North Yorkshire Crime Rate

North Yorkshire is one of the safest regions in the UK, with an overall crime rate of 66.1 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 91.7. The county maintains an impressive safety score of 85/100, well above the UK average of 79/100. Recent data indicates a stable trend in local crime, with a minimal year-over-year decrease of 0.1%. This consistency reinforces North Yorkshire's reputation as a secure and peaceful place to live and visit. While the county spans a large and diverse area, the overall statistics reflect a well-managed safety environment. The following sections provide a more detailed breakdown of crime types, trends, and regional comparisons.

North Yorkshire's crime statistics are influenced by its unique blend of vast rural landscapes, historic market towns, and popular tourist destinations. As the largest ceremonial county in England, it features a mix of high-density urban areas and sparsely populated countryside. Tourism is a major factor, with the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, and coastal resorts like Scarborough attracting millions of visitors annually, which can lead to seasonal fluctuations in crime rates. The county's extensive road network, including the A1(M), serves as a transit corridor, potentially impacting vehicle-related crime. Economic factors vary across the region, from prosperous agricultural areas to coastal towns with different social dynamics. These diverse characteristics contribute to a safety score that is significantly better than the UK average, reflecting the county's reputation as one of the safer regions in the country.

In North Yorkshire, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 36.0% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor at 25.8%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 7.6%. Property-related crime is relatively low for an area of this size, with an overall rate of 18.2 per 1,000 people. This includes shoplifting (7.2%), burglary (3.6%), and vehicle crime (2.8%). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest that while personal safety and community conduct are the primary concerns, property security remains a relevant but less frequent issue compared to national averages. The lower rates of burglary and vehicle crime are particularly notable for those looking for a secure residential environment.

The crime trend in North Yorkshire is currently stable, with a minimal 0.1% decrease year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a consistent pattern of reported incidents. The crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated slightly, starting at 4.9 in December and peaking at 6.4 in July. This slight increase during the summer months is common in areas with high tourism, as increased footfall can lead to more reported offences. However, the rate returned to 5.2 by November 2025. This long-term stability suggests that North Yorkshire's safety environment is well-established and predictable, with no major surges in crime levels over the past year.

North Yorkshire compares very favourably to its neighbours in the wider region. Its crime rate of 66.1 is significantly lower than that of Bradford (133.8), highlighting the contrast between the county and nearby metropolitan areas. While some surrounding areas like Leeds, York, Wakefield, and Darlington report 0.0 per 1,000 in this specific dataset (likely due to reporting boundaries), North Yorkshire's overall profile remains one of the most secure in the North of England. For residents and visitors, the county offers a peaceful alternative to the higher crime rates often found in the larger urban centres of West Yorkshire.

Maintaining security in North Yorkshire involves leveraging modern technology to preserve the area's high safety standards. With a property crime rate of 18.2 per 1,000, residents benefit from a lower risk than many other regions, but proactive protection remains a wise investment. Traditional security systems often only record a crime after it has occurred, which provides evidence but doesn't prevent the incident. scOS offers a proactive AI-powered security operating system that monitors property boundaries in real-time. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify potential threats before they escalate. If an unknown person enters your property, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers. This destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on, often causing them to move on before any damage is done. For North Yorkshire homeowners, this proactive approach offers peace of mind that their property is actively defended, not just watched.

How To Keep Safe in North Yorkshire

As violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type across the county, personal safety should always be a priority. When visiting market towns or coastal resorts, especially during the evening, stay on well-lit routes and be aware of your surroundings. If you are exploring the more rural parts of the county, ensure someone knows your planned route and expected return time. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor, particularly in urban centres, so staying alert in busy areas can help you stay safe. For homeowners, especially in more isolated rural locations, ensuring that outbuildings and properties are well-secured is important. By staying informed and practicing basic safety habits, you can fully enjoy everything North Yorkshire has to offer with confidence.