensive picture of what contributes to Doncaster's overall crime rate and safety score.

Crime Type Analysis in Doncaster

An analysis of crime types in Doncaster reveals that Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category, accounting for 14,527 crimes, or 33.9% of all reported incidents. Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue, with 6,408 recorded crimes, making up 15.0% of the total. Criminal damage and arson ranks as the third most common crime, with 3,737 incidents, or 8.7% of the overall crime. These top three categories highlight key areas of concern for residents and local authorities.

Property-related crime in Doncaster, encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, other theft, and shoplifting, collectively amounts to 15,177 incidents. This translates to a property crime rate of 47.5 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a heightened need for vigilance regarding the security of their personal belongings and properties. Understanding these prevalent crime types is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies and enhancing community safety.

Crime Trends in Doncaster

Doncaster has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a minor decrease of 3.3% in overall crime rates compared to the previous 12-month period. Examining the monthly data provides further insight into these patterns. The crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year, with notable dips in December 2024 (9.7) and February 2025 (9.4), suggesting potentially quieter periods. Conversely, higher rates were observed in April 2025 (11.9) and July 2025 (12.0), indicating some seasonal or periodic increases in criminal activity. Despite these monthly variations, the overall year-over-year stability suggests that crime levels have not seen dramatic shifts. For residents, this stable trend means that while there isn't a significant worsening of the crime situation, consistent attention to personal and property security remains important.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it is helpful to compare Doncaster's crime statistics with those of its neighbouring areas. Rotherham, Bassetlaw, Wakefield, Barnsley, Sheffield, and Bolsover are all nearby localities. These areas, largely within South Yorkshire or adjacent counties, often share similar socio-economic characteristics and urban dynamics with Doncaster. Understanding how Doncaster's crime rate and safety score compare to these areas can offer a more nuanced perspective on local safety. For instance, some neighbouring areas might exhibit higher or lower rates for specific crime types, influenced by their unique demographics, commercial activities, or urban planning. This regional comparison helps residents gauge Doncaster's position within the broader local landscape when considering safety and security.

Protecting Your Home in Doncaster

Given Doncaster's property crime rate of 47.5 per 1,000 people, which is above the UK average, proactive home security measures are particularly relevant for residents. While traditional CCTV systems can record incidents, they often provide footage of a burglary after it has occurred, offering a reactive rather than preventive solution. For those seeking genuine protection, a shift towards proactive security is essential.

Consider systems designed to prevent crime before it happens. AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS detect threats at your property boundary, acting as a visible deterrent that can make potential intruders move on within moments. Unlike DIY systems that merely notify you after a breach, professional-grade equipment offers real-time intervention. Features such as multi-camera intelligence, DVLA vehicle verification, and pattern learning allow the system to differentiate between routine activities and real threats, reducing false alarms. By activating lights and engaging speakers autonomously, these systems destroy the element of surprise, which is often crucial for burglars. The right security system makes that 60-second decision easy for an intruder – they move on, rather than attempting a break-in.