Leeds Crime Rate

Leeds Crime Overview

Leeds currently has an overall crime rate of 129.0 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in its safety score of 68/100, placing it below the national average safety benchmark of 79/100. Despite these figures, the city’s crime trend is currently stable, showing a 2.7% decrease in total offences over the last year. This suggests that while Leeds faces the typical challenges of a large metropolitan area, the situation is not worsening and has seen modest improvement. Understanding these statistics is key for residents and visitors to navigate the city safely. The following report breaks down the specific crime types, trends, and regional comparisons for the Leeds Local Authority District.

About Leeds

Leeds is a major economic and cultural powerhouse in the north of England, serving as one of the UK’s largest financial and legal centres outside of London. Its crime statistics are influenced by a high population density of approximately 845,000 residents and a significant transient population driven by its world-class universities and vibrant retail sector. The Leeds Local Authority District encompasses a vast and varied landscape, from the dense urban core and busy shopping districts like Trinity Leeds to quieter suburban neighbourhoods and semi-rural outskirts. The city's extensive transport network and thriving nightlife, particularly around the Call Lane and Greek Street areas, contribute to higher concentrations of public order and anti-social behaviour reports. Furthermore, the presence of a large student community can sometimes influence rates of opportunistic theft and burglary. These socio-economic factors, combined with the city's role as a regional hub for employment and entertainment, create a dynamic environment that shapes the overall crime profile for the district.

Leeds Crime Breakdown

The crime landscape in Leeds is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which represent 39.5% of all reported incidents, totalling 43,115 cases. Shoplifting is the second most frequent crime, accounting for 9.5% (10,342 incidents), followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 8.4% (9,199 incidents). These top three categories highlight that both personal safety and public order are significant focus areas for local residents and authorities.

Property crime in Leeds—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and arson—presents a notable challenge, with a combined rate of 47.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Burglary alone accounts for 5.4% of total crime, with 5,924 recorded incidents, while vehicle crime follows at 5.3%. For homeowners and businesses in Leeds, these figures underscore the importance of robust physical security. The prevalence of "other theft" and shoplifting also indicates that opportunistic crime is common in the city's commercial and residential zones, making proactive prevention a vital consideration for protecting assets and maintaining peace of mind.

Leeds Crime Trends

The crime trend in Leeds is currently stable, with a 2.7% reduction in total recorded crimes over the past year. This indicates that the city is maintaining a consistent level of safety with a slight downward trajectory. A closer look at the monthly trend data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates peaked in July at 11.8 per 1,000 people, a common trend during the summer months when foot traffic in the city centre is at its highest.

The lowest crime rate was recorded in February at 9.5, followed by a gradual rise through the spring. By the end of the 12-month period in November 2025, the rate had settled at 10.3. This pattern suggests that criminal activity in Leeds is influenced by seasonal factors and public events. For residents, the overall stable trend is encouraging, as it shows that despite being a large and growing city, Leeds is not seeing an escalation in crime. Consistent monitoring and community-focused policing continue to play a vital role in managing these monthly fluctuations.

Nearby Areas

In the regional context of West Yorkshire and its surrounds, Leeds serves as the primary urban centre, which is reflected in its crime rate of 129.0 per 1,000 people. When compared to nearby North Yorkshire, which has a much lower rate of 66.2, the urban-rural divide in crime statistics becomes clear. Other neighbouring areas such as Wakefield, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale, and York all recorded crime rates of 0.0 in this dataset. While these zero-rated figures may be due to specific data reporting boundaries, they emphasise that Leeds is the focal point for criminal activity in the region. For those looking at the broader area, Leeds represents the highest concentration of crime, necessitating more robust security measures than in the surrounding, quieter districts.

Home Security in Leeds

Leeds has a property crime rate of 47.8 per 1,000 people, meaning residents are at a higher risk of burglary and theft than the UK average. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or DIY alarms, are often reactive—they tell you that a crime has happened but do little to stop it. In a busy city like Leeds, where opportunistic crime is more common, the most effective security is proactive.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system is designed to stop crime before it occurs. By using advanced AI to monitor your property's perimeter, scOS can distinguish between a delivery driver and a genuine threat. If an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously activate lights and speakers to deter them immediately. This proactive approach is far more effective than simply recording footage of a break-in. For Leeds homeowners, scOS provides a professional-grade layer of protection that signals to potential criminals that your property is too difficult a target, often causing them to move on before they even reach your door. Protection is about prevention, not just evidence.

How To Keep Safe in Leeds

The most common crime type in Leeds is violence and sexual offences, representing nearly 40% of all reported incidents. While this category covers a broad range of offences, staying safe in a large city like Leeds requires a high degree of personal awareness and proactive planning.

When moving around the city, particularly after dark or in busy areas like the city centre and student districts, always stick to well-lit, main roads. Avoid using shortcuts through unlit parks or quiet side streets. If you are enjoying the city's nightlife, it is best to stay with friends and use pre-booked, licensed taxis to get home safely. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded places, as shoplifting and other thefts are also prevalent. For residents, staying connected with local neighbourhood watch groups and using personal safety apps can provide an extra layer of security. By remaining vigilant and aware of your surroundings, you can significantly reduce your risk and feel more confident while living in or visiting Leeds.