Rotherham Crime Rate

Rotherham's crime rate of 106.0 per 1,000 residents in February 2026 reveals a striking anomaly: 'Other crime' occurs at 66% above the UK average, a rate of 3.3 per 1,000 compared to the national 2.0. This category—encompassing everything from vandalism to public disorder—dominates local crime statistics, despite the area's overall stable trend. While property crime remains 6.6% above the UK average, the most notable divergence lies in the unexpectedly high incidence of 'Other crime', which challenges assumptions about Rotherham's safety profile.

Rotherham, a post-industrial town in South Yorkshire, balances urban centres with rural pockets. Its economic transition from manufacturing to service-based industries has left some areas with under-resourced public spaces, contributing to higher 'Other crime' rates. The town's compact layout and dense housing in areas like Waverley and Catcliffe create environments where antisocial behaviour and petty crime can proliferate. Meanwhile, the presence of major roads like the M1 motorway may explain elevated vehicle crime rates. Rotherham's mix of working-class communities and newer developments suggests a combination of socioeconomic factors and crime patterns.

The most surprising finding is the 66% excess in 'Other crime' compared to the UK average. This category, which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences, may be driven by Rotherham's dense housing and limited public amenities, creating environments where minor disputes escalate. Violence and sexual offences remain the most common crime type (39.2 per 1,000), though they are 22% above the UK average—a pattern likely linked to the town's demographics and historical socioeconomic challenges. Shoplifting (8.7 per 1,000) is 16% above the UK average, possibly influenced by retail concentration in areas like Rotherham town centre. 'Other theft' is 7% below the UK average, suggesting some success in preventing smaller-scale property crimes through community engagement initiatives.

Crime in Rotherham has remained stable year-on-year (0.8% change). The peak monthly rate of 10.0 per 1,000 in July 2025 likely reflects increased outdoor activity and longer evenings during the summer. The most dramatic rise is in robbery (+39.5% YoY), which may be tied to the area's proximity to major transport hubs and the timing of university term breaks. Conversely, burglary has fallen by 17% YoY, potentially due to improved home security awareness. The decline in vehicle crime (-8.7% YoY) may be attributed to better parking management in commercial zones.

Compared to nearby areas, Rotherham's crime rate of 106.0 per 1,000 is 27% higher than Bolsover (83.7) but 6% lower than Sheffield (112.3). The safest neighbouring area is Bolsover, which likely benefits from lower population density and fewer commercial hubs. Doncaster, with a 25% higher rate (132.7), may face similar socioeconomic challenges but on a larger scale. Within Rotherham, Woodsetts (36.2 per 1,000) is exceptionally safe, possibly due to its rural character and lower population density, while Rotherham itself (157.5 per 1,000) shows starkly higher crime rates, indicating significant localised variation.

For Rotherham residents facing above-average property crime, proactive security measures are essential, scOS's AI-powered boundary monitoring detects threats before they reach your property, using continuous surveillance across all connected cameras. This system distinguishes between regular household activity and suspicious behaviour, reducing false alarms while maintaining vigilance. Its ethernet-connected cameras ensure reliability, crucial in areas with high vehicle crime rates. For homes in regions with elevated 'Other crime' incidents, scOS's automated deterrents—such as lights and audio warnings—can disrupt potential offenders. At £19/month, this solution offers tailored protection for Rotherham's unique crime profile.

How To Keep Safe in Rotherham

Residents should focus on securing vehicles and outdoor spaces, given the 29% above-average vehicle crime rate. For areas with high 'Other crime' rates, consider community engagement initiatives to address root causes of antisocial behaviour. Avoid leaving valuables unattended in public spaces, particularly near major roads. In areas with elevated robbery rates, avoid walking alone late at night and use well-lit routes. For households, installing motion-sensor lighting and securing garden fences can deter opportunistic crime. Local businesses should consider CCTV coverage for high-traffic areas, as shoplifting remains 16% above the UK average.