Nottingham Crime Rate

Nottingham is a vibrant and historic city with a safety score of 67/100. Its overall crime rate stands at 148.7 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6. However, the local crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 2.4% decrease recorded over the last year. Covering the period from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025, the data reveals that as a major regional hub, Nottingham experiences a higher volume of property-related and interpersonal offences than the national average. This analysis provides Nottingham residents with a detailed look at local crime types, trends, and practical advice on how to maintain their personal and property security in this busy urban environment.

About Nottingham

Nottingham is a historic city in the East Midlands, known for its vibrant student population, major universities, and bustling city centre. These characteristics significantly influence its crime statistics. As a major regional hub for commerce, education, and nightlife, Nottingham attracts a high volume of visitors and a large, transient student population, which can lead to higher levels of opportunistic crime, such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The city's active nightlife, particularly in areas like the Lace Market and Hockley, is a focal point for public order offences and alcohol-related incidents.

The city's crime profile is also shaped by its diverse residential areas, ranging from affluent suburbs to more deprived urban pockets. Transport hubs like Nottingham railway station and the extensive tram network further contribute to the area's crime statistics, as these hubs often see elevated levels of vehicle-related and public order offences. Additionally, Nottingham's status as a major shopping destination, with large centres like Victoria Centre, results in a higher rate of business-related crime, specifically shoplifting. Economic factors, including high population density and areas of socio-economic challenge, also play a role in the prevalence of certain crime types. Despite these factors, Nottingham remains a popular city with a strong sense of community and proactive local policing.

Crime in Nottingham

In Nottingham, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 15,055 recorded incidents, representing 30.6% of all local crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.0% (8,380 crimes) and shoplifting at 10.7% (5,284 crimes). These three categories together represent nearly 60% of all police activity in the city, suggesting that interpersonal issues and community nuisances are the most prevalent concerns.

Property-related crime in Nottingham—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various forms of theft—occurs at a rate of 55.5 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, shoplifting is the most significant concern (16.0 per 1,000), followed by other theft (10.3 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (6.7 per 1,000). Burglary is also a notable issue, with 1,561 incidents recorded at a rate of 4.7 per 1,000 people. For homeowners and residents, these statistics indicate a persistent risk of property-related offences, particularly those targeting commercial premises and vehicles. The relatively high rate of shoplifting suggests that business security is a major priority in the city. Overall, while Nottingham has a safety score of 67/100, the elevated property crime rate highlights the need for robust home and business security.

Nottingham's crime trend is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 2.4%. Throughout 2025, the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated, starting at 11.6 in January and reaching its highest point in May at 13.7. Activity remained elevated throughout the summer and autumn, with rates consistently around 12 to 13 per 1,000. The year concluded with a rate of 12.0 in December. This seasonal pattern, with higher activity in the warmer months, is typical for a major city and likely reflects increased public movement and social activity. Despite these monthly fluctuations, the overall volume of crime has remained consistent with the previous year. For residents, this stability is a positive sign, indicating that the city's safety landscape is predictable and not experiencing any significant or rapid shifts in criminal activity.

In the context of the East Midlands, Nottingham stands as the primary urban centre, which is reflected in its higher crime rate of 148.7 per 1,000. It is significantly more active than the surrounding areas of Broxtowe, Gedling, Rushcliffe, Erewash, and Ashfield, all of which reported much lower crime rates during this period. Even compared to the nearby city of Derby, Nottingham remains the more active safety landscape. For residents and prospective movers, this highlights Nottingham as a bustling regional hub with the typical challenges of a large city. This regional context emphasizes the importance of proactive security for those living and working in the heart of Nottingham, while also showing the city's role as a major destination for the wider area.

With a property crime rate of 55.5 per 1,000, Nottingham residents should consider a more advanced approach to security than traditional reactive systems. While standard DIY cameras provide footage of a crime as it happens, they often do little to prevent the initial incident. In a busy city like Nottingham, where vehicle crime and burglary are persistent concerns, a proactive system like scOS is far more effective. scOS uses AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time. It can distinguish between routine urban movement and a genuine threat, such as someone loitering near your home or vehicle. When a threat is identified, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like security lights or audio warnings. This immediate response is designed to stop a crime before it begins, which is a crucial advantage in a high-activity urban environment. For Nottingham homeowners, professional-grade proactive security provides a significant layer of protection, ensuring your home remains a hard target and helping to maintain the city's overall safety.

How To Keep Safe in Nottingham

The most common crime type in Nottingham is violence and sexual offences. While the city is generally safe for its size, taking proactive steps for personal security is recommended in its busy city centre and nightlife districts.

1. When out at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid unlit shortcuts through parks or backstreets, especially in areas with high nightlife activity.
2. Given the high rate of shoplifting and other theft, be vigilant in crowded shopping areas and keep your personal belongings secure at all times.
3. For vehicle owners, always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left on display. If possible, use secure, well-lit parking areas or garages.
4. Use motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your home. This is a powerful deterrent against opportunistic burglars and individuals engaged in anti-social behaviour.
5. Stay informed about local safety issues by joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or following Nottinghamshire Police's local social media updates for the Nottingham area.