Leeds Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2025, Leeds recorded a crime rate of 10.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 43.2% above the UK average of 7.4. This figure translates to one reported crime for every 94 residents over the course of the month, a stark reminder of the everyday risks faced by the population. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.9% of all reports—4.2 per 1,000 residents, 63% above the UK average. This suggests a significant challenge in addressing interpersonal conflicts and public safety in the area. Shoplifting followed closely, making up 9.2% of total crimes, with a rate of 1.0 per 1,000 residents, 64% above the national average. This could be attributed to the high volume of retail activity in Leeds, particularly in areas like the city centre and shopping districts, which are natural hotspots for such offences. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than other categories, still contributed 8.5% of all crimes, with a rate of 0.9 per 1,000 residents—23% below the UK average. This may indicate the effectiveness of local policing strategies or community initiatives aimed at reducing disruptive activities. Seasonal factors also play a role, as September marks the beginning of the academic year, with students returning to universities and schools. This influx of people may contribute to increased crime in certain areas, particularly around campuses and transport hubs. However, the data also shows a slight decrease in some categories, such as theft from the person, which fell by 27.7% compared to the previous month. This could be linked to improved security measures or increased awareness among residents. Overall, the crime profile of Leeds in September 2025 reflects a combination of urban density, seasonal transitions, and the challenges of managing public safety in a major city. The high rate of violence and sexual offences, in particular, underscores the need for targeted interventions and community engagement to address underlying issues.

September 2025 saw a 21.3% increase in bicycle theft compared to the previous month, rising from 89 to 108 incidents. This spike may be linked to the return of students and commuters, who often rely on bikes for transport in urban areas. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 27.7%, dropping from 119 to 86 cases—a shift that could reflect improved lighting in high-traffic areas or heightened awareness during freshers' week. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 19.3%, from 949 to 766 incidents, due to increased community engagement or enforcement in public spaces. Violence and sexual offences remain 63% above the UK average, with 4.2 per 1,000 residents affected. This category's persistence highlights ongoing challenges in addressing domestic disputes and public safety in densely populated areas.

Leeds' crime rate in September 2025 fell by 5.8% compared to the previous month, dropping from 11.3 to 10.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the start of the academic year, as freshers' week and back-to-school routines may have shifted activity patterns, reducing opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experiences approximately 299 crimes per day—equivalent to one reported crime for every 94 residents over the course of the month. While this figure remains higher than the UK average, the month-on-month reduction suggests some stabilisation in policing or community initiatives. The population-scaled perspective highlights that residents face a higher-than-average exposure to crime, particularly in categories like violence and sexual offences, which are 63% above the UK average. This underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as university precincts and nightlife zones, where seasonal transitions may influence crime dynamics.