Leicester Crime Rate

Leicester is a major East Midlands city with an overall crime rate of 127.6 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6. It maintains a safety score of 71/100, reflecting the challenges faced by a large metropolitan hub. The crime trend in Leicester is currently stable, showing a minor 0.9% decrease year-over-year. This consistency indicates that crime levels are well-established within the city. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring in Leicester, offering residents and businesses a clear understanding of the local safety landscape and the most prevalent risks.

About Leicester

Leicester is a major city in the East Midlands, characterized by its high population density, diverse demographics, and significant commercial and industrial activity. As a major regional hub, the city features several large retail centres, including the Highcross Shopping Centre, and two prominent universities, which contribute to a large and transient population of students and visitors. Leicester's status as a key transport hub, with extensive rail and road links, further increases the daily flow of people through the city.

The city's urban environment includes a mix of high-density residential areas, busy commercial districts, and industrial zones. This high level of urban activity, combined with a vibrant nightlife scene, naturally influences local crime statistics. Economic factors, including varying levels of social and economic development across different wards, also play a role in the local crime landscape. Understanding these urban characteristics is essential for providing context to Leicester's overall crime rate and its safety score.

Crime in Leicester

Leicester's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.0% of all recorded incidents (44.6 per 1,000). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 13.6% and public order offences at 10.0%. While these are the most frequent categories, it is important to note that Leicester's overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average.

Property-related crime—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—carries a combined rate of 44.5 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson is the most prominent in this category (8.7%), followed by shoplifting (7.2%) and 'other theft' (6.2%). Vehicle crime accounts for 5.5% of total crime, while burglary stands at 3.4% (4.3 per 1,000). For homeowners and businesses, these figures suggest a high risk of opportunistic property crime, particularly criminal damage and theft, making robust security measures a critical investment in this major urban hub.

Leicester Crime Trends

The crime trend in Leicester is currently stable, with a minor 0.9% decrease in total recorded incidents year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people remained relatively consistent throughout the year, typically ranging between 9.3 and 12.1.

The year began with rates of 10.3 and 9.5 in January and February, respectively. Activity peaked during the spring and summer months, with May reaching the highest rate of 12.1 per 1,000, followed by a relatively stable autumn. The year concluded with rates of 9.4 in November and 9.3 in December. This pattern of stable, consistent activity suggests that crime levels in Leicester are well-established for its urban density, with seasonal fluctuations being the primary driver of monthly change. For residents, this stability provides a predictable, albeit active, security environment.

In a regional comparison, Leicester (127.6 per 1,000) records substantially higher crime activity than its immediate neighbours. Based on the latest data, surrounding areas such as Oadby and Wigston, Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, and North West Leicestershire all show significantly lower crime rates. This positions Leicester as the most active urban centre in the region. For those considering the area, this highlights the importance of choosing residential pockets carefully and investing in robust security measures to mitigate the high urban crime risks present in the city.

With a property crime rate of 44.5 per 1,000, Leicester residents and business owners face a high risk from opportunistic theft and burglary. Traditional security systems like Ring or basic CCTV are reactive—they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. In a high-density urban environment like Leicester, the most effective approach is to stop the crime before it begins.

scOS offers a proactive AI-driven security solution that monitors your property boundary. It doesn't just record; it identifies and deters. By detecting threats at the property line, scOS can activate autonomous deterrents like lighting and audio warnings, destroying the element of surprise. The system can verify vehicle plates and learn your family’s routines, ensuring you are only alerted to genuine threats. This boundary-first protection is essential for deterring the professional and opportunistic criminals who target properties in busy metropolitan areas like Leicester.

How To Keep Safe in Leicester

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Leicester, followed by anti-social behaviour. While the city is a major urban hub, taking practical steps for personal security is recommended.

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through Leicester’s busy commercial and transport hubs, particularly after dark.
2. If you are out late in the evening, try to travel with others and stick to well-lit main roads and busy public areas.
3. Be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded places, such as shopping centres or when using public transport, to deter opportunistic theft.
4. Ensure your home and vehicles are securely locked, as criminal damage and vehicle crime are notable contributors to local crime statistics.
5. If you witness anti-social behaviour or suspicious activity, report it to the local police to help them target their patrols effectively.