Rural Doncaster Crime Rate

Rural Doncaster, encompassing the more sparsely populated areas within the Doncaster local authority, has an overall crime rate of 94.2 per 1,000 people. While this is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.7, the area holds a high safety score of 79/100, indicating a very secure and peaceful environment. Encouragingly, the crime trend is decreasing, with a 6.7% reduction year-over-year. This data, covering December 2024 to November 2025, suggests that Rural Doncaster is one of the safer parts of the region. Residents can enjoy the benefits of rural living with a high level of peace of mind, though remaining mindful of property-related offences, particularly in more isolated locations, is important for maintaining security.

In Rural Doncaster, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 28.8% of all reports. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (21.1%) and criminal damage and arson (9.2%). These top three categories indicate that while personal safety is a concern, public order and vandalism are also significant issues in these more sparsely populated areas.

Property crime in Rural Doncaster occurs at an overall rate of 31.9 per 1,000 people. This includes vehicle crime (8.5%), other theft (6.5%), and burglary (5.9%). The combined impact of burglary, vehicle crime, and theft means that property protection remains a priority for residents. With 52 burglaries and 75 vehicle crimes recorded annually, the risk to homes and vehicles is present even in rural settings. The 9.2% rate of criminal damage and arson further emphasizes the need for robust security to protect against vandalism. For residents, this suggests that proactive measures to secure homes and vehicles are essential to mitigate the risk of opportunistic crime and maintain the area's generally safe and peaceful character.

Rural Doncaster is currently experiencing a downward trend in crime, with a 6.7% reduction in reported incidents compared to the previous year. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows some seasonal variation. The year began with a crime rate of 7.8 in December 2024, followed by a slight dip in the winter months. Rates saw a peak in the early summer (9.9 in June) and remained relatively high during the summer months. However, the rate decreased in the autumn, ending with 8.3 in November 2025. This overall downward trend is a positive sign for the community, suggesting that crime levels are gradually improving. For residents, this trend indicates a generally stable and secure environment, though the peak in June highlights the need for continued vigilance during the summer months.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Doncaster

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime in Rural Doncaster, representing 28.8% of reports. While the area is generally very safe, it is always wise to remain aware of your surroundings, especially in more isolated locations or when walking after dark. Stick to well-lit areas where possible and let someone know your expected return time if you are out alone. Being part of a local community group or rural watch scheme can also help you stay informed about any specific safety concerns in your area.

With vehicle crime being a notable issue (8.5%), protecting your car is essential, particularly in more remote spots. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and never leave any valuables visible inside. For homeowners, protecting against the 5.9% rate of burglary is a priority. Ensure all windows and doors are secure, and consider installing a professional, proactive security system that can monitor your property's exterior. Additionally, keeping your property well-maintained and using outdoor security lighting can help reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, which are also present in the local statistics. By taking these proactive steps, residents can help maintain the area's reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live.

Crime patterns in Rural Doncaster show distinct variations throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are relatively quiet, with theft (35%) and vehicle crime (24%) being the main issues. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a significant rise in burglary, which accounts for 24% of crimes during this period, alongside a peak in theft-related offences (39%). As the day moves into the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become dominant at 43%. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a different risk profile, with vehicle crime peaking at 48% and burglary remaining high at 20%. This data suggests that while properties are most vulnerable to break-ins during the afternoon and night, vehicles are at highest risk in the early hours of the morning. Residents should ensure their security measures are robust and active 24/7 to counter these shifting risks.

Rural Doncaster compares very favourably to the more urban parts of the region. Its crime rate of 94.2 per 1,000 is significantly lower than that of central Doncaster at 189.0. It offers a much more peaceful and secure alternative to the busier urban hubs, with a safety score of 79/100 that reflects its residential and agricultural character. For those looking for a quiet lifestyle with lower crime activity, Rural Doncaster is an excellent choice, providing a high level of safety while still being within reach of the amenities and transport links of the wider South Yorkshire area.

In Rural Doncaster, the property crime rate is 31.9 per 1,000 people, which is close to the national average. However, the more isolated nature of many rural properties can make them attractive targets for opportunistic burglars and vehicle thieves. Traditional security cameras are reactive; they record footage after a crime has occurred, which is often of limited use in remote areas where police response times may be longer. scOS offers a proactive solution by using AI to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time. For residents in Rural Doncaster, scOS can identify a potential intruder or someone lingering near a vehicle before they take action. By triggering autonomous responses like lights and speakers, scOS destroys the element of surprise, which is often enough to make a criminal move on. This proactive deterrence is the most effective way to protect your home and vehicles in a rural setting where property crime is a persistent concern.