Sheffield Crime Rate

Sheffield currently records an overall crime rate of 112.6 per 1,000 people, which sits above the UK average of 91.7. Despite this higher frequency of incidents, the area maintains a safety score of 75/100, indicating a degree of resilience in community safety compared to other major urban centres. The recent trend data shows that crime is stable, with a slight year-over-year decrease of 3.4%. This suggests that while Sheffield faces the typical challenges of a large metropolitan area, the situation is not escalating. The following data provides a comprehensive look at the specific types of crime prevalent in the city and how they have shifted over the last twelve months.

Sheffield's crime statistics are influenced by its status as a major metropolitan area with a population of over 580,000. As an industrial heritage city that has evolved into a significant hub for education and commerce, it hosts two major universities, attracting a large and transient student population. The city centre is a focal point for regional nightlife and retail, which naturally increases the density of public order and shoplifting incidents. Sheffield Midland station serves as a key transport hub, further contributing to the transient nature of the population. While many of its outlying residential areas remain suburban and quiet, the central districts experience the typical pressures of high-density urban living, including social and economic factors that can influence crime rates. The blend of industrial zones, busy commercial sectors, and sprawling residential neighbourhoods creates a diverse landscape where crime patterns vary significantly by locality.

In Sheffield, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 31.8% of all reported incidents at a rate of 35.8 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (16.6%) and shoplifting (9.5%). Property crime, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, remains a significant concern for the community. The overall property crime rate stands at 40.9 per 1,000 people, which is notably higher than the UK average of 32.3. Specifically, vehicle crime occurs at a rate of 7.4 per 1,000, while burglary affects 5.1 per 1,000 residents. For homeowners and residents, these figures highlight the importance of robust domestic security, as the combined volume of theft-related offences suggests a persistent risk to personal and residential assets across the city's diverse neighbourhoods.

The crime trend in Sheffield is currently classified as stable, with a total year-over-year decrease of 3.4%. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a relatively consistent pattern of activity. The year began with crime rates of 8.7 in December and 8.8 in January, dipping slightly to its lowest point of 8.4 in February. As the year progressed into the spring and summer months, there was a noticeable increase, peaking at 10.2 in July 2025. This seasonal rise is common in large cities as warmer weather often leads to increased public activity. The rate then fluctuated slightly, ending the period at 9.1 in November. This overall stability suggests that while there are monthly peaks, the city is not experiencing a significant upward trajectory in criminal activity, providing a predictable environment for residents and local authorities.

When comparing Sheffield to its immediate neighbours, the contrast is stark based on recent data. Nearby areas such as Barnsley, Rotherham, and Chesterfield all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people in this period, as do High Peak, Bolsover, and North East Derbyshire. While these figures may reflect differences in reporting or specific data collection windows, they position Sheffield as the primary area for reported activity in the region. This is often expected of a major local authority that serves as a central hub for commerce, transport, and nightlife, which naturally draws a higher volume of incidents than more suburban or rural surrounding districts.

With a property crime rate in Sheffield of 40.9 per 1,000 people—significantly higher than the national average—traditional security measures may no longer be sufficient. Standard CCTV and DIY doorbells are often reactive, providing you with footage of a crime only after it has been committed. In an urban environment like Sheffield, where burglary and vehicle crime are persistent threats, proactive protection is essential. scOS represents a shift in home security by using AI-powered intelligence to identify threats at your property boundary. Rather than simply recording a break-in, scOS is designed to prevent it. The system's multi-camera intelligence watches your entire property simultaneously, using pattern learning to recognise your family and routines while identifying genuine risks. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger responses, such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio deterrents, to stop a burglar in their tracks. For Sheffield residents, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to secure their homes and assets.

How To Keep Safe in Sheffield

As violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime types in Sheffield, accounting for nearly a third of all reports, personal safety in public spaces is paramount. When moving around the city, particularly at night, try to stay in well-lit, busy areas and avoid shortcuts through isolated parks or alleyways. If you are enjoying Sheffield's nightlife, always plan your journey home in advance using licensed taxis or public transport, and stay with your group.

For broader regional safety, residents should remain vigilant in high-footfall areas like the city centre and major transport hubs. Keep personal belongings secure and out of sight to deter opportunistic theft. At home, ensuring that all windows and doors are locked, even when you are inside, can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of property crime. Engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes can provide valuable community-led safety updates.