Rotherham Crime Rate

Rotherham has an overall crime rate of 104.4 per 1,000 people, which sits above the UK national average of 91.7. Despite this, the area maintains a safety score of 75/100, indicating a relatively stable environment for its 276,595 residents. The recent trend direction is classified as stable, with a 2.3% decrease in total crimes compared to the previous year. This suggests that while crime remains an important consideration for the community, local initiatives are helping to keep figures from rising. The following data provides a comprehensive look at the safety landscape in Rotherham, comparing local statistics against national benchmarks to help you understand the risks and trends in the area.

Rotherham is a large town in South Yorkshire with a mix of industrial heritage and modern residential developments. As part of the Sheffield City Region, it serves as a significant commercial hub with major employers in manufacturing and retail. The area features a high population density in the town centre, which transitions into more suburban and rural landscapes towards the outskirts. Economic factors, including the legacy of industrial shifts, play a role in the local crime statistics. The town's transport links, including its proximity to the M1 and regional rail networks, contribute to its accessibility but can also influence transient crime patterns. Additionally, Rotherham's active nightlife and retail sectors in the centre are focal points for public activity, which is often reflected in the local reports of anti-social behaviour and public order offences.

In Rotherham, the most significant crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 36.6% of all recorded incidents, with a rate of 38.2 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (16.9%) and public order offences (7.8%). These top three categories represent over 60% of all crime in the district, highlighting a prevalence of social and interpersonal issues.

Property-related crime is also a key concern for the community. The overall property crime rate—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is 33.0 per 1,000 people. Within this, shoplifting and criminal damage/arson are the most frequent, each occurring at a rate of roughly 7.7 per 1,000. Vehicle crime (5.9 per 1,000) and burglary (4.3 per 1,000) also contribute significantly to the total. For residents, these figures mean that while personal safety is a primary focus, protecting homes and vehicles remains essential to mitigating the risk of opportunistic theft and damage.

The crime trend in Rotherham is currently stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 2.3%. This indicates a consistent safety environment without significant spikes in overall activity. Looking at the monthly trendData from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025, we see a clear seasonal pattern. The year began with relatively low rates, dipping to 7.1 per 1,000 in February 2025.

As the weather improved, crime rates rose, peaking in July 2025 at 10.0 per 1,000. This summer peak is common in many UK towns, often linked to increased outdoor activity and anti-social behaviour. The rates then settled back down towards the end of the year, finishing at 8.4 in November. For residents, this suggests that the summer months require a higher level of vigilance, particularly regarding property security and personal safety in public spaces, while the overall annual trend remains encouragingly stable.

In the regional context of South Yorkshire and the East Midlands, Rotherham's crime rate of 104.4 per 1,000 residents is notable. When compared to nearby areas like Sheffield, Doncaster, and Barnsley, as well as neighbouring Chesterfield, Bolsover, and Bassetlaw—all of which report a rate of 0.0 in this specific dataset—Rotherham appears to have a higher concentration of reported incidents. This comparison highlights Rotherham as a focal point for activity in the region. For those considering the area, it is important to look at specific wards, as crime is often concentrated in urban centres while suburban and rural parts of the district typically experience much lower levels of activity.

Rotherham's property crime rate of 33.0 per 1,000 people is closely aligned with the UK average, but for individual homeowners, the risk of burglary or vehicle theft remains a priority. Traditional security systems often fail because they are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but do little to stop it. In a town where burglars often target properties they perceive as easy wins, proactive protection is the most effective strategy.

The scOS security operating system changes the dynamic by using AI to intervene before a crime occurs. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS can identify suspicious patterns at your property boundary. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly spot unauthorised cars, while autonomous responses—such as activating floodlights or audio alerts—destroy the element of surprise that criminals rely on. Instead of just having footage of a burglary to show the police, scOS aims to ensure there is no burglary to report, making it a superior choice for those seeking genuine peace of mind in Rotherham.

How To Keep Safe in Rotherham

The most common crime type in Rotherham is violence and sexual offences, representing over 36% of all reports. To stay safe in the local authority area, you should focus on personal awareness and community connection:

1. When out in Rotherham town centre or busy social areas, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas late at night. Stick to main roads and busy pedestrian routes.
2. If you are using public transport, particularly late in the evening, try to wait in well-lit areas or near other people. Plan your journey ahead of time to minimize waiting at bus stops or train stations.
3. Be mindful of anti-social behaviour in public spaces. If you encounter a group that makes you feel uncomfortable, it is best to move to a busier, well-lit area or enter a local business.
4. For residents, fostering strong relationships with neighbours can create a more vigilant community. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme is an excellent way to stay informed about local issues.
5. Always report incidents to the police, even if they seem minor. This data is vital for ensuring that police patrols are directed to the areas where they are most needed.